Baka-Tsuki - User contributions [en]

Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut

2018-06-25T18:40:26Z

OmegaWeaponZ: /* Translators */

{{Status|Active}}

[[Image:SaijakuBahamut v1 Cover.jpg|thumb|'''Volume 01 Cover''']]
'''Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut''' (最弱無敗の神装機竜《バハムート》), also known as '''Undefeated Bahamut Chronicle''', is a light novel series written by ''Akatsuki Senri'' and illustrated by ''Kasuga Ayumu''.

The Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut series is also available in the following languages:
*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut - Français|French (Français)]]
*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut (Indonesia)|Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian)]]

==Story Synopsis==

''Synopsis (Taken from Volume 1)''

Lux, who was a prince from the Empire that was destroyed five years ago due to the revolt, met with the princess of the new Kingdom, Lizsharte, by accidentally breaking into the bathroom of the girl’s dormitory.

“……How long are you planning to stare at my body, you fooooool!”

The ancient weapons found from the ruins, the Drag-Ride. Lux who was called the strongest Drag-Knight in the past was now known as the “Weakest Undefeated”, a Drag-Knight who doesn’t attack at all. After the duel that started by the challenge from Lizsharte, Lux ended up entering the girls’ school that raised Drag-Knights……!

Lux’s story where he is surrounded by the noble girls from the academy is about to unfold.

The “ultimate” academy fantasy battle where the right and the might cross paths now begins!
(''Story Synopsis taken from Volume 1 cover.'')

==Series Information==
*Genre: Mecha + Fantasy + Harem + School Life
*Original Title: Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut
*Author: Akatsuki Senri
*Illustrator: Kasuga Ayumu
*Series Status: Ongoing

==Translation==

===[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut Registration Page|Registration Page]]===
'''Translators are asked to [[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Registration Page|Register]] the 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]]
*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Terminology and Guidelines]]

===Feedback===
'''If you enjoyed the series, why don't you tell us in the [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=7779 Feedback Thread]'''

'''The series is currently hosted and translated [https://setsuna86blog.wordpress.com/ HERE].'''
'''Future updates will also be posted here on Baka-Tsuki.'''

==Updates==
*January 30, 2018 '''Volume 9 Completed'''
*January 18, 2018 '''Volume 8 Completed'''
*December 21, 2017 '''Volume 4 Completed'''
*December 15, 2017 '''Volume 7 Completed'''
*December 05, 2017 - '''Volume 3 Completed
*November 25, 2017 '''Volume 6 Completed'''
*November 07, 2017 '''Volume 5 Completed'''
*October 20, 2014 - '''Volume 2 Completed'''
*September 08, 2014 - '''Volume 1 Completed'''
*March 30, 2014 - Teaser created

Older updates can be found [[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Updates|here]].

==Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut series by Akatsuki Senri==

=== {{pad|140px}} Volume 1 ([[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 1|Full Text]])===
[[File:SaijakuBahamut v1 Cover.jpg|left|140px|border]]
<table border=0 cellpadding=0><tr><td>
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 1 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 1 Prologue|Prologue - The Black Hero]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 1 Episode 1|Episode 1 - The Intruder at Midnight]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 1 Episode 2|Episode 2 - Academy for Noble Children]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 1 Episode 3|Episode 3 - The Scarlet Princess]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 1 Episode 4|Episode 4 - Assault, and...]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 1 Episode 5|Episode 5 - Reunion with a Childhood Friend]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 1 Episode 6|Episode 6 - Ateliers of Drag-Rides and Enrollment Exams]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 1 Episode 7|Episode 7 - The Weakest Drag-Knight]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 1 Epilogue|Epilogue - Where The Prince belongs]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both"/>

=== {{pad|140px}} Volume 2 ([[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 2|Full Text]])===
[[File:SaijakuBahamut v2 Cover.jpg|left|140px|border]]
<table border=0 cellpadding=0><tr><td>
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 2 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 2 Prologue|Prologue - Lux Contest]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 2 Episode 1|Episode 1 - Engagement Circumstances of the Young Woman of the North]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 2 Episode 2|Episode 2 - A Messenger of Ymir]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 2 Episode 3|Episode 3 - The Sixth Ruin –– One Miniature Garden]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 2 Episode 4|Episode 4 - Duel]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 2 Epilogue|Epilogue - The Girl’s wish]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 2 Side Story|Side Story – The Little Sister Airi’s Big Brother Observation Diary]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both"/>

=== {{pad|140px}} Volume 3 ([[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 3|Full Text]])===
[[File:SaijakuBahamut v3 Cover.jpg|left|140px|border]]
<table border=0 cellpadding=0><tr><td>
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 3 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 3 Prologue|Prologue - On The Far-Off Sky]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 3 Episode 1|Episode 1 - The Return of The Strongest]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 3 Episode 2|Episode 2 - School Life and Her Speculations]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 3 Episode 3|Episode 3 - Campus Selection Battle]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 3 Episode 4|Episode 4 - The Girl’s Truth]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 3 Episode 5|Episode 5 - The Weakest vs. The Strongest]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 3 Epilogue|Epilogue - A New Daily Life and The Beginning]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 3 Afterword|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both"/>

=== {{pad|140px}} Volume 4 ([[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 4|Full Text]])===
[[File:SaijakuBahamut v4 Cover.jpg|left|140px|border]]
<table border=0 cellpadding=0><tr><td>
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 4 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 4 Prologue|Prologue - The Beginning of Everything]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 4 Episode 1|Episode 1 - Training Camp]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 4 Episode 2|Episode 2 - A Special Mission]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 4 Episode 3|Episode 3 - Encounter]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 4 Episode 4|Episode 4 - Awakening of Abyss]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 4 Episode 5|Episode 5 - The Night of Betrayal]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 4 Epilogue|Epilogue - Promise]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 4 Afterword|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both"/>

=== {{pad|140px}} Volume 5 ([[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 5|Full Text]])===
[[File:SaijakuBahamut v5 Cover.jpg|left|140px|border]]
<table border=0 cellpadding=0><tr><td>
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 5 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 5 Prologue|Prologue - The Girl’s Long Cherished Desire]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 5 Episode 1|Episode 1 - The Empire’s Assassin]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 5 Episode 2|Episode 2 - Night before the Overall Dragon Competition]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 5 Episode 3|Episode 3 - The Girls’ Recompense]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 5 Episode 4|Episode 4 - The Fifth Artifact Gigas]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 5 Epilogue|Epilogue - The Empire’s Whereabouts]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 5 Afterword|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both"/>

=== {{pad|140px}} Volume 6 ([[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 6|Full Text]])===
[[File:Saijaku_V6 01.jpg|left|140px|border]]
<table border=0 cellpadding=0><tr><td>
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 6 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 6 Prologue|Prologue - Memory with my older brother]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 6 Episode 1|Episode 1 - Blue Tyrant]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 6 Episode 2|Episode 2 - Ruin's Gear (Ruin City)]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 6 Episode 3|Episode 3 - Class Promotion Exam]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 6 Episode 4|Episode 4 - Second Ruin 『Maze』(Dungeon)]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 6 Epilogue|Epilogue - His Answer Is]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 6 Afterword|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both"/>

=== {{pad|140px}} Volume 7 ([[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 7|Full Text]])===
[[File:Saijaku V7 Cov.jpg|left|140px|border]]
<table border=0 cellpadding=0><tr><td>
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 7 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 7 Prologue|Prologue - The Prince's Whereabouts]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 7 Episode 1|Episode 1 - Arriving the the Nostalgic Land]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 7 Episode 2|Episode 2 - Pilgrimage Festival]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 7 Episode 3|Episode 3 - God and Angel]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 7 Episode 4|Episode 4 - The Subjugator, Mel Gizalut]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 7 Epilogue|Epilogue - Divine Princess Descend]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 7 Afterword|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both"/>

=== {{pad|140px}} Volume 8 ([[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 8|Full Text]])===
[[File:SaijakuBahamut v8 Cover.jpg|left|140px|border]]
<table border=0 cellpadding=0><tr><td>
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 8 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 8 Prologue|Prologue - The Past Wish]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 8 Episode 1|Episode 1 - Portent of Storm]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 8 Episode 2|Episode 2 - Seven Dragons Gathering]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 8 Episode 3|Episode 3 - Campus Festival, Start]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 8 Episode 4|Episode 4 - The Steel Witch]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 8 Episode 5|Episode 5 - Sacred Eclipse──Ark──]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 8 Epilogue|Epilogue - Honest Feeling]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 8 Afterword|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both"/>

=== {{pad|140px}} Volume 9 ([[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 9|Full Text]])===
[[File:SaijakuBahamut v9 Cover.jpg|left|140px|border]]
<table border=0 cellpadding=0><tr><td>
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 9 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 9 Prologue|Prologue - The Night Before Departure]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 9 Episode 1|Episode 1 - Airi Chapter – Love Story At Tea Party In A Certain Day]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 9 Episode 2|Episode 2 - Lisha Chapter – The Princess’s Cooking Struggle Chronicle]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 9 Episode 3|Episode 3 - Krulcifer Chapter - Weak Point]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 9 Episode 4|Episode 4 - Philuffy Chapter – The Work of Aingram Company]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 9 Episode 5|Episode 5 - Celistia Chapter – The Feeling of The Academy’s Strongest]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 9 Episode 6|Episode 6 - Yoruka Chapter – Aruji-sama’s Punishment]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 9 Episode 7|Episode 7 - Triad Chapter – The Chore Prince’s Rest Day]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 9 Episode 8|Episode 8 - Coral Chapter – Reunion And Promise]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 9 Epilogue|Epilogue – The Morning of Departure]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 9 Afterword|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both"/>

=== {{pad|140px}} Volume 10 ([[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 10|Full Text]])===
[[File:SaijakuBahamut v10 Cover.jpg|left|140px|border]]
<table border=0 cellpadding=0><tr><td>
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 10 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 10 Prologue|Prologue - False Mask]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 10 Episode 1|Episode 1 - Honeymoon With A Childhood Friend]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 10 Episode 2|Episode 2 - Heiburg's Darkness]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 10 Episode 3|Episode 3 - Infiltration, And Then]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 10 Episode 4|Episode 4 - The Steel Witch]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 10 Episode 5|Episode 5 - First Ruin ─Babel─]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 10 Epilogue|Epilogue - New Opening of Hostilities]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 10 Afterword|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both"/>

=== {{pad|140px}} Volume 11 ([[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 11|Full Text]])===
[[File:SaijakuBahamut v11 Cover.jpg|left|140px|border]]<table border=0 cellpadding=0><tr><td>
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 11 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 11 Prologue|Prologue - Memory of Pledge]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 11 Episode 1|Episode 1 - Out of Season Transfer Student]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 11 Episode 2|Episode 2 - The Right to Guard Lux]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 11 Episode 3|Episode 3 - Imperial Command of the Queen]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 11 Episode 4|Episode 4 - Crossroads]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 11 Episode 5|Episode 5 - Sacred Eclipse ─Gigas─]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 11 Epilogue|Epilogue - Sword And Scabbard]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 11 Afterword|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both"/>

=== {{pad|140px}} Volume 12 ([[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 12|Full Text]])===
[[File:SaijakuBahamut v12 Cover.jpg|left|140px|border]]<table border=0 cellpadding=0><tr><td>
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 12 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 12 Prologue|Prologue - At Right Under the Heavens]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 12 Episode 1|Episode 1 - Those Who Wish For a Pact]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 12 Episode 2|Episode 2 - Double Layered Trap]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 12 Episode 3|Episode 3 - Two Dragons Under The Moonlight]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 12 Episode 4|Episode 4 - The Captive Assailant]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 12 Episode 5|Episode 5 - Behind The Scene of The Sacred Party]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 12 Episode 6|Episode 6 - Marauder And Demise]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 12 Epilogue|Epilogue - The Path Leading to Sanctuary]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 12 Afterword|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both"/>

=== {{pad|140px}} Volume 13 ([[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 13|Full Text]])===
[[File:SaijakuBahamut v13 Cover.jpg|left|140px|border]]<table border=0 cellpadding=0><tr><td>
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 13 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 13 Prologue|Prologue - The Princess’s Awakening]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 13 Episode 1|Episode 1 - The Second Collar]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 13 Episode 2|Episode 2 - Armed Might Negotiations]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 13 Episode 3|Episode 3 - The Other Lord]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 13 Episode 4|Episode 4 - A Plan That Lead to Demise]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 13 Epilogue|Epilogue - The Young Man’s Collar]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 13 Afterword|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both"/>

=== {{pad|140px}} Volume 14 ([[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 14|Full Text]])===
[[File:SaijakuBahamut v14 Cover.jpg|left|140px|border]]<table border=0 cellpadding=0><tr><td>
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 14 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 14 Prologue|Prologue - The Past That Arrived at Farewell]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 14 Episode 1|Episode 1 - The Memory’s Continuation]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 14 Episode 2|Episode 2 - Avalon, Invasion]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 14 Episode 3|Episode 3 - Reminiscence and Tracing Back the Memory]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 14 Episode 4|Episode 4 - The Inevitable Outsider Element]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 14 Epilogue|Epilogue - Ruins’ Zero]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 14 Afterword|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both"/>

=== {{pad|140px}} Volume 15 ([[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 15|Full Text]])===
[[File:SaijakuBahamut v15 Cover.jpg|left|140px|border]]<table border=0 cellpadding=0><tr><td>
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 15 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both"/>

==Project Staff==

:*Project Administrator:
:*Project Manager: Sapper

==== Translators ====

'''Active'''

:* [[User:Bakapervert|Bakapervert]] [https://bakapervert.wordpress.com Blog]
:* MofuMofu Translations [https://mofumofutranslationblog.wordpress.com Blog]

'''Inactive'''
:*[[user:‎Setsuna86|‎Setsuna86]]

==== Editors ====

'''Active'''

:*[[User:Dual Blades|Dual Blades]](At Blog)
:*[[User:Digitalak27|Digitalak27]](At Blog)
:*[[User:OmegaWeaponZ|OmegaWeaponZ]][https://bakapervert.wordpress.com (At Blog)]

==Series Overview==

*最弱無敗の神装機竜《バハムート》1 (August 12, 2013) ISBN 978-4797374667
*最弱無敗の神装機竜《バハムート》2 (November 15, 2013) ISBN 978-4797375510
*最弱無敗の神装機竜《バハムート》3 (March 17, 2014) ISBN 978-4797376135
*最弱無敗の神装機竜《バハムート》4 (July 15, 2014) ISBN 978-4797376821
*最弱無敗の神装機竜《バハムート》4 小冊子付き限定版 (July 15, 2014) ISBN 978-4797376838
*最弱無敗の神装機竜《バハムート》5 (December 15, 2014) ISBN 978-4797377637
*最弱無敗の神装機竜《バハムート》6 (June 16, 2015) ISBN 978-4797383201
*最弱無敗の神装機竜《バハムート》7 (October 14, 2015) ISBN 978-4797385038
*最弱無敗の神装機竜《バハムート》8 (January 14, 2016) ISBN 978-4797386127
*最弱無敗の神装機竜《バハムート》9 (March 12, 2016) ISBN 978-4797386219
*最弱無敗の神装機竜《バハムート》9 小冊子付き限定版 (March 12, 2016) ISBN 978-4797386202
*最弱無敗の神装機竜《バハムート》10 (July 14, 2016) ISBN 978-4797386240
*最弱無敗の神装機竜《バハムート》11 (November 12, 2016) ISBN 978-4797388107
*最弱無敗の神装機竜《バハムート》12 (April 14, 2017) ISBN 978-4797388114
*最弱無敗の神装機竜《バハムート》13 (September 14, 2017) ISBN 978-4797391565
*最弱無敗の神装機竜《バハムート》14 (December 14, 2017) ISBN 978-4797391572
*最弱無敗の神装機竜《バハムート》15 (May 12, 2018) ISBN 978-4797397017

[[Category:Light novel (English)]]
[[Category:Hosted_Projects]]

Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut

2018-06-25T18:39:58Z

OmegaWeaponZ: /* Project Staff */

{{Status|Active}}

[[Image:SaijakuBahamut v1 Cover.jpg|thumb|'''Volume 01 Cover''']]
'''Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut''' (最弱無敗の神装機竜《バハムート》), also known as '''Undefeated Bahamut Chronicle''', is a light novel series written by ''Akatsuki Senri'' and illustrated by ''Kasuga Ayumu''.

The Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut series is also available in the following languages:
*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut - Français|French (Français)]]
*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut (Indonesia)|Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian)]]

==Story Synopsis==

''Synopsis (Taken from Volume 1)''

Lux, who was a prince from the Empire that was destroyed five years ago due to the revolt, met with the princess of the new Kingdom, Lizsharte, by accidentally breaking into the bathroom of the girl’s dormitory.

“……How long are you planning to stare at my body, you fooooool!”

The ancient weapons found from the ruins, the Drag-Ride. Lux who was called the strongest Drag-Knight in the past was now known as the “Weakest Undefeated”, a Drag-Knight who doesn’t attack at all. After the duel that started by the challenge from Lizsharte, Lux ended up entering the girls’ school that raised Drag-Knights……!

Lux’s story where he is surrounded by the noble girls from the academy is about to unfold.

The “ultimate” academy fantasy battle where the right and the might cross paths now begins!
(''Story Synopsis taken from Volume 1 cover.'')

==Series Information==
*Genre: Mecha + Fantasy + Harem + School Life
*Original Title: Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut
*Author: Akatsuki Senri
*Illustrator: Kasuga Ayumu
*Series Status: Ongoing

==Translation==

===[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut Registration Page|Registration Page]]===
'''Translators are asked to [[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Registration Page|Register]] the 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]]
*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Terminology and Guidelines]]

===Feedback===
'''If you enjoyed the series, why don't you tell us in the [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=7779 Feedback Thread]'''

'''The series is currently hosted and translated [https://setsuna86blog.wordpress.com/ HERE].'''
'''Future updates will also be posted here on Baka-Tsuki.'''

==Updates==
*January 30, 2018 '''Volume 9 Completed'''
*January 18, 2018 '''Volume 8 Completed'''
*December 21, 2017 '''Volume 4 Completed'''
*December 15, 2017 '''Volume 7 Completed'''
*December 05, 2017 - '''Volume 3 Completed
*November 25, 2017 '''Volume 6 Completed'''
*November 07, 2017 '''Volume 5 Completed'''
*October 20, 2014 - '''Volume 2 Completed'''
*September 08, 2014 - '''Volume 1 Completed'''
*March 30, 2014 - Teaser created

Older updates can be found [[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Updates|here]].

==Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut series by Akatsuki Senri==

=== {{pad|140px}} Volume 1 ([[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 1|Full Text]])===
[[File:SaijakuBahamut v1 Cover.jpg|left|140px|border]]
<table border=0 cellpadding=0><tr><td>
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 1 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 1 Prologue|Prologue - The Black Hero]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 1 Episode 1|Episode 1 - The Intruder at Midnight]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 1 Episode 2|Episode 2 - Academy for Noble Children]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 1 Episode 3|Episode 3 - The Scarlet Princess]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 1 Episode 4|Episode 4 - Assault, and...]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 1 Episode 5|Episode 5 - Reunion with a Childhood Friend]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 1 Episode 6|Episode 6 - Ateliers of Drag-Rides and Enrollment Exams]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 1 Episode 7|Episode 7 - The Weakest Drag-Knight]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 1 Epilogue|Epilogue - Where The Prince belongs]]
</td></tr></table>
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=== {{pad|140px}} Volume 2 ([[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 2|Full Text]])===
[[File:SaijakuBahamut v2 Cover.jpg|left|140px|border]]
<table border=0 cellpadding=0><tr><td>
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 2 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 2 Prologue|Prologue - Lux Contest]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 2 Episode 1|Episode 1 - Engagement Circumstances of the Young Woman of the North]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 2 Episode 2|Episode 2 - A Messenger of Ymir]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 2 Episode 3|Episode 3 - The Sixth Ruin –– One Miniature Garden]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 2 Episode 4|Episode 4 - Duel]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 2 Epilogue|Epilogue - The Girl’s wish]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 2 Side Story|Side Story – The Little Sister Airi’s Big Brother Observation Diary]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both"/>

=== {{pad|140px}} Volume 3 ([[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 3|Full Text]])===
[[File:SaijakuBahamut v3 Cover.jpg|left|140px|border]]
<table border=0 cellpadding=0><tr><td>
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 3 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 3 Prologue|Prologue - On The Far-Off Sky]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 3 Episode 1|Episode 1 - The Return of The Strongest]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 3 Episode 2|Episode 2 - School Life and Her Speculations]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 3 Episode 3|Episode 3 - Campus Selection Battle]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 3 Episode 4|Episode 4 - The Girl’s Truth]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 3 Episode 5|Episode 5 - The Weakest vs. The Strongest]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 3 Epilogue|Epilogue - A New Daily Life and The Beginning]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 3 Afterword|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
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=== {{pad|140px}} Volume 4 ([[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 4|Full Text]])===
[[File:SaijakuBahamut v4 Cover.jpg|left|140px|border]]
<table border=0 cellpadding=0><tr><td>
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 4 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 4 Prologue|Prologue - The Beginning of Everything]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 4 Episode 1|Episode 1 - Training Camp]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 4 Episode 2|Episode 2 - A Special Mission]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 4 Episode 3|Episode 3 - Encounter]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 4 Episode 4|Episode 4 - Awakening of Abyss]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 4 Episode 5|Episode 5 - The Night of Betrayal]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 4 Epilogue|Epilogue - Promise]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 4 Afterword|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
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=== {{pad|140px}} Volume 5 ([[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 5|Full Text]])===
[[File:SaijakuBahamut v5 Cover.jpg|left|140px|border]]
<table border=0 cellpadding=0><tr><td>
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 5 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 5 Prologue|Prologue - The Girl’s Long Cherished Desire]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 5 Episode 1|Episode 1 - The Empire’s Assassin]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 5 Episode 2|Episode 2 - Night before the Overall Dragon Competition]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 5 Episode 3|Episode 3 - The Girls’ Recompense]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 5 Episode 4|Episode 4 - The Fifth Artifact Gigas]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 5 Epilogue|Epilogue - The Empire’s Whereabouts]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 5 Afterword|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
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=== {{pad|140px}} Volume 6 ([[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 6|Full Text]])===
[[File:Saijaku_V6 01.jpg|left|140px|border]]
<table border=0 cellpadding=0><tr><td>
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 6 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 6 Prologue|Prologue - Memory with my older brother]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 6 Episode 1|Episode 1 - Blue Tyrant]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 6 Episode 2|Episode 2 - Ruin's Gear (Ruin City)]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 6 Episode 3|Episode 3 - Class Promotion Exam]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 6 Episode 4|Episode 4 - Second Ruin 『Maze』(Dungeon)]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 6 Epilogue|Epilogue - His Answer Is]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 6 Afterword|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
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=== {{pad|140px}} Volume 7 ([[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 7|Full Text]])===
[[File:Saijaku V7 Cov.jpg|left|140px|border]]
<table border=0 cellpadding=0><tr><td>
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 7 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 7 Prologue|Prologue - The Prince's Whereabouts]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 7 Episode 1|Episode 1 - Arriving the the Nostalgic Land]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 7 Episode 2|Episode 2 - Pilgrimage Festival]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 7 Episode 3|Episode 3 - God and Angel]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 7 Episode 4|Episode 4 - The Subjugator, Mel Gizalut]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 7 Epilogue|Epilogue - Divine Princess Descend]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 7 Afterword|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
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=== {{pad|140px}} Volume 8 ([[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 8|Full Text]])===
[[File:SaijakuBahamut v8 Cover.jpg|left|140px|border]]
<table border=0 cellpadding=0><tr><td>
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 8 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 8 Prologue|Prologue - The Past Wish]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 8 Episode 1|Episode 1 - Portent of Storm]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 8 Episode 2|Episode 2 - Seven Dragons Gathering]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 8 Episode 3|Episode 3 - Campus Festival, Start]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 8 Episode 4|Episode 4 - The Steel Witch]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 8 Episode 5|Episode 5 - Sacred Eclipse──Ark──]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 8 Epilogue|Epilogue - Honest Feeling]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 8 Afterword|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
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=== {{pad|140px}} Volume 9 ([[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 9|Full Text]])===
[[File:SaijakuBahamut v9 Cover.jpg|left|140px|border]]
<table border=0 cellpadding=0><tr><td>
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 9 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 9 Prologue|Prologue - The Night Before Departure]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 9 Episode 1|Episode 1 - Airi Chapter – Love Story At Tea Party In A Certain Day]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 9 Episode 2|Episode 2 - Lisha Chapter – The Princess’s Cooking Struggle Chronicle]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 9 Episode 3|Episode 3 - Krulcifer Chapter - Weak Point]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 9 Episode 4|Episode 4 - Philuffy Chapter – The Work of Aingram Company]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 9 Episode 5|Episode 5 - Celistia Chapter – The Feeling of The Academy’s Strongest]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 9 Episode 6|Episode 6 - Yoruka Chapter – Aruji-sama’s Punishment]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 9 Episode 7|Episode 7 - Triad Chapter – The Chore Prince’s Rest Day]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 9 Episode 8|Episode 8 - Coral Chapter – Reunion And Promise]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 9 Epilogue|Epilogue – The Morning of Departure]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 9 Afterword|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
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=== {{pad|140px}} Volume 10 ([[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 10|Full Text]])===
[[File:SaijakuBahamut v10 Cover.jpg|left|140px|border]]
<table border=0 cellpadding=0><tr><td>
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 10 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 10 Prologue|Prologue - False Mask]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 10 Episode 1|Episode 1 - Honeymoon With A Childhood Friend]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 10 Episode 2|Episode 2 - Heiburg's Darkness]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 10 Episode 3|Episode 3 - Infiltration, And Then]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 10 Episode 4|Episode 4 - The Steel Witch]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 10 Episode 5|Episode 5 - First Ruin ─Babel─]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 10 Epilogue|Epilogue - New Opening of Hostilities]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 10 Afterword|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
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=== {{pad|140px}} Volume 11 ([[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 11|Full Text]])===
[[File:SaijakuBahamut v11 Cover.jpg|left|140px|border]]<table border=0 cellpadding=0><tr><td>
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 11 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 11 Prologue|Prologue - Memory of Pledge]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 11 Episode 1|Episode 1 - Out of Season Transfer Student]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 11 Episode 2|Episode 2 - The Right to Guard Lux]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 11 Episode 3|Episode 3 - Imperial Command of the Queen]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 11 Episode 4|Episode 4 - Crossroads]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 11 Episode 5|Episode 5 - Sacred Eclipse ─Gigas─]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 11 Epilogue|Epilogue - Sword And Scabbard]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 11 Afterword|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
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=== {{pad|140px}} Volume 12 ([[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 12|Full Text]])===
[[File:SaijakuBahamut v12 Cover.jpg|left|140px|border]]<table border=0 cellpadding=0><tr><td>
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 12 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 12 Prologue|Prologue - At Right Under the Heavens]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 12 Episode 1|Episode 1 - Those Who Wish For a Pact]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 12 Episode 2|Episode 2 - Double Layered Trap]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 12 Episode 3|Episode 3 - Two Dragons Under The Moonlight]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 12 Episode 4|Episode 4 - The Captive Assailant]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 12 Episode 5|Episode 5 - Behind The Scene of The Sacred Party]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 12 Episode 6|Episode 6 - Marauder And Demise]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 12 Epilogue|Epilogue - The Path Leading to Sanctuary]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 12 Afterword|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
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=== {{pad|140px}} Volume 13 ([[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 13|Full Text]])===
[[File:SaijakuBahamut v13 Cover.jpg|left|140px|border]]<table border=0 cellpadding=0><tr><td>
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 13 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 13 Prologue|Prologue - The Princess’s Awakening]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 13 Episode 1|Episode 1 - The Second Collar]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 13 Episode 2|Episode 2 - Armed Might Negotiations]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 13 Episode 3|Episode 3 - The Other Lord]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 13 Episode 4|Episode 4 - A Plan That Lead to Demise]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 13 Epilogue|Epilogue - The Young Man’s Collar]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 13 Afterword|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
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=== {{pad|140px}} Volume 14 ([[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 14|Full Text]])===
[[File:SaijakuBahamut v14 Cover.jpg|left|140px|border]]<table border=0 cellpadding=0><tr><td>
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 14 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 14 Prologue|Prologue - The Past That Arrived at Farewell]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 14 Episode 1|Episode 1 - The Memory’s Continuation]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 14 Episode 2|Episode 2 - Avalon, Invasion]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 14 Episode 3|Episode 3 - Reminiscence and Tracing Back the Memory]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 14 Episode 4|Episode 4 - The Inevitable Outsider Element]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 14 Epilogue|Epilogue - Ruins’ Zero]]
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 14 Afterword|Afterword]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both"/>

=== {{pad|140px}} Volume 15 ([[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 15|Full Text]])===
[[File:SaijakuBahamut v15 Cover.jpg|left|140px|border]]<table border=0 cellpadding=0><tr><td>
:*[[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 15 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
</td></tr></table>
<br style="clear:both"/>

==Project Staff==

:*Project Administrator:
:*Project Manager: Sapper

==== Translators ====

'''Active'''

* [[User:Bakapervert|Bakapervert]] [https://bakapervert.wordpress.com Blog]
* MofuMofu Translations [https://mofumofutranslationblog.wordpress.com Blog]

'''Inactive'''
:*[[user:‎Setsuna86|‎Setsuna86]]

==== Editors ====

'''Active'''

:*[[User:Dual Blades|Dual Blades]](At Blog)
:*[[User:Digitalak27|Digitalak27]](At Blog)
:*[[User:OmegaWeaponZ|OmegaWeaponZ]][https://bakapervert.wordpress.com (At Blog)]

==Series Overview==

*最弱無敗の神装機竜《バハムート》1 (August 12, 2013) ISBN 978-4797374667
*最弱無敗の神装機竜《バハムート》2 (November 15, 2013) ISBN 978-4797375510
*最弱無敗の神装機竜《バハムート》3 (March 17, 2014) ISBN 978-4797376135
*最弱無敗の神装機竜《バハムート》4 (July 15, 2014) ISBN 978-4797376821
*最弱無敗の神装機竜《バハムート》4 小冊子付き限定版 (July 15, 2014) ISBN 978-4797376838
*最弱無敗の神装機竜《バハムート》5 (December 15, 2014) ISBN 978-4797377637
*最弱無敗の神装機竜《バハムート》6 (June 16, 2015) ISBN 978-4797383201
*最弱無敗の神装機竜《バハムート》7 (October 14, 2015) ISBN 978-4797385038
*最弱無敗の神装機竜《バハムート》8 (January 14, 2016) ISBN 978-4797386127
*最弱無敗の神装機竜《バハムート》9 (March 12, 2016) ISBN 978-4797386219
*最弱無敗の神装機竜《バハムート》9 小冊子付き限定版 (March 12, 2016) ISBN 978-4797386202
*最弱無敗の神装機竜《バハムート》10 (July 14, 2016) ISBN 978-4797386240
*最弱無敗の神装機竜《バハムート》11 (November 12, 2016) ISBN 978-4797388107
*最弱無敗の神装機竜《バハムート》12 (April 14, 2017) ISBN 978-4797388114
*最弱無敗の神装機竜《バハムート》13 (September 14, 2017) ISBN 978-4797391565
*最弱無敗の神装機竜《バハムート》14 (December 14, 2017) ISBN 978-4797391572
*最弱無敗の神装機竜《バハムート》15 (May 12, 2018) ISBN 978-4797397017

[[Category:Light novel (English)]]
[[Category:Hosted_Projects]]

Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 3 Episode 3

2017-12-10T19:12:19Z

OmegaWeaponZ: /* Episode 3 – Campus Selection Battle */

==Episode 3 – Campus Selection Battle==

“Well then, five days from today, the Campus Selection Battle will be held!”

The school early in the morning.

After greeting the students in the usual classroom, Instructor Raigree immediately announced the upcoming event.

“The students who are participating are to look at the notice board of the practice ground and memorize their competition schedule. If you cannot participate in the battle within the time, you will lose by default. Cases such as injury or poor physical condition are to be reported ahead of time. And then, we will consider that point.”

Originally, it was a battle to decide the representatives for the International Tournament, which is a mock battle with other countries to gain the rights to investigate the ruins.

But this time, it was also a battle betting Lux’s attendance at the academy and to obtain the right to join Celis for the Ragnarok subjugation.

Furthermore, the results of the students who supported either Lux or Celis would be taken into consideration, effectively becoming a war between the first and second year students against the third year students.

The classroom was wrapped in a strange fervor.

“The rules for the selection battle are as I explained before. And this time, by the Principal’s suggestion, it was changed into a more special contest format.”

Instructor Raigree turned a fleeting glance at Lux.

They probably had a hard time to decide for this time’s contest format.

And then, the long explanation began.

To summarize it, the rules restricted to this time would be the following:

They would carry out a competition between Celis and her supporting faction, the third year students, and Lux and his supporting faction, the first and second year students; and the faction with the most defeats would have to accept the winning faction’s demand.

Furthermore, the battle would be divided into two groups: the general students’ competition and the “Knight Squadron” competition.

Because the level of the students belonging to the “Knight Squadron” was in general higher, they would be made to fight against opponents also from the “Knight Squadron”.

The “Knight Squadron’s” battle and then the general students’ battle.

This meant that they could entrust the two claims of Lux and Celis to the outcome result of the two groups.

“Lux Arcadia’s claim and demand are “the attendance at this academy” as well as “to tag along on the Abyss subjugation mission”. Conversely, Celestia’s claim is “Lux’s expulsion” and “the refusal of him tagging along”.”

In short, to get what they want the number of victories of the members of the “Knight Squadron” and the general students supporting them would have to exceed the number of victories of the opponent’s supporters.

One battle against Lux and his supporters within the “Knight Squadron”, and one battle against his supporters among the general students.

At the very least, unless he won at least in one of the two groups, Lux would definitely be ousted from the academy.

“That’s all for the explanation. Then everyone, give it your all.”

When Instructor Raigree went out, the commotion of the girls suddenly spread inside the classroom.

“Uwah. As I thought, a contest will really begin! What do we do?”

“Can we win against the third-year students? The winning points seem to take into account the difference in number and ability, but──”

“Lux-san, you must not lose.”

Such voices flew out unanimously.

“Errr, I’m sorry. I somehow got everyone involved──”

As Lux reflexively said so,

“Eeih, be quiet! All of you!”

Watching her classmates making a fuss, Lisha stood up and cried in a thundering voice.

“There’s no need to apologize, Lux. Either way, if you didn’t resist, you might have been driven out as is.”

And then, as to convey to everyone in the class, she raised her voice.

“We only have one thing to do! There’s no need to be flustered; we’ve to give it our all for that! I’ve already taken every possible measure.”

“……Eh?”

All her classmates, Lux included, looked puzzled.

“I took all night to tune all the Drag-Rides of this class. Your Machine Dragons’ overall output should be enhanced more than before. With this, we’ll at least be able to oppose even the third-year students.”

“I-Is that true? Lisha-sama!?”

“I say. I may look like this, but I did it after getting permission of the other Machine Dragon mechanics and the Principal. The checking after adjustment has also been done. Use them dignifiedly.”

“Thank you very much! As expected of the princess!”

“With this, we can see a glimmer of hope!”

To Lisha’s words, the female classmates raised shouts of joy.

The higher a Drag-Ride’s output was, the more the power of the machine would rise; but at the same time, the intensity of consumption would also increase.

Thus, the output enhancement was a double-edged sword, but she probably judged that a gamble was needed to defeat an opponent whose ability was superior in this selection battle, which carried out many short-term battles.

Of course, there was also a limit to the adjustment to raise the output, but there was something other than that which bothered Lux.

“Um, Lisha-sama?”

Not believing immediately in that fact, Lux could not help asking.

“D-Don’t look too much at my face now. It’s slightly shameful after all……”

Then, Lisha quickly turned her slightly blushing face away from Lux.

Upon close inspection, a shadow slightly remained under her eyes.

“Um…… the truth is, I wanted to adjust the Machine Dragons of all the second-year students, but, I couldn’t make it in time. I could only adjust the ones for our class……”

Lisha said, just slightly despondent.

But, Lux understood that adjusting 20 Drag-Rides in this short time was an uncommon workload.

“Thank you, Lisha-sama.”

When Lux expressed his feelings, Lisha slightly shook her head.

“I-It isn’t really that big a deal to thank me. To begin with, I was the one who made you attend this academy ── I may look like this, but I’m the New Kingdom’s princess after all. I have to take the initiative and move everyone.”

“…………”

Lisha once hated being treated as the New Kingdom’s princess after what happened to her in the past, but regarding the selection battle this time, she showed her duty as someone standing above others and gave power to everyone.

The fact that she did that much for his own sake was very stouthearted and reliable.

“──No, even so, I’m very happy.”

“Ah…… Y-Yea”

When Lux held her hand with both his, Lisha’s face faintly turned red and she hung her head down.

“Lisha-sama! It’s no good to steal a march on us!”

“Wait, The selection battle hasn’t begun yet!?”

When the classmates, who saw that, jeered severally,

“──You’re quite good.”

Krulcifer also muttered so with a smile.

“……Excuse me. Sorry to interrupt you as you’re busy, but can I have a little of your time?”

At that time, a knock was heard and one girl entered the classroom.

She was the third-years student and one of the Triad, Sharis.

“Errr……?”

As all the classmates were surprised at the unexpected visitor,

“Ah! Traitor! Sharis, why didn’t you join Lux-cchi’s side?!”

Tillfarr, also of the Triad, flared up at her while sulking.

It seemed that even if the school year was different, if one wished, they could change the faction to support; but Lux heard from Tillfarr and Noct that Sharis decided to support Celis.

“We’ve already talked about that matter, right? I too really want to support him, but there are various points to consider you see? Besides, I can also come to report my side’s information to you guys. Well, only this time, I was requested by Celis to convey you a message, but──”

“……!?”

To Sharis’ lines, all the members of the class held their breaths.

“It looks like she’ll participate in the two-on-two mock battle from the first day, which is today. Celis’ partner is a member of the same “Knight Squadron”, Saniya Lemiste.”

「────」

The way she expressly asked Sharis to convey this message could be interpreted as a declaration of war.

“It’s up to chance whether or not you’ll confront her, but you guys should form a pair with a first- or second-year student member within the “Knight Squadron”. Well, I think that there aren’t many choices though. Well then.”

As she finished her message, Sharis left the classroom.

There would not be many battles between fellow members of the “Knight Squadron” whose members were few.

Saniya seemed to use a general-purpose Machine Dragon <Wyvern>, but considering the fact that Celis was a Divine Drag-Ride’s user, those who could form a pair with Lux were inevitably limited.

As Lux was troubled as to whom he should choose as a partner,

“Of course, you’ll choose me, right? Lux.”

Lisha first stepped forward before Lux and stuck out her large chest for a small stature.

“……I cannot recommend that.”

But, rejection flew from Krulcifer, who was only a seat away.

“Your <Tiamat> is certainly excellent, but it would be difficult for long-term use. With Celis-senpai, who has great endurance, your weak point is likely to be aimed at.”

“Muh……!”

Lisha raised her eyebrows at Krulcifer’s point.

“Even for you, the repair of <Fafnir>, which suffered damaged in the previous battle, isn’t complete, right!? Are you saying that you’ll be able to fully unleash its abilities in that condition──?”

“That degree of damage is no big deal. Besides, in order to defend against Celis-senpai’s attacks, without my Divine Raiment──”

“U-Um…… you two, calm down a little──”

When Lux was about to break in between to the two girls who scattered quiet sparks,

“It’s all right. I’ll be taking part in it.”

A soft, small voice weaved its way through the gap.

The taciturn girl, who was absentmindedly watching the course of events as she was next to Lux until now, slowly stood up and declared as such.

“Eh……? Wait, Phi-chan!?”

“Yea. I’ll fight together with Lu-chan, right?”

She fixedly turned her big eyes towards Lux and asked him with a serious look.

Even though she said it with a docile voice and countenance, it was a peremptory attitude.

“T-That’s, um──”

Certainly, Philphie was the user of the Divine Drag-Ride <Typhon> and also a member of the “Knight Squadron”.

Besides, he had also witnessed her ability in the previous incident.

She should be an asset enough to confront the Celis’ pair, but

“Hey, airhead girl! Don’t decide on your own. We’re talking this through here, you see──”

“That’s right. We do not intend to easily concede that role. Rather, I do not mind leaving the decision to Lux-kun, but how about it?”

As Lisha and Krulcifer objected in turn, Lux was troubled.

(W-What do I do!? Honestly, I don’t feel like I can choose either of them……!)

“Yes, Ye~s! You three, calm down a little~”

When it got close to being a stalemate, Tillfarr broke in.

As one wondered since when she prepared it, three pieces of thinly cut papers were grasped in the hand that she held out.

“As you see, I made a drawing lot. With this the 3 of you will all have a fair chance, right?”

“T-Thank you……”

As he was impressed at the girl’s deftness, Tillfarr revealed a mischievous smile and murmured.

“Hmm. No, no, don’t mind it, as compensation for this ── it doesn’t have to be something expensive, okay? Prince.”

“……I-I got it.”

(W-When I thought that she came to my help, I got completely tricked!?)

''As expected, I’m destined to be led around by the nose by girls'', Lux inwardly grieved.

And when the three girls pulled one piece of paper all at once, the result became immediately clear.

“Kuh……!?”

“……It can’t be helped, I guess.”

Lisha and Krulcifer respectively raised despondent voices.

It was Philphie, who pulled the paper piece with a red mark.

“Lu-chan. We’re together.”

Though it was her usual absentminded voice, she looked somewhat happy.

“Ah, y-yes……”

“It’s all right. We won’t lose.”

“I-It can’t be helped…… I leave the match with Celis to you.”

Lisha told so and then began the briefing for the match with Krulcifer.

It seemed that the remaining two girls decided to join for the battle in pair.

The pairs must be decided and applied beforehand, but the opponent’s pair composition would not be known until just before the battle.

The tournament was a survival system; which meant that when a member of Lux's faction or Celis's faction lost in a battle, including the “Knight Squadron”, they would be unable to participate in the battles afterwards.

Since there was a possibility that other members of the “Knight Squadron” would fight Celis’s pair, it would be better not to disperse their forces.

Approximately one hour after, they turned in the papers to indicate their pairings.

Notices of today’s opponents were posted outside the waiting room.

Lisha and Krulcifer’s opponents were Celis and Saniya.

Celis’s partner, Saniya did not have a Divine Drag-Ride.

Thus, judging only from machine performance, Lux’s faction had an advantage; but the expressions of the surrounding classmates were filled with tension.

The Anecdote of Celis who competed in the largest number of matches in both the International Tournaments and the Campus Selection Battles, held the record of being undefeated.

By making enemies out of the “strongest”, who was until now an ally, one could see that they harbored fear.

“──It’s a shame that we weren’t able to form a pair with him, but it’s good that we’ll fight her first.”

“Yes, you’re right.”

But, the two girls, even knowing who their opponents were, smiled without showing any signs of hesitation.

“If we defeat Celis here, it’ll be as good as winning this contest.<ref>Contest between Lux faction and Celis faction. She means here that if they defeat Celis, the other students will be no match for them afterwards.</ref> With that said, rest at ease and wait for the results, Lux.”

Lisha proudly stuck out her chest towards Lux.

On the other hand, Krulcifer revealed her usual cool smile in a composed manner.

“Well then, we’re off.”

“Um, you two ── be careful.”

As Lux said with a serious face, Krulcifer returned only a chuckle and headed towards the practice ground.

“…………”

As Lux saw off the backs of the two girls who left,

“I see you’re popular as usual, Nii-san.”

“Uwah……!?”

Lux was surprised at the sudden voice he heard.

Before he was aware, Airi and her close friend Noct of the Triad were next to him.

“That’s quite an awful way of greeting your little sister who came to see you. What an awful brother.”

Though Airi was smiling, her eyes were not.

“T-That’s not true. I was just a little surprised──”

“Yes. I am also of the same opinion as Lux-san. Airi.”

When Lux hurriedly explained, Noct followed up.

“……Is that, really so?”

As Lux felt relieved when Airi was about to be convinced,

“Yes. Simply put, I think that he was only fascinated by Lisha-sama and Krulcifer-san. Both of them are beautiful and they currently wear dress gears, so their skin’s exposure rate is also──”

“Wait, I thought that you came to my help!?”

Since she had a relatively quiet character, he had been careless; but this girl called Noct was a person with quite a foul mouth, too.

“Haa. Well, Nii-san is at that age, so I don’t mind it, but you should stop looking at my classmates with strange eyes too, okay?”

“……No, um, I didn’t really──”

“Lu-chan. It’ll begin soon.”

When he thought about denying it again, he was urged as such by Philphie behind him.

“Let’s go. I have collected the data of Celis-senpai as much as possible, so I was thinking of explaining it to you and came.”

“Ah, yes. Thank you, Airi.”

Lux awkwardly laughed and then the four of them headed to the practice ground’s audience seats.

When Lux arrived, it was crowded with a great number of students and academy staff, and almost at the same time, Lisha and Krulcifer entered.

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“Well then, Campus Selection Battle Group A, second pair vs. Group B, first pair. Both parties, draw your swords and equip your Drag-Rides!”

At the voice of Instructor Raigree, who acted as the referee, the four girls unsheathed their Sword Devices all at once.

And when each group pushed the button, they muttered their pass codes.

“──Come forth, the Branded Wing Dragon which is the symbol of power. Obey my sword and fly, <Wyvern>!”

First, Saniya summoned her general-purpose Machine Dragon, a <Wyvern>.

The blue Machine Dragon which appeared in particles of light immediately unfolded into innumerable parts and changed into an armor which covered Saniya’s body.

“I am not good at a fighting scene, but I shall seriously go at it just for today.”

Setting up a medium-sized blade, Saniya told.

At the declaration of war from the girl, who was a third-year student of the “Knight Squadron”, the audience seating slightly stirred.

“……Fufu”

On the other hand, Lisha laughed at it and loudly advocated her Sword Device.

“──Awaken, Founding Ancestor. King of the Dragon Gods that is an army in itself. <Tiamat>!”

“──Reincarnate. Giant Dragon of calamity bound by worldly goods. Become the value of worldwide desire, <Fafnir>!”

When the two girls declared their pass codes, the surrounding space was wrapped in light.

A red dragon and a silver dragon, both of which emitted a beautiful luster, were instantly summoned behind the two girls.

““Connect On!””

Immediately after that, as they opened from the inside and split into countless parts, each part was equipped at high speed.

The venue greatly stirred at the overwhelming intensity of the two flying-type Divine Drag-Rides.

“I more or less expected that they’d fight with general-purpose Machine Dragons, but…… looks like both of them are serious.”

“Those two are top class even among the second-year students, right? Both their skills and Machine Dragon aptitudes are also high……”

“Besides, how many Drag-Knights are there in the world, who can fight against two Divine Drag-Rides at the same time? Like this, even Celis-san isn’t──”

Perhaps because they were affected by their majestic appearances, the third-year female students respectively voiced out their uneasiness.

But, Celestia herself, who confronted them, showed neither agitation nor any signs of being intimidated, and set up her Sword Device.

“Descend. Royal Dragon who inherited the blood of supremacy. Whirl the thunderous sound and make the heavens dance, <Lindwurm>”

A rapier-type Sword Device.

What had appeared behind her sword was a giant dragon with large wings with sharp and solemn shapes and clad in a golden brilliance.

“Connect On──”

At the same time with her voice, the armor, which instantly covered Celis’ body, equipped both halo-like wings on her back and was endowed with an angel-like divineness.

“────”

The students of the audience fixed their eyes upon that beauty and bottomless intensity unintentionally forgot to cheer.

In her right hand, she had an extra-large lance and a Canon with a peculiar shape was connected to her left shoulder.

“Please, observe attentively, Nii-san. The <Lindwurm> of the girl called the Academy's strongest and her tactics──”

“Yes. Even I, who am a member of the ‘Knight Squadron’, have never properly seen a battle with leader Celis. It is because it immediately ends when she makes a move.”

Airi and Noct muttered with voices tinged with tension.

At the same time as Lux nodded, Instructor Raigree’s voice resounded in the ring.

“Mock Battle, start!”

With the signal, the four machines on the ring flew all at once.

Both sides probably formulated their strategies beforehand, as they moved without hesitation.

When Lisha swung her Sword Device, four <Legions> suddenly raised a growl, depicted four kinds of curves and swooped down onto Celis.

Huge arrowhead-shaped throwing weapons for long-rang attacks, which were <Tiamat>’s special armament.

After all the bullets were fired at Celis, their movements suddenly changed.

“…………!?”

Their arc-like trajectories, which aimed at Celis, suddenly rose just before they impacted <Lindwurm>.

And the one, who was above was──

“……Their aim isn’t Celis-neesama! But me!?”

When Saniya noticed Lisha’s intention, she raised her barrier’s output and readied her blade, Lisha laughed.

“Unfortunately, that’s also wrong.”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>pashin*! At that moment, a thin bluish-white flash pierced the atmosphere in a straight line

It was the shot of <Fafnir>’s special armament ── the <Freezing Canon>.

It was rifle-shaped sniper, but it had the ability to freeze its target.

Before the eyes of Celis without the time to evade, the cold wave was repelled, and crystal-like petals scattered in the sky.

“Celis-neesama!?”

A high speed marksmanship which took advantage of a opening when Celis’ field of vision was covered by the four <Legions>.

To the coordination attack, which was performed in an instant, Saniya shouted.

──But,

“Your judgment is quite splendid.”

“……!?”

Celis’ aloof voice was heard from the other side of the ice which froze mid-air.

Slight agitation and tension ran through Lisha’ and Krulcifer’s faces.

What has frozen was the medium-sized blade that Celis had.

She sacrificed one armament on hand and used it as a shield.

“Tch……!”

Lisha once again swung her Sword Device, and began pursuit with the <Legions>, which were used as decoy.

But, all the blade bits were easily repelled by the great lance and they fell as she lost control of them.

“You have become strong. You might even have a chance of victory.”

Celis said with a calm voice, yet filled with a quiet overpowering feeling.

“If your opponent is not me, that is.”

[[Image:SaijakuBahamut v3 000E - 000F.jpg|thumb]]

Immediately after, <Lindwurm> soared at an explosive speed. When it got closer in an instant before the eyes of Lisha clad in <Tiamat>, Celis unleashed a thrusting blow with the spear grabbed in her right hand from an oblique stance.

“Kuah……!”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>bashiii*……!

The next moment. Thunder roared, and lightning was emitted from the charging spearhead.

“Uaah……!?”

Receiving the spearhead and lightning attack from over her barrier and armor, Lisha was flipped to the back.

Krulcifer promptly readied her <Freezing Canon> aiming at Celis, but her counterattack was prevented by the barrage of the Breath Gun that Saniya had.

“Well then, let’s end the warm up now. It’s fine, right? You two.”

Together with Celis’ intimidating smile, <Lindwurm> was shrouded with light.

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“That’s──!”

When Lux felt the abnormality that occurred to <Tiamat>, Airi, who was next to him, nodded.

“Yes, that large spear is <Lindwurm>’s special armament. The dragon’s fang whose real nature is lightning and stars── it is called the <Lightning Lance>. Because the lightning attack also affects the Mithril Dite, when it hit, the user will also receive damage through the armor, and the weapons of the parts which received the attack will see their movements dull for dozens of seconds.”

As a civil official, Airi, who recorded various information in the academy, thoroughly explained.

An ability to pour out a lightning attack at the same time with a strong thrust and seal a Drag-Ride’s functions.

Although that alone was dangerous enough, that thunder which ran through the sky was──

“Yes. But, it is not only that. It is also possible to release a lightning attack from the spearhead. Of course, if you get hit by it, the Drag-Ride’s function will also decrease for several seconds.”

Noct supplemented before Lux asked his question.

“Her attack, which carried electric shock, is called “Raisen”.<ref>Raisen (らいせん)</ref> If that’s used, even if it’s you, Nii-san, it’ll be impossible to keep defending against it. The Machine Dragon’s movement itself will be sealed after all.”

“…………”

It was impossible to keep receiving Celis’ attacks in succession.

As a countermeasure, he could only not get hit, but it would be incredibly difficult to dodge all of Celis’ skilled and refined attacks.

Even if he were to constantly fly about, the other party had a flying-type Divine Drag-Ride. To begin with, there was huge difference in mobility when compared with Lux’s <Wyvern>.

Celis turned into a much more formidable enemy than he imagined.

As Lux watched the match and began to think of a countermeasure, Celis’s gaze suddenly moved and met with Lux’s in the audience seating.

It was just for an instant. But, Lux understood the intention of Celis, who did such a thing in the middle of a battle.

“──It’s coming, Nii-san. This is when she fights seriously.”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>vun*

Immediately after Airi’s announcement, <Lindwurm>, which loitered in mid-air, shone intensely and expended a huge spherical light.

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“Good grief…… I had wanted to settle it before it became like this, but──”

Looking at the domain of light ── the light that was filling the whole practice ground with Celis as the center, Lisha grumbled.

She looked slightly overwhelmed at <Lindwurm>’s Divine Raiment that activated.

“It’s still early to grieve. Even you want to show him your cool side, right?”

Lisha showed a fearless smile to Krulcifer loitering next to her.

“Yeah, I know. <Tiamat>! Show your true nature!”

At the same time she raised her Sword Device and shouted, light shone at her surroundings.

Immediately after, particles of light gathered once again and a new weapon emerged.

The auxiliary armament, <Seven Heads>.

The huge gun barrel, which was the allegory of a Goddess turning into a seven-headed dragon, was connected to <Tiamat>’s right arm and shoulder.

“Now, I shall entertain you! Academy’s strongest!”

She launched a total of 16 <Legions>, which were also warped in along with her auxiliary armament.

All of them simultaneously swooped down and aimed for Celis in the air.

But at that moment, Celis revealed a cold smile ── and muttered.

“Can you really entertain me?”

The next instant, wrapped in seven halos, Celis’ figure disappeared.

And then, she appeared beside Lisha wielding her Sword Device.

“……!”

Lisha held her breath as the spear’s thrust, tinged with lightning, impaled <Tiamat>’s flank.

Lisha’s body reflexively stiffened at the unavoidable attack,

<nowiki>*</nowiki>pashi*!

A rifle blast was heard and a flash of cold wave ran through the sky.

It was a counter to prevent further attacks to Lisha and aim for Celis’ opening, but Celis stopped her assault and turned, then accelerated and dodged.

Her reaction was fast. As if she knew the sniper’s position from the start, she flew towards <Fafnir> and quickly closed their distance.

The moment Krulcifer squared off, Celis had already finished her thrusting movement.

“……!?”

As Celis was repeatedly blocked by <Fafnir>’s <Auto Shield>, which activated in response to the Raisen’s attacks, the <Fafnir> eventually caved in and the Raisen knocked down the <Freezing Canon> from the arm of <Fafnir>; and in response, Krulcifer retreated at once.

“──You got me there. You were aiming for me from the beginning, right?”

“It’s a little late to notice it. For someone as wise as you.”

Gaining distance between them, Krulcifer smiled nervously while preparing her drag-ride sword.

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“She disappeared along with the Machine Dragon!? What on earth is that──?”

When Lux muttered in the audience seating, Airi calmly raised her face.

“That’s <Lindwurm>’s Divine Raiment ── <Divine Gate>. It allows the user to teleport instantaneously within the range of that light.”

“No way──”

Lux was at a loss for words.

By Lux’s eye measurement, the domain of light that <Lindwurm> unfolded was about 50 Mels of radius.

If she was able to freely teleport within the vast range covering the practice ground, then──

“Yes. This is precisely the reason why she is hailed as the strongest. She can even dominate others in battle techniques and skills; the chance of winning against her, who can teleport like that, is quite slim.”

Turning a sidelong glance towards Lux, Noct supplemented.

Lux instantly understood what she meant.

If compelled to an extreme logic, a fight was determined by one’s range.

Fighting while maintaining a distance to effectively dodge and allow enough space to counter attack would be the ideal combat situation.

But, that Divine Raiment was──

“Even if you’re separated from her, she can shorten the distance in an instant. Even if you approach and corner her, she can take your back in an instant. Moreover, she’s cautious of Krulcifer-san’s attacks and Divine Raiment, whom took a position where Lisha-sama acted as a vanguard. But with their formation broken, Krulcifer’s ability to read the future can’t save her from the continuous onslaught.”

“…………”

At Airi’s mutter, Lux understood once again.

Even if Krulcifer made full use of the Divine Raiment of <Fafnir> that she operated, she would have no means of counterattack if her back were taken instantly.

Krulcifer and Lisha could only escape; there was no room for any counter attack.

They were no longer any chances of winning.

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A high-speed battle where four machines danced was unfolding in the practice grounds.

Lisha fully activated the <Legions> and used all of them to corner Celis, but this time Celis did not use <Divine Gate>.

“I heard that that boy fended off all your attacks.”

She skillfully wielded her special armament, the great spear tinged with lightning ── the <Lightning Lance>, and repelled the <Legions> attacking from all directions one after another.

Unlike Lux, who dealt with them using various weapons and tricks, she had fended off all the storm-like attacks of the 16 <Legions> with only a single spear.

Even so, Lisha’s attacks still continued, but as they lost a little of their mobility each time they were repelled by Celis’ spear, all of the <Legions> dropped to the practice ground before long.

“Your attacks are strong, but that they are brittle when it is against me.”

To the words of Celis, Lisha fearlessly laughed while breathing heavily.

“……I see, you’re really hurting my pride, Miss Strongest. How many people in this world do you think can pull off what you’re doing?”

Krulcifer, while engaging in battle in the sky with Saniya’s <Wyvern>, looked for an opening on Celis.

However, Saniya devoted herself to support Celis as she kept Krulcifer occupied.

Saniya, who fought using a general-purpose Machine Dragon <Wyvern>, fought to separate Krulcifer from Lisha.

Thus, she skillfully handled her two breath guns, maintained an offense and defense in middle range and moved around with great tact without using any winning move. She just attacked to interfere with Krulcifer’s movement.

On the other hand, Lisha’s stamina was already about to reach the limit.

“Then, with this──……!?”

The moment when she set up <Seven Heads>, Celis moved.

With the minimum movement, she threw three Daggers at <Tiamat>. Almost at the same time, the seven halos wrapped <Lindwurm> and it disappeared from where it was.

“Don’t tell me this is──!?”

“It’s over. Scarlet War Princess.”

The moment when Lisha activated her barrier to defend against the daggers, Celis launched an attack from Lisha’s rear and smashed <Tiamat>’s propulsion device.

“Guh……!? So, this is──!”

“Yes. A concerted attack by Celis-neesama alone. It’s a technique that we call “Heavy Strike”.”

To the mutter of Lisha, whose armor was smashed, Saniya revealed a smile.

A simultaneous attack from multiple directions would eventually overwhelm an opponent.

With <Lindwurm>’s <Divine Gate>, she was able to pull it off with perfect timing.

The female students of the audience raised cheers at the special move only possible through concentration and technique, that Celis possessed, and the Divine Raiment’s ability.

“──It’s your lost.”

Bluntly saying so, Celis turned her back on Lisha.

Since the propulsion device of the back wings was destroyed, she no longer had any choice other than falling.

In the worst case, she had to show vigilance towards Krulcifer’s side as she was unable to attack her until the landing, but──

“Where do you think you’re going? Your opponent is still here, Strongest.”

“……!?”

At that moment, Lisha grappled Celis’ <Lindwurm> from behind and restrained it.

<Tiamat>’s Sword Device was grasped in her hand.

“Grovel in the name of the god, <Sprayshot>”

──Doon!

Together with the dazzling radiance of the Divine Raiment, <Lindwurm> fell along with <Tiamat> that grappled it.

Being slammed onto the ground at high speed, a rising cloud of dust wrapped up the two girls.

“……Gravity control ── so by getting rid of your own gravity, you can remain in mid-air, huh.”

Celis said while suggesting slight agitation at the terrible shock of the fall.

By <Tiamat>’s Divine Raiment, <Sprayshot>, she remained in mid-air by erasing her weight first, and the moment she grappled <Lindwurm>, she switched to a strong gravity load and succeeded in getting her for the first time.

In addition to the weights of the two Divine Drag-Rides themselves, a gravity several folds greater was applied, and the two machines’ feet sank.

“If I’m not mistaken, there should have been a restriction in size in transferring with <Divine Gate>, right? Your own size when clad in <Lindwurm> is the limit. In that case, by applying gravity on us together while grappling you like this──”

Even if she were to normally apply the gravity load with <Sprayshot>, her opponent would escape with her Divine Raiment.

Thus, as she waited for this chance of grappling until the very last minute, Lisha splendidly got her.

“Krulcifer! Come!”

At the same time as Lisha shouted, no, already before that, Krulcifer had moved.

After flicking off Saniya, who was fighting at long range, <Fafnir> approached <Lindwurm>at a high speed like that of a bullet.

It became a flash of light, tearing the blue sky, and brandished a medium-sized blade.

The moment when the flash of <Fafnir>, which reached its maximum speed, was going to attack Celis,

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Bashiii*!

With an earsplitting roaring sound, <Tiamat> and <Lindwurm> were wrapped by lightning.

“UAAH……!?”

“──!?”

Lisha screamed, and Krulcifer was blinded by the intense flash for an instant.

Immediately after, the aloof girl’s voice echoed out.

“<Starlight Zero>”

Before anyone knew, Celis had escaped from Lisha’s restriction and spoke after teleporting to the other side of the practice grounds.

Immediately after, the gun barrel, which was connected to the shoulder, activated as it raised a growl and fired a spherical light bullet.

“……!?”

Lisha and Krulcifer simultaneously held their breaths while squinting their eyes at the radiance of the bullet.

The speed of the flickering yellow light bullet was by no means fast.

But after just a few seconds, as the light bullet reached the center of the practice ground, it flickered there and exploded.

BOOM!

A flash as to burn the retina and the blast to the point of being unable to breath swirled violently within the practice ground and the students in the audience seating raised screams.

Roughly 80% of the practice ground’s area was filled with light and explosive flames.

<Starlight Zero> was another special armament that <Lindwurm> possessed.

It was a wide area ultra-powerful extermination weapon that shot a light bullet called “Star” which compressed the energy amassed to its limit and exploded a few seconds later covering a space of 300 Mels in radius.

Celis perfectly calculated the bombardment and fired while adjusting so that damage did not befall the audience seating.

“To think that Celis-neesama went all out──”

As she received an instruction of evasion from Celis before the bombardment, Saniya escaped from the attack range a step earlier.

Even so, her expression showed her surprise as she cast her gaze at the practice ground below.

As the aftermath of the tremendous impact and flames disappeared and smoke cleared away──

“……Looks like I somehow made it in time.”

“Krulcifer!?”

Krulcifer’s <Fafnir> was standing in front of Lisha’s <Tiamat> so as to protect it from the blast.

Lisha, who was surprised at that fact, unintentionally raised her voice.

“I have heard the rumors, but it’s quite the tremendous power…… It’s regrettable, but I’m already at my limit.”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>pashiin*! Shedding light, <Fafnir>’s system went down.

Immediately after, Lisha’s <Tiamat>’s system went down too, and both girls’ armors were released.

Because they defended against <Starlight Zero>, they had invested all the energy into the barrier and armaments; they had run out of energy.

“Deeming that they are unable to continue the battle, I declare the third-year Celestia/Saniya pair victorious!”

That moment, Raigree quickly announced the outcome and the bell rang the mock battle’s end.

Immediately after, great cheers poured down inside the practice ground.

“Even <Fafnir>’s automatic defense, <Auto Shield>, had been blown off. As expected, she’s not to be taken lightly──”

“I-I don’t mean that!? Why did you save me──?”

“You have fought until your very limit after all. Even if Celis-senpai had calculated the power, there was a chance, even if slim, that you might be hurt.”

With a matter-of-fact face, Krulcifer told Lisha.

And then, she brushed up her long, beautiful hair and smiled refreshingly.

“Honestly, I was surprised. I believed that your ability to think up tactics is hardly comparable to that of a princess, but you exceed my expectations and cornered ''that'' Celis-senpai. At the same time as I was impressed, I didn’t want you to get injured here.”

“S-Something of that extent isn’t really that big a deal…… I have already thought before about a strategy of remaining in the air by lightening my own gravity with <Sprayshot>, so──”

“I don’t mean that. What I acknowledged was the fact that you, who is the New Kingdom’s princess, has gone to such lengths regardless of appearances in order to win. Even though I had already half-given up at that time……”

Saying so, Krulcifer turned her gaze towards Lux in the audience seating.

“That you seriously think of wanting to make him stay in this academy. On that point, I can sympathize with you──”

As she whispered so, Lisha slightly blushed and hung down her head bashfully.

“Wha…… what is it, all of a sudden?! I’m only doing it for my own sake, you see──!”

“Yes, I know. If possible, let’s have a peaceful quarrel<ref>Quarrel about Lux, that is.</ref> from now on. Of course, I intend to win in the end though.”

With just a slightly happy expression, Krulcifer lent a hand to Lisha sitting on the ground.

Celis watched that scene from a slightly remote place.

“…………”

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“They have been defeated, huh. Both of them……”

Airi, which commented next to Lux, said so with a faint sigh.

“Yes. But, I think that they put up a fairly good fight. They have done this much against that Celis-senpai──”

Noct nodded in agreement, but immediately after, she asked a question.

“However, what on earth happened in the last offense and defense? The moment when Krulcifer-san slashed at Celis-senpai, I did not see anything as the area became dazzling, but……”

“She attacked herself…… Is what I think.”

“Eh?”

Airi and Noct were puzzled at the small voice which was heard next to Lux.

It was because Philphie, who was watching the battle absentmindedly so far, suddenly muttered so.

“──As I thought, it was that, huh.”

Even Lux, who was looking at the practice ground with a serious expression, could not help but nod.

“W-What do you mean, both of you? At that instant, what happened──?”

Airi questioned the two with a perplexed expression,

“At that time, Celis-senpai attacked herself with her <Lightning Lance>. And probably with an electric shock with high output near to maximum at that…… And then, it inflicted damage to Lisha-sama and <Tiamat> who was grappling her and she shook off the restriction.”

“No way──”

Even the usually composed Noct showed a surprised expression.

There were probably almost no people in this audience seating that noticed the offense and defense at that instant.

Celis, who received an unexpected attack by being grappled from behind, shot the Raisen regardless of the damage to herself, undid Lisha’s restriction and teleported with <Divine Gate>. Furthermore, she fired the other special armament, <Starlight Zero>, and decided the match.

Moreover, at that moment, she also used the flash by Raisen, that she attacked herself with, to blind Krulcifer.

Lux had heard that <Fafnir>’s Divine Raiment of future foresight was realized through the sight of Krulcifer who was its user. Thus, it might be invalidated by removing their visibility itself.

But, what Lux found frightening above all was the judgment and the ability to execute such a feat.

“Which reminds me…… I have heard it in the rumors. She seems to have a high disposition with the sword and as a Drag-Knight, but among them, she possesses a unique talent.”

Airi said as she remembered while looking at the practice ground.

“Memorizing tactics that cover all types of situations and swiftly executing the best countermeasures ── among the military officers of the capital, being able to do this seems to be called ‘Maneuvers on the Book’.”

“Maneuvers, on the Book……”

An instantaneous ability in thinking that allowed her to show a frightening reaction during only few seconds and reverse her predicament.

It was not just her skills of operating a Machine Dragon and <Lindwurm>’s high performance.

(That’s the academy’s strongest girl, huh……)

Lux once again felt her bottomless ability.

“…………”

Philphie lightly poked Lux’s shoulder from nearby.

“Lu-chan. Let’s go pay a visit to the two of them.”

“……Ah, yes. You’re right.”

For the time being, he was worried about Lisha’s and Krulcifer’s conditions.

Lux stood up and left the audience seating with Philphie and company.

<center><big><big><big>†</big></big></big></center>

For these past few days, several temporary rest rooms had been prepared to tend to the injured in the Campus Selection Battle.

As Lux headed to that medical office at a quick pace after having parted from Philphie and Noct, who had individual battles immediately after and Airi who had work to do──

“Ah……!?”

“…………”

Celis was just walking alone from the opposite side of the corridor facing the courtyard.

She was walking with steps so steady that it’d be unthinkable that they were someone who had just finished a fierce battle. She turned a somewhat confused gaze at Lux.

“It was a little unexpected.”

Putting a hand on her big chest, Celis muttered as if talking to herself.

“Those girls, who detain you, seem to fight for your sake from their true feelings.”

Celis probably felt firsthand the will and resolution of Lisha and Krulcifer through the fight earlier.

Her aloof presence of leader loosened only slightly.

But in the next moment, a strong wave of hostility swept over Lux and made his spine shiver.

“But, my will cannot be shaken, either. You are still an unneeded person in this academy. I will prove it in the next fight with you.”

“…………”

So, this was a noble born.

So, this was the power of the Ralgris House, one of the Four Great Nobles.

The figure of the girl who had undergone all kinds of training since she was a child in order to fight and be established to stand above others.

(That’s right. As expected, this girl’s resolution is different……)

The girl, who since childhood had fought while abandoning any other way of life.

For Lux, who was not able to carry out his duty as a Prince before, Celis was too formidable an opponent, but,

“You’re a very strong person.”

So as not to lose to her unshakeable will, Lux further declared.

“But ── this time, I will absolutely not lose, too.”

Just like when he decided to destroy the Old Empire before, Lux once again decided.

He would bear the New Kingdom’s future and become their strength.

And he would accomplish it in this academy where he was nearer than anywhere else.

“…………”

Meeting his straightforward gaze, Celis held her breath for a moment.

But, she immediately returned to her usual aloof presence and walked away as she went past him.

“……Phew.”

''I’ve said it.''

In order to chase the Black Marketer ── the existence appearing to be Fugil that maneuvered secretly in various places, there was also the choice of leaving the academy and concealing his figure.

But,

“I know that it’s luxury, but...”

He wanted to help the girls of the academy while he was still in the academy.

Lux took a deep breath and began to walk.

Then, he caught sight of the academy's exclusive woman doctor, who just came out of the medical office’s door.

“Ara, what are you doing in this place? Did you perhaps also come to pay a visit to the injured girls of earlier? I’m on my way to go see the situation in another room though.”

“Ah, yes. U-Um ── are both of them all right?”

Lux asked while being slightly tense.

Then, as the woman doctor leaked a wry smile,

“You are the two girls’ friend if I remember correctly. They would be troubled if you were to see them in their current appearances, so it’s better not to go in yet, you know?”

“Eh……!? Don’t tell me that they──”

After the end of the mock battle with Celis, there should not have been any conspicuous external wounds, but were they perhaps seriously injured?

Lux, who was driven by uneasiness, hastily ran to the medical office and put his hand on the doorknob.

“Lisha-sama! Krulcifer-san!”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>bang*! As he vigorously opened the door, an unexpected scene spread out over there.

Bandages were wound on the hands and feet of the girls sitting on a bed.

But, it was not the point of being painful to look at, it was just around one or two places.

However, other than that there was an amazing sight.

Probably because they were going to change their dress gears, which already fitted their bodies and made their body lines stand out, after their treatment, they were in a state where they took off all their clothes.

Their uniforms and underwear for changing clothes were just scattered on the bed where both the girls were sitting.

The girls, who saw Lux’s figure, blushed and promptly covered their bodies.

“──!?”

Lux’s head instantly flushed at the sight of the two girls, who were known as prominent beauties even in the academy.

Lux should have reflexively averted his eyes, but maybe that was a man’s sad nature, after fully pausing a few seconds,

“I-I’m sorry!?”

He told them so and vigorously closed the door.

''Haa, Haa……'' as he washed off the sweat from his forehead, the exclusive woman doctor smiled wryly as she saw it.

“Even though I said not to get in since they were changing.”

“Please, say that earlier!?”

Lux shouted with all his power, his face still bright red, and waited for a while for Lisha and Krulcifer in the medical office to call out to him.

[[Image:SaijakuBahamut v3 000G - 000H.jpg|thumb]]

<center><big><big><big>†</big></big></big></center>

“I’m really sorry……”

A few minutes later, when the girls finished changing and the throbbing of Lux’s heart had somewhat settled down, Lux, who went into the medical office, suddenly bowed his head.

“…………”

In contrast, after Lisha lightly coughed,

“……It’s that, right? In truth, you’re doing it on purpose, right!? What are you thinking about, you pervert!”

As her cheeks were red in bashfulness, she scolded while being flustered.

“Lux-kun. It looks like you didn’t listen to my warning last time. I told you to be careful in various ways since you’re the only man in this academy, right?”

Beside her, Krulcifer also admonished him with a cool face, but as expected her face was slightly red.

“I have no excuse……”

When Lux muttered so while hanging his head crestfallenly,

“W-Well ── as I’ll have you fully reflect on it later, h-how was it?”

“Eh? H-How was what?”

“W-What, you ask? Um, isn’t it obvious!? About earlier……”

While bashfully looking away at a corner of the floor, Lisha asked so.

At that reaction of hers, Lux thought while being shaken.

(A-About earlier, meaning it’s that after all, right? But, I probably suck at praising a girl, so……)

It was already bad to tell what he learned as the shopkeeper of a bar where he had once worked odd jobs.

He could only go about it with his own words.

(……All right, I decided!)

“U-Um── Lisha-sama’s body is feminine even though it’s small; it’s very sexy and cute and to be frank, I got excited……”

“……!? Uh, aw……”

The face of Lisha, who heard his words, became bright red until her neck.

(Wait, it’s no good!? What am I thinking!? Your hair is beautiful…… or the like, there were many other choices like that, right!?)

He had thought that it was because of the bar where he had done odd jobs until then, but Lux himself completely sucked at praising.

“I-I didn’t mean that, I’m talking about the fight earlier──”

“…………”

(And moreover, I was mistaken……!)

He made a great misunderstanding and ended up blurting out something embarrassing.

And so, he thought that Lisha would definitely get angry but,

“W-What a helpless guy you’re…… Really, you pervert……”

(Wait, huh……?)

The concerned Lisha moved both her hands around restlessly as though troubled with a somewhat feverish expression and averted her eyes from Lux.

Though she looked embarrassed, she did not seem to hate it.

(……What is it, I wonder?)

When Lux wondered such a thing, Krulcifer spoke.

“Lux-kun. I’ll ask you honestly too, but um ── what kind of girl’s body is to your liking?”

“……Wait, what are you saying all of a sudden!? Krulcifer-san!?”

When Lux was flustered as he was asked a quite unexpected question,

“It’s just as stated. I thought of using what you thought when you saw me now, as reference for the future.”

“E-Errr── Um, it was very beautiful. Be it your white skin, your thighs or your buttocks. It made my heart throb quite a bit……”

“……I see. Which means I can assume that after seeing me, Lux-kun, you were driven by a masculine impulse, right?”

“…………”

“In other words, Lux-kun has always harbored my appearance with indecent delusions like what you saw earlier, is that it?”

“No, wait a minute!? It’s not really like I’m…… a-always looking at Krulcifer-san with such eyes!?”

“That means that you ''occasionally'' looked at me with such eyes, huh. I’m a little relieved.”

Krulcifer said with her usual cool expression mixing a mischievous smile.

Her face showed happiness which the mature-looking her did not show usually.

“T-That’s── wait, why are you making me say strange things since a little while ago!?”

“Ara, it’s natural to make you feel embarrassed as much, right? You also made us feel embarrassed, so being properly teased is a way of taking responsibility.”

“…………”

Being said so, Lux could not argue.

But conversely speaking, he was forgiven with only that. Knowing that it meant as such, Lux inwardly thanked her.

“W-Well, putting that matter aside for the time being, um── I’m sorry about the fight earlier.”

As their talk was settled, Lisha said in a small voice while hanging her head.

“I may look like this, but I challenged her with the intention of certain victory, but…… As expected, someone like me is just── Ah……”

When she showed just a slightly languorous expression, Lux reflexively took her small hands.

“That’s not true. Lisha-sama, you were very cool earlier.”

Lux said so with a smile filled with deep affection.

A girl, who was puzzled about her own existence despite assuming the status of the New Kingdom’s princess.

Lux conveyed his honest feelings to Lisha, who fought while suffering from her qualification as a princess.

“……R-Really?”

“Yes, you were amazing. Even the surroundings will think ‘as expected of the New Kingdom’s princess'── ah”

As he started saying so, Lux unintentionally shut his mouth.

This was because he thought that Lisha might hold resistance for being called princess.

But──

“N-No, It’s not a bad feeling for being recognized as a princess by you and everyone in the academy. Um, I’m also happy about that, but if you could gently strok my head a little──”

She muttered with a faint voice and looked up at Lux with upturned eyes. But,

“Yes. Also, Krulcifer-san, too, thank you for having held out in various ways and showing me Celis-senpai’s way of fighting.”

“Hey, is my turn over!?”

Maybe because she spoke in such a small voice that he could not hear, Lux had already spoken words of gratitude to Krulcifer.

“<Fafnir> wasn’t in its perfect condition, so I could only do that much. ''That much'' in order to connect to your fight, that is. But ── she’s really a tough opponent.”

“Muuh……”

Although Lisha looked slightly displeased, she pulled herself together and cleared her throat.

“That’s right, we must first win or it’ll be useless. Lux! We’ll go to my atelier from here on!”

“……Eh?”

Seeing Lisha, who got off from the bed and vigorously stuck out her chest, Lux was seized with uneasiness.

“Ah, but. About that thing you remodeled before, you should stop it──”

Lisha had remodeled the <Wyvern>, which Lux had its armor and output adjusted for defense specialization because of some circumstances, for attack specialization.

Since he could not publicly use <Bahamut> in the Selection Battle this time, he could only fight with a <Wyvern> that was overwhelmingly inferior in performance.

But, no matter how much she adjusted a <Wyvern>, she did not think that just a mere general-purpose Machine Dragon would be effective against Celis.

Even so, Lisha declared full of confidence.

“Don’t worry. If my guess is right, those third-year lots would definitely be amazed tomorrow! Krulcifer, you come, too! The partner in the actual fight is necessary.”

Being randomly led by the energetic Lisha, Lux and company headed to the Drag-Rides’ atelier.

Then as they carried out “countermeasures” for roughly several hours, the first day of the Campus Selection Battle ended.

<center><big><big><big>†</big></big></big></center>

Within a deep darkness ── on a disused road of the first block of Cross Feed, four men and women gathered.

One was a girl with long hair spreading roughly, with a sharp glint.

One was a young man with ruffled reddish brown hair like a rooster.

One was a small silhouette that one did not know whether it was a man or a woman and that wore a round mask with graffiti on their face.

And, a black robed figure stood on top of debris piled up in heaps, with the moonlight at his back.

“──So, did you finally find that loot? I hope you guys won’t disappoint me too much.”

While looking down with a smile pasted on his face, the robed figure spoke.

In contrast, the three people were positioned like subordinates; first the long-haired girl raised her face.

Towards the carefree, innocent voice, the girl answered with a voice tinged with slight tension.

“I’m sorry, but no── we’ve just pinpointed a place where it might be. As expected, there’s no gap in the academy’s site.”

“…………”

The robed figure remained silent with a smile as is.

That was above all terrifying for the three men and women waiting below.

The bloody Black Marketeer.

That was the alias of the robed figure currently standing before them.

The arms dealer, who wandered from country to country, maneuvered secretly and peddled various weapons and information these past several years.

His business partners were not fixed, and his backings and affiliations were unknown.

It was an existence upon who all were wrapped in mystery, but there was only one thing certain.

After being involved with this person, a bloody disaster would certainly befall.

Thus, these three people, and also the administrational parliaments of the countries they belonged to, for fear of the Black Marketeer, sought his cooperation.

“──But, if I’m given just a little more time, I’ll definitely find it.”

The long-haired girl fearfully requested.

But, the robe figure laughed as his shoulders shook.

“Unfortunately, I’m also busy, you see? I can’t afford to wait anymore than this. Besides, I owe a debt to the Prince over there. That’s why I’m already moving. I’m done with using petty tricks. I’ll directly smash that academy and then slowly dig it up later.”

“Then──”

At his words, the red-haired man spoke.

“Yea, we’ll finally move ''that''. It’s your turn, Heiburg’s dogs.”

The robed figure lifted the corner of his mouth.

A smile like the crescent moon floating behind him stood out from the dark shadow.

<noinclude>

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

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| Back to [[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 3 Episode 2|Episode 2]]
| Return to [[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 3 Episode 4|Episode 4]]
|-
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</noinclude>

Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 3 Episode 3

2017-12-10T12:40:10Z

OmegaWeaponZ: /* Episode 3 – Campus Selection Battle */

==Episode 3 – Campus Selection Battle==

“Well then, five days from today, the Campus Selection Battle will be held!”

The school early in the morning.

After greeting the students in the usual classroom, Instructor Raigree immediately announced the upcoming event.

“The students who are participating are to look at the notice board of the practice ground and memorize their competition schedule. If you cannot participate in the battle within the time, you will lose by default. Cases such as injury or poor physical condition are to be reported ahead of time. And then, we will consider that point.”

Originally, it was a battle to decide the representatives for the International Tournament, which is a mock battle with other countries to gain the rights to investigate the ruins.

But this time, it was also a battle betting Lux’s attendance at the academy and to obtain the right to join Celis for the Ragnarok subjugation.

Furthermore, the results of the students who supported either Lux or Celis would be taken into consideration, effectively becoming a war between the first and second year students against the third year students.

The classroom was wrapped in a strange fervor.

“The rules for the selection battle are as I explained before. And this time, by the Principal’s suggestion, it was changed into a more special contest format.”

Instructor Raigree turned a fleeting glance at Lux.

They probably had a hard time to decide for this time’s contest format.

And then, the long explanation began.

To summarize it, the rules restricted to this time would be the following:

They would carry out a competition between Celis and her supporting faction, the third year students, and Lux and his supporting faction, the first and second year students; and the faction with the most defeats would have to accept the winning faction’s demand.

Furthermore, the battle would be divided into two groups: the general students’ competition and the “Knight Squadron” competition.

Because the level of the students belonging to the “Knight Squadron” was in general higher, they would be made to fight against opponents also from the “Knight Squadron”.

The “Knight Squadron’s” battle and then the general students’ battle.

This meant that they could entrust the two claims of Lux and Celis to the outcome result of the two groups.

“Lux Arcadia’s claim and demand are “the attendance at this academy” as well as “to tag along on the Abyss subjugation mission”. Conversely, Celestia’s claim is “Lux’s expulsion” and “the refusal of him tagging along”.”

In short, to get what they want the number of victories of the members of the “Knight Squadron” and the general students supporting them would have to exceed the number of victories of the opponent’s supporters.

One battle against Lux and his supporters within the “Knight Squadron”, and one battle against his supporters among the general students.

At the very least, unless he won at least in one of the two groups, Lux would definitely be ousted from the academy.

“That’s all for the explanation. Then everyone, give it your all.”

When Instructor Raigree went out, the commotion of the girls suddenly spread inside the classroom.

“Uwah. As I thought, a contest will really begin! What do we do?”

“Can we win against the third-year students? The winning points seem to take into account the difference in number and ability, but──”

“Lux-san, you must not lose.”

Such voices flew out unanimously.

“Errr, I’m sorry. I somehow got everyone involved──”

As Lux reflexively said so,

“Eeih, be quiet! All of you!”

Watching her classmates making a fuss, Lisha stood up and cried in a thundering voice.

“There’s no need to apologize, Lux. Either way, if you didn’t resist, you might have been driven out as is.”

And then, as to convey to everyone in the class, she raised her voice.

“We only have one thing to do! There’s no need to be flustered; we’ve to give it our all for that! I’ve already taken every possible measure.”

“……Eh?”

All her classmates, Lux included, looked puzzled.

“I took all night to tune all the Drag-Rides of this class. Your Machine Dragons’ overall output should be enhanced more than before. With this, we’ll at least be able to oppose even the third-year students.”

“I-Is that true? Lisha-sama!?”

“I say. I may look like this, but I did it after getting permission of the other Machine Dragon mechanics and the Principal. The checking after adjustment has also been done. Use them dignifiedly.”

“Thank you very much! As expected of the princess!”

“With this, we can see a glimmer of hope!”

To Lisha’s words, the female classmates raised shouts of joy.

The higher a Drag-Ride’s output was, the more the power of the machine would rise; but at the same time, the intensity of consumption would also increase.

Thus, the output enhancement was a double-edged sword, but she probably judged that a gamble was needed to defeat an opponent whose ability was superior in this selection battle, which carried out many short-term battles.

Of course, there was also a limit to the adjustment to raise the output, but there was something other than that which bothered Lux.

“Um, Lisha-sama?”

Not believing immediately in that fact, Lux could not help asking.

“D-Don’t look too much at my face now. It’s slightly shameful after all……”

Then, Lisha quickly turned her slightly blushing face away from Lux.

Upon close inspection, a shadow slightly remained under her eyes.

“Um…… the truth is, I wanted to adjust the Machine Dragons of all the second-year students, but, I couldn’t make it in time. I could only adjust the ones for our class……”

Lisha said, just slightly despondent.

But, Lux understood that adjusting 20 Drag-Rides in this short time was an uncommon workload.

“Thank you, Lisha-sama.”

When Lux expressed his feelings, Lisha slightly shook her head.

“I-It isn’t really that big a deal to thank me. To begin with, I was the one who made you attend this academy ── I may look like this, but I’m the New Kingdom’s princess after all. I have to take the initiative and move everyone.”

“…………”

Lisha once hated being treated as the New Kingdom’s princess after what happened to her in the past, but regarding the selection battle this time, she showed her duty as someone standing above others and gave power to everyone.

The fact that she did that much for his own sake was very stouthearted and reliable.

“──No, even so, I’m very happy.”

“Ah…… Y-Yea”

When Lux held her hand with both his, Lisha’s face faintly turned red and she hung her head down.

“Lisha-sama! It’s no good to steal a march on us!”

“Wait, The selection battle hasn’t begun yet!?”

When the classmates, who saw that, jeered severally,

“──You’re quite good.”

Krulcifer also muttered so with a smile.

“……Excuse me. Sorry to interrupt you as you’re busy, but can I have a little of your time?”

At that time, a knock was heard and one girl entered the classroom.

She was the third-years student and one of the Triad, Sharis.

“Errr……?”

As all the classmates were surprised at the unexpected visitor,

“Ah! Traitor! Sharis, why didn’t you join Lux-cchi’s side?!”

Tillfarr, also of the Triad, flared up at her while sulking.

It seemed that even if the school year was different, if one wished, they could change the faction to support; but Lux heard from Tillfarr and Noct that Sharis decided to support Celis.

“We’ve already talked about that matter, right? I too really want to support him, but there are various points to consider you see? Besides, I can also come to report my side’s information to you guys. Well, only this time, I was requested by Celis to convey you a message, but──”

“……!?”

To Sharis’ lines, all the members of the class held their breaths.

“It looks like she’ll participate in the two-on-two mock battle from the first day, which is today. Celis’ partner is a member of the same “Knight Squadron”, Saniya Lemiste.”

「────」

The way she expressly asked Sharis to convey this message could be interpreted as a declaration of war.

“It’s up to chance whether or not you’ll confront her, but you guys should form a pair with a first- or second-year student member within the “Knight Squadron”. Well, I think that there aren’t many choices though. Well then.”

As she finished her message, Sharis left the classroom.

There would not be many battles between fellow members of the “Knight Squadron” whose members were few.

Saniya seemed to use a general-purpose Machine Dragon <Wyvern>, but considering the fact that Celis was a Divine Drag-Ride’s user, those who could form a pair with Lux were inevitably limited.

As Lux was troubled as to whom he should choose as a partner,

“Of course, you’ll choose me, right? Lux.”

Lisha first stepped forward before Lux and stuck out her large chest for a small stature.

“……I cannot recommend that.”

But, rejection flew from Krulcifer, who was only a seat away.

“Your <Tiamat> is certainly excellent, but it would be difficult for long-term use. With Celis-senpai, who has great endurance, your weak point is likely to be aimed at.”

“Muh……!”

Lisha raised her eyebrows at Krulcifer’s point.

“Even for you, the repair of <Fafnir>, which suffered damaged in the previous battle, isn’t complete, right!? Are you saying that you’ll be able to fully unleash its abilities in that condition──?”

“That degree of damage is no big deal. Besides, in order to defend against Celis-senpai’s attacks, without my Divine Raiment──”

“U-Um…… you two, calm down a little──”

When Lux was about to break in between to the two girls who scattered quiet sparks,

“It’s all right. I’ll be taking part in it.”

A soft, small voice weaved its way through the gap.

The taciturn girl, who was absentmindedly watching the course of events as she was next to Lux until now, slowly stood up and declared as such.

“Eh……? Wait, Phi-chan!?”

“Yea. I’ll fight together with Lu-chan, right?”

She fixedly turned her big eyes towards Lux and asked him with a serious look.

Even though she said it with a docile voice and countenance, it was a peremptory attitude.

“T-That’s, um──”

Certainly, Philphie was the user of the Divine Drag-Ride <Typhon> and also a member of the “Knight Squadron”.

Besides, he had also witnessed her ability in the previous incident.

She should be an asset enough to confront the Celis’ pair, but

“Hey, airhead girl! Don’t decide on your own. We’re talking this through here, you see──”

“That’s right. We do not intend to easily concede that role. Rather, I do not mind leaving the decision to Lux-kun, but how about it?”

As Lisha and Krulcifer objected in turn, Lux was troubled.

(W-What do I do!? Honestly, I don’t feel like I can choose either of them……!)

“Yes, Ye~s! You three, calm down a little~”

When it got close to being a stalemate, Tillfarr broke in.

As one wondered since when she prepared it, three pieces of thinly cut papers were grasped in the hand that she held out.

“As you see, I made a drawing lot. With this the 3 of you will all have a fair chance, right?”

“T-Thank you……”

As he was impressed at the girl’s deftness, Tillfarr revealed a mischievous smile and murmured.

“Hmm. No, no, don’t mind it, as compensation for this ── it doesn’t have to be something expensive, okay? Prince.”

“……I-I got it.”

(W-When I thought that she came to my help, I got completely tricked!?)

''As expected, I’m destined to be led around by the nose by girls'', Lux inwardly grieved.

And when the three girls pulled one piece of paper all at once, the result became immediately clear.

“Kuh……!?”

“……It can’t be helped, I guess.”

Lisha and Krulcifer respectively raised despondent voices.

It was Philphie, who pulled the paper piece with a red mark.

“Lu-chan. We’re together.”

Though it was her usual absentminded voice, she looked somewhat happy.

“Ah, y-yes……”

“It’s all right. We won’t lose.”

“I-It can’t be helped…… I leave the match with Celis to you.”

Lisha told so and then began the briefing for the match with Krulcifer.

It seemed that the remaining two girls decided to join for the battle in pair.

The pairs must be decided and applied beforehand, but the opponent’s pair composition would not be known until just before the battle.

The tournament was a survival system; which meant that when a member of Lux's faction or Celis's faction lost in a battle, including the “Knight Squadron”, they would be unable to participate in the battles afterwards.

Since there was a possibility that other members of the “Knight Squadron” would fight Celis’s pair, it would be better not to disperse their forces.

Approximately one hour after, they turned in the papers to indicate their pairings.

Notices of today’s opponents were posted outside the waiting room.

Lisha and Krulcifer’s opponents were Celis and Saniya.

Celis’s partner, Saniya did not have a Divine Drag-Ride.

Thus, judging only from machine performance, Lux’s faction had an advantage; but the expressions of the surrounding classmates were filled with tension.

The Anecdote of Celis who competed in the largest number of matches in both the International Tournaments and the Campus Selection Battles, held the record of being undefeated.

By making enemies out of the “strongest”, who was until now an ally, one could see that they harbored fear.

“──It’s a shame that we weren’t able to form a pair with him, but it’s good that we’ll fight her first.”

“Yes, you’re right.”

But, the two girls, even knowing who their opponents were, smiled without showing any signs of hesitation.

“If we defeat Celis here, it’ll be as good as winning this contest.<ref>Contest between Lux faction and Celis faction. She means here that if they defeat Celis, the other students will be no match for them afterwards.</ref> With that said, rest at ease and wait for the results, Lux.”

Lisha proudly stuck out her chest towards Lux.

On the other hand, Krulcifer revealed her usual cool smile in a composed manner.

“Well then, we’re off.”

“Um, you two ── be careful.”

As Lux said with a serious face, Krulcifer returned only a chuckle and headed towards the practice ground.

“…………”

As Lux saw off the backs of the two girls who left,

“I see you’re popular as usual, Nii-san.”

“Uwah……!?”

Lux was surprised at the sudden voice he heard.

Before he was aware, Airi and her close friend Noct of the Triad were next to him.

“That’s quite an awful way of greeting your little sister who came to see you. What an awful brother.”

Though Airi was smiling, her eyes were not.

“T-That’s not true. I was just a little surprised──”

“Yes. I am also of the same opinion as Lux-san. Airi.”

When Lux hurriedly explained, Noct followed up.

“……Is that, really so?”

As Lux felt relieved when Airi was about to be convinced,

“Yes. Simply put, I think that he was only fascinated by Lisha-sama and Krulcifer-san. Both of them are beautiful and they currently wear dress gears, so their skin’s exposure rate is also──”

“Wait, I thought that you came to my help!?”

Since she had a relatively quiet character, he had been careless; but this girl called Noct was a person with quite a foul mouth, too.

“Haa. Well, Nii-san is at that age, so I don’t mind it, but you should stop looking at my classmates with strange eyes too, okay?”

“……No, um, I didn’t really──”

“Lu-chan. It’ll begin soon.”

When he thought about denying it again, he was urged as such by Philphie behind him.

“Let’s go. I have collected the data of Celis-senpai as much as possible, so I was thinking of explaining it to you and came.”

“Ah, yes. Thank you, Airi.”

Lux awkwardly laughed and then the four of them headed to the practice ground’s audience seats.

When Lux arrived, it was crowded with a great number of students and academy staff, and almost at the same time, Lisha and Krulcifer entered.

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“Well then, Campus Selection Battle Group A, second pair vs. Group B, first pair. Both parties, draw your swords and equip your Drag-Rides!”

At the voice of Instructor Raigree, who acted as the referee, the four girls unsheathed their Sword Devices all at once.

And when each group pushed the button, they muttered their pass codes.

“──Come forth, the Branded Wing Dragon which is the symbol of power. Obey my sword and fly, <Wyvern>!”

First, Saniya summoned her general-purpose Machine Dragon, a <Wyvern>.

The blue Machine Dragon which appeared in particles of light immediately unfolded into innumerable parts and changed into an armor which covered Saniya’s body.

“I am not good at a fighting scene, but I shall seriously go at it just for today.”

Setting up a medium-sized blade, Saniya told.

At the declaration of war from the girl, who was a third-year student of the “Knight Squadron”, the audience seating slightly stirred.

“……Fufu”

On the other hand, Lisha laughed at it and loudly advocated her Sword Device.

“──Awaken, Founding Ancestor. King of the Dragon Gods that is an army in itself. <Tiamat>!”

“──Reincarnate. Giant Dragon of calamity bound by worldly goods. Become the value of worldwide desire, <Fafnir>!”

When the two girls declared their pass codes, the surrounding space was wrapped in light.

A red dragon and a silver dragon, both of which emitted a beautiful luster, were instantly summoned behind the two girls.

““Connect On!””

Immediately after that, as they opened from the inside and split into countless parts, each part was equipped at high speed.

The venue greatly stirred at the overwhelming intensity of the two flying-type Divine Drag-Rides.

“I more or less expected that they’d fight with general-purpose Machine Dragons, but…… looks like both of them are serious.”

“Those two are top class even among the second-year students, right? Both their skills and Machine Dragon aptitudes are also high……”

“Besides, how many Drag-Knights are there in the world, who can fight against two Divine Drag-Rides at the same time? Like this, even Celis-san isn’t──”

Perhaps because they were affected by their majestic appearances, the third-year female students respectively voiced out their uneasiness.

But, Celestia herself, who confronted them, showed neither agitation nor any signs of being intimidated, and set up her Sword Device.

“Descend. Royal Dragon who inherited the blood of supremacy. Whirl the thunderous sound and make the heavens dance, <Lindwurm>”

A rapier-type Sword Device.

What had appeared behind her sword was a giant dragon with large wings with sharp and solemn shapes and clad in a golden brilliance.

“Connect On──”

At the same time with her voice, the armor, which instantly covered Celis’ body, equipped both halo-like wings on her back and was endowed with an angel-like divineness.

“────”

The students of the audience fixed their eyes upon that beauty and bottomless intensity unintentionally forgot to cheer.

In her right hand, she had an extra-large lance and a Canon with a peculiar shape was connected to her left shoulder.

“Please, observe attentively, Nii-san. The <Lindwurm> of the girl called the Academy's strongest and her tactics──”

“Yes. Even I, who am a member of the ‘Knight Squadron’, have never properly seen a battle with leader Celis. It is because it immediately ends when she makes a move.”

Airi and Noct muttered with voices tinged with tension.

At the same time as Lux nodded, Instructor Raigree’s voice resounded in the ring.

“Mock Battle, start!”

With the signal, the four machines on the ring flew all at once.

Both sides probably formulated their strategies beforehand, as they moved without hesitation.

When Lisha swung her Sword Device, four <Legions> suddenly raised a growl, depicted four kinds of curves and swooped down onto Celis.

Huge arrowhead-shaped throwing weapons for long-rang attacks, which were <Tiamat>’s special armament.

After all the bullets were fired at Celis, their movements suddenly changed.

“…………!?”

Their arc-like trajectories, which aimed at Celis, suddenly rose just before they impacted <Lindwurm>.

And the one, who was above was──

“……Their aim isn’t Celis-neesama! But me!?”

When Saniya noticed Lisha’s intention, she raised her barrier’s output and readied her blade, Lisha laughed.

“Unfortunately, that’s also wrong.”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>pashin*! At that moment, a thin bluish-white flash pierced the atmosphere in a straight line

It was the shot of <Fafnir>’s special armament ── the <Freezing Canon>.

It was rifle-shaped sniper, but it had the ability to freeze its target.

Before the eyes of Celis without the time to evade, the cold wave was repelled, and crystal-like petals scattered in the sky.

“Celis-neesama!?”

A high speed marksmanship which took advantage of a opening when Celis’ field of vision was covered by the four <Legions>.

To the coordination attack, which was performed in an instant, Saniya shouted.

──But,

“Your judgment is quite splendid.”

“……!?”

Celis’ aloof voice was heard from the other side of the ice which froze mid-air.

Slight agitation and tension ran through Lisha’ and Krulcifer’s faces.

What has frozen was the medium-sized blade that Celis had.

She sacrificed one armament on hand and used it as a shield.

“Tch……!”

Lisha once again swung her Sword Device, and began pursuit with the <Legions>, which were used as decoy.

But, all the blade bits were easily repelled by the great lance and they fell as she lost control of them.

“You have become strong. You might even have a chance of victory.”

Celis said with a calm voice, yet filled with a quiet overpowering feeling.

“If your opponent is not me, that is.”

[[Image:SaijakuBahamut v3 000E - 000F.jpg|thumb]]

Immediately after, <Lindwurm> soared at an explosive speed. When it got closer in an instant before the eyes of Lisha clad in <Tiamat>, Celis unleashed a thrusting blow with the spear grabbed in her right hand from an oblique stance.

“Kuah……!”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>bashiii*……!

The next moment. Thunder roared, and lightning was emitted from the charging spearhead.

“Uaah……!?”

Receiving the spearhead and lightning attack from over her barrier and armor, Lisha was flipped to the back.

Krulcifer promptly readied her <Freezing Canon> aiming at Celis, but her counterattack was prevented by the barrage of the Breath Gun that Saniya had.

“Well then, let’s end the warm up now. It’s fine, right? You two.”

Together with Celis’ intimidating smile, <Lindwurm> was shrouded with light.

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“That’s──!”

When Lux felt the abnormality that occurred to <Tiamat>, Airi, who was next to him, nodded.

“Yes, that large spear is <Lindwurm>’s special armament. The dragon’s fang whose real nature is lightning and stars── it is called the <Lightning Lance>. Because the lightning attack also affects the Mithril Dite, when it hit, the user will also receive damage through the armor, and the weapons of the parts which received the attack will see their movements dull for dozens of seconds.”

As a civil official, Airi, who recorded various information in the academy, thoroughly explained.

An ability to pour out a lightning attack at the same time with a strong thrust and seal a Drag-Ride’s functions.

Although that alone was dangerous enough, that thunder which ran through the sky was──

“Yes. But, it is not only that. It is also possible to release a lightning attack from the spearhead. Of course, if you get hit by it, the Drag-Ride’s function will also decrease for several seconds.”

Noct supplemented before Lux asked his question.

“Her attack, which carried electric shock, is called “Raisen”.<ref>Raisen (らいせん)</ref> If that’s used, even if it’s you, Nii-san, it’ll be impossible to keep defending against it. The Machine Dragon’s movement itself will be sealed after all.”

“…………”

It was impossible to keep receiving Celis’ attacks in succession.

As a countermeasure, he could only not get hit, but it would be incredibly difficult to dodge all of Celis’ skilled and refined attacks.

Even if he were to constantly fly about, the other party had a flying-type Divine Drag-Ride. To begin with, there was huge difference in mobility when compared with Lux’s <Wyvern>.

Celis turned into a much more formidable enemy than he imagined.

As Lux watched the match and began to think of a countermeasure, Celis’s gaze suddenly moved and met with Lux’s in the audience seating.

It was just for an instant. But, Lux understood the intention of Celis, who did such a thing in the middle of a battle.

“──It’s coming, Nii-san. This is when she fights seriously.”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>vun*

Immediately after Airi’s announcement, <Lindwurm>, which loitered in mid-air, shone intensely and expended a huge spherical light.

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“Good grief…… I had wanted to settle it before it became like this, but──”

Looking at the domain of light ── the light that was filling the whole practice ground with Celis as the center, Lisha grumbled.

She looked slightly overwhelmed at <Lindwurm>’s Divine Raiment that activated.

“It’s still early to grieve. Even you want to show him your cool side, right?”

Lisha showed a fearless smile to Krulcifer loitering next to her.

“Yeah, I know. <Tiamat>! Show your true nature!”

At the same time she raised her Sword Device and shouted, light shone at her surroundings.

Immediately after, particles of light gathered once again and a new weapon emerged.

The auxiliary armament, <Seven Heads>.

The huge gun barrel, which was the allegory of a Goddess turning into a seven-headed dragon, was connected to <Tiamat>’s right arm and shoulder.

“Now, I shall entertain you! Academy’s strongest!”

She launched a total of 16 <Legions>, which were also warped in along with her auxiliary armament.

All of them simultaneously swooped down and aimed for Celis in the air.

But at that moment, Celis revealed a cold smile ── and muttered.

“Can you really entertain me?”

The next instant, wrapped in seven halos, Celis’ figure disappeared.

And then, she appeared beside Lisha wielding her Sword Device.

“……!”

Lisha held her breath as the spear’s thrust, tinged with lightning, impaled <Tiamat>’s flank.

Lisha’s body reflexively stiffened at the unavoidable attack,

<nowiki>*</nowiki>pashi*!

A rifle blast was heard and a flash of cold wave ran through the sky.

It was a counter to prevent further attacks to Lisha and aim for Celis’ opening, but Celis stopped her assault and turned, then accelerated and dodged.

Her reaction was fast. As if she knew the sniper’s position from the start, she flew towards <Fafnir> and quickly closed their distance.

The moment Krulcifer squared off, Celis had already finished her thrusting movement.

“……!?”

As Celis was repeatedly blocked by <Fafnir>’s <Auto Shield>, which activated in response to the Raisen’s attacks, the <Fafnir> eventually caved in and the Raisen knocked down the <Freezing Canon> from the arm of <Fafnir>; and in response, Krulcifer retreated at once.

“──You got me there. You were aiming for me from the beginning, right?”

“It’s a little late to notice it. For someone as wise as you.”

Gaining distance between them, Krulcifer smiled nervously while preparing her drag-ride sword.

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“She disappeared along with the Machine Dragon!? What on earth is that──?”

When Lux muttered in the audience seating, Airi calmly raised her face.

“That’s <Lindwurm>’s Divine Raiment ── <Divine Gate>. It allows the user to teleport instantaneously within the range of that light.”

“No way──”

Lux was at a loss for words.

By Lux’s eye measurement, the domain of light that <Lindwurm> unfolded was about 50 Mels of radius.

If she was able to freely teleport within the vast range covering the practice ground, then──

“Yes. This is precisely the reason why she is hailed as the strongest. She can even dominate others in battle techniques and skills; the chance of winning against her, who can teleport like that, is quite slim.”

Turning a sidelong glance towards Lux, Noct supplemented.

Lux instantly understood what she meant.

If compelled to an extreme logic, a fight was determined by one’s range.

Fighting while maintaining a distance to effectively dodge and allow enough space to counter attack would be the ideal combat situation.

But, that Divine Raiment was──

“Even if you’re separated from her, she can shorten the distance in an instant. Even if you approach and corner her, she can take your back in an instant. Moreover, she’s cautious of Krulcifer-san’s attacks and Divine Raiment, whom took a position where Lisha-sama acted as a vanguard. But with their formation broken, Krulcifer’s ability to read the future can’t save her from the continuous onslaught.”

“…………”

At Airi’s mutter, Lux understood once again.

Even if Krulcifer made full use of the Divine Raiment of <Fafnir> that she operated, she would have no means of counterattack if her back were taken instantly.

Krulcifer and Lisha could only escape; there was no room for any counter attack.

They were no longer any chances of winning.

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A high-speed battle where four machines danced was unfolding in the practice grounds.

Lisha fully activated the <Legions> and used all of them to corner Celis, but this time Celis did not use <Divine Gate>.

“I heard that that boy fended off all your attacks.”

She skillfully wielded her special armament, the great spear tinged with lightning ── the <Lightning Lance>, and repelled the <Legions> attacking from all directions one after another.

Unlike Lux, who dealt with them using various weapons and tricks, she had fended off all the storm-like attacks of the 16 <Legions> with only a single spear.

Even so, Lisha’s attacks still continued, but as they lost a little of their mobility each time they were repelled by Celis’ spear, all of the <Legions> dropped to the practice ground before long.

“Your attacks are strong, but that they are brittle when it is against me.”

To the words of Celis, Lisha fearlessly laughed while breathing heavily.

“……I see, you’re really hurting my pride, Miss Strongest. How many people in this world do you think can pull off what you’re doing?”

Krulcifer, while engaging in battle in the sky with Saniya’s <Wyvern>, looked for an opening on Celis.

However, Saniya devoted herself to support Celis as she kept Krulcifer occupied.

Saniya, who fought using a general-purpose Machine Dragon <Wyvern>, fought to separate Krulcifer from Lisha.

Thus, she skillfully handled her two breath guns, maintained an offense and defense in middle range and moved around with great tact without using any winning move. She just attacked to interfere with Krulcifer’s movement.

On the other hand, Lisha’s stamina was already about to reach the limit.

“Then, with this──……!?”

The moment when she set up <Seven Heads>, Celis moved.

With the minimum movement, she threw three Daggers at <Tiamat>. Almost at the same time, the seven halos wrapped <Lindwurm> and it disappeared from where it was.

“Don’t tell me this is──!?”

“It’s over. Scarlet War Princess.”

The moment when Lisha activated her barrier to defend against the daggers, Celis launched an attack from Lisha’s rear and smashed <Tiamat>’s propulsion device.

“Guh……!? So, this is──!”

“Yes. A concerted attack by Celis-neesama alone. It’s a technique that we call “Heavy Strike”.”

To the mutter of Lisha, whose armor was smashed, Saniya revealed a smile.

A simultaneous attack from multiple directions would eventually overwhelm an opponent.

With <Lindwurm>’s <Divine Gate>, she was able to pull it off with perfect timing.

The female students of the audience raised cheers at the special move only possible through concentration and technique, that Celis possessed, and the Divine Raiment’s ability.

“──It’s your lost.”

Bluntly saying so, Celis turned her back on Lisha.

Since the propulsion device of the back wings was destroyed, she no longer had any choice other than falling.

In the worst case, she had to show vigilance towards Krulcifer’s side as she was unable to attack her until the landing, but──

“Where do you think you’re going? Your opponent is still here, Strongest.”

“……!?”

At that moment, Lisha grappled Celis’ <Lindwurm> from behind and restrained it.

<Tiamat>’s Sword Device was grasped in her hand.

“Grovel in the name of the god, <Sprayshot>”

──Doon!

Together with the dazzling radiance of the Divine Raiment, <Lindwurm> fell along with <Tiamat> that grappled it.

Being slammed onto the ground at high speed, a rising cloud of dust wrapped up the two girls.

“……Gravity control ── so by getting rid of your own gravity, you can remain in mid-air, huh.”

Celis said while suggesting slight agitation at the terrible shock of the fall.

By <Tiamat>’s Divine Raiment, <Sprayshot>, she remained in mid-air by erasing her weight first, and the moment she grappled <Lindwurm>, she switched to a strong gravity load and succeeded in getting her for the first time.

In addition to the weights of the two Divine Drag-Rides themselves, a gravity several folds greater was applied, and the two machines’ feet sank.

“If I’m not mistaken, there should have been a restriction in size in transferring with <Divine Gate>, right? Your own size when clad in <Lindwurm> is the limit. In that case, by applying gravity on us together while grappling you like this──”

Even if she were to normally apply the gravity load with <Sprayshot>, her opponent would escape with her Divine Raiment.

Thus, as she waited for this chance of grappling until the very last minute, Lisha splendidly got her.

“Krulcifer! Come!”

At the same time as Lisha shouted, no, already before that, Krulcifer had moved.

After flicking off Saniya, who was fighting at long range, <Fafnir> approached <Lindwurm>at a high speed like that of a bullet.

It became a flash of light, tearing the blue sky, and brandished a medium-sized blade.

The moment when the flash of <Fafnir>, which reached its maximum speed, was going to attack Celis,

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Bashiii*!

With an earsplitting roaring sound, <Tiamat> and <Lindwurm> were wrapped by lightning.

“UAAH……!?”

“──!?”

Lisha screamed, and Krulcifer was blinded by the intense flash for an instant.

Immediately after, the aloof girl’s voice echoed out.

“<Starlight Zero>”

Before anyone knew, Celis had escaped from Lisha’s restriction and spoke after teleporting to the other side of the practice grounds.

Immediately after, the gun barrel, which was connected to the shoulder, activated as it raised a growl and fired a spherical light bullet.

“……!?”

Lisha and Krulcifer simultaneously held their breaths while squinting their eyes at the radiance of the bullet.

The speed of the flickering yellow light bullet was by no means fast.

But after just a few seconds, as the light bullet reached the center of the practice ground, it flickered there and exploded.

BOOM!

A flash as to burn the retina and the blast to the point of being unable to breath swirled violently within the practice ground and the students in the audience seating raised screams.

Roughly 80% of the practice ground’s area was filled with light and explosive flames.

<Starlight Zero> was another special armament that <Lindwurm> possessed.

It was a wide area ultra-powerful extermination weapon that shot a light bullet called “Star” which compressed the energy amassed to its limit and exploded a few seconds later covering a space of 300 Mels in radius.

Celis perfectly calculated the bombardment and fired while adjusting so that damage did not befall the audience seating.

“To think that Celis-neesama went all out──”

As she received an instruction of evasion from Celis before the bombardment, Saniya escaped from the attack range a step earlier.

Even so, her expression showed her surprise as she cast her gaze at the practice ground below.

As the aftermath of the tremendous impact and flames disappeared and smoke cleared away──

“……Looks like I somehow made it in time.”

“Krulcifer!?”

Krulcifer’s <Fafnir> was standing in front of Lisha’s <Tiamat> so as to protect it from the blast.

Lisha, who was surprised at that fact, unintentionally raised her voice.

“I have heard the rumors, but it’s quite the tremendous power…… It’s regrettable, but I’m already at my limit.”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>pashiin*! Shedding light, <Fafnir>’s system went down.

Immediately after, Lisha’s <Tiamat>’s system went down too, and both girls’ armors were released.

Because they defended against <Starlight Zero>, they had invested all the energy into the barrier and armaments; they had run out of energy.

“Deeming that they are unable to continue the battle, I declare the third-year Celestia/Saniya pair victorious!”

That moment, Raigree quickly announced the outcome and the bell rang the mock battle’s end.

Immediately after, great cheers poured down inside the practice ground.

“Even <Fafnir>’s automatic defense, <Auto Shield>, had been blown off. As expected, she’s not to be taken lightly──”

“I-I don’t mean that!? Why did you save me──?”

“You have fought until your very limit after all. Even if Celis-senpai had calculated the power, there was a chance, even if slim, that you might be hurt.”

With a matter-of-fact face, Krulcifer told Lisha.

And then, she brushed up her long, beautiful hair and smiled refreshingly.

“Honestly, I was surprised. I believed that your ability to think up tactics is hardly comparable to that of a princess, but you exceed my expectations and cornered ''that'' Celis-senpai. At the same time as I was impressed, I didn’t want you to get injured here.”

“S-Something of that extent isn’t really that big a deal…… I have already thought before about a strategy of remaining in the air by lightening my own gravity with <Sprayshot>, so──”

“I don’t mean that. What I acknowledged was the fact that you, who is the New Kingdom’s princess, has gone to such lengths regardless of appearances in order to win. Even though I had already half-given up at that time……”

Saying so, Krulcifer turned her gaze towards Lux in the audience seating.

“That you seriously think of wanting to make him stay in this academy. On that point, I can sympathize with you──”

As she whispered so, Lisha slightly blushed and hung down her head bashfully.

“Wha…… what is it, all of a sudden?! I’m only doing it for my own sake, you see──!”

“Yes, I know. If possible, let’s have a peaceful quarrel<ref>Quarrel about Lux, that is.</ref> from now on. Of course, I intend to win in the end though.”

With just a slightly happy expression, Krulcifer lent a hand to Lisha sitting on the ground.

Celis watched that scene from a slightly remote place.

“…………”

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“They have been defeated, huh. Both of them……”

Airi, which commented next to Lux, said so with a faint sigh.

“Yes. But, I think that they put up a fairly good fight. They have done this much against that Celis-senpai──”

Noct nodded in agreement, but immediately after, she asked a question.

“However, what on earth happened in the last offense and defense? The moment when Krulcifer-san slashed at Celis-senpai, I did not see anything as the area became dazzling, but……”

“She attacked herself…… Is what I think.”

“Eh?”

Airi and Noct were puzzled at the small voice which was heard next to Lux.

It was because Philphie, who was watching the battle absentmindedly so far, suddenly muttered so.

“──As I thought, it was that, huh.”

Even Lux, who was looking at the practice ground with a serious expression, could not help but nod.

“W-What do you mean, both of you? At that instant, what happened──?”

Airi questioned the two with a perplexed expression,

“At that time, Celis-senpai attacked herself with her <Lightning Lance>. And probably with an electric shock with high output near to maximum at that…… And then, it inflicted damage to Lisha-sama and <Tiamat> who was grappling her and she shook off the restriction.”

“No way──”

Even the usually composed Noct showed a surprised expression.

There were probably almost no people in this audience seating that noticed the offense and defense of that instant.

Celis, who received an unexpected attack by being grappled from behind, shot the Raisen regardless of the damage to herself, undid Lisha’s restriction and teleported with <Divine Gate>. Furthermore, she fired the other special armament, <Starlight Zero>, and decided the match.

Moreover, at that moment, she also used the flash by Raisen, that she attacked herself with, to blind Krulcifer.

Lux had heard that <Fafnir>’s Divine Raiment of future foresight, , was realized through the sight of Krulcifer, who was its user. Thus, it might be invalidated by removing their visibility itself.

But, what Lux found frightening above all was the judgment and the ability to execute such a feat.

“Which reminds me…… I have heard it in the rumors. She seemed to have a high disposition in sword and as a Drag-Knight, but among them, she possesses a unique talent.”

Airi said as she remembered while looking at the practice ground.

“Memorizing tactics that cover all types of situations and swiftly executing the best countermeasures ── among the military officers of the capital, being able to do this seems to be called ‘Maneuvers on the Book’.”

“Maneuvers, on the Book……”

An instantaneous ability in thinking that allowed her to show a frightening reaction during those only few seconds and reverse her predicament.

It was not just her skills of operating a Machine Dragon and <Lindwurm>’s high performance.

(That’s the academy’s strongest girl, huh……)

Lux once again felt her bottomless ability.

“…………”

Philphie lightly poked Lux’s shoulder from nearby.

“Lu-chan. Let’s go pay a visit to the two of them.”

“……Ah, yes. You’re right.”

For the time being, he was worried about Lisha’s and Krulcifer’s conditions.

Lux stood up and left the audience seating with Philphie and company.

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For these past few days, several temporary rest rooms had been prepared to tend to the injured in the Campus Selection Battle.

As Lux headed to that medical office at a quick pace after having parted from Philphie and Noct, who had individual battles immediately after and Airi who had work to do──

“Ah……!?”

“…………”

Celis was just walking alone from the opposite side of the corridor facing the courtyard.

She was walking with steps so steady that it’d be unthinkable that they were someone who had just finished a fierce battle. She turned a somewhat confused gaze at Lux.

“It was a little unexpected.”

Putting a hand on her big chest, Celis muttered as if talking to herself.

“Those girls, who detain you, seem to fight for your sake from their true feelings.”

Celis probably felt firsthand the will and resolution of Lisha and Krulcifer through the fight earlier.

Her aloof presence of leader loosened only slightly.

But in the next moment, a strong wave of hostility swept over Lux and made his spine shiver.

“But, my will cannot be shaken, either. You are still an unneeded person in this academy. I will prove it in the next fight with you.”

“…………”

So, this was a born noble.

So, this was the power of the Ralgris House, one of the Fourth Great Nobles.

The figure of the girl who continued all kinds of trainings since she was a child in order to fight and be established to stand above others.

(That’s right. As expected, this girl’s resolution is different……)

The girl, who since child has fought while abandoning any other way of life.

For Lux, who was not able to carry out his duty as a Prince before, Celis was too formidable an opponent, but,

“You’re a very strong person.”

So as not to lose to her unshakeable will, Lux further declared.

“But ── this time, I will absolutely not lose, too.”

Just like when he decided to destroy the Old Empire before, Lux once again decided.

He would bear the New Kingdom’s future and become their strength.

And he would accomplish it in this academy where he was nearer than anywhere else.

“…………”

Meeting his straightforward gaze, Celis held her breath for a moment.

But, she immediately returned to her usual aloof presence and walked away as she went past him.

“……Phew”

''I’ve said it.''

In order to chase the black marketer ── the existence appearing to Fugil that maneuvered secretly in various places, there was also the choice of leaving the academy and concealing his figure.

But,

“I know that it’s luxury, but”

He wanted to help the girls of the academy while he was still in the academy.

Lux took a deep breath and began to walk.

Then, he caught sight the academy-exclusive woman doctor, who just came out of the medical office’s door.

“Ara, what are you doing in this place? Did you perhaps also come to pay a visit to the injured girls of earlier? I’m on my way to go see the situation to another room though.”

“Ah, yes. U-Um ── are both of them all right?”

Lux asked while being slightly tense.

Then, as the woman doctor leaked a wry smile,

“You are the two girls’ friend if I remember correctly. They would be troubled if you were to see them in their current appearances, so it’d better not to get in yet, you know?”

“Eh……!? Don’t tell me that they──”

After the end of the mock battle with Celis, there should not have been any conspicuous external wounds, but were they perhaps seriously injured?

Lux, who was driven by uneasiness, hastily ran to the medical office and put his hand on the doorknob.

“Lisha-sama! Krulcifer-san!”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>bang*! As he vigorously opened the door, an unexpected scene spread over there.

Bandages were wound on the hands and feet of the girls sitting on a bed.

But, it was not the point of being painful to look at, it was just around one or two places.

However, other than there was amazing.

Probably because they were going to change their dress gears, which already fitted their bodies and made their body lines stand out, after their treatment, they were in a state where they took off all their clothes.

Their uniforms and underwear for changing clothes were just scattered on the bed where both the girls were sitting.

The girls, who saw Lux’s figure, blushed and promptly covered their bodies.

“──!?”

Lux’s head instantly flushed at the sight of the two girls, who were known as prominent beauties even in the academy.

Lux should have reflexively averted his eyes, but maybe that was a man’s sad nature, after fully pausing a few seconds,

“I-I’m sorry!?”

He told them so and vigorously closed the door.

''Haa, Haa……'', as he washed off the sweat from his forehead, the exclusive woman doctor smiled wryly as she saw it.

“Even though I said not to get in since they were changing.”

“Please, say that earlier!?”

Lux shouted with all his power his face still bright red and waited for a while for Lisha and Krulcifer in the medical office to call out to him.

[[Image:SaijakuBahamut v3 000G - 000H.jpg|thumb]]

<center><big><big><big>†</big></big></big></center>

“I’m really sorry……”

A few minutes later, when the girls finished changing and the throbbing of Lux’s heart had somewhat settled down, Lux, who went in the medical office, suddenly bowed his head.

“…………”

In contrast, after Lisha lightly coughed,

“……It’s that, right? In truth, you’re doing it on purpose, right!? What are you thinking about, you pervert!”

As her cheeks were red in bashfulness, she scolded while being flustered.

“Lux-kun. It looks like you didn’t listen to my warning last time. I told you to be careful in various ways since you’re the only man in this academy, right?”

Beside her, Krulcifer also admonished him with a cool face, but as expected her face was slightly red.

“I have no excuse……”

When Lux muttered so while hanging his head crestfallenly,

“W-Well ── as I’ll have you fully reflect on it later, h-how was it?”

“Eh? H-How was what?”

“W-What, you ask? Um, isn’t it obvious!? About earlier……”

While bashfully looking away at a corner of the floor, Lisha asked so.

At that reaction of hers, Lux thought while being shaken.

(A-About earlier, meaning it’s that after all, right? But, I probably suck at praising a girl, so……)

It was already bad to tell what he learned of the shopkeeper of a bar where he had once worked as odd jobs.

He could only go about it with his own words.

(……All right, I decided!)

“U-Um── Lisha-sama’s body is feminine even though it’s small; it’s very sexy and cute and to be frank, I got excited……”

“……!? Uh, aw……”

The face of Lisha, who heard his words, became bright red until her neck.

(Wait, it’s no good!? What am I thinking!? Your hair is beautiful…… or the like, there were many other choices like that, right!?)

He had thought that it was because of the bar where he had done odd jobs until then, but Lux himself completely sucked at praising.

“I-I didn’t mean that, I’m talking about the fight earlier──”

“…………”

(And moreover, I was mistaken……!)

He made a great misunderstanding and ended up blurting out something embarrassing.

And so, he thought that Lisha would definitely get angry but,

“W-What a helpless guy you’re…… Really, you pervert……”

(Wait, huh……?)

The concerned Lisha moved both her hands around restlessly as troubled with a somehow feverish expression and averted her eyes from Lux.

Though she looked embarrassed, she did not seem to hate it.

(……What is it, I wonder?)

When Lux wondered such a thing, Krulcifer spoke.

“Lux-kun. I’ll ask you honestly too, but um ── what kind of girl’s body is to your liking?”

“……Wait, what are you saying all of a sudden!? Krulcifer-san!?”

When Lux was flustered as he was asked a quite unexpected question,

“It’s just as stated. I thought of using what you thought when you saw me now, as reference for the future.”

“E-Errr── Um, it was very beautiful. Be it your white skin, your thighs or your buttocks. It made my heart throb quite a bit……”

“……I see. Which means I can assume that after seeing me, Lux-kun, you were driven by a masculine impulse, right?”

“…………”

“In other words, Lux-kun has always harbored my appearance with indecent delusions like what you saw earlier, is that it?”

“No, wait a minute!? It’s not really like I’m…… a-always looking at Krulcifer-san with such eyes!?”

“That means that you ''occasionally'' looked at me with such eyes, huh. I’m a little relieved.”

Krulcifer said with her usual cool expression mixing a mischievous smile.

Her face showed happiness which the mature-looking her did not show usually.

“T-That’s── wait, what are you making me say strange things since a little while ago!?”

“Ara, it’s natural to make you feel embarrassed as much, right? You also made us feel embarrassed, so being properly teased is a way of taking responsibility.”

“…………”

Being said so, Lux could not argue.

But conversely speaking, he was forgiven with only that. Knowing that it meant as such, Lux inwardly thanked her.

“W-Well, putting that matter aside for the time being, um── I’m sorry about the fight earlier.”

As their talk was settled, Lisha said in a small voice while hanging her head.

“I may look like this, but I challenged her with the intention of certain victory, but…… As expected, someone like me is just── Ah……”

When she showed just a slightly languorous expression, Lux reflexively took her small hands.

“That’s not true. Lisha-sama, you were very cool earlier.”

Lux said so with a smile filled with deep affection.

A girl, who was puzzled about her own existence despite assuming of the status of the New Kingdom’s princess.

Lux conveyed his honest feelings to Lisha, who fought while suffering from her qualification as a princess.

“……R-Really?”

“Yes, you were amazing. Even the surroundings will think ‘as expected of the New Kingdom’s princess── ah”

As he started saying so, Lux unintentionally shut his mouth.

This was because he thought that Lisha might hold resistance for being called princess.

But──

“N-No, It’s not a bad feeling for being recognized as a princess by you and everyone in the academy. Um, I’m also happy about that, but if you could gently stroked my head a little──”

She muttered with a faint voice and looked up at Lux with upturned eyes. But,

“Yes. Also, Krulcifer-san, too, thank you for having held out in various ways and showing me Celis-senpai’s way of fighting.”

“Hey, is my turn over!?”

Maybe because she spoke in such a small voice that he could not hear, Lux had already spoken words of gratitude to Krulcifer.

“<Fafnir> wasn’t in its perfect condition, so I could only do that much. ''That much'' in order to connect to your fight, that is. But ── she’s really a tough opponent.”

“Muuh……”

Although Lisha looked slightly displeased, she pulled herself together and cleared her throat.

“That’s right, we must first win or it’ll be useless. Lux! We’ll go to my atelier from here on!”

“……Eh?”

Seeing Lisha, who got off from the bed and vigorously stuck out her chest, Lux was seized with uneasiness.

“Ah, but. About that thing you remodeled before, you should stop it──”

Lisha had remodeled the <Wyvern>, which Lux had its armor and output adjusted for defense specialization because of some circumstances, for attack specialization.

Since he could not publicly use <Bahamut> in the Selection Battle this time, he could only fight with a <Wyvern> that was overwhelmingly inferior in performance.

But, no matter how much she adjusted a <Wyvern>, she did not think that just a mere general-purpose Machine Dragon would be effective against Celis.

Even so, Lisha declared full of confidence.

“Don’t worry. If my guess is right, those third-year lots would definitely be amazed tomorrow! Krulcifer, you come, too! The partner in the actual fight is necessary.”

Being randomly led by the energetic Lisha, Lux and company headed to the Drag-Rides’ atelier.

Then as they carried out “countermeasures” for roughly several hours, the first day of the Campus Selection Battle ended.

<center><big><big><big>†</big></big></big></center>

Within a deep darkness ── on a disused road of the first block of Cross Feed, four men and women gathered.

One was a girl with long hair spreading roughly, with a sharp glint.

One was a young man with ruffled reddish brown hair like a rooster.

One was a small silhouette that one did not know whether it was a man or a woman and that wore a round mask with graffiti on their face.

And, a black robed figure stood on top of debris piled up in heaps, with the moonlight at his back.

“──So, did you finally find that loot? I hope you guys won’t disappoint me too much.”

While looking down with a smile pasted on his face, the robed figure spoke.

In contrast, the three people were positioned like subordinates; first the long-haired girl raised her face.

Towards the carefree, innocent voice, the girl answered with a voice tinged with slight tension.

“I’m sorry, but no── we’ve just pinpointed a place where it might be. As expected, there’s no gap in the academy’s site.”

“…………”

The robed figure remained silent with a smile as is.

That was above all terrifying for the three men and women waiting below.

The bloody Black Marketeer.

That was the alias of the robed figure currently standing before them.

The arms dealer, who wandered from country to country, maneuvered secretly and peddled various weapons and information these past several years.

His business partners were not fixed, and his backings and affiliations were unknown.

It was an existence upon who all were wrapped in mystery, but there was only one thing certain.

After being involved with this person, a bloody disaster would certainly befall.

Thus, these three people, and also the administrational parliaments of the countries they belonged to, for fear of the Black Marketeer, sought his cooperation.

“──But, if I’m given just a little more time, I’ll definitely find it.”

The long-haired girl fearfully requested.

But, the robe figure laughed as his shoulders shook.

“Unfortunately, I’m also busy, you see? I can’t afford to wait anymore than this. Besides, I owe a debt to the Prince over there. That’s why I’m already moving. I’m done with using petty tricks. I’ll directly smash that academy and then slowly dig it up later.”

“Then──”

At his words, the red-haired man spoke.

“Yea, we’ll finally move ''that''. It’s your turn, Heiburg’s dogs.”

The robed figure lifted the corner of his mouth.

A smile like the crescent moon floating behind him stood out from the dark shadow.

<noinclude>

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

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|-
| Back to [[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 3 Episode 2|Episode 2]]
| Return to [[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 3 Episode 4|Episode 4]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 3 Episode 3

2017-12-10T11:32:22Z

OmegaWeaponZ: /* Episode 3 – Campus Selection Battle */

==Episode 3 – Campus Selection Battle==

“Well then, five days from today, the Campus Selection Battle will be held!”

The school early in the morning.

After greeting the students in the usual classroom, Instructor Raigree immediately announced the upcoming event.

“The students who are participating are to look at the notice board of the practice ground and memorize their competition schedule. If you cannot participate in the battle within the time, you will lose by default. Cases such as injury or poor physical condition are to be reported ahead of time. And then, we will consider that point.”

Originally, it was a battle to decide the representatives for the International Tournament, which is a mock battle with other countries to gain the rights to investigate the ruins.

But this time, it was also a battle betting Lux’s attendance at the academy and to obtain the right to join Celis for the Ragnarok subjugation.

Furthermore, the results of the students who supported either Lux or Celis would be taken into consideration, effectively becoming a war between the first and second year students against the third year students.

The classroom was wrapped in a strange fervor.

“The rules for the selection battle are as I explained before. And this time, by the Principal’s suggestion, it was changed into a more special contest format.”

Instructor Raigree turned a fleeting glance at Lux.

They probably had a hard time to decide for this time’s contest format.

And then, the long explanation began.

To summarize it, the rules restricted to this time would be the following:

They would carry out a competition between Celis and her supporting faction, the third year students, and Lux and his supporting faction, the first and second year students; and the faction with the most defeats would have to accept the winning faction’s demand.

Furthermore, the battle would be divided into two groups: the general students’ competition and the “Knight Squadron” competition.

Because the level of the students belonging to the “Knight Squadron” was in general higher, they would be made to fight against opponents also from the “Knight Squadron”.

The “Knight Squadron’s” battle and then the general students’ battle.

This meant that they could entrust the two claims of Lux and Celis to the outcome result of the two groups.

“Lux Arcadia’s claim and demand are “the attendance at this academy” as well as “to tag along on the Abyss subjugation mission”. Conversely, Celestia’s claim is “Lux’s expulsion” and “the refusal of him tagging along”.”

In short, to get what they want the number of victories of the members of the “Knight Squadron” and the general students supporting them would have to exceed the number of victories of the opponent’s supporters.

One battle against Lux and his supporters within the “Knight Squadron”, and one battle against his supporters among the general students.

At the very least, unless he won at least in one of the two groups, Lux would definitely be ousted from the academy.

“That’s all for the explanation. Then everyone, give it your all.”

When Instructor Raigree went out, the commotion of the girls suddenly spread inside the classroom.

“Uwah. As I thought, a contest will really begin! What do we do?”

“Can we win against the third-year students? The winning points seem to take into account the difference in number and ability, but──”

“Lux-san, you must not lose.”

Such voices flew out unanimously.

“Errr, I’m sorry. I somehow got everyone involved──”

As Lux reflexively said so,

“Eeih, be quiet! All of you!”

Watching her classmates making a fuss, Lisha stood up and cried in a thundering voice.

“There’s no need to apologize, Lux. Either way, if you didn’t resist, you might have been driven out as is.”

And then, as to convey to everyone in the class, she raised her voice.

“We only have one thing to do! There’s no need to be flustered; we’ve to give it our all for that! I’ve already taken every possible measure.”

“……Eh?”

All her classmates, Lux included, looked puzzled.

“I took all night to tune all the Drag-Rides of this class. Your Machine Dragons’ overall output should be enhanced more than before. With this, we’ll at least be able to oppose even the third-year students.”

“I-Is that true? Lisha-sama!?”

“I say. I may look like this, but I did it after getting permission of the other Machine Dragon mechanics and the Principal. The checking after adjustment has also been done. Use them dignifiedly.”

“Thank you very much! As expected of the princess!”

“With this, we can see a glimmer of hope!”

To Lisha’s words, the female classmates raised shouts of joy.

The higher a Drag-Ride’s output was, the more the power of the machine would rise; but at the same time, the intensity of consumption would also increase.

Thus, the output enhancement was a double-edged sword, but she probably judged that a gamble was needed to defeat an opponent whose ability was superior in this selection battle, which carried out many short-term battles.

Of course, there was also a limit to the adjustment to raise the output, but there was something other than that which bothered Lux.

“Um, Lisha-sama?”

Not believing immediately in that fact, Lux could not help asking.

“D-Don’t look too much at my face now. It’s slightly shameful after all……”

Then, Lisha quickly turned her slightly blushing face away from Lux.

Upon close inspection, a shadow slightly remained under her eyes.

“Um…… the truth is, I wanted to adjust the Machine Dragons of all the second-year students, but, I couldn’t make it in time. I could only adjust the ones for our class……”

Lisha said, just slightly despondent.

But, Lux understood that adjusting 20 Drag-Rides in this short time was an uncommon workload.

“Thank you, Lisha-sama.”

When Lux expressed his feelings, Lisha slightly shook her head.

“I-It isn’t really that big a deal to thank me. To begin with, I was the one who made you attend this academy ── I may look like this, but I’m the New Kingdom’s princess after all. I have to take the initiative and move everyone.”

“…………”

Lisha once hated being treated as the New Kingdom’s princess after what happened to her in the past, but regarding the selection battle this time, she showed her duty as someone standing above others and gave power to everyone.

The fact that she did that much for his own sake was very stouthearted and reliable.

“──No, even so, I’m very happy.”

“Ah…… Y-Yea”

When Lux held her hand with both his, Lisha’s face faintly turned red and she hung her head down.

“Lisha-sama! It’s no good to steal a march on us!”

“Wait, The selection battle hasn’t begun yet!?”

When the classmates, who saw that, jeered severally,

“──You’re quite good.”

Krulcifer also muttered so with a smile.

“……Excuse me. Sorry to interrupt you as you’re busy, but can I have a little of your time?”

At that time, a knock was heard and one girl entered the classroom.

She was the third-years student and one of the Triad, Sharis.

“Errr……?”

As all the classmates were surprised at the unexpected visitor,

“Ah! Traitor! Sharis, why didn’t you join Lux-cchi’s side?!”

Tillfarr, also of the Triad, flared up at her while sulking.

It seemed that even if the school year was different, if one wished, they could change the faction to support; but Lux heard from Tillfarr and Noct that Sharis decided to support Celis.

“We’ve already talked about that matter, right? I too really want to support him, but there are various points to consider you see? Besides, I can also come to report my side’s information to you guys. Well, only this time, I was requested by Celis to convey you a message, but──”

“……!?”

To Sharis’ lines, all the members of the class held their breaths.

“It looks like she’ll participate in the two-on-two mock battle from the first day, which is today. Celis’ partner is a member of the same “Knight Squadron”, Saniya Lemiste.”

「────」

The way she expressly asked Sharis to convey this message could be interpreted as a declaration of war.

“It’s up to chance whether or not you’ll confront her, but you guys should form a pair with a first- or second-year student member within the “Knight Squadron”. Well, I think that there aren’t many choices though. Well then.”

As she finished her message, Sharis left the classroom.

There would not be many battles between fellow members of the “Knight Squadron” whose members were few.

Saniya seemed to use a general-purpose Machine Dragon <Wyvern>, but considering the fact that Celis was a Divine Drag-Ride’s user, those who could form a pair with Lux were inevitably limited.

As Lux was troubled as to whom he should choose as a partner,

“Of course, you’ll choose me, right? Lux.”

Lisha first stepped forward before Lux and stuck out her large chest for a small stature.

“……I cannot recommend that.”

But, rejection flew from Krulcifer, who was only a seat away.

“Your <Tiamat> is certainly excellent, but it would be difficult for long-term use. With Celis-senpai, who has great endurance, your weak point is likely to be aimed at.”

“Muh……!”

Lisha raised her eyebrows at Krulcifer’s point.

“Even for you, the repair of <Fafnir>, which suffered damaged in the previous battle, isn’t complete, right!? Are you saying that you’ll be able to fully unleash its abilities in that condition──?”

“That degree of damage is no big deal. Besides, in order to defend against Celis-senpai’s attacks, without my Divine Raiment──”

“U-Um…… you two, calm down a little──”

When Lux was about to break in between to the two girls who scattered quiet sparks,

“It’s all right. I’ll be taking part in it.”

A soft, small voice weaved its way through the gap.

The taciturn girl, who was absentmindedly watching the course of events as she was next to Lux until now, slowly stood up and declared as such.

“Eh……? Wait, Phi-chan!?”

“Yea. I’ll fight together with Lu-chan, right?”

She fixedly turned her big eyes towards Lux and asked him with a serious look.

Even though she said it with a docile voice and countenance, it was a peremptory attitude.

“T-That’s, um──”

Certainly, Philphie was the user of the Divine Drag-Ride <Typhon> and also a member of the “Knight Squadron”.

Besides, he had also witnessed her ability in the previous incident.

She should be an asset enough to confront the Celis’ pair, but

“Hey, airhead girl! Don’t decide on your own. We’re talking this through here, you see──”

“That’s right. We do not intend to easily concede that role. Rather, I do not mind leaving the decision to Lux-kun, but how about it?”

As Lisha and Krulcifer objected in turn, Lux was troubled.

(W-What do I do!? Honestly, I don’t feel like I can choose either of them……!)

“Yes, Ye~s! You three, calm down a little~”

When it got close to being a stalemate, Tillfarr broke in.

As one wondered since when she prepared it, three pieces of thinly cut papers were grasped in the hand that she held out.

“As you see, I made a drawing lot. With this the 3 of you will all have a fair chance, right?”

“T-Thank you……”

As he was impressed at the girl’s deftness, Tillfarr revealed a mischievous smile and murmured.

“Hmm. No, no, don’t mind it, as compensation for this ── it doesn’t have to be something expensive, okay? Prince.”

“……I-I got it.”

(W-When I thought that she came to my help, I got completely tricked!?)

''As expected, I’m destined to be led around by the nose by girls'', Lux inwardly grieved.

And when the three girls pulled one piece of paper all at once, the result became immediately clear.

“Kuh……!?”

“……It can’t be helped, I guess.”

Lisha and Krulcifer respectively raised despondent voices.

It was Philphie, who pulled the paper piece with a red mark.

“Lu-chan. We’re together.”

Though it was her usual absentminded voice, she looked somewhat happy.

“Ah, y-yes……”

“It’s all right. We won’t lose.”

“I-It can’t be helped…… I leave the match with Celis to you.”

Lisha told so and then began the briefing for the match with Krulcifer.

It seemed that the remaining two girls decided to join for the battle in pair.

The pairs must be decided and applied beforehand, but the opponent’s pair composition would not be known until just before the battle.

The tournament was a survival system; which meant that when a member of Lux's faction or Celis's faction lost in a battle, including the “Knight Squadron”, they would be unable to participate in the battles afterwards.

Since there was a possibility that other members of the “Knight Squadron” would fight Celis’s pair, it would be better not to disperse their forces.

Approximately one hour after, they turned in the papers to indicate their pairings.

Notices of today’s opponents were posted outside the waiting room.

Lisha and Krulcifer’s opponents were Celis and Saniya.

Celis’s partner, Saniya did not have a Divine Drag-Ride.

Thus, judging only from machine performance, Lux’s faction had an advantage; but the expressions of the surrounding classmates were filled with tension.

The Anecdote of Celis who competed in the largest number of matches in both the International Tournaments and the Campus Selection Battles, held the record of being undefeated.

By making enemies out of the “strongest”, who was until now an ally, one could see that they harbored fear.

“──It’s a shame that we weren’t able to form a pair with him, but it’s good that we’ll fight her first.”

“Yes, you’re right.”

But, the two girls, even knowing who their opponents were, smiled without showing any signs of hesitation.

“If we defeat Celis here, it’ll be as good as winning this contest.<ref>Contest between Lux faction and Celis faction. She means here that if they defeat Celis, the other students will be no match for them afterwards.</ref> With that said, rest at ease and wait for the results, Lux.”

Lisha proudly stuck out her chest towards Lux.

On the other hand, Krulcifer revealed her usual cool smile in a composed manner.

“Well then, we’re off.”

“Um, you two ── be careful.”

As Lux said with a serious face, Krulcifer returned only a chuckle and headed towards the practice ground.

“…………”

As Lux saw off the backs of the two girls who left,

“I see you’re popular as usual, Nii-san.”

“Uwah……!?”

Lux was surprised at the sudden voice he heard.

Before he was aware, Airi and her close friend Noct of the Triad were next to him.

“That’s quite an awful way of greeting your little sister who came to see you. What an awful brother.”

Though Airi was smiling, her eyes were not.

“T-That’s not true. I was just a little surprised──”

“Yes. I am also of the same opinion as Lux-san. Airi.”

When Lux hurriedly explained, Noct followed up.

“……Is that, really so?”

As Lux felt relieved when Airi was about to be convinced,

“Yes. Simply put, I think that he was only fascinated by Lisha-sama and Krulcifer-san. Both of them are beautiful and they currently wear dress gears, so their skin’s exposure rate is also──”

“Wait, I thought that you came to my help!?”

Since she had a relatively quiet character, he had been careless; but this girl called Noct was a person with quite a foul mouth, too.

“Haa. Well, Nii-san is at that age, so I don’t mind it, but you should stop looking at my classmates with strange eyes too, okay?”

“……No, um, I didn’t really──”

“Lu-chan. It’ll begin soon.”

When he thought about denying it again, he was urged as such by Philphie behind him.

“Let’s go. I have collected the data of Celis-senpai as much as possible, so I was thinking of explaining it to you and came.”

“Ah, yes. Thank you, Airi.”

Lux awkwardly laughed and then the four of them headed to the practice ground’s audience seats.

When Lux arrived, it was crowded with a great number of students and academy staff, and almost at the same time, Lisha and Krulcifer entered.

<center><big><big><big>†</big></big></big></center>

“Well then, Campus Selection Battle Group A, second pair vs. Group B, first pair. Both parties, draw your swords and equip your Drag-Rides!”

At the voice of Instructor Raigree, who acted as the referee, the four girls unsheathed their Sword Devices all at once.

And when each group pushed the button, they muttered their pass codes.

“──Come forth, the Branded Wing Dragon which is the symbol of power. Obey my sword and fly, <Wyvern>!”

First, Saniya summoned her general-purpose Machine Dragon, a <Wyvern>.

The blue Machine Dragon which appeared in particles of light immediately unfolded into innumerable parts and changed into an armor which covered Saniya’s body.

“I am not good at a fighting scene, but I shall seriously go at it just for today.”

Setting up a medium-sized blade, Saniya told.

At the declaration of war from the girl, who was a third-year student of the “Knight Squadron”, the audience seating slightly stirred.

“……Fufu”

On the other hand, Lisha laughed at it and loudly advocated her Sword Device.

“──Awaken, Founding Ancestor. King of the Dragon Gods that is an army in itself. <Tiamat>!”

“──Reincarnate. Giant Dragon of calamity bound by worldly goods. Become the value of worldwide desire, <Fafnir>!”

When the two girls declared their pass codes, the surrounding space was wrapped in light.

A red dragon and a silver dragon, both of which emitted a beautiful luster, were instantly summoned behind the two girls.

““Connect On!””

Immediately after that, as they opened from the inside and split into countless parts, each part was equipped at high speed.

The venue greatly stirred at the overwhelming intensity of the two flying-type Divine Drag-Rides.

“I more or less expected that they’d fight with general-purpose Machine Dragons, but…… looks like both of them are serious.”

“Those two are top class even among the second-year students, right? Both their skills and Machine Dragon aptitudes are also high……”

“Besides, how many Drag-Knights are there in the world, who can fight against two Divine Drag-Rides at the same time? Like this, even Celis-san isn’t──”

Perhaps because they were affected by their majestic appearances, the third-year female students respectively voiced out their uneasiness.

But, Celestia herself, who confronted them, showed neither agitation nor any signs of being intimidated, and set up her Sword Device.

“Descend. Royal Dragon who inherited the blood of supremacy. Whirl the thunderous sound and make the heavens dance, <Lindwurm>”

A rapier-type Sword Device.

What had appeared behind her sword was a giant dragon with large wings with sharp and solemn shapes and clad in a golden brilliance.

“Connect On──”

At the same time with her voice, the armor, which instantly covered Celis’ body, equipped both halo-like wings on her back and was endowed with an angel-like divineness.

“────”

The students of the audience fixed their eyes upon that beauty and bottomless intensity unintentionally forgot to cheer.

In her right hand, she had an extra-large lance and a Canon with a peculiar shape was connected to her left shoulder.

“Please, observe attentively, Nii-san. The <Lindwurm> of the girl called the Academy's strongest and her tactics──”

“Yes. Even I, who am a member of the ‘Knight Squadron’, have never properly seen a battle with leader Celis. It is because it immediately ends when she makes a move.”

Airi and Noct muttered with voices tinged with tension.

At the same time as Lux nodded, Instructor Raigree’s voice resounded in the ring.

“Mock Battle, start!”

With the signal, the four machines on the ring flew all at once.

Both sides probably formulated their strategies beforehand, as they moved without hesitation.

When Lisha swung her Sword Device, four <Legions> suddenly raised a growl, depicted four kinds of curves and swooped down onto Celis.

Huge arrowhead-shaped throwing weapons for long-rang attacks, which were <Tiamat>’s special armament.

After all the bullets were fired at Celis, their movements suddenly changed.

“…………!?”

Their arc-like trajectories, which aimed at Celis, suddenly rose just before they impacted <Lindwurm>.

And the one, who was above was──

“……Their aim isn’t Celis-neesama! But me!?”

When Saniya noticed Lisha’s intention, she raised her barrier’s output and readied her blade, Lisha laughed.

“Unfortunately, that’s also wrong.”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>pashin*! At that moment, a thin bluish-white flash pierced the atmosphere in a straight line

It was the shot of <Fafnir>’s special armament ── the <Freezing Canon>.

It was rifle-shaped sniper, but it had the ability to freeze its target.

Before the eyes of Celis without the time to evade, the cold wave was repelled, and crystal-like petals scattered in the sky.

“Celis-neesama!?”

A high speed marksmanship which took advantage of a opening when Celis’ field of vision was covered by the four <Legions>.

To the coordination attack, which was performed in an instant, Saniya shouted.

──But,

“Your judgment is quite splendid.”

“……!?”

Celis’ aloof voice was heard from the other side of the ice which froze mid-air.

Slight agitation and tension ran through Lisha’ and Krulcifer’s faces.

What has frozen was the medium-sized blade that Celis had.

She sacrificed one armament on hand and used it as a shield.

“Tch……!”

Lisha once again swung her Sword Device, and began pursuit with the <Legions>, which were used as decoy.

But, all the blade bits were easily repelled by the great lance and they fell as she lost control of them.

“You have become strong. You might even have a chance of victory.”

Celis said with a calm voice, yet filled with a quiet overpowering feeling.

“If your opponent is not me, that is.”

[[Image:SaijakuBahamut v3 000E - 000F.jpg|thumb]]

Immediately after, <Lindwurm> soared at an explosive speed. When it got closer in an instant before the eyes of Lisha clad in <Tiamat>, Celis unleashed a thrusting blow with the spear grabbed in her right hand from an oblique stance.

“Kuah……!”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>bashiii*……!

The next moment. Thunder roared, and lightning was emitted from the charging spearhead.

“Uaah……!?”

Receiving the spearhead and lightning attack from over her barrier and armor, Lisha was flipped to the back.

Krulcifer promptly readied her <Freezing Canon> aiming at Celis, but her counterattack was prevented by the barrage of the Breath Gun that Saniya had.

“Well then, let’s end the warm up now. It’s fine, right? You two.”

Together with Celis’ intimidating smile, <Lindwurm> was shrouded with light.

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“That’s──!”

When Lux felt the abnormality that occurred to <Tiamat>, Airi, who was next to him, nodded.

“Yes, that large spear is <Lindwurm>’s special armament. The dragon’s fang whose real nature is lightning and stars── it is called the <Lightning Lance>. Because the lightning attack also affects the Mithril Dite, when it hit, the user will also receive damage through the armor, and the weapons of the parts, which received the attack, will see their movements dull for dozen of seconds.”

As a civil official, Airi, who recorded various information in the academy, thoroughly explained.

An ability to pour out a lightning attack at the same time with a strong thrust and seal a Drag-Ride’s functions.

Although that alone was dangerous enough, that thunder which ran through the sky was──

“Yes. But, it is not only that. It is also possible to release a lightning attack from the spearhead. Of course, if you get hit by it, the Drag-Ride’s function will also decrease for several seconds.”

Noct supplemented before Lux asked his question.

“Her attack, which carried electric shock, is called “Raisen”.<ref>Raisen (らいせん)</ref> If that’s used, even if it’s you, Nii-san, it’ll impossible to keep defending against it. The Machine Dragon’s movement itself will be sealed after all.”

“…………”

It was impossible to keep receiving Celis’ attacks in succession.

As a countermeasure, he could only not get hit, but it would be incredibly difficult to dodge all of Celis’ skilled and refined attacks.

Even if he were to constantly fly about, the other party had a flying-type Divine Drag-Ride. To begin with, there was huge difference in mobility when compared with Lux’s <Wyvern>.

Celis turned into a much more formidable enemy than he imagined.

As Lux watched the match and began to think of a countermeasure, Celis’s gaze suddenly moved and met with Lux’s in the audience seating.

It was just for an instant. But, Lux understood the intention of Celis, who did such a thing in the middle of a battle.

“──It’s coming, Nii-san. This is when she fights seriously.”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>vun*

Immediately after Airi’s announcement, <Lindwurm>, which loitered in mid-air, shone intensely and expended a huge spherical light.

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“Good grief…… I have wanted to settle it before it became like this, but──”

Looking at the domain of light ── the light that was filling the whole practice ground with Celis as the center, Lisha grumbled.

She looked slightly overwhelmed at <Lindwurm>’s Divine Raiment that activated.

“It’s still early to grieve. Even you want to show him your cool side, right?”

Lisha showed a fearless smile to Krulcifer loitering next to her.

“Yeah, I know. <Tiamat>! Show your true nature!”

At the same time she raised her Sword Device and shouted, light shone at her surroundings.

Immediately after, particles of light gathered once again and a new weapon emerged.

The auxiliary armament, <Seven Heads>.

The huge gun barrel, which was the allegory of a Goddess turning into a seven-headed dragon, was connected to <Tiamat>’s right arm and shoulder.

“Now, I shall entertain you! Academy’s strongest!”

She launched a total of 16 <Legions>, which were also warped in along with her auxiliary armament.

All of them simultaneously swooped down and aimed for Celis in the air.

But at that moment, Celis revealed a cold smile ── and muttered.

“Can you really entertain me?”

The next instant, wrapped in seven halos, Celis’ figure disappeared.

And then, she appeared beside Lisha wielding her Sword Device.

“……!”

Lisha held her breath as the spear’s thrust, tinged with lightning, impaled <Tiamat>’s flank.

Lisha’s body reflexively stiffened at the unavoidable attack,

<nowiki>*</nowiki>pashi*!

A rifle blast was heard and a flash of cold wave ran through the sky.

It was a counter to prevent further attacks to Lisha and aim for Celis’ opening, but Celis stopped her assault and turned, then accelerated and dodged.

Her reaction was fast. As if she knew the sniper’s position from the start, she flew towards <Fafnir> and quickly closed their distance.

The moment Krulcifer squared off, Celis had already finished her thrusting’s movement.

“……!?”

As Celis was repeatedly blocked by <Fafnir>’s <Auto Shield>, which activated in response to the Raisen’s attacks, the <Fafnir> eventually caved in and the Raisen knocked down the <Freezing Canon> from the arm of <Fafnir>; and in response, Krulcifer retreated at once.

“──You got me there. You were aiming for me from the beginning, right?”

“It’s a little late to notice it. For someone as wise as you.”

Gaining distance between them, Krulcifer smiled nervously while preparing her drag-ride sword.

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“She disappeared along with the Machine Dragon!? What on earth is that──?”

When Lux muttered in the audience seating, Airi calmly raised her face.

“That’s <Lindwurm>’s Divine Raiment ── <Divine Gate>. It allows the user to teleport instantaneously within the range of that light.”

“No way──”

Lux was at a loss for words.

By Lux’s eye measurement, the domain of light that <Lindwurm> unfolded was about 50 Mels of radius.

If she was able to freely teleport within the vast range covering the practice ground, then──

“Yes. This is precisely the reason why she is hailed as the strongest. She can even dominate others in battle techniques and skills; the chance of winning against her, who can teleport like that, is quite slim.”

Turning a sidelong glance towards Lux, Noct supplemented.

Lux instantly understood what she meant.

If compelled to an extreme logic, a fight was determined by one’s range.

Fighting while maintaining a distance to effectively dodge and allow enough space to counter attack would the ideal combat situation.

But, that Divine Raiment was──

“Even if you’re separated from her, she can shorten the distance in an instant. Even if you approach and corner her, she can take your back in an instant. Moreover, she’s cautious of Krulcifer-san’s attacks and Divine Raiment, whom took a position where Lisha-sama acted as a vanguard. But with their formation broken, Krulcifer’s ability to read the future can’t save her from the continuous onslaught.”

“…………”

At Airi’s mutter, Lux understood once again.

Even if Krulcifer made full use of the Divine Raiment of <Fafnir> that she operated, she would have no means of counterattack if her back were taken instantly.

Krulcifer and Lisha could only escape; there was no room for any counter attack.

They were no longer any chances of winning.

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A high-speed battle where four machines danced was unfolded in the practice ground.

Lisha fully activated the <Legions>, used all of them to corner Celis, but this time Celis did not use <Divine Gate>.

“I heard that that boy fended off all your attacks.”

She skillfully wielded her special armament, the great spear tinged with lightning ── the <Lightning Lance>, and repelled the <Legions> attacking from all directions one after another.

Unlike Lux, who dealt with them using various weapons and tricks, she has fended off all the storm-like attacks by the 16 <Legions> only with one spear.

Even so, Lisha’s attacks still continued, but as they lost a little of their mobility each time they were repelled by Celis’ spear, all of the <Legions> dropped to the practice ground before long.

“Your attacks are strong, but that they are brittle when it is against me.”

To the words of Celis, Lisha fearlessly laughed while breathing heavily.

“……I see, you’re really hurting my pride, Miss Strongest. How many people in this world do you think can pull off what you’re doing?”

Krulcifer, while engaging in battle in the sky with Saniya’s <Wyvern>, looked for an opening on Celis.

However, Saniya devoted herself to support Celis as she kept Krulcifer occupied.

Saniya, who fought using a general-purpose Machine Dragon <Wyvern>, fought to separate Krulcifer from Lisha.

Thus, she skillfully handled her two breath guns, maintained an offense and defense in middle range and moved around with great tact without using any winning move. She just attacked to interfere with Krulcifer’s movement.

On the other hand, Lisha’s stamina was already about to reach the limit.

“Then, with this──……!?”

The moment when she set up <Seven Heads>, Celis moved.

With the minimum movement, she threw three Daggers at <Tiamat>. Almost at the same time, the seven halos wrapped <Lindwurm> and it disappeared from where it was.

“Don’t tell me this is──!?”

“It’s over. Scarlet War Princess.”

The moment when Lisha activated her barrier to defend against the daggers, Celis launched an attack from Lisha’s rear and smashed <Tiamat>’s propulsion device.

“Guh……!? So, this is──!”

“Yes. A concerted attack by Celis-neesama alone. It’s a technique that we call “Heavy Strike”.”

To the mutter of Lisha, whose armor was smashed, Saniya revealed a smile.

A simultaneous attack from multiple directions would eventually overwhelm an opponent.

With <Lindwurm>’s <Divine Gate>, she was able to pull it off with perfect timing.

The female students of the audience raised cheers at the special move only possible through concentration and technique, that Celis possessed, and the Divine Raiment’s ability.

“──It’s your lost.”

Bluntly saying so, Celis turned her back on Lisha.

Since the propulsion device of the back wings was destroyed, she no longer had any choice other than falling.

In the worst case, she had to show vigilance towards Krulcifer’s side as she was unable to attack her until the landing, but──

“Where do you think you’re going? Your opponent is still here, Strongest.”

“……!?”

At that moment, Lisha grappled Celis’ <Lindwurm> from behind and restrained it.

<Tiamat>’s Sword Device was grasped in her hand.

“Grovel in the name of the god, <Sprayshot>”

──Doon!

Together with the dazzling radiance of the Divine Raiment, <Lindwurm> fell along with <Tiamat> that grappled it.

Being slammed onto the ground at high speed, a rising cloud of dust wrapped up the two girls.

“……Gravity control ── so by getting rid of your own gravity, you can remain in mid-air, huh.”

Celis said while suggesting slight agitation at the terrible shock of the fall.

By <Tiamat>’s Divine Raiment, <Sprayshot>, she remained in mid-air by erasing her weight first, and the moment she grappled <Lindwurm>, she switched to a strong gravity load and succeeded in getting her for the first time.

In addition to the weights of the two Divine Drag-Rides themselves, a gravity several folds greater was applied, and the two machines’ feet sank.

“If I’m not mistaken, there should have been a restriction in size in transferring with <Divine Gate>, right? Your own size when clad in <Lindwurm> is the limit. In that case, by applying gravity on us together while grappling you like this──”

Even if she were to normally apply the gravity load with <Sprayshot>, her opponent would escape with her Divine Raiment.

Thus, as she waited for this chance of grappling until the very last minute, Lisha splendidly got her.

“Krulcifer! Come!”

At the same time as Lisha shouted, no, already before that, Krulcifer had moved.

After flicking off Saniya, who was fighting at long range, <Fafnir> approached <Lindwurm>at a high speed like that of a bullet.

It became a flash of light, tearing the blue sky, and brandished a medium-sized blade.

The moment when the flash of <Fafnir>, which reached its maximum speed, was going to attack Celis,

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Bashiii*!

With an earsplitting roaring sound, <Tiamat> and <Lindwurm> were wrapped by lightning.

“UAAH……!?”

“──!?”

Lisha screamed, and Krulcifer was blinded by the intense flash for an instant.

Immediately after, the aloof girl’s voice echoed out.

“<Starlight Zero>”

Before anyone knew, Celis had escaped from Lisha’s restriction and spoke after teleporting to the other side of the practice grounds.

Immediately after, the gun barrel, which was connected to the shoulder, activated as it raised a growl and fired a spherical light bullet.

“……!?”

Lisha and Krulcifer simultaneously held their breaths while squinting their eyes at the radiance of the bullet.

The speed of the flickering yellow light bullet was by no means fast.

But after just a few seconds, as the light bullet reached the center of the practice ground, it flickered there and exploded.

BOOM!

A flash as to burn the retina and the blast to the point of being unable to breath swirled violently within the practice ground and the students in the audience seating raised screams.

Roughly 80% of the practice ground’s area was filled with light and explosive flames.

<Starlight Zero> was another special armament that <Lindwurm> possessed.

It was a wide area ultra-powerful extermination weapon that shot a light bullet called “Star” which compressed the energy amassed to its limit and exploded a few seconds later covering a space of 300 Mels in radius.

Celis perfectly calculated the bombardment and fired while adjusting so that damage did not befall the audience seating.

“To think that Celis-neesama went all out──”

As she received an instruction of evasion from Celis before the bombardment, Saniya escaped from the attack range a step earlier.

Even so, her expression showed her surprise as she cast her gaze at the practice ground below.

As the aftermath of the tremendous impact and flames disappeared and smoke cleared away──

“……Looks like I somehow made it in time.”

“Krulcifer!?”

Krulcifer’s <Fafnir> was standing in front of Lisha’s <Tiamat> so as to protect it from the blast.

Lisha, who was surprised at that fact, unintentionally raised her voice.

“I have heard the rumors, but it’s quite the tremendous power…… It’s regrettable, but I’m already at my limit.”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>pashiin*! Shedding light, <Fafnir>’s system went down.

Immediately after, Lisha’s <Tiamat>’s system went down too, and both girls’ armors were released.

Because they defended against <Starlight Zero>, they had invested all the energy into the barrier and armaments; they had run out of energy.

“Deeming that they are unable to continue the battle, I declare the third-year Celestia/Saniya pair victorious!”

That moment, Raigree quickly announced the outcome and the bell rang the mock battle’s end.

Immediately after, great cheers poured down inside the practice ground.

“Even <Fafnir>’s automatic defense, <Fafnir>, has been blown off. As expected, she’s not to take lightly──”

“I-I don’t mean that!? Why did you save me──?”

“You have fought until your very limit after all. Even if Celis-senpai has calculated the power, there was a chance, even if slim, that you might be hurt.”

With a matter-of-factly face, Krulcifer told Lisha.

And then, she brushed up her long, beautiful hair and smiled refreshingly.

“Honestly, I was surprised. I believed that your ability to think up tactics is hardly comparable to that of a princess, but you exceed my expectations and cornered ''that'' Celis-senpai. At the same time as I was impressed, I didn’t want you to get injured here.”

“S-Something of that extent isn’t really that big a deal…… I have already thought before about a strategy of remaining in the air by lightening my own gravity with <Sprayshot>, so──”

“I don’t mean that. What I acknowledged was the fact that you, who is the New Kingdom’s princess, has gone to such lengths regardless of appearances in order to win. Even though I have already half-given up at that time……”

Saying so, Krulcifer turned her gaze towards Lux in the audience seating.

“That you seriously think of wanting to make him stay in this academy. On that point, I can sympathize with you──”

As she whispered so, Lisha slightly blushed and hung down her head bashfully.

“Wha…… what is it, all of the sudden?! I’m only doing it for my own sake, you see──!”

“Yes, I know. If possible, let’s have a peaceful quarrel<ref>Quarrel about Lux, that is.</ref> from now on. Of course, I intend to win in the end though.”

With just a slightly happy expression, Krulcifer lent a hand to Lisha sitting on the ground.

Celis watched that scene from a slightly remote place.

“…………”

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“They have been defeated, huh. Both of them……”

Airi, which commented next to Lux, said so with a faint sigh.

“Yes. But, I think that they put up a fairly good fight. They have done this much against that Celis-senpai──”

Noct nodded in agreement, but immediately after, she asked a question.

“However, what on earth happened in the last offense and defense? The moment when Krulcifer-san slashed at Celis-senpai, I did not see anything as the area became dazzling, but……”

“She attacked herself…… Is what I think.”

“Eh?”

Airi and Noct were puzzled at the small voice which was heard next to Lux.

It was because Philphie, who was watching the battle absentmindedly so far, suddenly muttered so.

“──As I thought, it was that, huh.”

Even Lux, who was looking at the practice ground with a serious expression, could not help but nod.

“W-What do you mean, both of you? At that instant, what happened──?”

Airi questioned the two with a perplexed expression,

“At that time, Celis-senpai attacked herself with her <Lightning Lance>. And probably with an electric shock with high output near to maximum at that…… And then, it inflicted damage to Lisha-sama and <Tiamat> who was grappling her and she shook off the restriction.”

“No way──”

Even the usually composed Noct showed a surprised expression.

There were probably almost no people in this audience seating that noticed the offense and defense of that instant.

Celis, who received an unexpected attack by being grappled from behind, shot the Raisen regardless of the damage to herself, undid Lisha’s restriction and teleported with <Divine Gate>. Furthermore, she fired the other special armament, <Starlight Zero>, and decided the match.

Moreover, at that moment, she also used the flash by Raisen, that she attacked herself with, to blind Krulcifer.

Lux had heard that <Fafnir>’s Divine Raiment of future foresight, , was realized through the sight of Krulcifer, who was its user. Thus, it might be invalidated by removing their visibility itself.

But, what Lux found frightening above all was the judgment and the ability to execute such a feat.

“Which reminds me…… I have heard it in the rumors. She seemed to have a high disposition in sword and as a Drag-Knight, but among them, she possesses a unique talent.”

Airi said as she remembered while looking at the practice ground.

“Memorizing tactics that cover all types of situations and swiftly executing the best countermeasures ── among the military officers of the capital, being able to do this seems to be called ‘Maneuvers on the Book’.”

“Maneuvers, on the Book……”

An instantaneous ability in thinking that allowed her to show a frightening reaction during those only few seconds and reverse her predicament.

It was not just her skills of operating a Machine Dragon and <Lindwurm>’s high performance.

(That’s the academy’s strongest girl, huh……)

Lux once again felt her bottomless ability.

“…………”

Philphie lightly poked Lux’s shoulder from nearby.

“Lu-chan. Let’s go pay a visit to the two of them.”

“……Ah, yes. You’re right.”

For the time being, he was worried about Lisha’s and Krulcifer’s conditions.

Lux stood up and left the audience seating with Philphie and company.

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For these past few days, several temporary rest rooms had been prepared to tend to the injured in the Campus Selection Battle.

As Lux headed to that medical office at a quick pace after having parted from Philphie and Noct, who had individual battles immediately after and Airi who had work to do──

“Ah……!?”

“…………”

Celis was just walking alone from the opposite side of the corridor facing the courtyard.

She was walking with steps so steady that it’d be unthinkable that they were someone who had just finished a fierce battle. She turned a somewhat confused gaze at Lux.

“It was a little unexpected.”

Putting a hand on her big chest, Celis muttered as if talking to herself.

“Those girls, who detain you, seem to fight for your sake from their true feelings.”

Celis probably felt firsthand the will and resolution of Lisha and Krulcifer through the fight earlier.

Her aloof presence of leader loosened only slightly.

But in the next moment, a strong wave of hostility swept over Lux and made his spine shiver.

“But, my will cannot be shaken, either. You are still an unneeded person in this academy. I will prove it in the next fight with you.”

“…………”

So, this was a born noble.

So, this was the power of the Ralgris House, one of the Fourth Great Nobles.

The figure of the girl who continued all kinds of trainings since she was a child in order to fight and be established to stand above others.

(That’s right. As expected, this girl’s resolution is different……)

The girl, who since child has fought while abandoning any other way of life.

For Lux, who was not able to carry out his duty as a Prince before, Celis was too formidable an opponent, but,

“You’re a very strong person.”

So as not to lose to her unshakeable will, Lux further declared.

“But ── this time, I will absolutely not lose, too.”

Just like when he decided to destroy the Old Empire before, Lux once again decided.

He would bear the New Kingdom’s future and become their strength.

And he would accomplish it in this academy where he was nearer than anywhere else.

“…………”

Meeting his straightforward gaze, Celis held her breath for a moment.

But, she immediately returned to her usual aloof presence and walked away as she went past him.

“……Phew”

''I’ve said it.''

In order to chase the black marketer ── the existence appearing to Fugil that maneuvered secretly in various places, there was also the choice of leaving the academy and concealing his figure.

But,

“I know that it’s luxury, but”

He wanted to help the girls of the academy while he was still in the academy.

Lux took a deep breath and began to walk.

Then, he caught sight the academy-exclusive woman doctor, who just came out of the medical office’s door.

“Ara, what are you doing in this place? Did you perhaps also come to pay a visit to the injured girls of earlier? I’m on my way to go see the situation to another room though.”

“Ah, yes. U-Um ── are both of them all right?”

Lux asked while being slightly tense.

Then, as the woman doctor leaked a wry smile,

“You are the two girls’ friend if I remember correctly. They would be troubled if you were to see them in their current appearances, so it’d better not to get in yet, you know?”

“Eh……!? Don’t tell me that they──”

After the end of the mock battle with Celis, there should not have been any conspicuous external wounds, but were they perhaps seriously injured?

Lux, who was driven by uneasiness, hastily ran to the medical office and put his hand on the doorknob.

“Lisha-sama! Krulcifer-san!”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>bang*! As he vigorously opened the door, an unexpected scene spread over there.

Bandages were wound on the hands and feet of the girls sitting on a bed.

But, it was not the point of being painful to look at, it was just around one or two places.

However, other than there was amazing.

Probably because they were going to change their dress gears, which already fitted their bodies and made their body lines stand out, after their treatment, they were in a state where they took off all their clothes.

Their uniforms and underwear for changing clothes were just scattered on the bed where both the girls were sitting.

The girls, who saw Lux’s figure, blushed and promptly covered their bodies.

“──!?”

Lux’s head instantly flushed at the sight of the two girls, who were known as prominent beauties even in the academy.

Lux should have reflexively averted his eyes, but maybe that was a man’s sad nature, after fully pausing a few seconds,

“I-I’m sorry!?”

He told them so and vigorously closed the door.

''Haa, Haa……'', as he washed off the sweat from his forehead, the exclusive woman doctor smiled wryly as she saw it.

“Even though I said not to get in since they were changing.”

“Please, say that earlier!?”

Lux shouted with all his power his face still bright red and waited for a while for Lisha and Krulcifer in the medical office to call out to him.

[[Image:SaijakuBahamut v3 000G - 000H.jpg|thumb]]

<center><big><big><big>†</big></big></big></center>

“I’m really sorry……”

A few minutes later, when the girls finished changing and the throbbing of Lux’s heart had somewhat settled down, Lux, who went in the medical office, suddenly bowed his head.

“…………”

In contrast, after Lisha lightly coughed,

“……It’s that, right? In truth, you’re doing it on purpose, right!? What are you thinking about, you pervert!”

As her cheeks were red in bashfulness, she scolded while being flustered.

“Lux-kun. It looks like you didn’t listen to my warning last time. I told you to be careful in various ways since you’re the only man in this academy, right?”

Beside her, Krulcifer also admonished him with a cool face, but as expected her face was slightly red.

“I have no excuse……”

When Lux muttered so while hanging his head crestfallenly,

“W-Well ── as I’ll have you fully reflect on it later, h-how was it?”

“Eh? H-How was what?”

“W-What, you ask? Um, isn’t it obvious!? About earlier……”

While bashfully looking away at a corner of the floor, Lisha asked so.

At that reaction of hers, Lux thought while being shaken.

(A-About earlier, meaning it’s that after all, right? But, I probably suck at praising a girl, so……)

It was already bad to tell what he learned of the shopkeeper of a bar where he had once worked as odd jobs.

He could only go about it with his own words.

(……All right, I decided!)

“U-Um── Lisha-sama’s body is feminine even though it’s small; it’s very sexy and cute and to be frank, I got excited……”

“……!? Uh, aw……”

The face of Lisha, who heard his words, became bright red until her neck.

(Wait, it’s no good!? What am I thinking!? Your hair is beautiful…… or the like, there were many other choices like that, right!?)

He had thought that it was because of the bar where he had done odd jobs until then, but Lux himself completely sucked at praising.

“I-I didn’t mean that, I’m talking about the fight earlier──”

“…………”

(And moreover, I was mistaken……!)

He made a great misunderstanding and ended up blurting out something embarrassing.

And so, he thought that Lisha would definitely get angry but,

“W-What a helpless guy you’re…… Really, you pervert……”

(Wait, huh……?)

The concerned Lisha moved both her hands around restlessly as troubled with a somehow feverish expression and averted her eyes from Lux.

Though she looked embarrassed, she did not seem to hate it.

(……What is it, I wonder?)

When Lux wondered such a thing, Krulcifer spoke.

“Lux-kun. I’ll ask you honestly too, but um ── what kind of girl’s body is to your liking?”

“……Wait, what are you saying all of a sudden!? Krulcifer-san!?”

When Lux was flustered as he was asked a quite unexpected question,

“It’s just as stated. I thought of using what you thought when you saw me now, as reference for the future.”

“E-Errr── Um, it was very beautiful. Be it your white skin, your thighs or your buttocks. It made my heart throb quite a bit……”

“……I see. Which means I can assume that after seeing me, Lux-kun, you were driven by a masculine impulse, right?”

“…………”

“In other words, Lux-kun has always harbored my appearance with indecent delusions like what you saw earlier, is that it?”

“No, wait a minute!? It’s not really like I’m…… a-always looking at Krulcifer-san with such eyes!?”

“That means that you ''occasionally'' looked at me with such eyes, huh. I’m a little relieved.”

Krulcifer said with her usual cool expression mixing a mischievous smile.

Her face showed happiness which the mature-looking her did not show usually.

“T-That’s── wait, what are you making me say strange things since a little while ago!?”

“Ara, it’s natural to make you feel embarrassed as much, right? You also made us feel embarrassed, so being properly teased is a way of taking responsibility.”

“…………”

Being said so, Lux could not argue.

But conversely speaking, he was forgiven with only that. Knowing that it meant as such, Lux inwardly thanked her.

“W-Well, putting that matter aside for the time being, um── I’m sorry about the fight earlier.”

As their talk was settled, Lisha said in a small voice while hanging her head.

“I may look like this, but I challenged her with the intention of certain victory, but…… As expected, someone like me is just── Ah……”

When she showed just a slightly languorous expression, Lux reflexively took her small hands.

“That’s not true. Lisha-sama, you were very cool earlier.”

Lux said so with a smile filled with deep affection.

A girl, who was puzzled about her own existence despite assuming of the status of the New Kingdom’s princess.

Lux conveyed his honest feelings to Lisha, who fought while suffering from her qualification as a princess.

“……R-Really?”

“Yes, you were amazing. Even the surroundings will think ‘as expected of the New Kingdom’s princess── ah”

As he started saying so, Lux unintentionally shut his mouth.

This was because he thought that Lisha might hold resistance for being called princess.

But──

“N-No, It’s not a bad feeling for being recognized as a princess by you and everyone in the academy. Um, I’m also happy about that, but if you could gently stroked my head a little──”

She muttered with a faint voice and looked up at Lux with upturned eyes. But,

“Yes. Also, Krulcifer-san, too, thank you for having held out in various ways and showing me Celis-senpai’s way of fighting.”

“Hey, is my turn over!?”

Maybe because she spoke in such a small voice that he could not hear, Lux had already spoken words of gratitude to Krulcifer.

“<Fafnir> wasn’t in its perfect condition, so I could only do that much. ''That much'' in order to connect to your fight, that is. But ── she’s really a tough opponent.”

“Muuh……”

Although Lisha looked slightly displeased, she pulled herself together and cleared her throat.

“That’s right, we must first win or it’ll be useless. Lux! We’ll go to my atelier from here on!”

“……Eh?”

Seeing Lisha, who got off from the bed and vigorously stuck out her chest, Lux was seized with uneasiness.

“Ah, but. About that thing you remodeled before, you should stop it──”

Lisha had remodeled the <Wyvern>, which Lux had its armor and output adjusted for defense specialization because of some circumstances, for attack specialization.

Since he could not publicly use <Bahamut> in the Selection Battle this time, he could only fight with a <Wyvern> that was overwhelmingly inferior in performance.

But, no matter how much she adjusted a <Wyvern>, she did not think that just a mere general-purpose Machine Dragon would be effective against Celis.

Even so, Lisha declared full of confidence.

“Don’t worry. If my guess is right, those third-year lots would definitely be amazed tomorrow! Krulcifer, you come, too! The partner in the actual fight is necessary.”

Being randomly led by the energetic Lisha, Lux and company headed to the Drag-Rides’ atelier.

Then as they carried out “countermeasures” for roughly several hours, the first day of the Campus Selection Battle ended.

<center><big><big><big>†</big></big></big></center>

Within a deep darkness ── on a disused road of the first block of Cross Feed, four men and women gathered.

One was a girl with long hair spreading roughly, with a sharp glint.

One was a young man with ruffled reddish brown hair like a rooster.

One was a small silhouette that one did not know whether it was a man or a woman and that wore a round mask with graffiti on their face.

And, a black robed figure stood on top of debris piled up in heaps, with the moonlight at his back.

“──So, did you finally find that loot? I hope you guys won’t disappoint me too much.”

While looking down with a smile pasted on his face, the robed figure spoke.

In contrast, the three people were positioned like subordinates; first the long-haired girl raised her face.

Towards the carefree, innocent voice, the girl answered with a voice tinged with slight tension.

“I’m sorry, but no── we’ve just pinpointed a place where it might be. As expected, there’s no gap in the academy’s site.”

“…………”

The robed figure remained silent with a smile as is.

That was above all terrifying for the three men and women waiting below.

The bloody Black Marketeer.

That was the alias of the robed figure currently standing before them.

The arms dealer, who wandered from country to country, maneuvered secretly and peddled various weapons and information these past several years.

His business partners were not fixed, and his backings and affiliations were unknown.

It was an existence upon who all were wrapped in mystery, but there was only one thing certain.

After being involved with this person, a bloody disaster would certainly befall.

Thus, these three people, and also the administrational parliaments of the countries they belonged to, for fear of the Black Marketeer, sought his cooperation.

“──But, if I’m given just a little more time, I’ll definitely find it.”

The long-haired girl fearfully requested.

But, the robe figure laughed as his shoulders shook.

“Unfortunately, I’m also busy, you see? I can’t afford to wait anymore than this. Besides, I owe a debt to the Prince over there. That’s why I’m already moving. I’m done with using petty tricks. I’ll directly smash that academy and then slowly dig it up later.”

“Then──”

At his words, the red-haired man spoke.

“Yea, we’ll finally move ''that''. It’s your turn, Heiburg’s dogs.”

The robed figure lifted the corner of his mouth.

A smile like the crescent moon floating behind him stood out from the dark shadow.

<noinclude>

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

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| Back to [[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 3 Episode 2|Episode 2]]
| Return to [[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 3 Episode 4|Episode 4]]
|-
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</noinclude>

Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 3 Episode 2

2017-12-09T23:00:45Z

OmegaWeaponZ: /* Episode 2 – School Life and Her Speculations */

==Episode 2 – School Life and Her Speculations==

“Fuaah……”

As Lux yawned in the academy’s courtyard, the girls on both sides of him unintentionally laughed.

They were enjoying their lunch break with just the three of them right now.

Placing the furnished platter of plates loaded with several meals on his lap, Lux was sitting alongside the curbstone that was placed similarly to a semicircle.

Lux was sitting right in the middle of the girls.

“Hey hey, it’s too early to sleep, Lux. Are you tired?”

“W-Well, sort of, yeah……”

As Lux awkwardly replied, the girl sitting on his right side drew her face even further closer to his.

The girl with firm deep crimson pupils and lovely blonde hair side tail as features ── she was the New Kingdom princess, Lizsharte.

She was the one who caused his enrollment into the academy to happen, he had complete trust in her right now; she was a reliable princess.

They already had an intimate relationship, but in regards to the matter of yesterday’s request, he still hadn’t told her about it.

Since he found crossed dressing embarrassing, Lux wanted to conceal it forever between him and the girls of the Triad.

“Don’t push yourself too much. You, um…… have various things to do with me from here on out after all. And recently, the time we can be together has finally increased, too……”

With a somewhat feverish expression, Lisha muttered so.

Until just recently perhaps due to the fact that he handled a certain request preferentially, he seemed to have made her feel lonely for a while.

“Ah, I’m alright Lisha-sama. I’m fine so──”

Lisha was an eccentric person, rather he should say that she was very much like an innocent child, but he thought that the part where she honestly relied on him was very cute.

Moreover, since she was not very good at fulfilling her responsibilities as a princess, she continued to endeavor every day as both an engineer of Drag-Rides and a Drag-Knight.

Lux didn’t feel reluctant to cooperate with that girl who deserved his respect.

“You shouldn’t push yourself so much.”

As he was thinking so, he suddenly heard such a voice.

“There are a lot of things that I, too, really want to do as usual, but── it can’t be helped if you’re tired. Should I reduce the amount of time we should study today?”

“Eh…… Errr, as I still haven’t caught up to everyone in class, please take care of me today too. Krulcifer-san”

As the girl sitting on Lux’s left side sent him a seemingly lonely gaze, he hurriedly shook his head.

The girl with white skin harking back to fresh snow, blue long hair, and possessing a fairy-like mysterious beauty.

An earl’s daughter of Ymir from the North, Krulcifer Einvolk was a girl whose relationship with Lux had suddenly improved recently.

Ten days ago or so, as part of an event, a request was made by Krulcifer to have him play the <Role of a Lover>, and he had fought for her sake in order to dissolve her undesired engagement.

Originally, at the time when that matter ended, the temporary lover relationship should have also ended, but──

“Or, would you like to take a break from studying once in a while and go out somewhere with the two of us”

Krulcifer softly brought her mouth close to his ear and spoke as if tickling it.

The sweet fragrance drifting from her long hair tickled Lux’s nose.

“N, No──. For a while, I’m still a little……”

While his spine quivered with a shudder, Lux’s face turned red.

Ever since that matter, Krulcifer’s attitude towards Lux has slightly changed.

[[Image:SaijakuBahamut v3 041.jpg|thumb]]

Simply put, the way she often teased him hasn’t changed, but recently the level of teasing has begun to exceed that of “just a friend”.

“Is that so? That’s too bad. Then next time, I’ll invite you again.”

During the times when Krulcifer tutored Lux, she would softly place her hand over his; for Lux who had never gone out with a girl officially, it was quite bad for his heart.

When Lux was inwardly thinking so as his heart was pounding like crazy──

“Hey……! What are you two secretly talking about?!”

After Lisha, who saw that, groaned in displeasure, she broke the ice in a somewhat impatient manner.

“More importantly, we have to think about a countermeasure regarding that woman──”

“That woman……?”

“I’m talking about that young lady from one of the Four Great Nobles. The third-year student Celestia, the leader of our “Knight Squadron” has finally come back last night.”

“Ah……”

With Lisha’s words, Lux recalled that fact.

As expected, he could not speak about the matter where he had met her in a cross-dressed state.

“That’s right. We must certainly talk about it.”

Suddenly showing a pondering face, Krulcifer agreed, too.

“Using morning’s break, I heard various stories, but──. It seems that a few days ago, a movement of trying to drive Lux-kun out of the academy has been formed among the third-year students.”

“Eh……!?”

Lux and Lisha unintentionally reacted to the information they heard for the first time.

“It’s the truth. Strictly speaking, only one person, a third-year female student called Saniya seemed to be stirring up other classmates.”

“…………”

Hearing that story, Lux could not say anything.

Although he thought that he was completely familiar with it now, Lux was a “man” who should not originally be in an all-girls academy; so it was probably inevitable that such an event occurred.

The Old Empire’s ideology which had forced the custom of strong androcracy.

Especially, the bad impression towards noble men could not be easily removed.

Until now, with the support of the first- and second-year students, the third-year students who did not know Lux that much also seemed to have been watching the situation; but the girl called Saniya seemed to once again try to drive Lux out.

“Well, rest at ease. I swear on my name of the New Kingdom princess that I’ll absolutely not let them cancel your attendance at the academy.”

When Lux showed an anxious face, Lisha said so and puffed up her impressive chest for a small-sized body.

“T-Thank you.”

Seeing her figure, Lux took a breath of relief.

Frankly speaking, Lux grew quite attached to this academy.

Friends of the same generation and reliable comrades in arms were things that Lux had never had.

(Even though I never thought about such a thing when I wandered around due to odd jobs for five years……)

As Lux was thinking such a thing──

“…………”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>tic tic*. Suddenly, his back was lightly poked by a finger and he turned to look back.

“W-What’s the matter……? Phi-chan”

A girl of a somewhat elusive atmosphere having cherry pink-colored hair and a rich chest.

After Philphie, who was also Lux’s childhood friend, stared at Lux with absentminded eyes for a while, she casually and softly put her forehead on Lux’s.

“Wai……!? Philphie!?”

Lux panicked as the pretty face of the girl came before his eyes.

“……!?”

While Lisha and Krulcifer on his sides stiffened as they were also surprised, Philphie quietly separated her face.

“It’s Phi-chan, right?”

Philphie muttered slightly sullenly.

“I-Is that really something you should correct now!? M-More importantly, why did you do──”

“Lu-chan. Let’s sleep early today.”

“Errr……?”

With her usual tone of doing things at her own pace, Philphie said so.

Although the matter of last night’s patrolling should not be known by anyone aside of the girls of the Triad, it looked like Philphie has noticed that Lux has been tired recently.

Her action of having put her forehead on his was to check whether he had a fever just in case.

“No, but I’m still all right, so──”

When Lux tried to act brave like he usually did,

“It’s no good if you don’t sleep early.”

Philphie emphasized so as she drew her face closer.

“Um……”

“If you don’t listen to what I say, we’ll sleep in the same bed.”

“Wai……!?”

With her absentminded serious look as is, Philphie muttered such a thing.

At her statement, Lisha and Krulcifer’s eyes changed.

“H-Hey, Lux. What the hell does that mean? S-Sleeping together──!?”

“Speaking of which, there was no roommate in her room. Lux-kun, don’t tell me──”

“Y-You’re wrong! U-Um ── Phil…… Phi-chan, um, surely says it in the context of a nap──!”

While desperately explaining himself, Lux cursed his own carelessness.

Philphie was quiet and taciturn, at the same time she was surprisingly stubborn.

“I-I got it, Phi-chan! Sorry, it was my bad! I’ll properly sleep today! I won’t push myself!”

“Yes, please, do so.”

“Haa, haa”, Lux roughly breathed.

He was really surprised every time at the words of this natural airhead childhood friend of his.

But, this was surely Philphie’s consideration.

This girl knew well since childhood that Lux easily overworked himself.

(Did I make her worry until now?)

“T-This airhead girl is unexpectedly a formidable enemy……”

“Yes, I was also taking her lightly, but it looks like she’s quite tough. I must be careful, too.”

“W-Wait you two, what are you saying!?”

Lux reacted in a hurry to Lisha and Krulcifer who whisperingly communicated.

Within such peaceful noises, lunch time passed.

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And, after school when he finished all of his classes.

“Phew…… With this, today’s jobs are over.”

As usual, Lux finished handling the requests sent by the academy and students and took a breather in the dormitory’s dining room.

As it was pointed out by Philphie, he had been feeling sleep deprived recently; so he moderated the odd jobs that he undertook to ten, moderate compared to the usual.

But alternatively, Lux felt a strange sense of incongruity that he did not have until yesterday.

(──It’s not my imagination, huh……)

He was being looked at.

The gazes from first- and second-year female students and instructors did not change.

But, a color of caution was slightly mixed in the gazes turned by the third-year students.

Though it was not to the extent of being called hostility, as expected the influence of Celis’s return was probably spreading among the third-year students.

While thinking about such a thing, Lux secretly headed to a certain place for the time being.

“…………”

The Drag-Ride’s Atelier located on the school premises.

He knocked on the backdoor of the brick- made building, and after saying “Sorry to have kept you waiting”, he calmly opened the door.

“Ok, it’s all right. Come in.”

As he went inside being invited by Lisha who showed up, several girls had already gathered there around a table put in the place of the usual large work table.

“……Wait, so many people came!? Even Airi──”

In addition to Lisha, the chief of the atelier, Krulcifer and Philphie, the three girls of the Triad and even his little sister Airi were already in the atelier, too.

“What do you mean by even me? I was worried because Nii-san is too unreliable.”

Being looked at with slightly amazed and reproachful eyes, Lux got flustered.

In the academy, Airi aspired to become a civil official and did the work of deciphering ancient documents of ruins.

Recently, she seemed to work on the deciphering of documents which were recently brought back from the previous ruins investigation; and partly because she was busy with it, they did not meet each other for several days.

“If you say that, I would want to reveal ''that'' to everyone, you know?”

Perhaps because she did not like Lux’s reaction, Airi suddenly said such a thing.

“''T-That'', don’t tell me……!”

“Yes, I know about ''that''. I wanted to see it, too. Nii-san’s……”

“Wait, stop!? Please, anything but that──!”

“Next time, will you properly consult me, too? Nii-san.”

As he nodded at Airi who whispered with a somewhat evil smile, his little sister finally forgave him.

“Then, I’ll forgive you.”

Looking at Lux who tried to stop Airi’s words in panic, Lisha and company, who knew nothing, looked puzzled all together.

“S-Somehow it bothers me, but…… Well, let’s leave it for later. More importantly, it’s the matter at hand. It’s fine, right?”

To Lisha’s steering, all the people present nodded.

“Then first, it’s the talk that we heard today from the members of the “Knight Squadron”, but──”

So, she spoke about the information that she gathered about Celis this time one by one.

The third-year students knew about Lux almost only by hearsay, but maybe because of the underclassmen’s persuasion, they did not have so much resistance towards Lux’s admission in itself.

But, if the man-hater Celis tried to drive Lux out, the great majority of the third years who kept quiet would end up supporting her.

“In other words, it’s up to her will how we, the third-year students, will move. Which means that everything will depend on what Celis thinks of Lux.”

Sharis, the only student at this place in the same year as Celis, summarized as such.

“Yes. Then, should we, who know Lux-san well, first try to persuade Celis-senpai?”

“No. I think we should probably stop it.”

Krulcifer calmly shook her head to Noct’s proposal.

“Until now, she has always brought this academy together with a strong conviction. At least, if she could feel shaken by our persuasion, it should have never turned into a situation like this to begin with.”

“In the first place, even if we, who support Lux-cchi, say it, there won’t be any persuasive power, eh~”

“Hmm……”, Lisha, the one directly responsible for Lux’s admission, groaned to Tillfarr’s sigh.

In the end, it would turn out like that.

As the talk changed topic of whether they should approve not the individual called Lux, but the existence called “man” or should they let all the students decide it, there was no doubt that they were at a disadvantage.

“…………”

But perhaps because she thought of an alternate plan, when everyone kept quiet,

“──Then, there may be nothing else to do other than having Nii-san himself do his best after all, huh.”

“Eh……?”

To the words suddenly uttered by Airi, Lux tilted his head to the side.

“I see, there’s that way.”

As Lux was absentminded, Sharis also nodded with her arms folded as is.

“Simply put, this means that it’ll be fine as long as Celis regards you as an exception. No matter how much one advocates justice, a human is a creature moved by his feelings in the end. If you make Celis herself take a liking to you, the problem will be solved. ──With that said, shall we try arguing this time in that direction?”

“N-No, isn’t that kind of impossible──”

Lux was not familiar enough with girls to think of a way of charming the man-hater girl.

“A method to make her take a liking to him, huh…… Let’s see, shall we try putting up the Drag-Ride’s parts that we have excavated from the ruins recently──”

“Would you please stop with your mania-like idea……? There are few girls who would be pleased with that.”

To Lisha’s words, Krulcifer put in a tsukkomi<ref>I assume you already know what this means. For those who don’t, it’s simply a retort of the sort.</ref> with an amazed face.

“Ugh……!? T-Then, what do you suggest to do!?”

In a place where a small dispute began, Krulcifer turned around to Lux.

“For that, first it’s necessary to have Lux-kun exhibit his ''weapons'', I guess. How about it? Have you experienced an odd job, which looks like it would make a girl happy, so far?”

“Err──”

He pondered for several seconds, but sadly nothing came into his mind.

During his five years of odd jobs life, the clients were various; in the first place he had no memory of having dealt with one long term work to the extent that he thoroughly investigated something.

When he began to write all the jobs he has done so far on a paper for the time being,

“Hmm, how about handmade accessories? In order to show his sincerity with a present? Lux-cchi, for the trial before the main performance, I don’t mind you making one for me, too, you know?!”

“No. Please, restrain yourself, Tillfarr. I judge that it’s merely you who wants a gift from Lux-san.”

In contrast with Tillfarr in high spirits, Noct, who was one grade below, coolly retorted.

“Hmm. We can always put her in danger and save her from it. Even I, who am Celis’ fellow third-year student, don’t know well what she dislikes other than men, but──. Ok, after mixing alcohol in juice and making her drink it, I shall kindly nurse the drunken target. While giving her a favor like this, I might end up reaching the destination as it is──”

“Um, a plan where we’ll all be expelled is a little……”

As Lux stopped Sharis’s proposal while sweating,

“Yes. In the first place, demanding resourcefulness in such a meaning from Lux seems to be a slightly severe judgment.”

“W-Well, that’s right; but it hurts, so please don’t say it too much!”

Although agreeing with Noct, Lux had his heart plainly gouged out.

“Indeed. Even when I made the request of being Lux’s lover, he was feeling quite restless the whole time. I hardly think that he can skillfully lead Celis-san who is older.”

“Could you please end with this topic already!?”

Being told that even by Krulcifer, Lux ended up being crestfallen.

“I’m sorry. It has been a little too fun teasing you.”

“…………”

With her usual cool smile, the girl turned her gaze to Lux.

Except the fact that she was an exchange student from another country, thinking about Krulcifer, who bore a certain mission and secret, and felt loneliness, it was a good tendency, but──.

(Since she’s a person who seems very noble-like more than the half-hearted me, I’m one-sidedly teased……)

When Lux was making a complicated face,

“Don’t you have any proposal? Philphie-san.”

As Airi remembered suddenly, she brought the subject to Philphie who was eating cookies.

“Hmm……”

Philphie tilted her head to the side for about a few seconds, and then responded with,

“Won’t it be fine if he acts like usual?”

Because she gave a normal answer, everyone fell silent.

“Was this airhead girl listening to the talk so far? Listen carefully, at this rate Lux will be expelled from the academy──”

“I think that my big sister will probably not let such a thing happen. So, I think that if a problem happens, we should just tell her that we don’t want Lu-chan to leave the academy.”

With an absentminded expression, Philphie indifferently muttered.

To her reply, the others pondered for a while,

“──She’s right. That may be the best for the moment.”

Airi nodded first.

“It’s a fact that there’s a person spreading bad rumors among the third-year students, but it’s only a person called Saniya and it’s not really like a problem has occurred. If we were to react to it and make a fuss, it might strengthen the opposition.”

“In other words, it’s important to unify the wills of the first- and second-year students who already accepted Lux-kun, huh.”

When Krulcifer answered so and the talk was about to complete the first stage,

<nowiki>*</nowiki>knock-knock*, a sound of the atelier’s door being knocked was heard.

“……What’s the matter? I’m busy now.”

“I’m sorry. Is Lux-kun here?”

When Lisha, who was the atelier’s chief, answered over the door, the voice of a girl who seemed to be a student returned.

“H-Hey, the dorm leader seemed to call for Lux-san, but──”

“He’s currently running an errand for me. I’ll tell him when the work is over. Tell the dorm leader that if she’s lucky, he may go there early.”

“I got it. Then, I’ll take my leave.”

“…………”

When everyone lowered their voices with dubious faces, the girl’s footsteps went away.

“I wonder if it was a nervous reaction. Even if the fact that Lux was there is exposed, the “opposition faction” should not be able to do anything about it──”

Lisha muttered so, but she could not be quite sure.

“But certainly── it’s dangerous to move stealthily too much. It’s already late today, so shall we call it a day for the time being?”

When Airi concluded so, everyone nodded and decided to do as such.

“Then, I’ll leave first. I seem to be called by the dorm leader. And also ── I thank everyone for having gathered tonight for my sake.”

Giving his thanks in the end with a smile, Lux left the atelier while looking out to the surrounding.

“…………”

A few minutes after Lux left the atelier.

Silence filled the room for a while, but Lisha sitting at the back muttered before long.

“U-Um…… I’ll say it now. But, having Lux curry favor from Celestia, personally I don’t want to do it, but──”

Looking at the blushing girl who was somehow irritated,

“Y-Yes, indeed. It’ll be good and all that her man-hating is cured, but ── there’s also no guarantee that both of them won’t really become serious. If that happens ── I’ll be troubled.”

Krulcifer too slightly blushed and said so.

“Haa, what troublesome girls.”

Airi, who looked at these two girls, breathed a small sigh; and the trio of the Triad showed a happy smile immediately after.

“I see; in other words, the reason why you said “you can’t lead Celis” to Lux-kun was because you didn’t want it to be like that, huh. You also have a cute side in you, eh, Krulcifer.”

To Sharis, who turned a broad grin, Krulcifer fell silent.

“Then, since the boy left, shall we try having occasionally such a talk? It seems pretty fun after all.”

Seeing Tillfarr, who bent herself forward further, Airi lightly clapped her hands.

“Let’s already call it a day. Everyone, please do not take my big brother as your plaything.”

Along with the slightly amazed voice, the girls’ meeting met its end.

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“Still, I wonder what that urgent business is.”

Lux, who came out of the atelier, hung the bag packed with the complete set for the said cross-dressing and went to the dorm leader's room in the women’s dorm.

He originally intended to go return it as is to Principal Relie, but the plan had changed.

When Lux was walking in the long corridor while thinking about such a thing,

“I-I’m sorry. Can I have a little of your time!?”

A girl who gathered her long hair in three braids called out to Lux in a flustered state.

Since the color of her necktie was blue, it looked like she was a third-year student; but he was not familiar with her face.

She was probably a native of the south region as the rare brown skin was their peculiarity.

“Ah, yes. Errr── what is it?”

“There’s a person in this room that is unable to move. She has overused her Drag-Ride and seemed to have ended up having muscle pains. Until I get the doctor for medical treatment, could you please look after her?”

“Eh……? I-I don’t mind it, but...”

“Then, please! This way──”

The braided hair girl pulled Lux’s hands and took him to a room on the third floor.

“It’s here. She doesn’t look fine, so please lightly massage her body.”

“Ah, yes. I got it. ──Wait, massage!?”

No matter how urgent it was, wouldn’t it be quite a problem for him, a man, to do it?

Lux thought so and was going to decline it immediately, but,

“Please. I’ve already told her about it after all.”

As the braided hair girl said only that, she quickly left the place.

(I-Is it all right for me to do such a thing? But, I’ve got to take responsibility for accepting the request……)

After having hesitated a little while, Lux steeled himself and opened the door.

Unlike the sharing rooms for boarding students, it seemed to be a slightly small, private room. Perhaps because the lamp was not lit, the face of the girl lying face-down on the bed could not be seen.

“Um…… excuse me.”

As he called out to her just in case and entered the room, the girl’s voice returned.

“Please, come in. You’re quite late.”

“Um…… is it all right if I rub you?”

“Yes. I have heard that by doing so, one can be rid of their fatigue.”

Though it was a slightly feverish voice, Lux looked puzzled as he felt like it was not a painful voice.<ref>The reason why he looked puzzled was because he was told that she didn’t look good and that her muscles hurt.</ref>

“T-Then, excuse me……”

For note, Lux had odd jobs experience in large public baths. Of course, there were only men, but he had done massages for visitors.

(But, I’ve almost never done jobs like medical care──)

As Lux was troubled as to how he should deal with it,

“Is something wrong? If possible, I would like you to do it before my body gets cold.”

“I-I understand. Then, please tell me if it’s painful.”

As Lux explained, he nervously extended his hands.

When his finger softly crept on her back,

“Uwah……!?”

He unintentionally raised his voice.

It was dim and one could not see well, but the girl’s upper half was naked.

That the white abundant chest of the girl’s upper body was softly flattened and could be seen as its majestic volume was reflected in the window before his eyes.

At the touch of the finely strong, firm skin as if sticking to him, and at the touch of the strong, firm skin, Lux’s heart began to pound violently.

“……? Is something wrong?”

“N-No!? It’s nothing──!?”

Although his voice was clogged, Lux once again let his fingers creep on the girl’s skin.

(……Wait!? Looking closely, not only her back, but also her buttocks, this──)

Upon close inspection, she only wore a piece of white thin cloth on the bottom of her neatly constricted waist.

Through that piece of cloth, the girl’s well-shaped big buttocks, and well-fleshed body lines also distinctly stood out; Lux’s head immediately boiled.

“Should I turn the light on? Saniya told me that I can relax when it’s dark, so it’s better to turn it off.”

“N-No, it’s all right! Um, I will continue, so──”

While parching his throat in nervousness, Lux massaged her back in panic.

The touch was totally different from when he massaged a man of an excavation shop during an odd job before.

Lux’s face spontaneously became hot at the rising sweet fragrance and the sensual touch.

Even so, as his fingers remembered the job of before, he somehow manage to do it well, but──

“It’s been a while since I last took a bath in the girl’s dormitory, so I unintentionally had it long and leisurely.”

As she was satisfied with Lux’s way of using his fingers, the girl muttered in a calm tone with a slightly pleasant atmosphere.

“But, an academy of only girls without males is good as expected. In the capital, I was tensed every day.”

[[Image:SaijakuBahamut v3 000C - 000D.jpg|thumb]]

“Eh……?”

With these words, Lux noticed.

(Having returned from the capital? Wait, d-don’t tell me this person is──!?)

When Lux was thrown in further intense agitation,

“Celis-san? Are you in there? Saniya-san was looking for you, but──”

These words were heard along with a small knock.

It was a different voice from the braided hair girl’s of earlier.

(T-This is bad……!)

Lux’s heart was about to stop.

This current situation was definitely not Celis’s intention. There was no way that Celis, who is a man-hater, would expressly ask Lux, a man, for a massage right after bathing.

(W-Why did such a situation happen!? No, in the first place, the girl who called me here said that there was someone who hurt her body──!)

『It seems that since a few days ago, a movement of trying to drive Lux-kun out of the academy is occurring among the third-year students.』

『Strictly speaking, only one person, a third-year female student called Saniya seemed to be stirring up her other classmates though.』

Krulcifer’s voice echoed in Lux’s mind.

And Lux did not know what Saniya looked like.

(No way ── was it that girl!?)

''I’ve been set up'', when he noticed it, it was late.

If the door were to be opened here, Lux would be framed for sexually attacking Celis and expelled from the academy.

No amount of resistance from the pro-Lux faction could possibly prevent the explosion.

“Understood. I’ll come back very soon, so could you wait a little?”

“I’ll wait here then.”

When Celis politely told so, at the same time she softly raised her upper body.

As the white, beautiful back of the girl came before his eyes, Lux unintentionally averted his eyes.

“I’ll turn on the light. I give my thanks for having come expressly for my sake. But, I must soon change my clothes, so──”

When Celis was going to stretch her hand to the lamp of the room,

“P……Please, hold on a little!”

“Is something wrong?”

“E-Errr…… um, I-I must close the curtains! Because you’ll be seen from the outside! And also recently, there’s been a suspicious person──”

“…………”

Those were Lux’s words with only the intent to gain time but,

(T-This is bad. I might have been found out……!?)

“Thank you. I was a little careless. It looks like I need to reflect.”

The girl muttered with a slightly wry smile.

(I-I’m saved…… But, what do I do from here on?)

He could not do something unreasonable such as jumping off from the window of the third floor.

Even if he were to run outside of the room, the girl waiting for Celis stood right there at the corridor.

While a troubled Lux closed the curtain, Celis stood up from the bed and the cloth which was put on her body softly fell.

Lux unintentionally turned his gaze at her white naked body visible in the darkness.

“……!? S-Senpai!? What are you──”

“I thought about wearing at least my underwear.”

(B-But, changing your clothes without even hiding yourself…… even if you’re thinking that I’m a woman──. Ah……!)

At that moment, a certain idea crossed Lux’s mind.

Lux hurriedly stretched his hand at his bag on the floor and executed it.

“Then, I’ll turn on the light.”

Immediately after Celis said so and turned on the lamp putting on her underwear──

“…………”

“Ah, u-um──, good evening.”

Celis opened her eyes wide in puzzlement, staring at the cross-dressing Lux.

A girl who wore the blouse and skirt of the uniform and put on a wig of hair reaching until the waist.

It was an emergency measure to use the cross-dressing kit, coincidentally he was on his way to return it, but──.

“You are──”

When Celis muttered in bewilderment, Lux’s body suddenly stiffened.

(A-As I thought, it may have been reckless. There was no way I would deceive her with this──)

“Luno. So, it was you. I’m glad to able to meet you.”

“……Eh?”

When Lux cocked his head in puzzlement to the unexpected words, Celis softly took his hands.

“Is your injury all right already? I’m sorry to have asked you for such a work without even knowing.”

As Celis completely thought Lux to be the girl of yesterday, she said so with a voice filled with deep affection.

(I-It’s good that she hasn’t noticed, but I kind of have mixed feelings about it…… wait, more importantly!)

“S-Senpai! Your clothes! You still haven’t worn your clothes!”

Lux, who noticed it, hurriedly stepped back.

When looking, Celis was still in pale light blue-colored underwear.

“Please, do not mind it. More importantly, meeting you is more……”

“U-Um! You’ll catch a cold! So, Celis-senpai should──!”

“I understand. Then, can you give me a little time?”

As Lux desperately appealed, Celis slowly stretched out her hand to her uniform on the side.

Of course, Lux turned his face away to avoid watching her change, but even so his heart was violently pounding.

Celis’s aloof atmosphere coupled with her beauty that could be described as peerless, by just being in the same room as her, made him feel exalted.

This was probably the status as a Duke daughter she held.

“Errr, but…… I ── not that, I-I don’t think that I’m that great a student to keep company to Celis-senpai. And earlier, someone else seemed to call you, too, so……”<ref>He first use ''boku'' (I) only use by males before changing to watashi (I) used by both genders.</ref>

Frankly speaking, he wanted Celis to leave as is without incident, so when Lux tried to lead as such──

“It’s not really like I like people of the same sex.”

Celis who finished changing her clothes and approached again said something unexpected.

“No, of course it’s not like I dislike them, either, but…… um, I would say that I don’t see them as targets of romantic love. It’s just ‘like’ in the meaning of being close friends with them. But ── for some reason, I’m misunderstood by the students around.”

“…………”

He did not know the reason why Celis suddenly said such a thing, but he felt like he somehow understood why the surrounding students would think so.

A fairy tale-like beautiful and strong girl in all respects.

If such a girl was to allow men to get close, the girls, who admired her, would further pile up fantasies.

“But, it’s strange. When I look at you, for some reason um, I’m captivated by you. I’m sorry to say something strange so abruptly, but──”

“N-No, I’m very happy that you say that of me, but──”

This was half his true feelings.

Being able to attract the attention of a noble, beautiful girl like Celis, there was no way that he would feel sick about it.

Though, it might be natural because he was a man.

“Senpai. Not yet? It’s late.”

Again with a knocking sound, the voice of the girl of earlier was heard.

“…………”

After Celis stared at Lux’s face for a little while,

“Your words of a little while ago, do you really mean it?”

“Eh, ah, yes……”

“Then, on the day off three days from now, um, will you go out with me?”

“Eh……!? But, that’s──”

“Y-You didn’t want to didn’t you!?”

As Celis’s expression looked despondent as he has never seen so far, Lux was flustered.

“N-No! It’s all right! I’ll go.”

“Thank you, Luno.”

(I-I’ve said it……! Just reflexively……)

“Then…… let’s see. At 9:00 a.m., after eating breakfast, please wait for me in the dining room.”

“I-I got it.”

“Then, see you again.”

After saying only that, Celis reluctantly left the room.

As the two girls’ footsteps became more distant, Lux turned the lamp off and kept his disguise just in case.

When he heaved a sigh of relief for the time being,

“I’ve never seen your face.”

“……!?”

Being called out from behind, Lux unintentionally held his breath.

When he turned around, the black braided hair and brown-skinned girl, who lured Lux over here earlier was there.

“Y-You’re──!?”

“……Ah? Do you recognize me? I think that this is the first time we met though.”

“Kuh……!?”

Here once again, Lux understood the situation.

The aforementioned girl that denied the present situation that there was a man in the academy and incited Celis to drive Lux out.

This third-year student called Saniya lured Lux into a trap.

In order to make a situation where Lux attacked Celis and immediately spread the commotion, she probably came here to see how things went.

(It’s bad…… Unlike Celis-senpai, this person suspects me.)

“Well, whatever. More importantly, did you happen to see a male student in this room? You’ll know at least that, right? You were in there just a moment ago.”

She stood in front of Lux and asked with a dubious expression.

He could not escape.

She had a calm demeanor at a glance, but sharp doubt and hostility were emitted from her slender body.

(This is bad, at this rate……!)

When Lux was flustered──,

“Hey, may I intrude?”

From behind Saniya standing before Lux, a dignified voice was heard.

Exposing while slowly walking was Krulcifer.

“I’m sorry to interrupt your conversation, but I’ve an urgent business with that girl. Can you hand her to me?”

With calm, yet unfazed movements, Krulcifer stood next to the cross-dressing Lux.

A leisurely smile floated on her face.

“For you, who is an Earl's daughter, that’s quite impolite, you know? Can you wait until I finish my business with──”

Saniya aggressively fought back without retreating. But,

“The principal told me that she wants me to bring her as soon as possible, but──. Do you still need a reason?”

“…………”

Though Lux thought that the request for his presence by the principal was a lie, there was no way of confirming it in this situation.

Perhaps she thought that detaining or doubting would be unnatural, Saniya heaved a small sigh.

“I understand. Then, excuse me.”

And then, she turned her back on Lux and Krulcifer and briskly disappeared into the corridor.

After watching Saniya leave until her presence completely disappeared,

“Then, shall we go?”

Krulcifer quietly pulled Lux’s hand and began to walk as if nothing happened.

“…………”

They both left the dorm silently as is, and went up the stairs of the school building, whose door was about to be closed already.

Lux, who ascertained that there was no one in their surrounding, finally asked.

“Errr, Krulcifer-san. Um, thank you.”

As he first thanked his friend who saved him from a predicament,

“As usual, you’re too softhearted. After I heard the voice that called you in the atelier, I found it a little suspicious.”

“…………”

“Incidentally, I went to confirm it with the dorm leader, but she told me that she didn’t remember calling you.”

Being told so calmly, Lux was at a loss for words.

Looking back now, the appearance of the girl, who asked for him without showing herself, was certainly strange.

The ones who knew that Lux participated in the meeting in the atelier should have been only the girls who were present there.

It was probable that Saniya secretly followed Lux.

Lux has certainly been careless.

“But…… I’m amazed that you knew it was me. Even though I’m dressed like this──”

Because he did not tell Krulcifer about his cross-dressing to patrol a few days ago, she should not know that he had the means to cross-dress.

When Lux asked as he thought so,

“There’s no way that I’ll mistake my precious Lux for someone else, right?”

She said so with her usual cool smile.

“Errr, what do you──”

“Can you not ask about it? Even I became embarrassed a little……”

When Lux’s face turned red as he understood what she meant, Krulcifer also blushed while feigning calm.

After they arrived at the Principal's room as is, they explained the circumstances to Relie who stayed for work and she promised to arrange an alibi for him.

And then after having changed back into his male uniform, Lux returned the female uniform and then parted from Krulcifer there.

“──Phew.”

He returned to the room he shared with Philphie and finally heaved a sigh of relief.

At any rate, it was dangerous.

That third-year female student Saniya was trying to drive out Lux with hostility he has never seen so far.

Because the girls around him so far have received him favorably, he had forgotten; but relaxing his attention for a moment was dangerous.

“But…… what on earth does that girl──?”

A girl who regarded the nobles “men” as enemies due to the custom of androcracy that the Old Empire had laid out before.

Or a girl who did not originally like Lux that got into a school of aristocrat daughters where there were no men.

He could understand those simple reasons.

But, he felt a stronger intent from that girl called Saniya.

“Munya (cute yawning)…… Lu, chan.”

The double room’s light was turned on, but Philphie seemed to have gone ahead sleeping on her bed.

“Good night, Philphie.”

When he called out to her with a gentle smile, Lux turned the lamp off and went to bed, too.

In any case, the Campus Selection Battle would begin soon.

And, the awakening of the Ragnarok, which was the New Kingdom’s crisis to come, approached closer every day.

(I must also tell Celis-senpai about that──)

While thinking about such a thing, the calm night wore on.

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That night where the moon was shrouded with thin clouds.

One shadow stretched in the prison of the royal capital far away from the Fortress City.

The shadow’s owner was a doll-like figure that put on a jet black robe and wore a hood over his eyes.

His footsteps resounded on the stone corridor illuminated by flames of torches and he kept walking at a regular pace.

The capital’s prison was divided in three levels, matching the kind and weight of the crime, and managed criminals.

The shadow easily reached the most strict, deepest level among them.

“──Good evening, my dear sworn friend. Are you doing well?”

The robed figure, which stopped in front of the grill, talked to the man inside with a calm voice.

“……!? You’re──!”

The next moment, the blonde-haired man ── Balzeride, who was reading a book inside the jail, noticed and raised his head.

Though he was a criminal charged for conspiring with various backroom deals, perhaps related to his position of the heir of one of the Four Great Nobles, he wore fine clothes for a prisoner.

Perhaps because his appearance was quite unexpected, even after recognizing the robed figure’s identity ── that it was the “Black Marketer” with whom he had made deals before, he was not able to utter his next words.

“Oh my? Are you so moved you’re lost for words? That’s good to know. It looks like it was worth braving danger and coming here to meet you.”

The robed figure, his eyes still hidden with a gloomy shadow, uttered an extremely bright voice.

His attitude was completely different from when they were making deals before.

It had a trace of child-like innocence, but Balzeride was seized with a strange uneasiness.

“H-Have you come to save me? Sorry.”

When he asked so as to guess the other party’s feelings, the robed figure’s lips curved in a crescent shape.

“There’s no need to apologize, “Title Holder of the Kingdom”. I highly value the talent you have. That’s the number one reason why I came here like this.”

“I-Is that so……”

Balzeride heaved a sigh of relief to the robed figure’s reply.

If this “Black Marketer” still highly valued him like this, then the talk would be easy.

“As expected of my sworn friend, how discerning.”

Balzeride, who said so with a calm smile, stood up.

“Indeed, I still have some authority left. There’s also a hidden sanctuary in my territory. Afterwards, I’ll have you procure me new mercenaries and Drag-Rides. What, if I break out from here, everything will work either way. It’ll be fine if we just pin the crime regarding this matter on the rebel army. I’ll talk to the consuls that the Kreutzer House has won over, and when we select a criminal of substitute──”

Balzeride made an address as if pressing for an answer.

He considered this to be a golden opportunity and began to persuade the robed figure,

“Gohah……!? Gu-Guaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!?”

Fresh blood suddenly splashed before Balzeride’s eyes.

A dark red horn-like protuberance pierced from inside his chest and sprouted.

The robe figure trampled down the head of Balzeride, who raised a shriek and rolled on the floor, with the shoe that he inserted in between the lattice.

“Hey, hey, be quiet, will you? It’s night now, you’ll cause trouble to the prison guards, you know?”

The robed figure put his index finger on his lips and said with a mischievous voice.

He was looking down at the “Title Holder of the Kingdom” not with surprise or fear on his expression where his eyes were covered, but rather a smile that could be called calm.

“W-What did you do!? Y-You bastard! Guh, Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah……!”

While greatly opening both his eyes and twisting his body in pain, he continued crying.

The dark red horn, which sprouted from Balzeride’s chest increased in number and thickness, broke several bars of the grill and spread out as if eating away from the inside.

Each time that erosion advanced, blood vessels and skin burst open, and the inside of the prison was dyed red.

“Didn’t you hear what I said? What an irritating person, geez. ──I said it earlier, right? That I value your talent quite highly.”

“Gahah! Guaaaaaah! Ugaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!”

Balzeride, who writhed as he scattered bloody vomit, the robed figure shrugged his shoulders while saying “good grief”.

And then, he widely opened his eyes covered with the hood and wickedly laughed like a devil.

“You’re a genius who makes me angry! To make this gentle me come all the way here; really, you’re an amazing genius. Ah geez, you garbage. Trash. Scum. Die. Just die at this moment. Die after fully suffering. Die while being eaten away from inside. Become like a corpse with maggots crawling all over it while keep on living...”

The robed figure continued rebuking it with a gloomy voice, but with a joyful look.

But perhaps he was not satisfied with only that, when he set foot inside the jail, he stepped on the chest, which was about to crumble, with his shoe heel.

“Listen up! <Aži Dahāka> was my Divine Drag-Ride, too. But even so, it has an energy limit. If you copy several other Divine Raiments and use them at the same time, both power and accuracy will naturally decrease. I taught you that, right? If you didn’t get cocky ── ah geez; what’s more, it has been magnificently destroyed to that extent, so even restoring it is already impossible.”

“…………”

Under the robed figure, which kept uttering words of resentment, Balzeride was already dead.

But, not even caring about such a thing at all, the robed figure danced like a child playing in a puddle of water.

“Ah, geez. Show a little backbone. So, even the last dosage was useless? Well, considering this guy’s age, the compatibility possibility seems to be zero to begin with though.──See you, useless rich young master.”

When the robed figure spat out and turned on his heel, he took out a horn from his breast pocket and put it on his lips.

“……Now, then. Without delay, let’s go get revenge for this pathetic fellow who died.”

An innocent and bottomless wicked smile spilled from under the hood.

After the interval of an instant, a violent dissonance echoed.

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──The next day, during lunch time.

While eating lunch with his friends in the courtyard, Lux was thinking about Celis.

Even if Lux’s existence in the academy was called into question again, a problem should not occur until the Campus Selection Battle ended.

However, the existence of the awakening Ragnarok still threatened the New Kingdom, a matter which warranted careful action.

The decision to give Celis the charge as the subjugation commander was still being discussed.

He heard from Lisha that because Celis had beaten up the instructors, whom were male, during the practice in the capital, or due to multiple parties grasping for political power during this situation, there were arguments and disagreements regarding the subjugation corps’ personal selection.

(If Celis-senpai goes, I must accompany her, too……)

Lux defeated Balzeride, who was the first candidate to be the subjugation force commander, and made him lose his standing.

Of course, there were circumstances which compelled him to do that, so he had no regret on that point; but he still intended to take responsibility.

“I see that you’re thinking about complicated things again.”

“Ah…… errr.”

To the mutter of Krulcifer who was eating her meal, sitting on the left, Lux quickly came to his senses.

It looked like he had lost himself while pondering.

“Lu-chan. You should properly eat your lunch.”

Philphie, who was sitting on his right today, softly held out a sandwich to him with her usual absentminded deadpan.

“Eh!? Phi-chan!?”

“You should properly eat.”

She repeated the same words so as to emphasize.

“S-Sorry. But, um, I’ve properly bought my own meal, so──”

Lux refuted as such in a hurry, Philphie looked into Lux’s face without pulling back the sandwich that she held out.

“You should eat.”

“…………”

Unable to resist the pure girl’s eyes, Lux had a mouthful of the sandwich from Philphie’s hand.

Because Philphie was really stubborn at such times, he knew that resistance was futile.

Then, Philphie made a relieved expression and expressed a faint smile.

“Is it delicious?”

“Ah, y-yes……”

Frankly speaking, he was so embarrassed that he did not know how it tasted.

“That’s great.”

When Philphie muttered with a relieved voice, small screams like “Kyaaah” were raised by the first- and second-year female students in the same courtyard that were looking in the distance.

“As I thought, a childhood friend is different, huh.”

“I thought that Krulcifer-san was a step ahead, but looks like we don’t know yet.”

Such voices of curious onlookers could be heard.

“No, this isn’t really what you think──!”

When Lux, with a bright red face, was going to deny such voices,

“She’s quite the strong rival. But, I won’t lose.”

Krulcifer stirred up while chuckling.

“Wait, don’t say strange things, too, Krulcifer-san!?”

Watching Lux being flustered, the girls happily laughed.

It was a calm and peaceful daily sight, but Lux suddenly noticed that something was missing.

“S-Speaking of which, Lisha-sama ── she said that she had a little thing to do, but she’s late.”

After the period of being Krulcifer’s “lover” was over, Lisha also hung with them almost every day; but just for today’s lunch, she said “I’ve an urgent business, so I’ll see you later”.

She was the New Kingdom’s princess, a member of the “Knight Squadron” and was also doing research on Drag-Rides, so she should be a really busy person, but──.

“Lux-cchi! So, you were here!?”

As Lux was thinking so, one of the Triad, Tillfarr was hurriedly running his way.

When she raised her face in front of her while being out of breath,

“Big trouble! Celis-senpai went to have a talk with the Principal to expel you, and Lisha-sama went to stop her──”

“……!?”

Lux stood up at the words of the awfully flustered Tillfarr.

“Both of you, stay here!”

Leaving such words, Lux hurriedly ran to the school building from the courtyard.

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The school building’s third floor, the corridor before the Principal's room had already been crowded with a great number of students regardless of the school year.

“Sorry, please let me through!”

Pushing his way through that crowd, Lux arrived at the Principal’s office.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Bang*! The moment he opened the door, that scene jumped into his eyes.

“That’s why I’m saying that there’s no problem with admitting Lux! It was originally my suggestion, but the principal approved of it as well and he went through an official procedure. There’s no way that he can drop out at this late hour!?”

“It is an admission that was selfishly decided when we, the third-year students were absent. Besides, in the original admission conditions, it is written only girls of regulated age can enroll. If we were to allow his attendance at the academy, it should affect the very meaning of the academy's existence.”

Two girls were facing each other in front of the principal seat where Principal Relie was sitting.

On one side, the New Kingdom’s princess Lisha.

And on the other side, Celestia.

The two girls were having an intense dispute, but when they saw the figure of Lux, who entered the room, they suddenly stopped their words.

“Lu-Lux!? Why are you here──!?”

Not minding the surprised Lisha, Lux closed the door and began to walk slowly.

And when he advanced until the principal room’s center, Celis’s face turned towards Lux.

“Are you the Old Empire’s former Prince, Lux Arcadia?”

After a short pause, she asked with an appraising look.

Slight suffocation could even be felt in her presence and voice which overwhelmed others.

(So this is her attitude towards “men”, huh……)

He had heard the rumor about being a great man-hater, but an overwhelming pressure pushed Lux’s body just by confronting her like this.

“You are not someone who should originally be here. Do you understand that?”

“…………”

Lux could not argue once against her serene voice.

“I have heard the story about the recent circumstances.”

Before Lisha interjected, Celis continued talking.

“I am grateful that you saved the academy from danger several times during my absence. But, it’s not a valid reason for you to enroll here. This academy is for noble ''young ladies''.”

“But, that’s──”

When Lisha raised her voice, Celis held her back with a gaze.

“If we were to recognize and accept him here as an exception, we would have to recognize other exceptions. The talk about the academy not being a coed school should have already been settled seven years after the academy's founding.”

“Kuh……!”

When Lisha groaned, Celis heaved a sigh.

Then, Principal Relie also scratched her head as she was troubled.

“I thought that no one remembered such talk…… As expected, you’re quite formidable. What Celis-san said certainly makes sense, but could you overlook it only this time?”

“Just the other day, a suspicious man invaded the school grounds. The one over there is not the cause, but it will be trouble for this academy’s students if they are careless towards men.”

“…………”

Unflinching even against Principal Relie, the talk seemed to take a parallel course.

The defense for Lux’s admission was eroding quickly.

The New Kingdom Royal family’s power did not hold a great amount of power, the nobles, who were the investors of the academy, would adhere with the Ralgris House who had more influence than the royal family.

If that happened──

“…………”

Expulsion or attendance. While being made to stand barely at the edge, Lux thought.

Though he was about to be overwhelmed by Celis’s intimidating atmosphere, he steeled himself as he took a deep breath.

(Calm down…… no matter what I say here, it’ll only sound like an excuse. In that case──)

Thinking so, Lux made a certain decision.

“Celestia-senpai. I have a favor to ask you.”

To Lux’s sudden words, everyone present in the room held their breath.

After lowering his voice so that it could not be heard outside the door, Lux said.

“It about the matter of the Ragnarok subjugation that Balzeride Kreutzer was supposed to undertake. Would you lead the unit for that?”

“……!?”

At these words, tension exploded inside the principal room.

The existence of the Ragnarok, which rested at the seashore of the Heiburg Republic, was absolutely a confidential matter that was known only to a limited number of people.

After Balzeride’s downfall, Celis’s name has already been raised as the next subjugation commander candidate, it was a fact that Celis naturally knew, but,

“……I will not ask why you know about that matter.”

After slightly accumulated breath, Celis indifferently responded while matching her gaze to Lux.

“But, it is a matter that has nothing to do with you. Therefore, there’s no need for you to worry about it.”

Her words bluntly refuted him.

But, Lux could not afford to pull back either.

“Most of the New Kingdom Army’s Drag-Knights are men for the moment, but would you be able to cooperate with them?”

“Lux Arcadia. Are you trying to sidestep the issue? If that’s the case, I will judge that there is no room for discussion.”

“My answer will be decided depending on yours. So──”

“…………”

After Celis leaked a small sigh, she looked down at Lux, whose height was slightly shorter than her, and answered.

“I am going to accept the aforementioned subjugation request, but I do not intend to borrow the power of the male Drag-Knights. I intend to kill it by myself. Are you satisfied now?”

“────”

In a sense, those were expected words.

The academy’s strongest ── no, she was the girl who held the throne of the strongest perhaps in the New Kingdom. Her absolute ability and the words were coming out of her self-confidence.

However,

“Then, I cannot leave this academy.”

“……What do you mean?”

Looking at Lux, who clearly showed a will of rejection, Celis inquired with a dubious face.

“Because I will tag along in your squad subjugation as a member of the Knight Squadron. Lord Ralgris”

“……!?”

Celis, who was perfectly the “dignified Four Great Nobles” so far, showed unrest for the first time.

“I have also heard about your ability. But──, the Ragnarok is a formidable enemy. I cannot let you fight alone without the cooperation of other Drag-Knights. If I am a member of the “Knight Squadron”, which can undertake missions of the army while being students, then I can cooperate with you.”

“……Lu-Lux. That’s──”

Lisha was about to say something unintentionally, but she held her tongue in the middle.

She probably guessed that Lux had an idea.

As he gratefully received her solicitude, Lux resolved himself.

“I have heard that your ability is equal to a member’s of the “Knight Squadron”. But, I do not intend to recognize you──”

Celis said in a slightly sharp voice.

When Lux, unfazed, was going to continue speaking,

“Hold on, could you calm down, both of you?”

Relie broke in as a mediator as she revealed a wry smile.

“It is already the time for the lunch break’s end, you know? Even if you deny each other’s opinions like this, you will not reach a conclusion, right?”

Saying so in a calm tone, Relie stood up from her seat.

And when she opened the principal's room’s door, a great number of students, who gathered before it, crowded in as they fell while screaming various “Kyaah!?”

“To summarize it, Celis’s demand is “Lux-kun’s expulsion”, and Lux-kun refuses this. And Lux-kun’s demand is that “Celis-san accepts Lux-kun’s cooperation in the Abyss’ subjugation”, and Celis-san refuses this, too. So a situation where both of you cannot accept each other’s claims, right?”

Relie greatly raised her voice so as to tell the students who gathered.

“So, you girls, who have heard the talk now, which claim do you support?”

When Relie asked so, the great number of students began to rustle.

“Errr ── As expected, I’m in Lux-kun faction, I guess? He hasn’t yet properly done my request, and if he’s expulsed, I’ll be troubled; so if Celis-senpai is to subjugate a strong Abyss, a safer way to do it will be better……”

“Well, I don’t think that he’s really a bad guy, but it may certainly be still a problem that a man is in this academy. If Celis-san said so, then……”

“Please wait! What you did is called thought resignation.<ref>Meaning that she leaves someone to decide for her instead, something along those lines.</ref> At least, Senpai should decide after coming to know him well──”

The first- and second-year students supported Lux, and the third-year students who supported Celis.

From the female students’ debate that could be heard, such impressions were roughly transmitted.

“Yes, yes. Everyone, calm down.”

As she clapped her hands, Relie controlled the place which became noisy.

And then, she turned once again towards Lux and Celis.

“In the end, it looks the students’ will is fifty-fifty. Won’t it be difficult to settle this talk immediately?”

“I see…… I’m gradually reading your aim. Principal.”

When Lisha called out so in amazement, Relie nodded with a smile.

“You guess right. Since it’s a rare opportunity, why don’t you settle it with your abilities?”

“Eh……?”

“What do you mean by that?”

As Lux and Celis asked almost at the same time,

“The Campus Selection Battle that will begin in three days ── you will settle this dispute depending on its result. What do you say about that?”

“……!?”

At Relie’s suggestion, all the students present were astir.

The International Tournament in order to acquire the rights to investigate the ruins.

She proposed to settle Lux and Celis’s problem simultaneously with the Campus Selection Battle to decide its representatives.

“We will solicit the students’ opinions afterwards. We will divide the power in two groups according to whether they support Lux-kun or Celis-san and have the other students participate as well.”

“W-Wait, that’s──!?”

“Principal. What are you──”

Lux and Celis broke in a hurry to stop it, but it was already late.

“This is bad! We must quickly secure strong people──”

“Can we win against the third years……? But, if we have the first- and second years, we must somehow with the difference in number……”

The ripple that Relie caused became a big wave and spread out to the students in the school building.

It was an event where it could no longer be stopped.

“Isn’t it fine? Not only each other’s ability, but also whether or not they can get a stronger great number of supporters ── on top of testing these qualities, it’ll be settled.”

Lisha suddenly stood up before the dumbfounded Celis.

“I naturally bet on Lux, but how do you feel about this? Madam Celestia Ralgris.”

As she turned her red eyes and provoked, Celis hesitated just a little,

“──Understood.”

She silently closed her eyes and consented.

“Although it was something inevitable, I have to take responsibility for the events that had transpired during my absence. Though it is not my original intention, I think that I will accept the challenge…… But─”

Celis muttered in her usual serious tone, but her presence suddenly changed.

From the atmosphere as a calm senior to one of an aloof ruler,

“If you seriously think that you can win against me, then it is a tragic miscalculation.”

“……!?”

Lux and Lisha unintentionally winced at her smile filled with a sharp overpowering feeling.

When Celis turned and was about to leave the principal room,

“But──, didn’t Celis have some thought about Lux-kun?”

“Eh……? What do you mean by──!?”

“That’s──”

To the words muttered by the Principal, the feet of a flustered Celis turned around.

On the other hand, when Lux reflexively approached towards the Principal, the two people’s feet got entangled.

“Uwah!”

They fell down on the luxurious red carpet.

“Owww…… ──wait, huh?”

In the time they fell together, Lux was looking at the ceiling, in a posture while he was pinned down by Celis.

There were a sweet fragrance, which gently drifted, and Celis’ face was near his own, and her glorious cleavage also stuck to Lux’s chest.

“U-Um……!?”

[[Image:SaijakuBahamut v3 093.jpg|thumb]]

As Lux was flustered,

“…………”

Celis, whose face became red, had stiffened as she looked at Lux’s face as is.

“H-Hey both of you, what are you doing!?”

Lux suddenly came to his sense at Lisha’s voice.

“Excuse me…… But, you look like him after all.”

After several seconds. Celis, whose cheeks were slightly dyed red, stood up, was about to lend a hand to Lux, but pulled it back.

And when she whispered something in a low voice, Celis left.

“……Phew.”

In the principal room where the large number of students already left, Lux heaved a small sigh.

“For the time being, we got a little deferment.”

Lisha muttered and looked at Lux.

“Geez, to think that you’ll come here; I wondered what would have happened. You, the person concerned, shouldn’t act so rashly.”

“I’m sorry. But, I thought that I have to speak for myself this time after all.”

Not long ago, he only saw himself as a criminal.

He was thinking that if he were to just undertake requests of the citizens, who knew nothing, and follow the wishes of the girls of this academy, he would atone for his crimes.

That’s why, depending on those girls’ will, he would accept everything no matter what happened.

But, it was different now.

“I also want to fight here together with Lisha-sama and everyone.”

This was because he thought that it was cowardly to only entrust his fate to the girls’ hands without speaking of the wish that budded inside him.

“Lux……”

Perhaps because she guessed his intention, Lisha smiled and held out her hand.

“It’s all right. If it’s us, we’ll win. Um ── you also have many allies; um, above all, you have me here after all!”

When Lux took her hands, Lisha smiled as she blushed slightly embarrassed.

“Both of you, it’s nice that you get along so well, but it’ll soon be time for the next class, you know?”

Immediately after Relie muttered so, both of them quickly ran towards the classroom.

<center><big><big><big>†</big></big></big></center>

The talk of the Campus Selection Battle, while betting Lux’s attendance in the academy, spread in no time and became the hot topic within the academy after school.

Even with such an uproar, Lux faithfully handled requests from the academy and students; he finished everything by the day’s end and headed towards Airi’s room.

When he visited the room of his little sister whom she shared with Noct of the Triad, only Airi in uniform was waiting for Lux before a small desk.

“Good evening, Nii-san.”

It was frightening that she said it in a calm tone.

“U-Um, are you angry? Airi……?”

“I’m not angry. Yes, Nii-san is surely doing it so as to make me angry, so if I were to get angry here, it’ll only make you more and more happy after all.”

She was angry.

Though she smiled outwardly, a jet black aura oozed from her whole body.

“S-Sorry. Regarding this incident, various things happened──”

''This is bad!'' Lux, who knew from experience, apologized on the spot.

“It’s nothing really. You should just lose and get expelled from this academy. Rather than ignoring my feelings and do dangerous things, that option is much safer after all.”

Airi muttered as she sulked.

[[Image:SaijakuBahamut v3 097.jpg|thumb]]

No matter what she said, this little sister, who was his only relative, was probably concerned about her big brother.

Therefore, she was very angry at the fact that Lux jumped into the maelstrom of the incident of his own accord.

“There was no time to discuss about it with you this time. I’m really sorry! U-Um, to make up for it, I’ll properly consult with you next time, so……”

When Lux desperately apologized as such,

“……You’re unfair, Nii-san.”

Airi muttered with a troubled expression.

“Eh……?”

“Knowing that I’ll eventually have no choice but forgive you, you act on your own; so you always…… Haa, Geez”

“Errr, Airi──?”

When Lux asked as he could not understand well since she spoke in a low voice,

“I-It’s nothing!”

While slightly blushing, Airi hurriedly said.

“W-Well, making up for it, carefully think about it afterwards…… the reason why I called you this time is for a different matter.”

Airi began so and cleared her throat with a cough.

In response, Lux also took a deep breath and straightened himself.

Noct, who should be her roommate, was not there this late at night which meant that she probably had left her the room.

It went to show how important their talk was going to be.

“It’s a story that I heard in absolute secrecy from the Principal. Balzeride Kreutzer, who was imprisoned in the capital…… was murdered the other day.”

“……!?”

Lux held his breath at the truth that he was told.

“Also, Velvet, who has been confined as a commander in the rebel army, was also killed. Both of them due to an attack from the Abyss.”

Abyss, which originally appeared around the ruins and attacked all creatures nearby, rarely make it to the Capital.

Many defensive bases existed on a straight line to the capital, and even the Abyssal species which moved long distances while concealing themselves never made it.

Thus, Lux felt something unnatural.

“The Abyss itself, which appeared inside the prison, seemed to have been safely defeated, but for some reason something doesn’t feel right. Both of them testified their involvement with a person called the “Black Marketer” who has recently been maneuvering secretly in many countries and it seems that this individual was in the middle of a detailed investigation.”

“…………”

“And though it’s something different, the Heiburg Republic’s administration parliament seems to press forward the military expansion further in recent years. There is also a rumor that they obtained the cooperation of two alliances countries and made a mercenary unit different from the army. Furthermore there is the possibility of the Black Marketeer in question circulating Military power like Drag-Rides──”

“Perhaps that’s……”

The Black Marketer who sold weapons such as Drag-Rides and horns in various countries and secretly maneuvered the world.

As of now, his purpose was unknown, but he was a person regarded as dangerous in various countries.

“We’re going to be chasing him. It might be “him”.”

“……!?”

Fugil Arcadia.

Lux’s big brother and cooperator in the coup d’état five years ago.

And the man who betrayed him in the end and destroyed all of the Old Empire.

Chasing his footprints that disappeared, Lux has been looking for him in the country until now, but──

“It’s not certain that the Black Marketer is him, but you should see for yourself. Whether you’ll remain in the academy as is and fight, or temporarily leave the academy and chase him──”

“……Yes, I got it. I’ll think about it.”

Lux slightly nodded at Airi’s question.

“Well then, good night. Airi.”

“Good night, Nii-san.”

When he said so and left Airi’s room, Lux walked down the dorm’s corridor and gazed at the moon outside the window.

Airi purposely displayed the options probably because she was concerned about Lux.

If Fugil was the Black Marketer’s true identity, by remaining in the academy, Lux and <Bahamut>’s existence would be known and there was the possibility that the academy would become a target.

(But, I can’t let Celis-senpai go on her own to subjugate the Ragnarok.)

There was a reason why the Heiburg Republic firmly requested the Ragnarok’s subjugation at this timing.

By determining the subjugation’s time frame just before the International Tournament and exhausting the Atismata New Kingdom’s Drag-Knights, it was very likely that they were trying to gain an overwhelming victory and monopolize the rights to investigate the ruins.

Moreover, if Celis were to be defeated by the Ragnarok, it would also give the rebel army inside the country an opportunity to attack.

The New Kingdom is in an alliance with Ymir, but the exchange student, Krulcifer, and the New Kingdom’s Princess, Lisha, would not be able to join such a dangerous mission.

If there was someone who could take part in it in this current situation, it was only Lux.

(But, do I, who failed before, have such a qualification? No……)

Lux slightly shook his head and stopped hesitating.

A qualification was not something that was given, but earned.

While thinking so, Lux decided to return to his room and retire for the night.

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“…………”

At the same time. Celis was spending a night where she could not sleep in her room.

Her roommate Sharis said that she would patrol today too as the vigilante corps, so she slightly regretted that she didn’t follow her, as she could not sleep.

In order to calm her feelings, she read a book that she took with her to the Capital.

That book, which gathered sword skills, martial arts and the skill of Drag-Rides, was something collected and made into one single book though extracted from what Celis herself had learned and taught.

“Lux Arcadia. Rather than Emperor Arcadia, he really looks like you……”

While chasing the characters of the opened page with her eyes, Celis softly muttered and made her fingers crawl on its page

“This is unfortunate. To think that the one who came to this academy was, of all people ── him…… But─”

After she suddenly showed an expression of anguish, Celis closed the book and raised her face.

“This is the only thing I can do. In order to protect him and also the students of this academy, I can’t come up with another idea. I’m not wrong this time, am I? Wade-sensei?”

That mutter, which contained a quiet resolve, echoed in her mind.

<noinclude>

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

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|-
| Back to [[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 3 Episode 1|Episode 1]]
| Return to [[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 3 Episode 3|Episode 3]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 3 Episode 1

2017-12-09T18:25:40Z

OmegaWeaponZ: /* Episode 1 – The Return of the Strongest */

==Episode 1 – The Return of the Strongest==

“Uuh… It’s getting chilly today huh……”

There were about a few days until the date of the inner school selective battles to decide the representatives for the international tournament that awarded the right to investigate the ruins.

As a Drag-Knight it was the greatest event to display one’s abilities, the inside of the academy was full of tension that was also similar to exaltation.

On the night of such a day, Lux was walking through the school premises ── at the courtyard in the vicinity of the girls’ dormitory.

Within the darkness where the stars weren’t visible, only the lamp’s light that leaked out from the dormitory was faintly illuminating the stone pavement.

The main gate was already closed for the girls’ dorm that was located in the Royal Military Academy.

Because this place, an institution for rearing Drag-Knights that was located in Cross Feed, was an important place as a defense point, it also contained exclusive guards and the security was firmly ensured.

But, even so, outsiders who attempted to trespass and peep were never ending.

This was because, for human beings trying to commit a crime, this academy where noble young women from marriageable age commuted and where the super weapons called Drag-Ride resided was, so to speak, something like a treasure vault.

Therefore, the girls known as the Triad, which was renowned in the academy, had been independently patrolling within the premises up until now but, since he had received a request, Lux was also participating in the patrol tonight.

(Though, if it was just that then it would’ve been fine. Why is something like this──)

As Lux’s cheeks reddened to the present situation,

“Huh? You ── I’ve never seen you before. Could you by any chance be…”

“Ah……? E-Errr, umm──”

Right in front of the girls’ dorm, as he was called out by a classmate who was in a dressing gown, he unintentionally raised a voice of surprise.

(S-She noticed it!? What do I do! If she recognized me with this appearance, then tomorrow, I’d become the laughing stock in the class──!?)

“A transfer student? That’s very unusual in this period.”

“Eh…!?”

Towards the girl in front of him who dropped her interrogative face, a deep turmoil was born inside Lux.

After hesitating for several seconds, Lux resolved himself to deceive her.

“T-That’s it. U-uh……I was called by the headmaster, specially ──”

“Hmm. Well, if we happen to be in the same class then nice to meet you. Mm, as for me, I would’ve rather wanted that you were a boy, you know. Then again, that would be impossible in this academy”

After drawing close and fixedly gazing at Lux’s face, the girl made a wry smile.

(A-As expected, she noticed it!?)

The moment when Lux panicked for an instant,

“I mean, you’re seriously really pretty. There are a lot of cute girls in our academy, but none among them are top class.
Ahh, no way no way. Another rival.”

The girl sighed somewhat exaggeratedly while shrugging her shoulders.

“R-Rival you said……?”

“Yep, a rival who targets Lux-kun from my class. There’s only one boy in this academy right now. But, surrounding him are incredibly beautiful girls, I couldn’t approach him at all you know. If a beautiful girl like you were a boy, against a boy, the popularity would also be scattered a little and my chance to be able to talk to Lux-kun ──to that boy would increase even a little.”

As she pouted in a lovely manner, the girl said so.

“Ah, ahaha……”

In response, Lux couldn’t help but smile bitterly.

“Well then, good night. ……Ah! Recently, there seems to be some male perverts appearing around the area, so be careful okay.
A cute girl like you would be the first to be targeted.”

“……Y-Yes. I will be careful.”

While awkwardly waving his hand, Lux smiled as if troubled.

When the back figure and footstep sounds of the girl who went back to the dorm completely disappeared──

“──Hold up, why didn't anyone notice it!?”

Lux, who currently had the appearance of a female student, inadvertently shouted out.

Since he began with this appearance, he had already met with five female students, and yet not a single one of them noticed that it was Lux.

……Well, I guess it’s only natural.

He was only wearing a long chestnut-colored hair wig on his head and some girl clothing, but looking at a mirror, it was to the point where Lux himself also couldn’t believe his own eyes.

However, even so,

“D-Despite that, I still thought I would be exposed by my fellow classmates……”

He was saved thanks to no one asking him about the female clothing, but he was having staggeringly mixed feelings.

“Haah……”

With a small sigh, with the purpose of resuming the request, Lux began to wander around the academy’s grounds.

“W-Was this really necessary……?"

While gently gripping the hem of his skirt and thinking such a thing, Lux thought back upon the event from just a little while ago.

<center><big><big><big>†</big></big></big></center>

“Errr…… a request to guard the academy’s premises ── is that it?”

On that day after school, Lux was called out by his female friends, and consulted with them in regards to a “certain request”.

The third year student and dignified leader, Sharis. His classmate with a lively personality, Tillfarr. And the cool girl who was also a close friend of his little sister Airi, Nokuto.

The request from the Triad, the renowned trio who formed a vigilante corps in the academy in addition to also causing various disturbances, was unexpectedly a serious one.

“Yep, that’s right. The academy’s security is, in truth, the guards’ job. But with just them, there are places which weren’t always patrolled.”

As Tillfarr folded her arms and showed a pensive look, Nokuto next to her also nodded.

“Yes. They also have their lives and the day also continues after nightfall. Meaning it would be impossible to keep up.”

“Especially at night, we, the Triad, voluntarily go around patrolling the premises and the girls’ dorm, but in consideration to the recent state of affairs here, we would like a little bit of assistance.”

Sharis summarized so and approached Lux.

“Therefore, Lux-kun. We have come to request that you participate with us for a short while starting from today. In order to protect the academy’s peace, won’t you become our strength?”

She asked so in a somewhat exaggerated manner.

(As usual, I don’t know whether she’s earnest or irresponsible; a truly hard to understand person, huh……)

While wryly smiling in his mind, Lux consented like it was only natural.

“I got it. If I can be of some use, please allow me to help you.”

Which he answered so with a smiling face,

“Thank you. Just as one would expect of our academy’s prince.”

“Yes. As expected of Lux-san. Please allow me to offer my thanks, too.”

“Really, just as you’d expect from Lux-cchi. Thank goodness, I’m glad.”

Matching Sharis’ expression of gratitude, Nokuto also lightly bowed her head, and Tillfarr showed a smile.

“No, if it’s an odd job like this then I would warmly welcome it but──”

Odd jobs.

The criminal Lux, who was a survivor of the royal family of the Old Empire that laid out misrule, was given this obligation at the time when he was acquitted through amnesty.

The agreement to receive odd jobs from any of citizens, even after transferring into this academy, it had continued in the form of him undertaking odd jobs from officials and students but──.

(Everyone’s been giving me nothing but strange requests……)

Recalling that matter, Lux had a bitter smile.

Things like assistance with shopping and cleaning the room, those were still the better ones.

It was not unusual for Lux who was the only boy in the academy to receive outrageous requests, whether it was a joke or for real, from the young girls here who were interested in him.

A personal bodyguard for constant supervision, aiding in a body massage, an assistant for changing clothes. In the end……when he saw the letters spelling out help with bathing, he doubted his own eyes as would be expected.

And so, towards the request that seemed decent this time, he was frankly relieved, but──.

“……Hold on, what the heck is this!?”

Lux, who went to the waiting room of the training grounds to prepare for the request, unexpectedly shouted out.

The uniform which he was presented with a change of clothes from the Triad was for some reason a girl uniform.

A blouse and skirt beautifully well kept.

And, a chestnut-colored wig which was a high quality ornament.

“Well you see, since we had requested the headmaster and had her specifically arrange it, it’s fine to wear it without hesitating, you know?”

“That’s not it! The thing I’m worried about isn’t how you acquired this……um, why do I, with this kind of f…female clothing like this──”

“Lux-kun, calm down a bit. This is for the sake of a goal.”

Sharis put on a serious look and said to the embarrassed and flustered Lux.

“The main area we are guarding this time is the surroundings of the girls’ dormitory. In addition, it seems like there’s some male perverts who are prowling around the academy’s surroundings recently and peeping.”

In regards to that information, Lux was also alerted by the teacher and knew about it.

“If we were to disguise you as a frail girl, we will be able to strike during the interval where the pervert lowered his guard. Letting your anxieties die out in the face of vigilance. In other words it’s a decoy role. This is also to protect everyone in the academy. ……Do you understand?”

“U-understood……”

Pressed by Sharis’ nudging, Lux finally returned a nod.

As expected, he could not refuse when she earnestly requested him to that extent.

For Lux right now, this academy was an important place.

Even though they had been tormented with the tyrannical rule of the Old Empire and the customs of male supremacy over women for a long period, the girls of the academy had accepted him who was a criminal from the imperial family.

If it was to protect those girls, this much was──.

“Is that so, thanks. Well then, shall we immediately move on to the fun clothes changing time? Prince.”

“Eh…!?”

Sharis smiled with a broad grin and extended her hands towards Lux’s chest.

As if matching her, Tillfarr who had been watching silently also held the uniform in her hands and Nokuto retrieved some perfume and a comb from a bag.

“Well then, let us change your clothes okay?! Lux-cchi, you don’t know how to put on a girl’s uniform right?”

“N-no……! I’ll give it a try on my own! Why are you all grinning!?”

“No. We have no ill intentions, so please relax. Sharis and Tillfarr, and I as well, it’s not like we’re taking advantage of the request and are eager to see the figure of you in girl clothes, because there’s no way we were thinking of that even a little.”

“There’s no way I can believe that!?”

Lux involuntarily retorted towards the indifferent Nokuto’s words.

However, resistance was already impossible.

“Okay okay. Shall we take it off quickly, Lux-cchi. No… Lux-chan”

“Lux-kun, I have also prepared underwear for girl use just in case, but?”

“Please stop, anything but that!”

Somehow he has struggled desperately only at the last line, but after several dozen minutes, he has been completely transformed into the appearance of a girl student.

“Uwah…!? T-This is beyond my imagination, by far──”

“Yes. For it to fit him this much, I have gravely miscalculated”

“S-Should we also give up on the makeup? E-Even like this now, it should be more than enough, so…”

“…………”

While the three girls of the Triad gave their impressions as they pleased, Lux has hardened in front of the mirror as he felt extremely embarrassed.

“Rest assured Lux-kun. Anyone who looks at you right now would see a very beautiful aristocratic young girl student.”

“……I’m, not happy about this at all!”

Lux yelled with teary eyes towards Sharis who had placed a hand on his shoulder with a cheerful smiling face.

<center><big><big><big>†</big></big></big></center>

Afterwards, having checked on how to walk like an aristocratic young girl and just simple mannerisms,just like that he was participating in the patrol around the premises. However no suspicious-looking person appeared in the area at this time.

“Rather, it would really be fine if no one enters all the way into the premises but──”

Lux was worried about whether he would be forced to use this appearance again.

He absolutely did not want to be seen, especially by his little sister Airi or the girls he was close to.

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v3 019.jpg|thumb]]

“But, I really have to be careful in a lot of ways──”

That’s right; Lux recalled the matter from just a few days ago.

In the incident surrounding Krulcifer who’s a transfer student from the religious country Ymir, the heir to one of the four Great Nobles of the New Kingdom, Barzeride Kreutzer was overthrown.

There were no doubts that he had committed various crimes behind the scenes, but for Barzeride who was said to have saved this Atismata New Kingdom, it seemed like it was arranged so that he would be given an important errand.

The largest and strongest Abyss said to exist within each of the seven ruins, Ragnarok.

As the fact that the former Old Empire of Arcadia had released one of those Ragnarok from the ruins came to light, from the Heiburg Republic came a demand to subjugate it.

If that demand were to be rejected then diplomatic pressure would probably come from the three countries alliance that Heiburg was a part of.

For the New Kingdom, that was an undesirable situation.

But, the subjugation of a Ragnarok cannot be dealt with through normal means.

It was a monster of mythical class to the extent that results have shown that for the average Drag-Knight, even if they formed a group they would still be unable to put up a fight.

Lux had already heard the story from Lisha and Principal Relie on the matter of the war council that was being held every day at the Royal Capital concerning the method of subjugation and the unit formation.

『If we were to consider someone from the fighting force of the New Kingdom who has a chance at victory ── there would be probably none besides Celestia at present』

The princess of the New Kingdom Lisha’s answer was as such.

She was a third year student and a girl from the four Great Nobles that was crowned with the title of strongest.

The highest prospect of victory was to have her lead a large force of the army and fight.

As for Lux who had defeated Barzeride who was a candidate for the spot of captain of the subjugation unit, he was in the position of wanting to request cooperation with Celis while apologizing for that fault but──.

(But, that person seems to be a great man-hater huh……)

He has heard many times of her military prowess, but the number one problem was that.

At present, the existence of Lux as the sole male in the academy was accepted by the first and second year students, while the third year students tolerated it, but when Celis returns there was no knowing what would happen.

Let alone asking for her cooperation, the possibility of Lux being chased out of this academy was not zero.

(I must think of a way or something…)

When Lux was thinking so while leisurely walking around the vicinity of the girls’ dorm,

“……? That’s──”

Feeling something was faintly out of place in the corner of his vision, Lux readied his guard.

At the grass thicket of the back gate, a place where the light of the bonfire didn’t reach, he felt like he saw the shadow of a figure.

“…………”

“──Like I said, that’s what I thought.”

When Lux held his breath and hastened his pace, a voice could be heard from the vicinity of the rear entrance gate.

(They are talking with someone…? In such a place, at this hour?)

For a moment, the matter of the suspicious person floated across his mind, but Lux immediately realized it was something different.

The sound of a crystal clear voice and the elegant pronunciation belonged to a young noble girl.

Even so, as he concentrated his eyes in order to confirm just in case, the side face of a tall and slender girl leaped into his field of vision.

(Huh……?)

Judging from the uniform he was familiar with and the blue-colored necktie that represented third year students, there was probably no doubt that it was a senpai but; something was strange.

“──due to that, at that time I decided it was fine to remain alone in the Royal Capital. Even though I’m bragging about that decision, what do you think?”

The girl was speaking in a way as if she was talking with someone, but no one could be found in the surroundings.

(…What the heck is that?)

When Lux cocked his head in puzzlement,

“Nya~”

A small cry could be heard from beside the girl’s feet.

“However, in my heart I was expecting someone to suggest remaining together. Yet, no one remained… Of course, I had intended to refuse even if someone suggested it but… Ah, please wait! The story isn’t yet──”

Appearing flustered, the girl extended her hand, but the cat ran away from that place.

(Hold on, she was talking to a stray cat! And moreover it ran away…!?)

While looking at the crestfallen girl who hung her head, thinking that it was not the time to do something like this, Lux moved along.

(Still, I only watched from a distance, but she sure was a beautiful person. ──Wait, just what am I thinking of!)

Shaking his head and clearing away idle thoughts, Lux continued his patrol as is.

Then,

“Hmm……?”

At the edge of his field of vision, he noticed the moving figure of a person.

Holding his breath and chasing after it, he caught sight of a familiar building.

(This place is… the library…?)

The place he arrived at was the library in the academy premises that was separated from the school buildings.

Of course, the building was closed as it was late into the night now, so it was supposed to be deserted, but──.

(Why, at this kind of place?)

When Lux silenced the sound of his footsteps and tried to approach in order to get a better look at it,

“──Hey there, please don’t make a sound. Ojou-chan”

The voice of a young man abruptly called out from Lux’s back.

“……!?”

It was neither a teacher nor a patrolling guard.

They should be at the station outside of the premises, having already finished their tasks.

Which means──.

(Could this guy be the aforementioned pervert?!)

Lux turned around and looked at the man, but he had absolutely no recollection of him.

He was wearing a thin dark brown coat, with a sharp impulsive look in his eyes.

“Good girl. Now, you won’t try to run away right? I don’t have any intention of hurting you. It would reduce the value when I receive the ransom and in the first place, it’s against my nature to hurt a beautiful girl.”

(The heck… even this person is mistaking about me!?)

Since he had put on girl clothes for that reason, it was going according to the plan in a sense; but Lux had mixed feelings.

“Alright. Then, would you slowly come with me”

However, the pervert ── no, the man who seems like a kidnapper was completely off guard. The knife that was clasped in his right hand wasn’t thrusting at the nape of Lux’s neck or his back.

At this rate, there was a possibility to subdue him in the momentary opening when the man averted his attention.

As Lux made that judgment and try to observe the situation for the moment ──

“I won’t allow that. My judgment is ── to not permit it.”

An elegant clear voice shook the night air.

In the spot slightly distant from the cross-dressing Lux and the suspicious man.

Before anyone noticed, standing over there was the girl who was talking with the cat earlier.

She had fair colored skin and brilliant blonde hair that spanned until her waist, and bottomless deep jade pupils.

In addition, the girl had an abundant chest that seemed ready to burst.

Lux and the suspicious person’s movements were stopped, having been captivated by that beauty which the term beautiful would not be enough to describe, and that was not all.

A detached atmosphere that could even be called mysterious was cladding the girl’s body.

It was the figure of a noble girl that possessed the qualification to stand above others from birth.

“I'll allow you to throw away the cutlery and quietly release that girl. You have no right to refuse.”

An extremely calm voice of warning was uttered from the girl’s mouth.

Without any emotions of bloodlust or anger, her mouth held a calm smile.

The composure of an absolute being that allowed her to take full control of the situation.

“…Too bad, but I won’t be able to meet that expectation.”

The suspicious man said in a somewhat defeated voice and retreated.

It was not out of caution for the fighting power that the girl possessed. Most likely, instinctually ── he recognized the <Difference in Status> between her and himself.

However, despite harboring fear towards the girl in front of him, the suspicious man resisted.

Lux became aware of the man putting strength into the hand which held the knife at his back.

“…How’s that? First off, how about you discard that weapon you have on your waist, huge breasted Ojou-sama?”

As if in order to encourage himself, the man started to mix threats into his frivolous talking.

He was probably contriving to use Lux as a hostage and first off, get rid of her weapon, and then make a run for it.

“I understand.”

The moment when the girl suddenly loosened her cheeks and put her hand to the sword belt at her waist──

“That means you want to experience something painful, right?”

Pretending to unfasten the belt, she pulled it out at high speed.

“Wha…!”

The distance of Lux and the suspicious person from the girl was around 7 Mel, thus it was not a distance that could simply be shortened in an instant.

Even Lux had judged it so but, she had completely surpassed it.

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v3 027.jpg|thumb]]

Without missing the moment when the suspicious man’s guard was slack and open, in a single breath the girl thrust the drawn rapier type sword device at the man’s throat, and the match was decided.

“Wha…!?”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Crackle*! Simultaneously with that thunderclap the girl’s back shined and a golden Machine Dragon appeared.

In the interval where Lux and the man were blinking their eyes in surprise, that armor covered over half her body.

It was a partial connection in order to achieve a swift attack through high speed Machine Dragon summoning without chanting.

While being dumbfounded at the Machine Dragon operating technique with a level of difficulty that was almost impossible under normal circumstances──.

“I'll allow you to discard your weapon. This is the final warning.”

Showing a cold, overpowering smile, the girl announced the fact.

The rapier that was thrust was pricking the man’s throat skin-deep and blood was oozing out bit by bit.

“Guh…!”

While sweating from his forehead, the suspicious man tossed the knife at the lawn and raised both hands.

The tall statured girl smiled when Lux separated from the suspicious man at that chance.

“Are you unharmed?”

Without taking her eyes off the man, she muttered so.

In this situation, the suspicious person could no longer escape.

Right as Lux took a small breath of relief, *tumble*, something rolled at his feet.

“……!?”

A sphere about the size of an egg burst opened with a *pan!* sound and their field of vision was obstructed by white smoke that rolled up.

“Kuh……!”

When he heard the sound of the suspicious man starting to run, Lux immediately felt a bloodlust from behind.

“Watch out!”

He promptly stood guard at the girl’s back with both arms outstretched.

Immediately after, a sharp pain ran through his two arms and fresh blood scattered.

“Tch…!”

“Are you alright?”

Right before the girl Lux protected could get her sword ready again, the white smoke cleared away.

The figure of the suspicious person was already gone.

Only the chilly air of the night remained there.

“……I’m all right. How about you senpai, any injuries──?”

“I’m safe. Leaving that aside, let’s quickly get you to the infirmary.”

With a voice that seemed slightly flustered for the first time, the girl with a detached atmosphere led Lux by the hand.

And then, while conveying this situation by making an excuse of “it’s just a scratch” to the female students they passed by, she pulled the reserved Lux by the hand and headed to the infirmary.

<center><big><big><big>†</big></big></big></center>

“Does it hurt?”

As a substitute for the female doctor who was already off duty, the blonde girl skillfully disinfected Lux’s injury and wound a bandage. He was saved thanks to the fact that the thrown knife was not smeared with poison and that the wound was shallow.

Although they were unable to capture the suspicious man, it seemed like the Triad and the other girls of the “Knight Squadron” were presently split into groups in pursuit of him.

“I’m alright. Thank you very much.”

When Lux thanked her as he was relieved for the time being,

“…………”

Without showing any reaction, the blonde girl was peering intently at Lux’s face.

(What’s the matter──? Oh crap! Aren’t I still wearing girl clothes right now!?)

When Lux was about to remove the wig in a hurry, a soft sensation was pressed against his face.

“Eh……?”

A mass of elastic and tender sensation.

And, her silky hair was gently swaying and tickled Lux’s face.

“Wha…!?”

As he became aware of being closely embraced by the girl in front of him, Lux panicked.

(W-Why, all of a sudden──!?)

As Lux was extremely confused, her two arms that softly held his head separated.

“Ah…!? S-Sorry. You were so cute, so ──umm, please excuse me.”

The girl said as she averted her eyes towards the corner of the floor in embarrassment.

Seeing that she was blushing faintly, she seemed to be quite embarrassed.

“N-No, don’t worry about──”

As Lux answered as his heart was also throbbing, the girl just smiled lightly.

“T-thankfully, the wound is minor.──But still, I cannot approve of the conduct from earlier.”

Speaking as if she was lightly reprimanding him, the girl in front of Lux stood up from the chair.

“I am here in order to protect you kouhais after all.”

The girl declared in a resolute tone.

That was probably this girl’s conviction, but Lux became curious.

From what he saw of her carriage from earlier and her Machine Dragon operation, there was no doubt that she was a prominent and powerful person even in the academy.

However, she seemed unable to completely entrust dangerous things to a girl who was similarly a student.

“Even so, I’m glad since Senpai didn’t get hurt.”

“…………”

As Lux spoke his true feelings, the girl became stiff for a moment,

“──You’re a hopeless child, huh.”

She said, showing a slightly gentle facial expression,

“But, this is the first time someone has said that to me.”

Blushing faintly, she held Lux’s hand.

Lux unintentionally became startled at the softness and warmth of her palm.

“Ah, umm, come to think of it──”

The panicked Lux suddenly recalled something and began to speak.

“Senpai, by any chance, weren’t you doing something before at the rear entrance?”

“……!?”

In that moment, the girl’s whole body went rigid with a start and she made a fretting face.

“D-did you see it!? I'll allow you to forget it immediately! That was just your imagination! Since there was absolutely no one I was talking to, there’s no way such a thing is possible!”

“I… I understand.”

It was pretty suspicious how desperate she became, but he decided not to inquire any further.

Reading the mood was also an essential task in odd jobs.

“However, I wonder just when that kind of man trespassed into the academy. There’s no choice but to have them strengthen the security even further.”

“Y-Yeah──”

Suddenly, the girl’s expression changed and her tone became stern.

“As expected, males are our enemy. In order to also protect a sweet and kind girl like you, they must be kept further away from this academy──”

“Umm……?”

As he called out to the girl with a serious face, she straightened her back with a startle and faced towards Lux.

“Sorry. It’s already time for bed, right? Let’s return to the dorm.”

Saying so, the girl went out of the infirmary while still holding Lux’s hand.

“Come to think of it, it’s the first time I’ve seen your face. Are you a transfer student?”

“Ah, err──”

As Lux was about to say his own name on reflex,

“I have only just returned to Cross Feed today, I’m called Celestia Ralgris”

“…Eh!?”

At that moment, Lux thought his heart had stopped.

(This girl……!? No, this senpai is, the academy’s strongest girl──!?)

The girl who was the eldest daughter of the Ralgris family, one of the four Great Nobles, and renowned as a great man-hater.

''I was careless.''

Her skill and demeanor he had witnessed which reminded one of a pure noble, these things which he didn’t realize up until now was a problem.

“…………”

As Lux stiffened up, Celestia fixedly stared at his face with a serious look.

“Please call me Celis. And if you don’t mind, would you tell me your name?”

“I’m Lu… Lu, Luno. And umm──, I’m a second year student.”

(……the heck, just what am I saying?!)

Having sensed that it would be dangerous to reveal that he was a man here, Lux promptly said so.

Although she had went to the Royal Capital up until now, it might be possible that she had learned of the matter on Lux who enrolled into the academy as the sole male through a letter of sorts.

“Luno…is it. It’s a really wonderful name.”

With a face that did not know about Lux’s anxiety, Celestia nodded and smiled.

“Please chat with me again, Luno. I’ve become fond of you.”

Saying so, Celestia reluctantly released her hand from Lux and then left.

“…………”

A little while after seeing off the girl’s back.

“──Wait, what will I do!?”

Wearing girl clothes as is, he deceived her and they parted.

Normally since it was concealed under his uniform, the wound on his arm shouldn’t be exposed, but it was still a problem.

“But…… Celis-senpai is──”

‘Men are our enemy’, she certainly said that.

Then, the next time she met Lux as a male, just what would happen then?

After Lux took off the girl clothes, with a faint unease and bemusement in his heart, he went to search for the Triad girls.

<center><big><big><big>†</big></big></big></center>

The same time, outside the academy grounds.

In the darkness of a deserted back alley, there was a pair of young man and woman.

The two people, who were clad in a somewhat dangerous presence, were quietly exchanging words while remaining vigilant of their surroundings and staying hidden.

“However, we are out of luck, huh. To think that the academy’s strongest has returned with this timing now of all times.”

The red haired man exaggeratedly shrugged his shoulders with a disappointed exclamation.

And, once he had sent his gaze to the surroundings, he turned towards the girl in front of him.

“I’m the one who is amazed. For what reason do you think that I made you break through the security?”

“Hey hey, you were the one about to be found earlier, Kirl. That frail looking girl was sharp. I make a fool of them thinking that it was just an academy of peace idiot young ladies, but it looks like there’s a need to change that perception.”

“…Hmph”

The girl standing before him snorted in displeasure and turned her back on the man.

“It can’t be helped if the situation changes. I will convey the instructions from the <Black Marketer> to you. Until then, conceal yourself in the shadows with Kirl as planned, Ignidd.”

“Roger that, Captain.”

After the man showed a smile and nodded in assent, his figure vanished from that place.

“The plan has changed a bit, but… well that’s fine. With this, our longstanding desire can finally be fulfilled, too.”

The sole person who remained was looking up at the sky.

Reflected in the girl’s pupils was the same darkness colored night sky with no stars.

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|-
| Back to [[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 3 Prologue|Prologue]]
| Return to [[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 3 Episode 2|Episode 2]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 3 Prologue

2017-12-09T12:44:22Z

OmegaWeaponZ: /* Prologue – On The Far-Off Sky */

==Prologue – On The Far-Off Sky==

Two people were looking down at the world.

In a wide, inorganic and spherical airspace that was enveloped by very thin light.

The wall surfaces had countless frames and over there, the vast earth with many towns and forests were being projected like small windows.

The pair of a man and a woman were sitting in the observatory room of the machine that supplied all those sceneries.

One of them was a handsome faced and silver haired young man.

The man who was wearing an elegant mantle decorated with golden embroideries, with the majestic appearance of royalty, was clad in a bloodlust similar to a drawn blade.

“Is it okay, if I just ask one question?”

“──‘No way’. If I say that then what will you do? Is making an idiotic introduction an occupational disease? Mishis V Exfer”

The young man turned around with a smile that was similar to mocking or ridiculing towards her.

The young female who was wearing pure white and dark blue maid clothing was standing still just like a shadow.

She was a steel maid that would absolutely not reveal any openings even as she clearly displayed the will of devoting herself to the role of serving and attending to her master.

That beautiful face was emotionless and was just silently staring at the young man.

“Why did you entrust the Divine Drag-Ride to them? Although it’s for the sake of that goal, but if you were to think of the distant future, isn’t it a poor judgment to allow those guys who will eventually become hostile to you to possess fighting power?”

The female called Mishis quietly inquired with an indifferent tone.

After laughing scornfully in response to that question, the boy silently raised his chin and struck her with his gaze.

“The existences known as a <Hero>, where do you think they come from? Mishis”

“…… I find it hard to understand the meaning of your words.”

After slightly hesitating, the maid replied as such and the young man laughed.

“Do you not have memories of reading heroic tales? Even the kind from fairytales is fine. The hero who aids the virtuous people and the princess, and defeats the evil monsters and leaders. Where would they be born from in this present world that is not a tale?”

“…They are arranged by the powers that be. ──I guess? An existence burdened with the role known as <Hero>, claiming to be justice and fighting against the enemy.”

Towards Mishis’s words, the young man silently narrowed his eyes and raised the corner of his mouth.

“That’s incorrect, Mishis. The thing called <Hero> is surely the populace.”

“The… populace?”

Without showing any facial expression or gestures, Mishis just returned the question.

“That’s right, Mishis. You who were asleep wouldn’t know, but the majority of this world is like that. There is no such hero who would intentionally start fighting for the sake of a great cause. Both humans and animals, unless they were facing danger in a fight, would live by chasing after the small coins dangling in front of their eyes. Even knights, if they were to be cut off the reward from their feudal lord, they would be reduced to bandits in order to stave off subsistence. That is what’s called the instinct of a person ── of a living being.”

“Then……”

“Then, what is it that compels those guys to fight? A great cause? A sense of justice? A sense of duty? …That’s not it, with that kind of self sacrificing mindset, the masses will never move.”

“…………”

Only the faint sound of Mishis catching her breath could be heard.

“What moves those guys is always <self-preservation>. In that case, for them who don’t have anything, you should just put them under ‘magic’. Bestowing upon them the powerful weapon known as Drag-Ride, informing them of the location of the ruins that are housing treasures, showing them the enemy called the Abyss, and then finally even allowing them to acquire the taste of victory, step by step ── those guys will begin moving in order to protect their own interests and naturally the so called <Hero> would be reduced to a fool”

Cutting his words once there, the silver haired young man stood up.

While gazing at the window of the machine that projected countless sceneries, his mouth suddenly formed a smile.

“For us to open all of the ruins, <Heroes> are necessary. That reason alone is more than enough for giving the Divine Drag-Ride to them. From here on out the conflict between nations will intensify even further. Even a head maid like you would eventually be made to act, you know?”

“I understand the story. But in that case, from your logic doesn’t that mean that there are no such things as a <Hero> in this world from the beginning?”

Towards Mishis’s question, the presence of the young man who had been revealing a forced smile up until now changed.

As those pair of ashen eyes that bordered on insanity widened, he muttered.

“──Nope, that’s wrong”

Just for an instant, while building up his words, the man showed a wicked smile.

“…I’m the exception. The sole exception. Only I ── am the true authentic hero, Mishis. Unlike those guys”

“…………”

The silver haired young man started walking out of the observatory room at the same time as he told so.

“It’s about time to set the next step into motion. Send out a messenger to that third imperial princess, Mishis.”

“As you command.”

After the maid courteously bowed her head, she closed the door following the young man’s departure.

As she touched the surface of the desk with her fingertip and controlled the machinery of the room, Mishis softly muttered.

“…Do you really think so? Fugil.”

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|-
| Back to [[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 2 Epilogue|Volume 2]]
| Return to [[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 3 Episode 1|Episode 1]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 2 Side Story

2017-12-09T12:15:34Z

OmegaWeaponZ: /* Side Story – The Little Sister Airi’s Big Brother Observation Diary */

==Side Story – The Little Sister Airi’s Big Brother Observation Diary==

===Part 1===

I, Airi Acadia, former Imperial Princess, have a little daily routine.

That is writing a diary.

Since no one knows when what misfortune may befall him, and also for the sake of my only brother, I must constantly leave records behind.

I sit at a desk in my room of the girl’s dormitory where everyone has fallen asleep, and I am silently writing down characters on paper.

“Airi is really meticulous as usual.”

When I am writing a diary in front of a lamp, I heard Nokuto’s voice from the top of the bunk bed.

“Sorry. Were you not able to sleep?”

I looked back in the direction of the voice and turned my face to the black-haired girl.

My classmate Nokuto Leaflet is my roommate who perfectly gives off the impression of a “calm maid”.

“No. You do not need to mind me. But, staying up late is bad for the body.”

“It’s all right. Just a little more and I will finish.”

While being thankful for her consideration, I straighten my back and turned to the diary.

“Anyway, is that story true?”

I was a little concerned by a certain rumor which I heard from my classmates during the daytime.

『––It seems that Lux-senpai, the only male of the academy already has someone he likes.』

''No way'', was what I answered then.

When it comes to Nii-san, that blockhead and ignorant of a girl’s goodwill, there was no way that such a thing is possible.

Well, appearance-wise, I also think that he’s kind of cool and gentle, but in my opinion, he has many troublesome sides.

He is a person who cannot turn down a girl’s request, he is relatively defenseless and easily deceived and when push comes to shove, he acts without thinking of prior consequences.

Therefore, it is necessary that I look carefully at him.

What a worrisome brother. Even being set up with a strange rumor that he has someone he loves in the academy––

….No way, there isn’t really anyone, is there?

That Nii-san, having someone he likes…

“––That’s right.”

It may also be good to observe Nii-san for two or three days in order to confirm this rumor.

Yes, let’s do so.

I should exercise tact as much as Nii-san is careless.

I decide so and ran the pen in the diary continuing the record.

With a slightly mischievous heart, I decided to write the title of the next day ahead.

『'''Nii-san observation diary'''』

===Part 2===

Early morning of the next day. I went to the room where Nii-san is staying.

This is –– just in order to observe Nii-san who is in the academy, it is not something to feel ashamed about.

It is an assignment which I chose on my own.

Doing investigations, analyses and recordings is the work which I, a civil official, chose on my own.

“Nii-san. I’m coming in.”

After lightly knocking twice, I said so.

This is in order to check Nii-san’s attitude, so there will be no meaning if it is not a surprise attack.

When I pretended to not have been on time and opened door, I came across an outrageous scene there.

“……!?”

A lightly dressed girl who is sleeping under the bunk bed and Nii-san who extended both his hands to her body.

For an instance, it looks like Nii-san is playing a prank on the sleeping girl, and my face cannot help but get hot.

“U-Um––, Airi. Errr, this is…”

Seeing Nii-san who became incoherent, I settled down at once.

“Were you trying to wake Philphie-senpai?”

I, who arrived at that conclusion, speak amazed as usual.

“Ah, yes. That’s right… Philphie doesn’t wake up at all––”

“I will wake her, so Nii-san, please go look out the window and stay still.”

Saying so, I shake and wake the half-asleep Philphie-san.

On a closer look, her pajamas are messy and her bare breasts also shook.

Even I of the same sex had my eyes attracted by their overwhelming volume.

I wonder why they are so big…

“Fuhaa… morning, Airi-chan.”

As she notices me, Philphie-san lightly rubs the corner of her eye and does a small yawn.

Her slow gestures, even seeing from me (point of view) who is younger, is very lovely.

No way –– is Philphie-san the rumored “lover”?

Philphie-san is Nii-san’s childhood friend.

Besides, by Principal Relie’s arrangement, they are living while sharing a room like this––

“…Nii-san. You don’t do strange things with Philphie-san, do you?”

“W-We don’t do such things! There is no free room right now, so we have no other alternative––”

Nii-san, averting his eyes from us, says with his face red.

“Ah, Lu-chan, morning, too.”

On the other hand, Philphie-san was also leisurely as usual.

I feel relieved inwardly.

There was no lovers atmosphere between those two yet.

“Well then, I shall take my leave. I had business with you, but it looks like I am in your way now.”

After Philphie-san finished changing her clothes, I say so and leave the room.

I don’t think that those two currently have a relationship beyond that of childhood friends, but they are a young man and woman.

Yes. From now on, I should also be careful of them after all.

Taking note as such in my mind, I attended the class on that day.

Also afterwards–– from the short break between lessons until after school, my “observation” continued.

Though there is also no end to the students who request odd jobs to Nii-san, he is so overly busy that there are few girls who can spend intimate time with him.

However, while advancing my investigation, I found several people who require attention among them.

The Drag-Rides’ atelier located in the school premises.

I peek into the place where Nii-san is doing the odd job of Machine Dragon maintenance and confirmed it.

One of them is the New Kingdom’s First Princess, Lizsharte Atismata.

She is a second-year senpai who ties her blonde hair to the side, and a Princess with an outstanding talent as a Drag-Knight as well as an engineer.

She is quite fond of Nii-san since that incident (incident of the Abyss surprise in vol.1) and she bears good will towards him.

During the absence of the third-years, she tried to persuade Nii-san to join the “Knight Squadron”, and has also taken various assertive and conspicuous actions using her power as a Princess.

Even so, since she is not very understanding of the essential approach part of love, it is probably all right.

Trying to attract Nii-san’s attention, she does it only about Drag-Ride’s development… I wonder what she has in her mind.

However, from what I see, she is deeply in love with Nii-san, so I must pay attention to her.

Another one is a daughter of an Earl, Krulcifer Einvolk.

She is a very beautiful person and I am sometimes fascinated by her.

She is a foreign student of the religious country Ymir, and a talented woman who possesses both a refined demeanor and a high ability in literary and military arts.

She also often teases Nii-san and he is completely sucked up into her pace.

And for some reason, she also seems to be interested in Nii-san; and she comes speaking to him whenever she finds an opportunity.

Since she is a clever person, in a sense, she may be the most dangerous.

But, she does not seem to have that much interest in Nii-san as a member of the opposite sex, and since there is no way for Nii-san to be able to court her, it’s probably all right, I guess.

“…Phew, so I guess that’s it for the time being.”

I confirmed all the possible candidates likely to be Nii-san’s “loved one”.

It was just a rumor after all.

I heave a sigh of relief and returns to the girl’s dormitory.

However, when I share a table with my classmates for the supper of that day––

“Ah, speaking of which, Airi-chan. Yesterday, I saw Lux-senpai buy a present.”

“Eeh…!?”

I was so surprised that I almost spat out the water I was drinking.

That was really close. The impression of an Ojou-sama that I have built so far was about to be ruined.

“…Wasn’t it something purchased due to an odd jobs request?”

Nii-san has the obligation to receive the requests of students in this academy.

It seems that there are so many requests that he can’t readily receive them all now, but––

“No, it seems to be for a present. The shopkeeper is from the personnel of my mercantile house; he said so.”

“I-I see…”

Nii-san is basically poor, so the problem is how he managed to get the money. Though I have an idea of people who will lend him money–– the possibility of it being the Principal is the highest right now.

No –– more importantly.

“So, what did my brother buy?”

“I heard that it was a rose perfume. And –– it looks like the person he will give it to is Sharis-senpai. Ah, I’m envious. To get a present from Lux-senpai––”

“…Is that true?”

I ask while being inwardly shocked.

Through my relationship with Nokuto who is a friend of Senpai, I know that the third-year Sharis-senpai really loves rose flowers.

When coupled with the borrowed money, there seems to be a child who accidentally heard Nii-san asking Principal Relie (according to me) about what Sharis-senpai likes.

So, is Nii-san's loved one Sharis-senpai?

Though she is from a family lineage of soldiers and tends to go out of control easily, she is a serious person who has a sense of justice.

She is a beautiful person and she also has a nice figure.

She is an acquaintance of Nii-san due to the first uproar, and they are also both in the “Knight Squadron”, but –– That can’t be.

I quickly finished dinner and rushed to Sharis-senpai.

When heading to the first floor of the girl’s dormitory, near the entrance, I saw the figures of Nii-san and Sharis-senpai.

When I hurriedly hold my breath and prick up my ears, I hear the two of them talking.

“Something Tillfarr likes? Let’s see… If I remember correctly, that girl liked to collect accessories.”

“Is that so? Thank you.”

“I see, you can’t also be underestimated, eh Lux-kun. I’m a little jealous. Please take care of my protegee.”

Sharis-senpai laughed with a slightly complicated expression.

''E-Eeeeeeeeeeh!?''

Enduring that which almost leaked out from my mouth, I saw the two part.

He pretends his loved one to be Sharis-senpai––, it is Tillfarr-senpai?

Since Tillfarr-senpai is Nii-san’s classmate, they have many points of contact.

She has a candid character unlike a noble young lady’s and she is a spirited cheerful person who can get close to anyone.

Though I think that it will not be strange even if Nii-san comes to like her––

No way, does he intend to two-time? …That Nii-san?

While being confused, I’m walking a corridor with a red carpet with unsteady steps.

What to do. If I do not quickly confirm which is the real one––

“Ah, Airi, can I get a minute?”

“Eh––? N-Nii-san?”

Being suddenly called out by Nii-san from behind, I panicked.

“W-What exactly do you want…?”

While being slightly flustered, I pretend to be calm as usual.

“Um, it’s about Nokuto, but–– do you know anything about what she likes?”

“––Eeeeeeh!?”

“What’s wrong? Being so surprised.”

“N-No… More importantly, why do you ask such a thing?”

“Ah, errr… I just want to ask, can’t I?”

In a tone as to dodge the issue a little, Nii-san says so. It becomes more and more suspicious.

“It’s fine. But is it for a present? I see that Nii-san really got good at handling a girl, too.”

“D-Don’t tease me. More importantly––”

While looking embarrassed, Nii-san heard about Nokuto’s preferences from me.

After Nii-san left, I confirm the recent events while being driven by impatience.

He bought a present for Sharis-senpai, and had asked about Tillfarr-senpai and Nokuto’s preferences.

Does he really intend to confess to the three girls of the Triad?

Such a thing is impossible, but––

Then, the holiday of the next day, my uneasiness became reality, and Nii-san bought two presents in the Fort City.

The bad presentiment swelled up rapidly.

『––It seems that Lux-senpai, the only male of the academy already has someone he likes.』

Even if Nii-san confesses to the three girls and it becomes a three-timing, it will be bad; in the first place it will be unpleasant if he confesses to even one of them.

After all, Nii-san does not belong to everyone, but my only––

“Ah, everyone. You came just at the right time––”

Nii-san, with the presents in hands, heads towards Sharis-senpai who is having lunch in the courtyard of the academy.

“S-Such a thing, absolutely not!”

I unintentionally shout and break in between them.

“A- Airi!? Why are you here––?”

“N-Nii-san, too, please stop it! Confessing to multiple women is immoral! Besides, about me too–– huh?”

Then, I notice Tillfarr-senpai and Nokuto whom I did not see before as they were hidden by the tree.

It seemed like he was going to give the presents to the three girls all at once.

“…What is the meaning of this?”

“Errr. I just want to return the three of them the favor for when they had visited me last time.”

After Nii-san answered so, the three girls of the Triad smiled wryly.

“Hahahaha. Sorry. It looks like your little sister has been worried needlessly.”

“Wow, I didn’t expect that you would take it seriously… How serious are you, Lux-cchi.”

“Yes. I am glad for your feelings, but please do not force yourself too much.”

It seems like the three girls have demanded a return gift as a joke due to the visit when Nii-san had fallen due to fatigue before.

Then, Nii-san was seriously troubled about returning a present…

“I am amazed by you, Nii-san… It’s the usual thing though.”

“No, I also understand well that kind of not common sense after all… But, I’m indebted to the three of them in a lot of ways––”

“If you do these kinds of things, you will be asked for a present by everyone in the academy one day, you know?”

When I warn him like so, Sharis-senpai smiled wryly.

“It’s as your little sister says, Lux-kun. You’re slightly too good-natured. ––But well, if you say it’s just for this time, I am very glad for the first time in a while. Thank you.”

“Me too –– thank you for the ribbon, Lux-cchi. You’re really a serious Prince.”

“Yes. Frankly speaking, I am also happy. Since practical articles such as handkerchiefs are to my liking.”

After Tillfarr and Nokuto respectively also said with a smile,

“However, after having given us good souvenirs, it’s irritating that there is nothing we can give you in return, eh. Next time, the three of us will have a sleepover party, but –– if you’re fine with it, why don’t you also come?”

“Eeeeeeeeeeh!? W-Wait, that’ll be bad––”

“…Nii-san, right after saying that, can you honestly not accept their request now?”

I coldly retorted to Nii-san who was blushing in panic.

“Oh, half of it wasn’t a joke, but –– you shouldn’t let your little sister worry too much. Well then, take care of us again in the “Knight Squadron”, Lux-kun.”

After parting from the three girls of the Triad, I gave a sermon to Nii-san.

That since his situation is very special, he should be careful not to get caught in strange rumors.

––Thus, my investigation this time came to a close.

While feeling a little relieved, I reconfirm Nii-san’s unreliability and his good nature.

It looks like a periodical observation is still necessary.

Therefore, I should also write such a conclusion in this diary.

『As expected, Nii-san is useless without me.』

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Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 2 Epilogue

2017-12-09T11:35:47Z

OmegaWeaponZ: /* Epilogue – The Girl’s Wish */

==Epilogue – The Girl’s Wish==

“Nii-san. Please come out. ––Nii-san?”

<nowiki>*knock-knock*</nowiki>. The door of one room of the girl’s dormitory was lightly knocked on.

When Lux slightly opened his eyes from within a deep catnap, the furniture of the usual two person room came into view.

Today was a holiday.

“Sorry, Airi… As expected today, I’m a little tired––”

When Lux unusually tried to escape into the blanket as he said so,

“––Do you not mind even if I expose to every one of the class that you are sleeping with Philphie-san, Nii-san?”

“……!?”

Hearing a devilish voice, Lux quickly sprang up.

When he hurriedly opened the room’s door, Airi with a serious look came in.

“You know… Airi. That kind of joke is bad for my heart, so could you stop it?”

“I was serious though?”

“…………”

Being told with a carefree smile, Lux became speechless.

“Lately, you rely too much on me, Nii-san. Even for the matter before, I was against it, you know? But Nii-san said he will do it no matter what, so I had no choice but to accept––”

“Ah, I really appreciate it. Thank you, Airi.”

On that day, after having come back from the ruins investigations.

Lux predicted the situation where Krulcifer would want to go to the duel alone, and asked Airi beforehand so as to stop it.

In other words, the sleeping effect of the medicine that Airi concocted was just a little.

Even so, Airi, also thinking about Lux’s safety, was hesitant about what to do until the end.

“I’m always worried, and you don’t even consider my feelings…”

“Eh?”

Being asked by Lux after she said that in a subdue voice, Airi answered “I-It’s nothing!” in panic.

“To begin with, what is this? To think you have forgotten about asking me, your little sister’s help to choose an outfit for a date ––”

“S-Sorry. Since it’s just after yesterday, and now today, so I’m a little tired… Or rather, it isn’t a date.”

“It’s something similar, right?”

Airi muttered somewhat displeased,

“Well, please change your clothes quickly. There’s no time, isn’t there?”

As she smoothly brushed that away, she said so and urged Lux.

After wearing the clothes which Krulcifer had bought for him and having Airi check them, Lux left the girl’s dormitory.

Near the school gate, Krulcifer wearing a light blue dress was standing.

“Well then, shall we go? I called a carriage for today, so––”

As expected, flying with Machine Dragons would be boorish and since both of them had piled up fatigue, they could also not do that.

“Hey, you two, wait a minute!”

When they were about to get on the carriage as planned, Lisha came over before the school gate.

“Huh? What’s the matter, Lisha-sama?”

''Even though you should usually be in your atelier'' –– Lux looked puzzled.

“I’m also going with you. You’re going to meet with that butler of the Einvolk House, right? You two don’t have your Sword Devices with you, so you’ll need an escort, right?”

On the waist of Lisha who said so, there was a Sword Device hanging.

“I-It’s indeed so, but––”

“Ah, you know? Lisha-sama said that she was concerned about your relationship.”

Before they were aware, Tillfarr who came over to see them off declared with an innocent smile.

“Y-You fool! Don’t say things that could be misunderstood! I just––”

When Lisha who saw that desperately tried to smooth it over, Krulcifer chuckled.

“Then, I shall gratefully take you upon your offer.”

“Y-Yes… That’s right.”

When Lux awkwardly nodded, the three of them got on to the carriage.

The destination was a high-class commercial district which was originally designated for concluding the engagement.

Perhaps because it was a holiday, the streets seen from the window of the carriage were very bright and lively.

As if to heal the wounds and fatigue of last night’s duel, Lux was looking at the flowing scenery.

––That evening, when all was settled.

The Heir of one of the Four Great Nobles, Barzeride Kreutzer was accused of crime and the matter had not yet been publically announced.

It seemed that Barzeride arranged bandits disguised as private soldiers behind his father’s and family’s back and was working in the shadows to allow illegal digging at the ruins and applied pressure to the opposition.

No –– they did not know whether it was really by Barzeride’s individual decision, but anyway, after all the investigations were over, it was a fact that he would be obviously sentenced to heavy punishment and imprisoned.

Then, about the Black Hero’s true identity.

The case where it was known that Lux was <Bahamut>’s user seemed to have been kept secret by Queen Raffi’s management.

Either way, as for Barzeride’s crimes, however much power of the Four Great Nobles he held, he would not come out for at least five years.

(That in itself isn’t particularly worrisome, but––)

There was no horn for summoning the Abyss in Barzeride’s possession.

But, it was an undeniable fact that the Diabolos had intentionally been summoned before the ruins at that time.

In other words, it was very likely that there was an existence suggesting Barzeride’s actions and manipulating the Abyss behind the scenes.

It was still unknown whether it was Lux’s brother of the Empire –– Fugil, whom he was pursuing, though.

“We have already arrived.”

“Ah…”

While he was lost in thought, they seemed to have arrived at the destination.

A high-class restaurant where it was scheduled to talk about the matter of the engagement.

As they got down from the carriage, they went in the restaurant along with Alterize who was in front of a shop.

As a reservation had been done beforehand, there was only the female owner inside.

“Welcome, Miss, Lux Acadia-sama and, errr––?”

Alterize, in the middle of greetings, turned her eyes next to Lux.

For a woman butler with an upright character, she revealed an unusual troubled expression.

“I’m their escort. Is there any problem?”

“N-No, excuse me…”

“Hmm. Well, since I came until here, you won’t be attacked by assassins. I’ll stand guard outside.”

Perhaps because she was being unusually considerate, Lisha went out of the shop.

As she sat on a seat and coughed once, Alterize straightened herself and bowed her head.

“The matter this time. It is my responsibility for having tried to press the engagement forward without seeing through Lord Kreutzer’s scheme. I also do not know how to apologize to Miss and Lux Acadia-sama. Since I will receive a severe punishment upon my return to the Einvolk House, in this place, I implore your pardon…”

“…………”

Lux and Krulcifer who saw that hesitated for a little while.

Though Lux had heard from Krulcifer, she seemed to have the position of an orphan taken in by the Einvolk House.

This was probably the result of devoting her loyalty in her own way and executing an order.

Lux could not bring himself to especially blame her.

“Krulcifer-san…”

As Lux thought so and turned his sights next to him,

“Can you raise your head? It is embarrassing to lower one’s head inside a shop after all.”

Krulcifer answered with a cool face.

At first glance, it looked like a cold attitude until very recently, but her tone was gentle.

“As for the matter this time, I am also at fault. You also have it hard, Alterize. So –– we are even. There is no need to apologize.”

Only just a little, the two girls’ gazes crossed and a calm silence was born.

Alterize, adopted by the head butler of the Einvolk House from an orphanage.

And Krulcifer, dragged in as a lineage of the ruins.

Lux seeing this actually felt that the two girls with similar circumstances that were working hard could surely get along well.

It was above all a happy thing.

“Those words are wasted on me. But –– my mission is already as good as settled, too.”

Then, Alterize suddenly said such a thing.

“Eh?”

Lux and Krulcifer looking puzzled simultaneously raised their voices.

“Lux Acadia-sama’s ability as a Drag-Knight and his wisdom of having seen Lord Kreutzer’s conspiracy and broken the trap. I certainly witnessed them. Moreover, he is acknowledged by the New Kingdom’s Queen and had connections with many feudal lords and nobles. The Head of our Einvolk House will surely judge you to be suitable as the fiancé, too.”

“…Eh!? Errr––”

The moment when he saw Alterize’s modest smile, Lux was perplexed.

Confused, he whispered in a low voice into the ear of Krulcifer who was beside him.

“…Wait, Krulcifer-san. What does this mean? Haven’t you told her yet!? About our relation –– being an act.”

“I did not have time for that. That’s why I intended to tell her now, but––”

Perhaps because it was unexpected, Krulcifer who was also somewhat flustered replied.

“U-Um, Alterize-san… I-I, um––”

“Please rest assured. From here on, it is my job. I will put all my soul into recommending you by all means as the fiancé to my master, the Head of the Einvolk House.”

“Eeeeeeeeeeeeeh!? W-Wait, that’s––!”

“Well then –– I shall take my leave. I have already dealt with the bill for dinner, so you two, please take your time. It is the least I can do to apologize.”

When briefly saying so, Alterize calmly left her seat.

“Well then, excuse me. Miss––. I will visit you again someday.”

“You, too –– stay well.”

Alterize returned a bow to Krulcifer’s gentle smile.

Her gesture had already returned to the usual serene one, but a smile which hid something floated on her expression.

“––Ah, please wait! Alterize-sa…”

When Lux unintentionally tried to chase her, it was already too late.

“She’s gone. Even if she returns to Ymir, it will be good if she also does well there.”

“That’s right––…. Not that, what do we do!? About the matter of the engagement!”

“If Lux-kun is fine with it, I do not mind officially concluding an engagement.”

When Krulcifer said so with a mischievous smile, Lux’s face turned red.

“P-Please don’t tease me. Besides, the request will be over soon, so––”

“You’re right –– with this, the contract with you will also be over for the time being.”

The special request made on a whim by Principal Relie.

Exactly one week has passed since that day, and Krulcifer’s request was about to end.

Krulcifer’s request saying “I want you to become my lover”.

Lux was troubled in various ways as she was his first experience, but––

(Did I properly accomplish it?)

As her request was about to end, Lux felt a little lonely.

“I might not have been the suitable person for it, but it was fun.”

He turned a gentle smile to Krulcifer.

Though that was without doubt Lux’s true feelings,

“That’s right. But sorry –– as expected I am not really fond of indecisive men.”

“Eh…?”

“Being “lovers” with you for one week, I once again realized it.”

“Ah, Hahaha…”

Revealing a slightly bitter face, Lux laughed.

(I-It’s unexpectedly painful to hear that!)

He was originally a fake lover, so he understood that it would turn out like this, but––

Krulcifer softly drew her face to the mug of Lux hanging his head depressed.

“But, the real you is quite a coercive person. So –– I like the coercive you very much.”

“Eh…? ––”

The moment when Lux raised his face to Krulcifer’s whisper, his lips were blocked.

The smell of a high-class perfume and the feel of sweet, soft lips.

“Wai…!?”

At the kiss with just a little bit of touching, Lux’s body suddenly turned red.

“It is a little expression of my gratitude for handling my request. ––Isn’t it enough?”

Though a cool expression as usual, Krulcifer’s cheeks also turned slightly red.

“S-Such a thing––”

“Then, again––”

Krulcifer once again kissed the confused Lux as if pecking repeatedly.

When she finally let go, she stuck out her tongue and licked her lips.

“T-The shopkeeper is looking!? Krulcifer-san!?”

“I don't lose anything, so it’s fine, isn’t it? If Lux-kun really accepts to get engaged with me –– I do not mind continuing this.”

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v2 0018.jpg|thumb]]

When Krulcifer softly ran her fingertip on the cheek of Lux, who was already completely confused,

“Hey! What are you guys doing!?”

Lisha barged into the store, she interrupted in a panic.

“It can’t be helped, huh. Well then, think about the engagement talk.”

“Eh…? Hey! Explain Lux!? What does she mean by engagement!?”

“P-Please wait a little! This is, um––”

The busy daily life returned to the Fort City.

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Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 2 Episode 4

2017-12-09T10:18:40Z

OmegaWeaponZ: /* Episode 4 – Duel */

==Episode 4 – Duel==

===Part 1===

Lux’s memory of seven years ago.

At the funeral of Lux’s mother, there was no one of the imperial family.

Probably because of their social position after they were banished from the Imperial Court, it was so plain that it was hard to imagine that she had been a queen.

Even so, it did not matter for Lux.

What should be done from now on and how to protect his little sister Airi, who was lying down in sickness.

Lux was just looking vacantly at the stained glass in a church.

After a while, he came out of the church to go back home.

In front of his mother’s gravestone where the few relatives had already left, someone was standing.

A silver-haired man wearing black clothes.

Lux was slightly familiar with that man of a calm demeanor.

“About your mother, it was regrettable.”

The man’s name was Fugil Acadia. He was Lux’s half-brother.

He did not stay long in the Imperial Court, and even Lux who was estranged to the power struggle somehow understood.

That this man –– he was somewhat different from the other members of the imperial family.

“Little brother. If you want to achieve something as royalty, you may ask me. In the imperial family, even if you are banished from the Court, there are some special privileges you still have as royalty. It may be difficult by yourself, but if I put in a good word for you, you may be able to learn a thing or two.”

When he said “able to learn a thing or two”, he was speaking about various studies including tactics and administration, and Drag-Rides.

Be it decorations or a diplomatic tool, Lux would not be blamed for raising his “quality” as a royalty by basic education.

“It will be a long and steep way. But perhaps your determination may change the Empire. Do you want to try?”

“…Please.”

From that day onwards, the relation between Lux and Fugil began.

Permission to access the royal library, and Drag-Ride guidance. And––

Then, one day after seven months, Fugil witnessed a certain scene.

“What is going on? Little brother.”

One of the Machine Dragon practice fields located in the Imperial Capital.

There were a pile of destroyed <Wyverns> in the corner.

At this time, Fugil had funds with which Lux used to operate a Drag-Ride, but he heard about repeated injuries and Machine Dragons’ damages from his attendant, and came to see the situation.

“I’m sorry. I failed a little––”

“It’s not like you. How is it possible that you, who has shown a skill which should be called a natural talent as a Drag-Knight until now, fail to operate––. Hmm…?”

Fugil who noticed the abnormality opened his eyes wide.

The destroyed <Wyverns> had a strange common point.

The armor from the right arm wielding the blade to the back wings was squashed in a strange shape and broke.

And on the other hand, one part of a wall covered with a board of steel was shattered and disappeared.

A wall which a sword could not cut and a shelling could not shatter, either.

“This doesn’t look like you operated the Drag-Ride normally. Did you try some kind of special method of operation?”

Fugil who grasped the unlikely situation inquired as he could not hide his surprise.

“Yes.”

With an expressionless face, Lux plainly replied.

“With just an “ordinary strength”, I will come to regret once again. In order to protect the things important to me, I want a stronger power.”

The memory faded and became blurred.

''That’s right. I can’t forget.''

There was a promise which he swore to himself.

And then, Lux woke up.

===Part 2===

Under the night sky where the moon floated, Krulcifer was standing.

The church site designated as the place of the duel was located in the outskirts of the Fort City third block.

A desolated abandoned building which was destroyed after becoming the battlefield against an Abyss which appeared about two years ago.

That site, where numerous debris were scattered about and the outer wall destroyed in every direction remained, was at least 1km away from a town where there were signs of people.

Moreover, there was a stage where Drag-Knights were deployed for lookout and dispersing unrelated people.

Standing there were Barzeride and Alterize.

“I came at the agreed time, my future wife. I believed that you would safely finish the mission of the ruins investigation and return.”

As Barzeride exaggeratedly said so, Krulcifer, face to him, slightly frowned.

“By the way –– what about that man whom you said about being your lover? I heard that he safely returned from the ruins, but did he fall from fatigue? Or –– did he get scared and run away?”

“I had him go back.”

Krulcifer was not shaken at his entwining-like provocation.

She said so as to brush it away and turned her cold piercing eyes towards the two people.

“I cannot let him get involved in such a worthless farce any more than this––”

Then, she calmly unsheathed her Sword Device that was hung at her waist.

Barzeride seeing that smiled and loudly spoke.

“The start time is from now on. The conclusion will be until either, when the worn Machine Dragon is cancelled or when the two opponents of the duel accept to surrender.”

As to follow, Alterize, a servant of the Einvolk House also drew her Sword Device.

“Intentional escape from this church site which is the stage of the duel will be considered a defeat. Other than that, the rules are conformed to those used in the tournament held in the Capital of this country. You’re fine with that, right? Miss.”

“Yes, I have made up my mind. Since a long time ago––”

“…………”

Krulcifer’s words which somehow had a hidden meaning.

Repressing her faint unrest, Alterize inhaled.

“––Come forth, dragon symbolizing immortality. Turn into the fangs of the linking Earth. <EX Wyrm>!”

Countless particles of light danced at the same time she said the pass code, and the <EX Wyrm> which was a reinforced ground-type Machine Dragon was summoned.

The greatest military power given to a skillful Drag-Knight not possessing a Divine Drag-Ride.

Barzeride turned a look of admiration to Alterize’s Drag-Ride.

“As expected of the Einvolk House. To think that even a butler Drag-Knight has the skill of EX-class. I look forward more and more to my engagement with you. Krulcifer.”

“Could you please stop acting familiar with me? It is a waste of time.”

Krulcifer returned a cold voice to Barzeride’s praise.

“I am an orphan. When you are living in the house of other people for a long time, you can understand certain things. Such as what others really think of you.”

“Hou…?”

Soon after Barzeride muttered so, Krulcifer set up her sword.

“––Reincarnate. The Giant Dragon of calamity imprisoned by worldly treasures. Become the equivalence of an endless desire, <Fafnir>.”

Immediately after, the surrounding space was distorted and countless particles of light gathered.

Having been formed was a huge silver Machine Dragon reminiscent of an ice statue.

When it opened from the inside, it instantly changed into armor which wrapped Krulcifer’s body.

Barzeride, who saw the summon, grinned.

Then, he himself also equipped his body with <Aži Dahāka>, glanced at Alterize and urged her to give the start signal.

“Then duel, start!”

Soon after Alterize shouted, Krulcifer’s <Fafnir> flew.

She threw a Dagger aiming at Barzeride and swiftly set up her special armament –– the <Freezing Canon>.

Long-range high speed precise shooting which was Krulcifer’s battle style.

The moment when Barzeride strengthened his barrier in order to flip the Dagger, Krulcifer immediately pulled the trigger.

She aimed her attacks towards the direction where he dodged and at the opening when he blocked.

A blue flash tinged with cold pierced the dark night and impacted Barzeride.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>pakin*! A sound of freezing instantly resounded and Krulcifer confirmed the hit.

But––

“For a surprise attack, it lacks in appeal, but I praise your judgment and skill. Krulcifer.”

Krulcifer shuddered at Barzeride’s calm voice.

“……!?”

What had been frozen was a lump of debris that <Aži Dahāka> threw out in front of itself.

A piece of a collapsed building that fell into this place which was the church site.

He smashed it with his halberd and defended against the <Freezing Canon> by rolling it up as another shield.

The mass was not enough being just dug-up debris, so it was usually difficult to implement this countermeasure.

So having chosen this church site for the duel was within Barzeride’s plan.

“I was careless. To come up with a countermeasure so early. Is this your doing? Alterize.”

A countermeasure which was the only weak point of the <Freezing Canon>.

There was also the possibility that Barzeride himself, who saw it once in the battle of the ruins investigation came up with it, but if someone who knew of it beforehand suggested the plan––

“What might you mean?”

Alterize’s <EX Wyrm> jumped towards Krulcifer flying in mid-air.

When Krulcifer barely dodged the twin swords sharply swung, Alterize showed a smile.

“Your skills grew dull. Miss.”

“––––!”

Rotating the Machine Dragon’s airframe in the air, she further came slashing with the other blade.

But,

“The naïve one is you.”

The blade’s slash was blocked by the automatic special armament which activated regardless of the user’s will –– the <Auto Shield>.

But at that moment, the <Devil’s Glow> which extended from both shoulders of Barzeride’s <Aži Dahāka> had set up its aim on Krulcifer.

“With that special armament, can you also defend against this?”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>doun*, two lines of shelling attacked <Fafnir>.

This attack itself could be blocked with the <Auto Shield>.

But, in that case, it would cause her posture to collapse and Alterize would probably follow after.

At this rate, it would gradually turn into a defensive battle.

(As expected –– I have no other choice but to gamble.)

Krulcifer judged so while grasping the two people’s movements.

With a body in which injury and fatigue from the ruins investigation remained, she would be the one at a disadvantage in a drawn-out battle.

Therefore, she activated <Fafnir>’s Divine Raiment <Wise Blood>.

The foresight ability which perceived the future within a radius of a dozen of Mel several seconds ahead.

When she dodged the attacks with that Divine Raiment, Krulcifer perceived her path to the victory line.

“I see –– you’re strong. You’re indeed strong.”

From a remote location, Barzeride repeated that as he was impressed.

“But you know, Krulcifer? You should quietly become my wife after all. That way, you can be happy. I don’t want to hurt you even by any chance. Could you please surrender now?”

To Barzeride who uttered an ingratiating voice, Krulcifer leaked a sigh.

“Sorry but –– I am not fond of talkative men.”

And at the same time she replied, she began to move.

“……!? Fast!”

Leaving Alterize who was in front of her in a lurch, <Fafnir> accelerated.

With the flight device of the back wings at max power, she charged at Barzeride at a speed which the eyes couldn’t catch.

“Are you actually challenging the ground-typed Machine Dragon <Aži Dahāka> as the opponent to close-range combat? Interesting.”

Barzeride set up his halberd with a fearless smile.

In contrast, Krulcifer brandished a medium-sized blade and slashed at him.

Without any fear of the halberd which was let out as to flip her blade up, Krulcifer charged.

“In the case of a simultaneous and mutual clash, it’ll be my victory, you know?”

Krulcifer was aware of the fact that the armor and barrier possessed by <Aži Dahāka> boasted of a unmatched defensive power.

The moment when each other’s weapon was about to cross––

“I wonder about that.”

Krulcifer suddenly smiled.

“What…!?”

Soon after, Barzeride opened his eyes wide.

The canon of the special armament installed on the right shoulder of the Divine Drag-Ride <Aži Dahāka> shattered.

She was aiming at the special armament on the shoulder and the Force Core from the start.

Then, she dodged the blow of Barzeride who should have the advantage in close-range combat by a hairbreadth.

“The ability to read the future, it’s your Divine Raiment…”

Future foresight by <Wise Blood>.

While dodging Barzeride’s attack using it, she set up a counterattack.

“Nicely done, Krulcifer. Though there are some flaws, I will praise your skill for having broken my right shoulder as splendid.”

“It’s good and all that you praise me, but I have not done anything special yet.”

“Lord Kreutzer! Please, step back! It is dangerous at that range!”

From far behind, Alterize’s shout could be heard.

However, it was too late.

By <Wise Blood>’s future foresight, Krulcifer would be able to predict all of the offense and defense in close-range combat.

And in this land where debris were buried here and there, it would take at least three seconds until Alterize’s <EX Wyrm> could catch up with them.

Even a long-range shelling would be blocked by the <Auto Shield>.

All was according to Krulcifer’s calculation.

“Well then, goodbye.”

She did not let her guard down until the end.

When Krulcifer’s blade was about to break the Force Core which was under the battery of the shattered shoulder––

“Do you really think that you can beat me?”

“––Eh?”

Suddenly, the image of future foresight disappeared from Krulcifer’s field of vision.

Barzeride’s attack which she foresaw swayed like haze, and from the special armament of <Aži Dahāka>’s left shoulder, the canon was shot at almost point-blank range.

The <Auto Shield> instantly activated, and an impact and flames burst in front of the seven shields.

While subtly groaning, Krulcifer stared at the burst of explosive flames before her eyes.

“Kuh…!? Why did <Wise Blood> again––!”

Her physical and spiritual strength should not have run out yet.

Of course, it was a fact that she was already exhausted before the duel, but still she made a plan where she could use only the Divine Raiment and her special armaments.

Nevertheless––

“That is because you mistook my ability.”

“……!?”

Flame and smoke rising like a pillar.

Being hidden within their shadow, Barzeride’s <Aži Dahāka> took a roundabout path to <Fafnir>’s flank.

The halberd was struck at a sharp angle.

The <Auto Shield> automatically activated and tried to prevent that attack, but––

<nowiki>*</nowiki>pakin*!

The seven shields deployed in the air were flipped and the halberd hit the airframe.

“Uh, kuh…!”

Although it hit the barrier, the power that its (halberd) weight carried could not be completely suppressed.

While being blown off along with <Fafnir> and rolling on the ground of the abandoned building, she bumped into a mountain of rubble.

“Kaha…! Uh, ah…”

Her usually composed face twisted in pain, and Krulcifer writhed.

“Oops, sorry. It’s the important belly which will someday conceive my child. I’ve got to be a little gentler.”

Contrary to his words, Barzeride was laughing with an expression free of any sense of guilt.

(It’s strange. Why did something like this––)

The fact that the future foresight by the Divine Raiment <Wise Blood> was erased and that the <Auto Shield> which boasted of an absolute defense was broken through.

It did not happen due to Krulcifer’s mistake or the fatigue.

Her spare energy calculation should have been accurately done.

And yet, what was this reality?

Besides, Barzeride, a “man” who should have already hit his limit due to his Machine Dragon aptitude value being low showed no signs of being tired yet.

Did it mean that not only his skill was enough to be called the “Title Holder of the Kingdom”, but also his Machine Dragon aptitude was not average?

(But–– I’m not yet…)

In a desperate situation enough to make one lose their fighting spirit, Krulcifer repressed her pain and stood up.

“Do you still intend to fight? Though your perseverance deserves praise, you no longer have any chance of winning.”

“We won’t know until I try.”

When she took a deep breath and changed her mood, Krulcifer flew with a trajectory describing an arc and brandished her blade.

“<Wise Blood>.”

Then, she once again activated <Fafnir>’s Divine Raiment and read the future several seconds ahead.

While reading Alterize’s shelling from behind and avoiding it, she feigned a slashing attack and tried to strike the <Howling Roar> on <Aži Dahāka> –– but,

“Don’t make me repeat myself.”

“––!? The foresight again…”

Once again, the effect of the future foresight by <Wise Blood> disappeared and a shelling was released from <Aži Dahāka>’s left canon.

It erased the <Howling Roar>’s impact and pulverized the debris far behind.

“Why did the attack just now––”

The <Howling Roar> was an attack originally used in order to flip a throwing attack.

The enemy had accurately set up his canon against the attack of Krulcifer who was taken aback.

Just as if he predicted everything.

“Did you think that I wouldn’t be able to read your movements?”

At the same time with his voice, the halberd was swung once again.

“Kuh…!?”

The blow which creaked the tenacious armor of <Fafnir> hit directly; exactly at the same place of just a while ago.

She was once again blown right off besides and her back struck the broken wall.

“Ka, hah…!”

She violently hit her whole body and her breathing stopped for a moment.

Even so, when she tried to fight back, <Fafnir>’s armor arm which grasped the <Freezing Canon> was swiftly knocked down.

“How unsightly––. Don’t disappoint me, my future wife. Don’t struggle unnecessarily in a fight that you’ve no chance of winning. That’s what I believe.”

Barzeride suddenly talked as to persuade her.

Alterize probably also felt the same way.

Not starting pursuit with the <EX Wyrm>, she was watching the course of events at that place.

If there were other spectators here, anyone of them should have thought that the outcome was decided.

But––

“I am sorry to disappoint you–– but I am not fond of men who tell obvious lies.”

Suddenly making her usual serious expression, Krulcifer asserted.

“What…?”

“Disappoint you? No, you should have been glad. For tormenting me like this –– for this expected development.”

Barzeride’s expression which was revealing a faint smile instantly changed into a cold one.

“You are cancelling my Divine Raiment. Probably for that reason –– in order to read the scope of my power, you joined that ruins investigation. Even saying that you took a liking to me as a wife is also a lie. It’s because it looks like you can use me as a tool, right?”

“…………”

Barzeride, showing no signs of interrupting, was silently listening to the words of Krulcifer who indifferently told that.

“Besides–– about when we were attacked by Drag-Knights in the upper class residential area. Wasn’t that also your doing? In order for people like them to enter that zone, the guidance of an influential person is necessary. If you saw my <Fafnir>’s ability over there, it would have saved you the trouble of tagging along in the investigation, right?”

“…Haa!”

At the same time when Krulcifer concluded her words, Barzeride revealed a wicked smile.

And, he applied pressure to <Fafnir> with <Aži Dahāka>’s stout arm.

“Ku, uuh…!”

With a power which could by no means destroy the flesh, but to the extent of fully giving pain, he slowly applied pressure so as to not let Alterize who was on standby behind notice.

“As expected of a girl which becomes a “key” of the ruins. You were able to read so far.”

“…!? You––!?”

About the fact that she was a human from the ruins and that she had the ability as a “key”.

Being told about her true identity which should have been secret, Krulcifer’s face turned pale.

“How sad, Krulcifer. What a sorrowful girl you are. To think that the likes of a tool of the Einvolk House –– the thing sold over to me now was that clever.”

In a grieving tone, Barzeride continued.

“Yes. It’s as you said. Krulcifer.”

Barzeride muttered so in a whispering voice.

“Anything and everything has been plotted by me. Hearing about you who is a “key” which opens the ruins, and approaching that butler with the engagement. Though someone got in the way earlier and defeated the bandits. And also having summoned a new Abyss at that time in front of the ruins. Everything––”

“…………”

“But you know? Even if you know the truth, you can’t do anything after all. You, who is no more than a “tool” in this world, can in no way change this reality.”

A look full of contempt and a twisted mouth.

Barzeride Kreutzer’s true character could be seen there.

“––Tool.”

To that word thrust at her, Krulcifer’s body trembled.

Her skill as a Drag-Knight and even her trusted <Fafnir> had been defeated.

Krulcifer’s mask which did not come off despite this was about to collapse.

She was picked up as a survivor of the ruins by the Einvolk House, and in order to acquire the bonds of a family she was not born from, she accumulated efforts oozing of blood (desperate efforts).

But, however much honor she was given, her desire of the family she wanted just drifted further away––

(No, it’s wrong––. From the start, I didn’t have it…)

“You don’t understand, Krulcifer. The likes of a tool like you mustn’t oppose me.”

An ice-like cold sensation took away the temperature from her body.

Comrades who could acknowledge her existence might be in the ruins.

If she was a human of the present era, her family might have accepted her.

Thinking only about chasing these possibilities, she had desperately sought the truth until now.

“I will make all the ruins’ technology and treasures my own and ultimately stand at the top of this country. You’re a tool for that purpose. If you behave yourself, I’ll cherish you from now on.”

He took down the halberd which he was grasping, and stroked Krulcifer’s belly with the fingertips of his Machine Dragon.

“You understand, right? There is nobody in this world that will come save you. So, accept it. Your fate of devoting yourself to me, your master–– …!?”

While he was speaking, <Aži Dahāka>’s armor arm was taken away from Krulcifer’s belly.

After just a moment, a blade glittered in that space and a dagger pierced the ground.

“Who is it!?”

Barzeride retreated and looked up at the night sky.

There was one dragon there.

The symbol of destruction which overwhelmed those who saw it and inspired awe.

With the pale moon in the background, Lux wearing <Bahamut> calmly looked down at the battlefield.

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v2 0004.jpg|thumb]]

“Why…?”

Krulcifer who looked up as if getting hooked on it muttered in mute amazement.

“––I’m sorry for being late, Krulcifer-san. I heard the circumstances from Airi.”

Lux showed a gentle smile and called out to her.

But,

『Not that! I did not intend to get you involved anymore!』

She sent a sorrowful cry to Lux through the dragon voice.

『Why did you come wearing <Bahamut>!? Like this, even your true identity will be––』

His <Wyvern> was seriously damaged in the ruins investigation and could not be used.

Even Lux himself got injured protecting Krulcifer and ended up consuming his strength.

And he couldn’t afford to let these two people know his true identity which was the “Black Hero” now.

Therefore, even though she made Lux sleep with medicine at that time and engaged in the duel alone––

“I’m Lux Acadia, a duel opponent. Currently at this time, I enter the battle.”

When Lux said so in a voice full of determination, he landed in front of Krulcifer and stood in the way.

“A jet black Divine Drag-Ride…? Who on earth is he––”

Alterize muttered as she was perplexed and tightly grasped her twin swords.

Alterize had also heard about the story of the “Black Hero” –– the legend which destroyed the Old Empire.

But, it was just a wild tale of a foreign country.

Even with the real thing just before her eyes, she was not immediately aware of his true identity.

“Hahahaha! Hahaha!”

At the same time, Barzeride burst into laughter.

He glared at Lux with a happy expression.

“Look whose here, I mistook you. I was sure you ran away. To think that you revealed your true identity just to save one woman––. It looks like you are an unexpectedly stupid man, eh, “Black Hero”.”

“……!”

To Barzeride’s pointing that out, Lux changed his expression to a sharp one for an instant.

“––“Black Hero”!? No way, this boy is…!?”

Though Alterize confused also shouted, Lux did not move an inch.

He was just calmly staring at Barzeride in front of him.

“No, shall I say the rumored “Self-proclaimed Hero”? Stop doing such a meaningless thing. Even if you fight in spite of your injury and fatigue, this woman won’t bring you any benefit.”

“……!”

Krulcifer inwardly chewed her teeth to that being pointed out.

He probably saw through Lux’s fatigue and small injuries from the slight gap of his center of gravity.

Although arrogant, as expected of someone from the Four Great Nobles and the Drag-Knight called the “Title Holder of the Kingdom”.

Even his ability was not just a decoration. But––

“I refuse. Lord Kreutzer.”

Lux, not even shaken, stared at Barzeride and said.

“What…?”

“You don’t understand at all how worthy she is.”

At the same time as his voice, he set up his large jet black sword.

And when he put strength into his feet to jump in a straight line––

“Wait!”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>gow* Creating a gust of wind, Alterize sprung at Lux.

“Lord Kreutzer is worn out by fighting with her. This is a two vs. two formal duel. First, I shall be your opponent.”

She made use of her physical strength strengthened with the <EX Wyrm> to the maximum and slashed at <Bahamut> with her twin swords.

A surprise, instant attack.

“Lux-kun!?”

When Krulcifer called out to him from behind, the outcome was already decided.

“Wha…!? This is––!?”

The twin swords held by the <EX Wyrm> were cut and moreover the right wrist was destroyed.

One counterattack flash by <Bahamut>’s Divine Raiment, <Reload On Fire>.

He temporarily decelerated his own time and accelerated it up to several times afterwards.

He easily defeated Alterize by using the Divine Raiment of compression strengthening.

“… b-but!”

Having lost her two weapons, Alterize took distance from Lux.

“It’s not over yet!”

Then, she set up a canon with the remaining left arm and tried to continue the battle,

“Alterize-dono.”

In a calm voice, Barzeride’s <Aži Dahāka> applied its hand on her <EX Wyrm>’s shoulder from behind.

“Eh…?”

Immediately after, light disappeared from the <EX Wyrm>’s armor and Force Core.

Energy consumption or forced system shut down?

In any case, the <EX Wyrm>’s energy rapidly decreased and Alterize knelt down on one knee.

“W-Why did such a thing…!? The Machine Dragon’s system is––”

As it was an unexpected phenomenon, the calm Alterize showed confusion.

Then, Barzeride talked in a chilly voice.

“I want you to leave this to me. You’ve no chance of winning now anyway, and above all –– at this point when he went easy on you, the outcome is already clear.”

“…Kuh!”

It meant that it was because Lux carefully considered her position and pride that he stopped at only one arm’s destruction of the <EX Wyrm>.

He went easy on her in respect to a powerful person who entered the top ten in the religious country Ymir.

And in consideration for Krulcifer who was a friend.

Alterize who noticed that reality nodded while grinding her teeth, and withdrew.

“To think that he’s really the legendary––”

Was it the true identity of the “Black Hero” who destroyed the Old Empire before?

The owner of legendary strength surpassing that of super first class.

However––

“Why did he…? For Miss…”

While muttering her doubt, Alterize got away from the abandoned building, thus withdrawing from the front.

Then, with a strange fatigue different from that of the battle, she removed her armor.

“Also, what is this…? This feeling…”

Alterize sat down as such and lost consciousness.

“Be careful, Lux-kun. The ability of that man’s <Aži Dahāka> is unknown.”

Leaning on the broken wall, Krulcifer called his attention.

“Understood.”

At the same time Lux lightly nodded,

“Is your strategy meeting over? Then, I’m coming! “Black Hero”!”

Barzeride kicked the ground and pounced in a straight line.

The wheels of the legs of the ground-type Machine Dragon <Aži Dahāka> rotated at high speed and instantly shortened the distance.

Then, it mowed down the large-sized halberd it held in hands before his eyes.

“……!?”

Lux moved his body backward and dodged it by a hairbreadth; and using the rotation of when he swung completely, Barzeride chased him.

From horizontally mowing down to vertically swinging down.

The moment when the blow, coupled with the iron lump’s weight attacked Lux’s <Bahamut>,

“<Reload On Fire>”

<Bahamut>’s airframe shone and released an ultra-fast slash.

Divine Raiment of compression strengthening which devours its own time and accelerates several times.

When Lux’s swung large sword was about to smash <Aži Dahāka>’s armor,

“Ha…!”

At the same time with a sneer-like voice, the point of that sword cut the sky.

“––!?”

He pretended to swing his halberd downward, and deployed a barrier with the maximum output before Lux.

Blocked by a threefold wall of light, the large sword could not pass through.

Soon after Barzeride received a total of seven flash slashes,

“––Die!”

The halberd tinged with a red light was flung aiming at <Bahamut>’s head.

“Lux!”

Krulcifer’s scream came up from far behind.

A roaring sound resounded and the impact shook the atmosphere.

When a thick cloud of dust rose up around, Lux fled to the sky.

“…………”

“Hou. So your complexion doesn’t even change one bit, even after your Divine Raiment is defeated, huh. As expected of the man called the “Black Hero”. But––”

While he was speaking, Lux once again activated <Reload On Fire> and slashed at him.

Instead of waiting for an opportunity to launch a counter; aiming the “Quick slash” which brought down the opponent, he set the first move by himself with an ultra-fast slash.

<Aži Dahāka> generated the threefold power barrier.

Lux loaded energy into the tip of his large sword so as to tear them up one-by-one.

But, unable to break through the last fold of the barrier, he once again retreated to a suitable distance.

“As expected… so that was it.”

“Hou. What, you speak as though you understood something. Do you intend to make excuses?”

“<Aži Dahāka>’s Divine Raiment is the ability to steal other Machine Dragons’ power, isn’t it?”

“––––”

At Lux’s statement, Barzeride revealed an uncanny look.

“No way…!”

Krulcifer reflexively raised her voice.

“I’ve also heard rumors about the “Title Holder of the Kingdom”. That beside his bold character full of ambition and though originally being a man not having a high Machine Dragon aptitude, he boasts of a threatening endurance.”

“But, it is impossible. Without a high Machine Dragon aptitude, energy should have immediately dried out. If he uses a Divine Drag-Ride which has intense consumption, then all the more––”

“Yes. That’s why he absorbed power. From the other Machine Dragons and people around. If he can steal energy while fighting, he can compensate for the weakness of exhaustion. And he should probably also be able to steal a Divine Raiment. A little while ago, he was clearly reading my movements.”

“…Then, that was my––”

“Yes, he was probably using <Fafnir>’s Divine Raiment, <Wise Blood> that he stole. He steals a Machine Dragon’s energy just by getting close, and by touching it, he can temporarily steal even a Divine Drag-Ride’s ability and use it. That’s the true nature of <Aži Dahāka>’s Divine Raiment –– <Avestā>. Isn’t it?”

It was probably because of that that Alterize’s <EX Wyrm> which withdrew from the front suffered a system shut down, and she also suffered from severe consumption.

“…………”

Not denying Lux’s answer, even so Barzeride’s composed attitude did not collapse.

“Hou, that’s a pretty keen reading. I shall praise you for having seeing through it. But –– even if you understood it, you can’t defeat me after all.”

As he suddenly glared at Lux, he activated the <Devil’s Glow>, the canon which was the special armament on the left shoulder.

Its muzzle was turned not to Lux, but to Krulcifer who could not move anymore.

“……!?”

“You wouldn’t be able to prevent it in your weak condition. But, that woman's limbs will become somewhat crippled, however I don’t care at all.”

Simultaneously with a mocking voice, the shelling was shot.

“Kuh––!”

Lux appeared before <Fafnir> and prevented it with a barrier at max power.

A roaring sound and explosive flames.

Lux who put himself in this vortex noticed an abnormality.

The wire tail which <Aži Dahāka> had at hand twined around <Bahamut>’s right hand.

“You fell for it. “Black Hero”.”

“Lux-kun…!”

At the same time when Krulcifer raised her voice, Lux cut the wire tail with his large sword.

But, if we consider this as a contact between Machine Dragons, then…

“Oops. Sorry, but –– it’s too late. With this, I’ve obtained the Divine Raiment that your <Bahamut> possesses.”

Barzeride threw away the cut wire tail and revealed a wicked smile.

The reason why he aimed at Krulcifer was to make Lux create an opening.

“…………”

“You false Prince and self-proclaimed Hero. I’ll now end your meaningless struggle.”

<Aži Dahāka>’s armor feet firmly stepped on the devastated ground of the abandoned building.

With steps convinced of his victory, he intentionally gained time, thus applying a strong pressure on Lux.

“You’ll die if we fight like this, but are you still fine with it? If you beg for your life and admit defeat, then I may overlook you here.”

Like a sweet temptation, Barzeride said to Lux.

But,

“You’re lying.”

Lux, far from shaking, showed no opening at all and stared at Barzeride.

“What…!?”

Within a desperate situation, even judging from Krulcifer, where <Reload On Fire>, the Divine Raiment he mastered in order to become the strongest was stolen and his energy got absorbed by <Aži Dahāka>, Lux was smiling.

He said in a cold voice and with cold eyes enough to give a chill to those seeing it.

“After Alterize-san concluded the engagement and returned to her country, you’re going to use your subordinates and attack by surprise, right? A more certain method as to not get your hands dirty. ––I’m getting really tired of seeing it, Barzeride. Of that way of doing things exactly the same as the Old Empire’s royalties, that is.”

“…………”

At that attitude completely different from the usual Lux’s, Barzeride fell silent just for a moment.

“Ku… Hahahahaha!”

Then, he suddenly burst into laughter.

“I see, you’re an interesting man. All right, “Black Hero!” Show me what you can do in this situation by struggling and entertaining me as much as possible!”

<Aži Dahāka>’s airframe wore a pale light.

At the same time, Lux’s <Bahamut> kicked the ground and charged at it.

With a blade clad in energy and while twisting his body, Lux slashed at Barzeride.

However,

“After rattling so much, is it only this level?”

As expected, he couldn’t completely cut through <Aži Dahāka>’s threefold barrier which was firmly stretched.

Before reaching the opponent’s armor, the power was suppressed and the blade of the large sword was flipped.

“Then, allow me to attack now. <Reload On Fire>!”

“……!”

Immediately after, <Reload On Fire> stolen by <Aži Dahāka>’s Divine Raiment <Avestā> activated.

The halberd was swung at a speed which the eyes could not catch, and <Bahamut> was blown away.

“Kuh…!”

He violently struck a pillar remaining from the abandoned building and crashed into a mountain of rubble.

Going after him, Barzeride accelerated <Aži Dahāka>’s wheels.

“Kukuku! This power is splendid!”

Raising a cry of delight, Barzeride started pursuit.

A super acceleration that was several times faster after having decelerated his own time up to a fraction.

Through the ability to see everything that was polished from thousands of battles, Lux evaded the attack and aimed at Barzeride's chest, but after having stopped it with his tenacious armor and barrier, Barzeride released continuous attacks.

On the other hand, with an enemy strengthened with <Reload On Fire> as an opponent, Lux also could not use quick slash.

Even when letting out a counterattack by attacking the opening at Barzeride’s <Reload On Fire>, Lux’s attacks were all blocked by <Aži Dahāka>’s threefold barrier.

“But, this ability to accelerate time is really difficult. Even if I have it, it looks like it’s impossible to master it immediately.”

When Barzeride sighed like so, he suddenly reduced his speed.

Perhaps because fatigue spouted out at the same time, <Aži Dahāka>’s threefold barrier became thin.

“……!”

At that moment, Lux glided and let out a high-speed thrust.

The moment when energy was concentrated at the tip of the large sword, and looked like it could pierce the wall in a one point breakthrough,

“––You fool.”

At the same time with Barzeride’s fearless smile, an unusual phenomenon occurred.

The threefold barrier which became thin and weak increased in thickness and shine just before Lux’s sword touched it and, far from preventing the sword’s hit, flicked off <Bahamut> itself that had rushed.

“Guhah…!?”

Being instantly blown away dozens of Mel to the rear, Lux struck his back on the debris.

Though the armor did not break, his charge at full power was repelled and a faint groan leaked out.

“Kukuku, it seems that I’ am able to master this Divine Raiment. “Black Hero”.”

“No way… did he strengthen the Machine Dragon’s barrier?”

Krulcifer who saw that muttered in blank amazement.

<Reload On Fire> was a Divine Raiment of compression strengthening.

Lux used it in time acceleration by predicting with his superhuman reading and attack movement, but it looked like Barzeride used it to compressed strengthen <Aži Dahāka>’s threefold barrier.

If he did future foresight several seconds ahead, using <Fafnir>’s Divine Raiment <Wise Blood> at the same time, he would be able to attack with the strengthened threefold barrier at the moment of the hit.

Normally speaking, having used his power to that extent, if he were to go as far as simultaneously use the Divine Raiment, an unimaginable burden and fatigue would be put on the user and he would immediately run out of power.

But, Barzeride enabled continuous actions by stealing Machine Dragon energy from Lux.

Therefore, escaping from <Avestā>’s striking range was the best plan, but––

“––Why does he not escape…?”

Krulcifer already understood the reason.

If Lux were to take distance and gain time, Barzeride would probably attack Krulcifer again.

Precisely because of that, she did not understand.

About why Lux went as far as to reveal his true identity as the “Black Hero” and was fighting for someone unrelated to him.

『That is Nii-san’s good point, but also his bad point.』

When thinking so, a voice reached Krulcifer through dragon voice.

The voice of Airi, Lux’s little sister.

『You are––』

『Please, act as if you have not yet noticed. Krulcifer-san.』

Airi told in a very calm voice.

『Right now, Nii-san’s plan is being implemented, so please wait only a little. And then––』

Airi exhaled and told.

『Please watch it without losing consciousness. That fighting for your sake––』

===Part 3===

They crossed swords about ten times.

Slashes at a speed which the eyes couldn’t catch were mercilessly damaging <Bahamut>’s armor.

“Haa… Haa…”

Each time, getting his energy absorbed by <Aži Dahāka>, Lux’s breathing became rough.

Even so, he was keeping a match on equal terms with Barzeride who was using <Reload On Fire> which he wasn’t used to, but Lux’s body was also finally reaching its limit.

“––Kuh!”

Along with Lux’s breathing becoming rough, even <Bahamut>’s airframe began to gradually shake with a rattling sound.

“So the omen of rampage has come. The conclusion is near, “Black Hero”.”

Barzeride who struck a smile approached Lux with a composed expression.

He foresaw that with the attack of Lux who lost <Reload On Fire>, he would no longer be able to break through <Aži Dahāka>’s threefold barrier.

“Isn’t it time to admit your defeat already? “Black Hero.”

While continuing fighting, Barzeride interjected in an amazed tone.

“Since it’s a rare opportunity, I’ll tell you something good. As a Prince, you seem to be fighting for atonement –– but such a thing is just a vain effort. No, I should say it has the opposite effect.”

“…………”

Lux, confronting him, kept silent.

While breathing with his shoulders moving up and down, Barzeride calmly stared at him.

“I… The “Title Holder of the Kingdom” am trying to save this country’s future. Do you know? Lux Acadia. The crisis which is approaching this country currently –– something called the Ragnarok.”

“––I know.”

Lux answered briefly.

The negative legacy of the Old Empire, together with the other countries of major powers it was soon going to befall as the New Kingdom's misfortune. After waking up, he heard about it from Lisha.

Also about the fact that the New Kingdom’s Prime Minister issued instructions; so as to stop anything which could cause harm to Barzeride.

“Then, it saves me the long talk. There are no Drag-Knights appropriate for subjugation with that monster as the opponent at this time in the New Kingdom. Except me, that is.”

Barzeride raised his voice so that even Krulcifer could hear.

“I’m saying that in order to save this New Kingdom, I will be fighting that monster. Therefore, it’s necessary to obtain further military power from the ruins. So, it’s necessary for me to marry that girl. And from here on, I must use that woman as soon as possible, let scholars check her body in various ways and dig up new weapons and technology from ruins.”

“……!?”

Krulcifer hearing that revealed a scared expression.

“Fallen Prince. If it’s you, you should understand, right? This is something necessary. It’s for the future of the New Kingdom. There is no victory without sacrifice. With one girl of a foreign country coming over to me, this country will be saved. Even so, are you saying that you’ll still get in my way? After having failed to save this country, are you once again going to plunge this country into a crisis?”

“…………”

Listening to the speech full of deceptions, Krulcifer’s expression became cloudy.

Barzeride was trying to break Krulcifer’s heart by using Lux.

In order to throw her into despair and make her yield, he was telling Lux himself to abandon her.

''There is nobody who will save you.''

Lux knew it and took a posture of resistance. At that time––

“It’s fine already, Lux-kun.”

“…Krulcifer-san?”

To Lux’s roughly breathing, Krulcifer plainly said.

“It’s enough already. You have properly accomplished my request.”

“That’s not true. It isn’t over ye––”

“No, it’s fine. Since it is now, I will tell you –– but I was using you. It is only with this intention that I approached you from the start. That’s why you no longer need to feel either responsibility or obligation.”

Krulcifer revealed her usual cool smile and continued.

“That’s why, give up already. You should not have to die in such a place. You will fight for a country that is your ideal, right?”

With thoughts like vomiting blood, Krulcifer span her words.

That she wanted him to abandon her.

With an ice-like expression, she continued so.

“For me, you were just a tool. Therefore, I want you to say so, too. That you are a tool… If I had explained so from the start, it would've ended without expecting something like “maybe”. I wouldn't have ended with such thought, so––”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>plop*

A single tear drop, as she was not able to bear it, streamed down Krulcifer’s cheek.

The solitary, noble, and icy girl.

Something that she, who kept on smiling without revealing to anyone any weakness, truly desired.

''Perhaps, we might be able to become a family.''

She had kept fighting alone with only one thought in her heart.

『If you had became the Prince of the New Kingdom, would you also have saved me?』

Now, he clearly understood the true feelings that Krulcifer was hiding.

That’s why Lux asserted.

“You’re–– my lover. So, I will definitely save you.”

Then, he turned to Barzeride and glared at him.

“Hou, even though you’ve no chance of winning, you still want to continue? Your so-called “lover”, she doesn’t seem to want that, though. In the first place, how do you intend to save the New Kingdom from the crisis after defeating me?”

“I’ll look for someone more suitable than you and persuade him. If I don’t find anyone –– at that time, I’ll go out.”

Shaking the large sword, Lux declared.

“Why…”

Lux looked back again at Krulcifer whose eyes were moist, and smiled.

“It’s because I also want to be taught how to study by Krulcifer-san again. You were very kind to me. I want to be your strength. Please let me fight. For you who is important to me––”

Then, he turned his bottomless gray pupils that those who saw them felt fear, towards Barzeride.

“––It’s a match, Barzeride.”

The only wish which he swore in his younger days.

In order to achieve it, he had killed his self and sharpened his sword to the utmost limit.

Lux’s <Bahamut> which was gradually shaking further creaked.

The lines carved on the airframe were tinged with red light as if it was on the brink of collapse, showing signs of rampaging.

Shaking the shoulders so as to repress it, Lux brandished the large sword.

“Ha! How foolish. Your boring talk––”

At that moment, Lux moved while muttering.

<Bahamut>, who was shaking until just now on the verge of rampage so far shone red and swung the sword.

But,

“Fool! As if you can break this barrier with your power!”

Suddenly, the special armament possessed by <Fafnir>, the <Auto Shield> built a shield barrier in front of <Aži Dahāka>.

“…!? You stole even my special armament!?”

<Aži Dahāka>’s Divine Raiment which had been hidden until now.

An ability which temporarily stole even the right of control of a Machine Dragons’ special armaments.

From there, Barzeride furthermore activated <Reload On Fire>.

The absolute defense <Auto Shield> and the threefold barrier where the compression was strengthened.

The armor of the title holder that had never received one scratch not only in the tournament of the Capital, but even with an Abyss or a Divine Drag-Ride as opponents.

He intended to block Lux’s sword with that absolute shield.

“Die! You Fallen Prince and self-proclaimed Hero!”

When he saw through the moment of the attack with the future foresight by <Wise Blood> and the barrier strengthened with <Reload On Fire> was about to crush Lux––

“I don’t want to become a Hero. But––”

Lux’s mutter quietly echoed at the moment of crossing under the moon.

“At that time, from that day when I swore to destroy the Empire –– I had already made the resolution to fight.”

Bikiiiiiiiiiiiiiih!

A dissonant sound which informed of the collapse echoed in the church site at night.

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v2 0017.jpg|thumb]]

“––Wha!?”

Lux’s slash, coupled with a spin, was sharply released.

That flash in no way inferior to the Quick Draw in speed easily flipped the shield of the <Auto Shield> on all four sides, easily pierced the threefold barrier several times strengthened and directly hit <Aži Dahāka> which boasted of its hard armor.

“Gu, gyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!”

A shock, like that of hundreds of millions of needles, spreading from the point of contact of the blade which touched the top of the shoulder broke through and the Machine Dragon began to collapse.

The mountain of rubble behind and even the hard ground of the wasteland were also smashed up by the aftereffect of the shock.

Barzeride who was in the middle of that destroyed space gushed blood from his whole body, vomited blood and fainted in agony.

“Impossible..! Why is such a thing… such a thinnnnnnnnnggg?”

Barzeride who screamed as he was in agony, nonetheless struggled to wield the halberd.

But, the brandished halberd and even the <Devil’s Glow> of both shoulders activated, then cracked and simultaneously broke into pieces.

Be it his Drag-Ride or Divine Raiment, all of these were lost.

『Shall I tell you? Lord Kreutzer』

To <Aži Dahāka> which received a fatal destruction, Airi sent her voice through the dragon voice

『This is –– the second hidden technique that Nii-san created, “Recoil Burst”. A special ultra-move where he intentionally lets his own Machine Dragon rampage and releases it against the burden of just before self-destruction.』

Recoil Burst was a skill released by an approach completely opposite to that of the Quick Draw which combined two operating systems simultaneously.

A hidden technique which creates the accumulation of utmost limits by restraining through one’s own mind processing, an action at full power by body manipulation.

An attack at full power and the order to stop it.

It originally releases an ultra-powerful blow which is contradictorily performed through powerful operation at the same time as the Machine Dragon was intentionally allowed to rampage.

A forbidden technique where, if he could not perfectly perform the braking of energy flowing from the Force Core, <Bahamut>’s power would go on a rampage midway, and he would expose his surroundings and even his body to the danger of death.

That power boasted of a power dozens of times that of a normal blow released at full power.

Thus, it was able to destroy even <Aži Dahāka>’s “wall” equipped with the special armament of absolute defense and a strong barrier in one blow.

“D-Don’t be kidding me! As if such a thing could happen! Such a–– *gobo*! Something like this!”

“The match is already over. But––”

Lux calmly said, and stared at Barzeride’s face at last.

“If you intend to interfere with her again or anyone of the academy any more, then I’ll have no mercy. –– Can you promise that?”

“…Ku! Hahahahaha!”

Barzeride who heard that leapt back with an ugly smile.

Iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiih!

The partially destroyed <Aži Dahāka> raised a harsh roar.

“That just now––”

“Kukukuku…! It’s just a signal. To my private army –– my subordinates; Drag-Knights deployed to disperse the surrounding neighborhood from the duel, that is!”

“…Does that mean that you had planned that from the beginning?”

Lux calmly stared at Barzeride and asked so.

Since Alterize fainted midway, there was no eyewitnesses.

If he disposed of even Lux saying it was by an unfortunate accident, he could threaten Krulcifer and keep her quiet.

He had prepared the place of the duel with that intention from the beginning.

“This is also a splendid plan, Hero. Matches are such things! The “Title Holder of the Kingdom” can’t afford to lose! Even you, a Prince of the Empire, should know that!”

Barzeride revealed a triumphant smile.

Lux, who used his hidden technique, and Krulcifer’s stamina had already exceeded their limits.

They should have no spare energy to further defeat Barzeride’s private army from here.

The last plan considered so.

“I know. After all the Old Empire’s way of doing, I saw it enough times that I got disgusted when I was a child.”

“Kukukuku… so that’s what you mean by you’ve resolved yourself, huh? Well then––”

The moment when Barzeride was about to send a dragon voice, or send a message through the dragon voice to his private army––

“––Are these guys your private soldiers that you talked about? They’re quite reliable people, eh.”

“*Gefuuh*…!”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>gashan*. A man wearing an <EX Wyvern> was thrown down near Lux and company from the sky.

“What…!?”

When Barzeride looked up at the sky with his eyes wide opened, a giant red dragon was there.

The New Kingdom Princess Lisha and her Divine Drag-Ride <Tiamat>.

One of the prominent strong people (individuals) even in the Royal Military Academy was staying in the sky where clouds floated.

“Where did the other guys go!? There should have been 50 machines including mercenaries! I must quickly make them––”

“Lu-chan, are you all right?”

In response to Barzeride’s shout, a dull voice came from behind.

“Wha…!”

Having appeared carrying dozens of private soldiers whose armors were cancelled was Philphie wearing the Divine Drag-Ride <Typhon>.

“Sorry, but I will have you tell me all your evil plots, Lord Kreutzer.”

In addition, Sharis wearing a <Wyvern> declared so.

“Yes. Well, you can’t make excuses at this late hour. I also heard it. Resign yourself.”

Tillfarr with a <Wyrm> consented, and Nokuto who was behind her also put up her Machine Dragon’s arm.

“Yes. With the monitoring function of my <Drake>, I recorded the conversation within range. About how you had threatened Krulcifer-san, a student of the academy. The suspicion of having employed thieves. And the suspicion of the rules violation of the duel as well as the attempt to kill your opponent intentionally. We had the people of the army you brought along confirm all of this, so––”

“U, gu… uh!”

Sharis’s father was a soldier of the New Kingdom and he acted as vice-commandant.

Using that connection, she requested the guards of the Fort City to tag along and had them standby in the neighborhood.

In order to avoid interference, Barzeride deployed his private soldiers and had them dispersed people from the duel place, but those obstacles were easily broken through by Lisha and Philphie.

“Give up, “Title Holder of the Kingdom”.”

Lisha wearing <Tiamat> solemnly told so from the sky.

“––Fu”

It was no longer Barzeride’s personal problem.

While being aware of his defeat, he executed his last action.

<Aži Dahāka> which already lost all its weapons turned its back to Lux and the others and started running.

“Wait! Are you trying to run away!?”

A dense forest spread immediately near the church site.

Had he also prepared an escape course?

Did he intend to escape from the Fort City, go back to his territory and leave everything unsettled using his influence?

Or, live under an organization outside the country and plan his revenge?

When he set up this match,

“––Too naïve.”

A translucent voice and a gunshot resounded in the church site.

“Guh…!”

Immediately after, the shooting of <Fafnir>’s special armament, the <Freezing Canon> froze <Aži Dahāka>’s armor.

“Krulcifer…san!?”

Lux stared in wonder at the very precise shot of the girl whom he thought had run out of strength long ago.

“I said, right? That you should not underestimate me.”

Showing her usual cool smile, she muttered as if speaking to herself.

Krulcifer had the highest Machine Dragon aptitude value in the academy.

If she could prevent even the absorption of energy by <Aži Dahāka>, it would mean that she had accumulated enough power to be able to shoot back once.

<Aži Dahāka> which had already received fatal damage fell and completely shattered; and the user Barzeride lost consciousness.

“In the end, you are the only person who did not abandon me until the end.”

She suddenly showed a somewhat farsighted profile to Lux and continued.

Barzeride, who, though evaluating the girl called Krulcifer as the “best tool”, threw her away and fled.

“That isn’t true.”

The moment when she showed her sentimental side, Lux suddenly smiled at Krulcifer.

“…Eh?”

“When I said that I will go to the duel, everybody cooperated. Lisha-sama, Philphie and even everyone of the Triad… So––”

As Lux looked at Lisha who landed next to him and said so,

“Is that right…?”

“Errr, well yes…”

Lisha who was suddenly accosted slightly blushed and averted her gaze.

“It seems that I got you to cooperate even when you saved me the other day. Besides –– it was Lux’s request after all. With that said, I beat that man’s private soldiers, so from tomorrow when the request will be over, give him back to me.”

“It’s me who beat more than half though.”

When Philphie muttered so behind her, “Ah geez, shut up!” shouted Lisha and dodged it.

Krulcifer seeing that chuckled.

As both of them cancelled their armors, Lux took Krulcifer’s hand.

“Well then, shall we return? To our academy.”

“Yes.”

Thus, this incident calmly came to a close.<noinclude>
{{SimpleNav|f=Epilogue}}
</noinclude>

Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 2 Episode 3

2017-12-09T09:43:41Z

OmegaWeaponZ: /* Part 12 */

==Episode 3 - The Sixth Ruins – One Garden==

===Part 1===

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

Two people were sitting on a sofa in a spacious living room.

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

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

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

“So –– how is it? The condition of the Divine Drag-Ride <Aži Dahāka> that I sold––”

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

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

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

Barzeride smiled at the familiar voice.

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

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

“Then––”

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

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

Barzeride shook his shoulders and joyfully laughed.

As he imagined his military rule in the future.

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

“Yeah, see you again, my friend.”

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

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

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

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

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

===Part 2===

“Phew…”

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

Lux who welcomed lunch break in the classroom was a little sleepy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Okay. It’s here.”

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

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

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

As Lux was thinking so,

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

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

“What on earth does this mean…?”

''Rather, what does she mean by peeping?''

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

“N, Ngh…”

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

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

“Ah, welcome––, wait, eeeeh!?”

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

“––I’m coming in, Lux.”

“Lu-chan. You’re drooling.”

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

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

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

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

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

As for Philphie, her big breasts were also emphasized and it was a very bewitching appearance.

“Errr –– what is this?”

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

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

At Tillfarr who openly talked, Lisha blushed in panic.

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

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

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

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

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

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v2 0013.jpg|thumb]]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“…………”

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

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

“Lu-chan. The meal will cool down.”

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

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

“…Shall I do it?”

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

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

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

“U-Um, thank you for the meal.”

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

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

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

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

“It’s very delicious.”

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

“Haw…!?”

Lisha blushed and stiffened on the spot.

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

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

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

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

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

“I made a dessert.”

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

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

When Lux hurriedly questioned so,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

===Part 3===

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

Then –– After school of that day.

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

The unique smell of metal and oil which acridly assailed his nose.

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

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

“Errr, so, for today’s work––”

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

“Oh, then I’ll do it.”

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

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

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

“Huh…?”

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

“Why are you here, too––?”

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

Airi said with a somewhat implying smile.

“Ah geez, Lux! Come back here!”

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

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

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

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

And, Airi spread several sheets of paper there.

“This is––”

“Yes. It’s the output analysis result of <Bahamut> that Nii-san uses. I observed the last battle on Nokuto’s <Drake>.”

“…………”

Lux slowly looked over the bunch of papers.

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

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

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

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

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

Especially regarding <Bahamut>, since Lux could not afford to use it very often, time was required to analyze it.

But––

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

“Thank you, Lisha-sama.”

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

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

“Nokuto and I also helped, Nii-san.”

“Ah, thank you, both of you.”

“Yes. I feel obliged.”

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

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

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

“Ah, yes. I know.”

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

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

“Yes. Roger, Airi.”

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

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

“…………”

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

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

Lisha suddenly muttered as she folded her arms.

“Ah, speaking of which––”

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

The day for that to happen should be tomorrow.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Ah, yes. Thank you.”

Lux nodded and thanked Airi’s consideration.

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

Drag-Rides, Abysses and unknown technology.

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

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

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

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

“Is that so?”

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

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

Krulcifer was a foreign student of the country Ymir.

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

When it came to the subjugation of a dangerous Abyss, Krulcifer should basically not participate.

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

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

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

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

“A talk?”

“Ah, yes… well.”

When Lisha was about to begin talking,

<nowiki>*</nowiki>knock-knock*

They heard a light knock.

“Good evening!”

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

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

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

Lisha turned reproachful eyes at the cheerful Tillfarr and sighed.

“Why did you come here for? Tillfarr.”

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

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

“Ah, I see.”

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

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

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

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

“Then, even if I go––”

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

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

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

===Part 4===

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

He carefully knocked on the door of the dressing room and bathroom, and after having confirmed that there was nobody inside, he put the plate “under cleaning” outside and took off his clothes.

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

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

After dashing hot water over himself at the washing place, he slowly washed his body and finally immersed his whole body into the bathtub.

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

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

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

“Haa…”

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

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

It was about the duel over Krulcifer’s engagement.

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

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

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

(I don’t really understand though. She doesn’t seem to have a very good relationship with her home––)

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

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

“…………”

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

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

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

As he talked like so to himself.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>chapun*. The sound of water splashing could be heard immediately nearby.

“Eh––?”

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

“…… Huh?”

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

“––Wait, eeeeeeeeeeeeeh!?”

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

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

“It’s rude. Lu-chan.”

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

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

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

“…………”

At her indifferent words, Lux guessed.

This situation was definitely Philphie’s mischievous big sister, Principal Relie’s doing.

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

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

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

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

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

“––Why?”

Philphie returned a straight face.

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

As Lux confusedly said so,

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

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

Lux’s face reflexively became red

“N-No, I’m not talking about that––”

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

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

Philphie smiled as she said so in a hearty tone.

“…………”

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

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

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

It was beautiful.

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v2 0014.jpg|thumb]]

Her big amber eyes and her flushed cheeks.

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

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

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

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

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

“…Kukah”

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

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

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

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

(W-Wait, I can see her breasts…! From the front is bad!)

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

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

“Huh––?”

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

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

“Ngh… what’s wrong? Lu-chan”

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

“…Yes. Thank you.”

Philphie who woke up turned her head to thank him.

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

“H-Hey, Phi-chan”

“…What?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Lu-chan. Be careful tomorrow.”

“E-Errr…?”

Lux came to his senses at Philphie’s voice.

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

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

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

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

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

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

–– About ten minutes later.

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

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

===Part 5===

And–– the morning of the next day.

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

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

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

The members who would sortie were about 14 people.

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

––No, they intended to do so.

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

Instructor Raigree said with a slightly bitter face.

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

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

“Eh…?”

“Why did Krulcifer-san––?”

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

Lux also felt the same way.

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

“Please, take care of me. Everyone”

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

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

Though that alone deserved enough surprise––

“And this person is––”

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

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

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

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

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

“…………”

Noise.

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

Which wasn’t surprising.

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

“Instructor. What the hell does this mean?”

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

“That is––”

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

“''No matter if he is a person from one of the Four Great Nobles and also associated with the army–– He is an outsider in this Royal Military Academy. I can’t consent that such a person suddenly participates in this important strategy''. Is what you want to say, right? Your Highness the Princess.”

“Hmm…”

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

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

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

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

(What is he planning…?)

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

That alone was uncanny.

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

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

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

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

But,

“You do not need to worry, Princess Lizsharte. I just stopped by the Principal's Room a while ago and had written a covenant. Even if something were to happen to me, you will not be held responsible.”

Barzeride calmly replied so.

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

This matter had probably already been settled prior.

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

When Sharis of the Triad suddenly asked,

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

Barzeride bragged with a smile.

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

“…………”

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

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

''Or it might be both'', Lux thought.

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

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

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

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

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

Before departure, Lux approached Krulcifer and asked.

Participation in a dangerous mission should’ve been originally prohibited by order of the country Ymir.

As Lux tried to ask the reason,

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

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

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

''Is it also somehow related to Barzeride’s unnatural participation?''

Though Lux had such a speculation,

“And, that has nothing to do with that person. When I forced the matter of my participation in this investigation to the Principal, I did not know where about he had heard it from; but he just selfishly came along.”

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

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

Then he turned an affixed-like smile to Krulcifer.

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

Krulcifer replied in a cold tone.

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

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

Barzeride returned so with a calm expression.

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

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

“Still –– it’s unexpected.”

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

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

A tone filled with clear provocation and contempt.

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

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

Lisha suddenly called out in displeasure from behind.

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

“Sorry for my rudeness, Miss commanding officer.”

Barzeride replied in a polite tone and quietly withdrew.

“You’re a lifesaver, Lisha-sama.”

“Ah, no. Well… Yes, d-don’t mind it.”

Lux smiled wryly to Lisha who scratched her head slightly embarrassed.

“We will depart soon, Miss commanding officer.”

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

Being urged by Krulcifer, Lisha took command.

Finally, the operation commenced.

===Part 6===

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lux also overlooked the ruins while setting up his blade.

“This is the “Garden”…”

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

The ship type “Ark” floating on the open sea.

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

And this “Garden” close to the Fort City.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Understood.”

When Lux nodded,

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

Soon after, Lisha urged everyone to be cautious.

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

“That’s––!”

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

It was a kind of Abyss commonly known as Golem.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“It will take too much time.”

“Eh?”

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

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

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

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

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

“It’s certainly true, but––”

“Then –– I will start moving.”

The moment when Lisha was at a loss for a rebuttal, Krulcifer moved.

“––!”

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

<Fafnir> accelerated leaving behind all the people present in an instant.

(Fast…!)

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

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

Ooooooooh…

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

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

“Watch out!”

The fist approached from behind <Fafnir> as it came too close.

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

––But,

“Eh…?”

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

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

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

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

Guh…! Ooooooooh!

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

“Krulcifer-san! Dodge it!”

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

But, a strange thing happened again.

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

“…Eh?”

Using that opening, Krulcifer once again pulled the trigger.

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v2 0003.jpg|thumb]]

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

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

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

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

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

『You do not need to come.』

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

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

“Eh––?”

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

Guh, …Oooooooooooooooh!

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

“Looks like it.”

Lisha who had worn the <Chimeric Wyvern> took a breath as she saw it.

It had been frozen.

The mechanical giant soldier covered with thick rock skin.

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

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

“... Amazing.”

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

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

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

“That was <Fafnir>’s Divine Raiment––”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Guoh… Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

The Golem with neither mouth nor eyes raised a muffled roar.

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

“……!?”

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

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

“Krulcifer! Deploy a barrier!”

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

Boom!

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

“Krulcifer-san!”

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

But,

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

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

Soon after, a needle-like shooting released from <Fafnir>’s <Freezing Canon> pierced the Golem’s frozen chest.

“Eh…?”

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

She was unhurt.

On the front of <Fafnir>, seven octagonal shields tinged with a bluish-white light were unfolded.

“That’s another special armament of <Fafnir>, <Auto Shield>.”

Such an explanation flew from Lisha from behind.

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Aptitude value, huh?”

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

Saying so, Lisha turned her gaze to Lux.

“That’s––”

When Lux raised his voice,

Gu… Ooooaaaaah!

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

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

“She did it!”

“You’re amazing, Krulcifer-san!”

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

“…………”

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

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

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

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

At that moment, Krulcifer plainly declared so.

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

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

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

In such a meaning, the members who had not fought yet and still had spare energy left should participate in the investigation, but––

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

“Krulcifer, san…?”

(Is she by any chance… impatient?)

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

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

''Something doesn’t feel right.''

When Lux thought so,

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

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

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

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

Tillfarr who was on land raised a voice of warning.

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

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

“…!? W-What is that? …!”

A Knight Squadron’s girl wearing a <Wyvern> leaked a small scream.

“Don’t tell me…!”

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

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

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

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

It showed no sign of hiding at all.

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

“If I’m not mistaken, that’s––”

“A Diabolos… huh!”

Lisha, frowning, cried.

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

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

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

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

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

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

“––Gieeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!”

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

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

“Shaaaaaaaaa!”

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

“––!?”

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

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

''I won’t make it in time!''

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

“Kuh…!?”

Using his large blade as a shield, Lux stood in between the Diabolos and Nokuto.

“Lux…san!?”

“It’s fine–– so get away!”

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

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

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

Moreover –– that alone could not completely stop it.

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

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

(At this rate –– it’ll break!)

When Lux perceived danger,

Boom!

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

“Guaaaaaaah!”

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

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

“What…!?”

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

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v2 0015.jpg|thumb]]

“Kuh––!?”

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

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

“Guooooooah!”

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

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

A face-off after taking distance.

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

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

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

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

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

“That’s––”

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

Divine Drag-Ride <Aži Dahāka>。

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

It was the battle figure of the man called “Title Holder of the Kingdom”.

“Fuhahahahaha!”

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

<Aži Dahāka>’s special armament already seen in the tournament, <Devil’s Glow>.

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

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

“Kyaah…!?”

All the members of the “Knight Squadron” held their breath at his attack. They had reflectively dodged it, but <Aži Dahāka>’s shelling had grazed the members of the “Knight Squadron”.

But, Barzeride whose shelling was evaded still turned a composed smile to Lux.

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

“Quit the joke, Barzeride.”

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

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

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

“Aren’t you confident? Lux Acadia.”

“Kuh…!”

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

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

––This man fired at a distance which also involved the members of the “Knight Squadron” around him in the shelling.

If by any chance something were to happen, this man for sure –– intended to cover it up as an “accident”.

“You––”

At this time when Lux’s voice trembled in anger,

“Would you please stop fooling around?”

Krulcifer who came back to his side broke in with an unusually serious voice.

“Kuku, that’s quite a cold attitude, my future wife. But, I’ll allow that much. That’s why you’re worth being conquered.”

<Aži Dahāka>’s armor bowl softly tapped on <Fafnir>’s shoulder.

After calmly shaking it off, Krulcifer took a deep breath,

“I will dispose of the enemy earlier than you. In that case, there is no problem, right?”

She declared so with a cool expression.

“Ooh, how promising. So, you still have spare energy left, huh.”

“Krulcifer! Don’t act rashly! Retreat temporarily and fix your posture!”

Lisha ignored Barzeride’s statement and said so.

But,

“It’s all right. I will not cause you trouble with my rash actions this time. Besides –– time is precious.”

With an expression which repressed her feelings, Krulcifer set up the special armament <Freezing Canon>.

And, she flew towards the Diabolos which was far away and was watching the situation.

Lux was surprised by the action of Krulcifer who was good at long-range shooting.

“Krulcifer-san!”

It was probably in order to draw away Barzeride’s attention and not let the others become involved.

Certainly, Krulcifer was the owner of an outstanding ability even among the Knight Squadron’s members, but that Diabolos was not an ordinary Abyss.

“This time for sure –– I will shoot it down.”

At the same time as she approached the Abyss, she set up the <Freezing Canon> and aimed at it.

Since she could use the Divine Raiment future foresight in offense and defense at point-blank range, Krulcifer should have the advantage.

Or at least, it should have been like that.

“…!? Why did <Fafnir>’s foresight––?”

The moment of opening hostilities, agitation ran through Krulcifer’s profile and she stopped moving.

Not overlooking that opening which suddenly appeared, the Diabolos spouted hellish flames.

“Guaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!”

“––––”

Dispelling the cold of the <Freezing Canon> shot reflexively, scorching raging flames approached Krulcifer.

“Watch out!”

Lux who rushed at once at max power thrust Krulcifer away.

“Ushaaaaaaaa!”

Although Lux did not end up being rolled into the flames, he directly received the fist of the Diabolos which drew near as it followed.

“Guh…!”

He issued a muffled groan and was knocked down on to the ground as such.

“Lux!”

At the same time that Lisha and the remaining Knight Squadron’s members shouted, they poured concentrated fire on the Diabolos.

But, that barrage of more than ten shots was all dodged with smooth flight movements.

“Kuuh…!”

When all the members over there were astonished at the enemy more formidable than expected––

“––Good grief, so my help is necessary after all.”

From Barzeride’s <Aži Dahāka> which was on the ground, a shelling of <Devil’s Glow> was released.

As if it was natural, the Diabolos dodged it with mobility which did not match its big frame –– but,

“Guaah!?”

On its chest, a halberd was sticking out as if it grew.

“…Eh?”

Lux and Krulcifer who saw it, no, all the members present were dumbfounded.

For a moment, no one had noticed that that halberd was a close-range weapon thrown by <Aži Dahāka>.

Among the Drag-Rides’ weapons, the halberd was a heavyweight class weapon. Besides the abnormality of Barzeride with <Aži Dahāka> which threw it at the speed like an arrow, the problem was the applied process.

The Abyss was in the sky with no obstacles around.

Even if Barzeride could predict that the Abyss would dodge, he shouldn’t be able to predict where it would dodge to.

It was a blow as if he foresaw the future like <Fafnir>’s Divine Raiment, <Wise Blood>.

“Guru…. Aaaaah!?”

Maybe because it was a fatal wound which reached its core, the Diabolos suddenly stopped moving; and while its whole body went into convulsions, it began to spout blue blood.

“This game –– it’s my victory, right? Fallen Prince.”

Barzeride who saw that looked at Lux and Krulcifer and contentedly smiled.

But Lux did not care about such a thing now.

“…Why? I––”

Although ostensibly uttering a calm voice as usual,

But, Krulcifer was confused to the extent that Lux had never seen before.

This was probably because the future foresight by <Fafnir>’s Divine Raiment, <Wise Blood> suddenly became impossible to use.

Moreover, the Abyss had been shot down by <Aži Dahāka> operated by that Barzeride.

The girl’s calm and perfect face had been distorted with unrest by these two unlikely events.

“Kuhahahaha! As expected, there is nobody who can match me, Lux Acadia.”

Barzeride’s shrill laughter resounded around.

''He’s certainly strong.''

''He possessed strength outstanding enough to be called “Title Holder of the Kingdom”'', Lux thought.

However,

(Something doesn’t feel right––)

When Lux had his attention attracted by that sense of discomfort for a moment,

“Don’t relax yet!”

Lisha’s voice could be heard from a distant place.

“Gu, aaaaaaaaaaah…!”

The Diabolos which suffered a fatal wound, vomited blood and fainted in agony.

Its chest with a hole opened that was gaping wide suddenly swelled to more than double its size.

“…!? Leave quickly!”

The Knight Squadron’s members who saw that hurriedly shouted.

『Everyone, deploy your barrier at max power!』

Immediately after Lisha’s shout was heard through dragon voice once again,

Red cracks appeared on the Abyss’s whole body and it was tinged with light.

Among the Abysses, several kinds of individuals who self-destructed had been confirmed.

When all the members took a defensive posture, Lux noticed that something was strange about Krulcifer who was beside him.

“Why doesn’t it move? My <Fafnir>––”

Next to Lux, Krulcifer’s airframe began to shake with a rattling sound.

Despite the impending danger approaching, the shield of the special armament <Auto Shield> on the contrary dropped from around <Fafnir>.

The control confusion due to the user’s exhaustion –– the rampage began.

“Krulcifer-san!?”

Immediately after, the Abyss’s body exploded with a flash.

A scorching torrent born with a roar swallowed everything along with screams.

With the blast and impact, it was impossible to breathe.

Enduring a pain as if his lungs and heart would be crushed, Lux desperately embraced the dumbfounded Krulcifer, thus becoming her shield.

Then, he lost consciousness.

===Part 7===

The sound of rainfall could be heard.

What he recalled was the memories of more than five years ago.

A carriage which broke had rolled down the cliff along the route where a forest was close by.

Whether the ground collapsed or the wheels came out, or it slid due to rain, the cause was unknown.

Although it was said that it was a cliff, it was not so high. It was just a height of about four Mel from the route above the cliff.

But, the coachman and horses had already died by the impact of the fall.

There were only two survivors; a lady dressed in a plain dress –– Lux’s mother was also bleeding from the head, but she was still breathing.

“Please! Please, help us! We are from the Imperial Family! We are the Acadia people living in the Phillend territory!”

While holding his arm broken at the time of the fall, he desperately shouted.

It was an incident of two years ago that Lux’s mother’s side family was alienated by the Imperial Family and banished from the Imperial Court.

After his mother’s father –– that is, Lux’s grandfather stated a candid advice for imperial politics, there seemed to have been a dispute there, and his grandfather was sent to prison for the crime of defamation and Lux’s family was treated coldly.

After being banished from the Imperial Court, they had been living modestly on the outskirts of the Capital, but this accident occurred when they went for an outing from the house.

“Please! We will reward you. If I don’t take her to a doctor as soon as possible, my mother will––”

A few carriages were coming and going on the route above the cliff.

The sound of rainfall was not strong. Though there was also fog, his cry for help should reach there.

But, no one responded to Lux’s voice.

“Please! Somebody! ––!?”

What came down instead of a response were stones.

Blood flowed from Lux’s forehead and half of his silver hair and face were dyed red.

Looking up ahead, despair was standing.

“Shut up! You damn kid!”

“That’s right! Do you know what you royalty and nobles have done to us!?”

“Even if we don’t help you guys who have been banished from the Imperial Court, we won’t be accused of crime! Just drop dead like that, you bastard!”

The figures of people filled with hatred and raising voices of resentment.

The day when Lux learned that reality for the first time.

All the fights began.

===Part 8===

“Ngh… Hum…”

Lux woke up with an anguished groan.

His body became stiff when he tried to move, due to the dull pain as if his whole body was fractured.

“…!? That’s right, everyone is––!”

Recalling about what had happen just a while ago, Lux forcibly got up.

Then––

“Eh…?”

Lux’s surrounding was covered with a grass thicket which grew in abundance, rugged big rocks, a lake which was visible from the gap in the trees and a ceiling which illuminated the ground with a soft light.

It was a mysterious place as if he lost his way in an uncivilized forest.

“Where the hell is this place…?”

“Probably –– inside the sixth ruins “Garden”.”

“Uwaaah!?”

At the voice which he suddenly heard from behind, Lux’s body shook in surprise.

When he looked back, Krulcifer wearing a dress gear like Lux was standing; her Sword Device hung to the belt at her waist.

“I understand how you feel, but do not shout that much. I have not grasped the situation yet, so it is dangerous.”

“Ah, sorry…”

At her usual calm and composed expression, Lux was a little relieved.

She was calm now unlike the Krulcifer of a little while ago.

“What on earth happened? If I remember correctly, the Abyss exploded and––”

“Immediately after the Garden shone, it looks like the people and things around were drawn to inside here. It’s also only a little while ago that I woke up.”

Saying so with a sigh, Krulcifer sat down beside him.

“Thanks to you protecting me, it looks like I’m all right. Thank you.”

“Ah, no. I’m glad that Krulcifer-san is safe.”

As Lux unintentionally looked, there was a bag containing tools for investigation at the place where he was sleeping.

He thought that he had lost it during the battle, but it seemed that luckily this had also been drawn into the inside of the ruins.

“Besides us, it seems that several members of the “Knight Squadron” were also sucked in, but other than that, I don’t know the rest of the details.”

“If I’m not mistaken, when we entered the ruins, our course of actions was already decided, right?”

Lux took out a memo of the strategy operation from his bag.

The “Garden” had a system such that the gate opened and closed by a cycle of fixed times.

There were access gates on each wall side of the six faces of the cube, and at the same time as the opening and shutting, things from outside were drawn in, and things inside were ejected.

“In case the invasion of the inside of the “Garden” succeeded, the first move is aiming for the altar in the center. Afterwards, carry out the investigation at the altar for about two hours max and then move to the gate of the inner wall after completion. Wait for the opening and closing time and return outside. It will be like this if we proceed as planned, eh.”

Krulcifer who seemed to have memorized the strategy contents confirmed as she read smoothly.

“Yes. But–– now…”

An unexpected incident had already occurred and the situation was different from the usual investigation.

It was a state of emergency where they were attacked by an unexpected Abyss and the members were also scattered.

Under the present conditions where they didn’t even know how many other members were drawn in, the Knight Squadron’s members’ safety should be top priority.

“Well then –– let’s head to the altar at the center tomorrow. Everyone should surely gather there, too.”

Krulcifer calmly muttered.

“Is your body all right, Lux-kun?”

“Y-Yes, well––. Not that, is it okay!?”

“What do you mean?”

Being asked so with a serious look, Lux hesitated.

Then, he alternately looked at the memo in his hand and Krulcifer’s face in panic.

If they were in perfect condition, it would be reasonable to proceed with the ruins investigation like this.

But, in case that there were casualties or that the members’ fatigue was profound, they should cancel the investigation and a judgment about withdrawing should be required, too.

In that case, they should camp near the gate of the inner wall from the start without going to the altar which was the center, and wait there to escape by the opening and closing of the ruins.

In other words, in this case––

“We shouldn’t overdo it. Um –– we also have that duel tomorrow night… Even your body is tired, isn’t it, Krulcifer-san…?”

<Fafnir>’s rampage shown earlier.

The failure of Krulcifer who is always calm and composed.

What Krulcifer desired should be the cancellation of the engagement plan selfishly forced on her.

For that, preserving her strength by not overdoing it in this mission and then winning the duel against Barzeride and Alterize should be the ideal scenario.

And yet, Krulcifer was trying to forcibly defeat the Abyss a while ago.

Though Lux felt uneasy at that behavior that was too much unlike her,

“It’s all right. At that time, I was just a little tired, and I’m not injured. What about you?”

As she turned her usual calm voice and looked at him, he wasn’t able to say the words he should say.

“I’m also all right, but… ––Ah.”

While touching his body, Lux noticed,

The blade of the <Wyvern>’s Sword Device which was hanging onto his waist lost its light.

This state showed that the corresponding machine was in a “serious damage” state.

Like this, he could not even summon it let alone wearing it as armor.

<Bahamut>’s black sword was fine, but since he couldn’t use it just like that, it would probably be the last resort.

“I wonder if it is broken. It’s because you protected me, huh.”

“N-No, we were both safe, so we’re pretty lucky.”

Considering that situation, that much was helpful enough.

However –– when thinking about tomorrow’s duel, it was also a troubling problem.

“If you want, you can just wait in front of the gate without overdoing it here. I’ll go alone.”

Krulcifer said not in a sarcastic or provocative tone, but in an earnest one.

That instead stimulated Lux’s uneasiness.

“N-No––. I’ll also go! I can’t let you go alone, Krulcifer-san!”

“…Thank you.”

To Lux who expressed his strong will, Krulcifer revealed a relieved smile.

The moment when Lux’s heart skipped a bit at Krulcifer’s slightly feverish gaze,

“By the way, Lux-kun. You –– are you good at cooking outdoors?”

“Eh…?”

Krulcifer suddenly said that and looked up at the ceiling of the wild wall.

“I do not know the theory behind it, but in this “Garden”, the system seems to be such that it will become dark in conjunction with outside time. At this rate, it will be night soon.”

“E-Errr, um––”

“In the case that we are in the “Garden”, camping goods such as firewood can be procured locally. This was also written, right?”

“Ah, yes…”

To Krulcifer who had suddenly returned to her usual self, Lux did not know what to say.

“And –– the securing of drinking water is necessary, too. The points (locations) of drinkable spring water should have been sketched on the drawn map from past investigations, so can you please give it to me, too?”

“Ah, I understand that, but Krulcifer-san is…”

“I will watch over the baggage near this vicinity. I’m counting on you, Lux-kun.”

“…………”

She had asserted like so with an extremely calm face.

In a peremptory tone…

“T-Then, I’ll be right back, so be careful, too, Krulcifer-san––”

“Lux-kun, you are a man after all. How reliable.”

When she earnestly said so, he could no longer complain.

(B-But well, it somehow feels like it’s been a long time since Krulcifer-san behaved like herself.)

He was still feeling pain here and there, but since he had shown off, he could not pull back.

''That’s what being a man is'', Lux thought.

(I feel like I have been beautifully led around by Krulcifer-san, but…)

Lux, enduring fatigue and dull pain, collected firewood and drinking water and decided to take a rest that day.

…………

There was no sun in the “Garden”.

Nonetheless, the light of the ceiling disappeared just as if the day had set, and nature and the neighborhood were wrapped in azure darkness.

They made a small bonfire at the waterside and built a simple tent stretching a cloth on the side of rocks and trees.

As they nibbled the dried meat and rye bread which were in the bag and finished their simple dinner, they were finally able to settle down.

“Speaking of which, I wonder if everyone is safe…”

Lux anxiously muttered so.

He presumed that Lisha and the others who were near had probably also been drawn inside the ruins, but he did not know.

“If there was a <Drake> user we would be able to detect the position of biological reactions and Machine Dragons .Though that is also impossible in this situation.”

“Which means, we can only advance to the altar at the center. If we’re lucky, we might be able to join them there––”

“…………”

As silence filled the neighborhood, Lux was thinking.

About the fact that Krulcifer did not seem to have an ordinary relation with the Einvolk House.

About the reason why she was so obsessed with this ruins investigation.

And––

“We should decide soon about the lookout and sleeping order.”

As if sliding into Lux’s thinking, Krulcifer muttered.

Fortunately, there were no ferocious carnivores inside the “Garden”, so they didn’t have to worry about being attacked by a beast.

But, there was also the possibility that an Abyss might appear in the “Garden”, so as expected they should avoid relaxing their vigilance openly.

“T-Then, I’ll look out first.”

When Lux proposed so, Krulcifer quietly nodded,

“Understood. After a little time has passed, please wake me up.”

As she lied down on the sheet which was a simple tent,

“Don’t attack me, okay?”

“I-I won’t do something like that!?”

To Krulcifer’s teasing voice, Lux unintentionally shouted.

“I see… But just to note, you have a criminal record.”

“Like I said, that was a misunderstanding!? That I’ve broken into the bath before was because––”

“Yes, I know. Judging from how you panicked, you surely will not do anything. Well then, good night.”

“…………”

As usual, he was played with.

When Krulcifer turned her back on Lux, she began to leak a sleeper’s breathing (the breathing of a person sleeping) calmly after a while.

“Ruins, huh…”

After sighing once, Lux looked up at the dark space.

An existence which should also be called the treasure warehouse of the world that brought about a tremendous development due to Drag-Rides and ancient documents.

The fight to solve its mysteries was accelerating as time passed.

It appeared to be what Fugil had said; Lux was also in possession of the golden horn which could summon the Abysses, but there was no reaction so far.

Was the key to reaching the ruins’ depths that Airi, who deciphered ancient documents, was talking about something different?

And on the night of the next day, a duel with Barzeride was waiting.

“It would be good if nothing happens…”

Towards the ceiling of the Garden where the sky could not be seen, it looked like invisible dark clouds were hanging over.

===Part 9===

One night had passed in the “Garden” –– the next day.

Lux also seemed to have fallen asleep before he was aware, and when he woke up, Krulcifer was sitting in front of the bonfire.

It looked like Lux himself was unexpectedly quite exhausted.

After he had the same meal as yesterday, they began to walk to the place called the “altar” at the center.

They did not use Machine Dragons to move because Lux’s <Wyvern> had been greatly damaged.

Though <Bahamut> and <Fafnir> were available, now when fatigue still remained, there was the need to preserve them in case of emergencies.

In this sense, it was a situation where they couldn’t let their guard down even for a moment.

“It looks like it is going to rain.”

Krulcifer who was walking in front while holding up her hand to her face said.

“Rain? Does it even rain in this place?”

“Based on past records, it looks like it. It seems that the structure has not yet been clarified though––. Let’s hurry.”

Krulcifer said so and accelerated her pace.

But immediately after, her slender body suddenly staggered a bit.

“Watch out!”

When Lux hurriedly supported her body, it was tinged with a high fever.

“Krulcifer-san. Don’t tell me that’s––”

The reason why she left the physical work to Lux for last night’s camping.

If Lux’s prediction proved right, they should return as soon as possible.

“…I am all right. I also said so yesterday, right? Thank you for helping me.”

But even so, Krulcifer began to walk looking only forward.

A small amount of sweat oozed on the nape of her neck.

The inside of the “Garden” was by no means hot.

Lux was convinced that her leg was injured.

“It’s just a little twisted. It’s not a big deal.”

“As expected, shouldn’t we go back? I’ll take you until the gate of the inner wall with <Bahamut>, so if we just stay still there––”

“I am sorry.”

As she painfully cast her eyes down, Krulcifer still did not stop walking.

“I must by all means go. This is one of a few chances I have, so––”

“…I understand.”

Therefore, Lux also decided to go on.

“In return, let me walk in front.”

As he said only that, Krulcifer also nodded slightly.

For a while, the two people silently advanced.

“Hey, Krulcifer-san.”

“…What is it?”

As if to loosen the awkward atmosphere, Lux called out to her.

“Krulcifer-san, why were you looking for the “Black Hero”?”

To Lux’s question, Krulcifer remained silent for a short while.

“For the same reason that I am heading to the altar now. There is something I would like to know by all means.”

She lowered her gaze and softly muttered.

“Have you heard from anyone that my Machine Dragon aptitude value is strangely high? Normally, no matter how rash a human acts, there is a limit for the continuous operation of a Drag-Ride. But––”

“But?”

“If the legend of the “Black Hero” is true, if he really annihilated the imperial army in one night, then that Drag-Knight has almost no limit. Surely just like me –– something like that.”

“…………”

Unable to say anything at Krulcifer’s meaningful words, Lux continued walking.

And after about ten minutes,

“This place is, um––”

Krulcifer and Lux had finally arrived at the altar at the center.

Around a circular floor, white columns stood in a row and a silver gem placed on the central platform was tinged with a mysterious light.

A strange structure (Object) which they seemed to be familiar with and unlike any other thing.

It (Object) which was made of the same white metal as the walls of the “Garden” was the altar.

“It looks like we are the first to arrive, huh…”

Krulcifer quietly approached that jewel while looking around.

“Well then, we will wait for everyone here––”

When Lux proposed so,

『Ga, gagaga…』

A strange sound could be suddenly heard.

“……!?”

Though Lux and Krulcifer placed their hands on their Sword Devices at their waists at once,

“An Abyss… it doesn’t look like it!? This voice is –– a person’s!?”

『Ga, gagaga…! Existence of the <key> recognized. Performing special code unlock. If there is no problem, begin the transfer.』

A voice which directly resounded within the brain like the dragon voice was suddenly audible.

“This sound!? Is it by any chance from this altar––!?”

At that moment, the pattern depicted on the floor emitted a dazzling light.

“This––!?”

They reflexively closed their eyes –– when they opened them, all the scenery had changed.

“––It looks like we were transferred to the inside.”

An inorganic corridor surrounded by bluish-white metallic plates and where innumerable rubble rolled.

It was the inside of the altar that they had heard about.

“This place, is my…”

When Lux was surprised at the unfamiliar scenery, Krulcifer moved as if she was in a hurry.

And, when she put her hand on a strange box-shaped object, a white light ran.

『Confirming key’s authentication. By level authority, removing lock to the second layer management room.』

“The object, talked…!?”

To that mysterious occurrence, Lux opened his eyes wide in surprise.

''The strange voice which was emitted from the object.''

''Has it reacted to Krulcifer?''

“So…I was right after all, huh.”

With a small sigh, Krulcifer’s hand separated from the object.

And then she slowly walked towards a shelf which was on the side of the wall side of the room.

“Krulcifer-san!? That place––”

Numerous <Boxes> were placed on the shelf.

Inside the ruins, boxes which stored Machine Dragons’ parts and ancient documents –– <Box> existed.

However, because the seams were firm and couldn’t be opened, originally there should be no other method of opening it other than bringing back the entire box with a Machine Dragon, and then taking time to break it, but…

“…………”

『Confirming key’s authentication. By level authority, removing lock to the second layer management room.』

Krulcifer, with a serious look, softly held up her hand to the edge of a Box and moved a finger as if softly stroking the space.

“Eh…!?”

With only that, the box, which should not open, completely opened with a small sound.

Inside of it, there were numerous general-purpose Machine Dragons’ armaments and parts, and a bunch of papers written in ancient characters.

Krulcifer looked over the pages of the ancient document as she turned them.

Each time she shook her head while saying “That’s not it…”; she walked to the doors at the back.

The metal walls lying on top of one another automatically opened by her only touching them.

Ahead of that, there was a staircase which continued further underground.

“I still don’t know. Deeper… I should search deeper. ––!”

While muttering, the moment when she put her hand on the opened door at the back, Krulcifer’s body suddenly fell.

“Krulcifer-san!”

“Uh…”

As she shook her head in order to shake off the pain, Krulcifer tried to get up.

But, she could not get up straight.

Her body which Lux supported was tinged with a strong fever.

“So hot, don’t tell me…?”

“…I’m all right, I can still––”

『Gagaga… pipipipi––!』

The moment when Krulcifer answered like so, vibrations ran around.

“An earthquake? No––”

『Danger. Due to vibrations, the inside collapsed. Please evacuate to a safe room.』

Soon after the voice was emitted from the object, as it said the ceiling began to crumble.

“……!”

Supporting Krulcifer who could no longer move, Lux slipped into a nearby room.

The vibrations settled and the surroundings regained its silence once again.

………………

“It looks like the outside of the door has been blocked with rubble.”

Having escaped from the collapse for the time being, Lux who heaved a breath of relief muttered so.

Though the collapse was small, as expected this layer seemed to be dangerous.

That was surely the result of various predecessors breaking and digging through the building in order to get Machine Dragons and materials related to them.

Depending on the location of the ruins, there also seemed to be parts which became relatively fragile.

“Let’s settle down for a little while. With your body like that, it’s impossible to use <Fafnir>. I’ll look over the situation around here a little, so––”

After the vibrations from the collapse settled, Lux told so to Krulcifer who cast her eyes down and stood up.

Probably because of the shock, most of the light around disappeared and darkness wrapped the vicinity.

“…I am sorry.”

He heard a faint voice from the girl who hung her head down.

“No. Don’t worry about it. More importantly ––eh?”

When Lux was going to state his concern about Krulcifer’s body, her thin fingertips softly held his hand.

“Could you allow my selfishness just for a little bit? I would like you to hear my story.”

“…………”

“I am not a human of this world. I am–– a survivor of the ruins.”

“A survivor…?”

Lux couldn’t help but become speechless at the words suddenly spat out.

===Part 10===

“I see, so –– were you able to confirm her function as a “key”?”

The same time at Fort City.

In a room of a stately mansion located in the dwelling district of the wealthy, two figures were sitting, facing each other.

They were Barzeride Kreutzer called “Title Holder of the Kingdom” and an existence wearing a jet-black robe.

“Yeah, I expressly tagged along for sightseeing, but in order to protect that woman from the Abyss’s explosion, it looks like I was drawn into the ruins. When you expressly came here to say that I should marry a woman of the country Ymir, I wondered what it was about –– but with this, I understand now.”

Barzeride contentedly muttered so and inclined the wine glass in his hand.

“If we get that “key”, it will be possible to arrive at the depths of the ruins. Wonderful. With this, I will get the “strongest power” and the “greatest fortune”.”

“That’s good for you. Then in order to control her easily, shall I sell you a special medicine? I can make a docile –– living doll for you.”

The figure in robe said so as he warped his mouth.

Although his eyes couldn’t be seen as they were hidden under a hood, his voice was distorted with bottomless malice.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t use those kinds of means.”

But, Barzeride calmly shook his head while returning a smile.

“I took a liking to that woman, you see? If I don’t make her yield directly with my own hands, I won’t be satisfied. Be it the pride or dignity she has piled up, I’ll pin all of it and make her become my thing. In this country, women are no more than tools for us men to push on our way to the top. I have to make her thoroughly understand that. Her skill as a Drag-Knight is also excellent, and besides –– even as a tool for night time, it looks like I can enjoy it for a long time.”

“What a good hobby you have, “Title Holder of the Kingdom”.”

The figure in robe who understood his intention contentedly nodded.

“But for the engagement with her, it has turned into a strange duel. Do you have any chances of victory?”

“That’s a stupid question, brethren.”

As Barzeride replied immediately, he softly touched the hilt of the Sword Device hung at his waist with his fingers.

“The Divine Raiment of <Aži Dahāka> which I bought from you is the strongest. I don’t feel like losing no matter who the opponent is. Even if that legendary “Black Hero” is to appear, he won’t be a match for the current me.”

“Yes, Speaking of which –– there is one thing I have to tell you about that, Lord Kreutzer.”

The figure in robe changed his frivolous voice to a serious one and told so.

Opening his gray pupils, hidden in the shadow, wide to the limit, the man laughed.

“The Old Empire’s legend –– the Black Hero’s true identity and his Divine Raiment. Don’t you want to buy this information?”

===Part 11===

“I am not a human of this world. I am–– a survivor of the ruins.”

To Krulcifer’s words, Lux could not help but freeze.

In this altar room where they couldn’t move from due to the collapse, a quiet voice resounded.

“A human of the ruins… don’t tell me––”

“I was found in the ruins of Ymir–– a place called the “fourth ruins – Hole”. No, saying that I was excavated would be correct.”

“By that, what do you mean?”

“Do you remember the <Box> of a little while ago? A treasure box in which the inheritance of the old times sleeps in. Similarly, it seems that I was sleeping within a box with a form different from that. I, who was still very young, that is. At that time, the Head of the Einvolk House who was doing the ruins’ investigation –– and currently my foster father found me.”

“Then, for the Einvolk House…”

“Of course, since it is a proper House, I was taken in as an adopted child. Or so I thought. They probably have some kind of expectation from me. They should have wanted me as a clue connected to the ruins –– and a lost past. I, who had no memory at all of the past, was living in the Einvolk House, knowing nothing about such a thing.”

“…………”

“Around the time when I was old enough, I had understood that I was an adopted child. My parents, my siblings, the employees, everybody was somewhat distant, so I naturally became aware of it. That I–– was different from the people of this house. That’s why I worked very hard. In order to please everyone and in order to have them accept me as a member of the family someday. Really, no matter how hard things were, I endured them and kept working hard.”

“Krulcifer, san…”

“And like that, before I became aware, I was called a genius. Be it study or etiquette… also as a Drag-Knight, I was recognized as a first-class user. But… in the end, the thing I wanted the most, I was not able to obtain it.”

“…………”

The Einvolk Family, A distinguished family of knights and Drag-Knights.

Because she had no blood relationship, the girl struggled for a place to stay.

So, she piled up ability and results through years of hard work and reached the top.

But––

“No. Far from it, before I became aware, they became more distant. The harder I was working, the bigger the distance to them became. I, who possessed a skill to the extent of being given a Divine Drag-Ride at this age, was avoided by my siblings before I was aware. As expected, it was because of the fact that I am a creature different from them. One day, I had accidentally heard about it when my father and my big brother were talking.”

Resignation and loneliness were mixed in the tone of Krulcifer who talked indifferently.

“And finally like this, I was also kept away from the House. The rampage that occurred in the ruins of Ymir; after that incident, I was treated like an angel of death and thus sent to another country. Not having taken my Divine Drag-Ride was probably in order to give some weight to it as an article for sale.”

“Is that why you were so obsessed with this ruins’ investigation?”

“Yes… I always wanted to confirm it. Whether I was really a human of the ruins. I thought that maybe what I had heard until now was some kind of mistake, and that the real me is just an ordinary human and a person from the Einvolk House, but––”

Treasure and technology which slept in the ruins.

Lux understood that she was not interested in such a thing that many people sought.

“My true identity is, after all, a human of the ruins. After seeing the ruins’ reaction to me, I’m now sure of that. But–– I was not able to remember anything about me and the events of the past.”

Quietly casting down her eyes, Krulcifer sighed.

“Y-You cannot jump to conclusions yet! It isn’t as if you examined everything here, too; and perhaps, there might be other clues in the ruins in Ymir––”

“No, it’s fine already.”

“Eh…?”

To the words which suddenly fell, Lux could not help but doubt his eyes.

Krulcifer’s lean figure was trembling little by little.

“I have already become scared now, so… I wonder why. Even though I hated so much the family of the Einvolk House… even though I wanted to know the truth, if I came to know that I am really an outsider and “different”, then I would become helplessly frightened. If I continued to explore the ruins here, and if there was any other person from the ruins like me or ordinary people accepting my existence –– When I think so.”

“Krulcifer…san”

To Krulcifer who showed a fleeting profile, Lux silently stretched his hands.

“I’m sorry. For having made you go along with my selfishness, for such a nobody like me––”

“That’s not true!”

Lux raised his voice, and grasped Krulcifer’s hands.

“Lux…kun?”

“Neither Ymir nor the Einvolk House matters. Krulcifer-san is a friend the same as us, and for now –– my love… partner right?! So –– no longer say such lonely things…”

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v2 0016.jpg|thumb]]

Lux, who became embarrassed at his voice which got excited, quietly looked away while saying that still holding her hands.

“…………”

After Krulcifer stared at Lux with a blank face for only several seconds,

“Fu, Fufufu…”

She burst into laughter with a face as if she was enduring something.

“…Eh?”

“Lux-kun. I will give you one advice. You should not easily believe a woman’s complaints.”

“Eh, eeeeeeeeeeeeeh…!?”

Krulcifer who suddenly returned to a cool expression said so as to tease him.

“Wait, was what you said a while ago a lie!?”

When Lux confusedly released Krulcifer’s hands,

“You should stop sympathizing with other people’s misfortunes. Your only weakness is being generous to others, so I said that just to test it; but this reaction of yours was more than expected. Be careful at the time of the duel.”

“…Ah, Hahaha.”

To the words of Krulcifer who looked as if nothing had happened, Lux smiled wryly for a while.

“But really, why are you so softhearted. Even you were a Prince of that notorious Old Empire––”

“Though I think that it isn’t really like I’m softhearted. This is surely because such was my fate.”

To Krulcifer’s mutter, Lux answered with a distant look.

“Eh…?”

“I had been banished from the Imperial Court along with my mother and my little sister Airi because of an admonition of my maternal grandfather. My grandfather was a former feudal lord, and he had also worked as the person in charge of the imperial family’s education, so I think that he wasn’t able to remain silent after witnessing the Empire’s way of doing things. But––”

At that time, the Emperor and Prime Minister imprisoned his grandfather and also banished Lux and company from the Imperial Court as punishment.

And then, one day after two years, an incident occurred.

When the carriage that Lux and his mother rode on slipped down a cliff, the territory people, out of the grudge of being oppressed by the Old Empire, let Lux’s mother who was injured die.

They did not get rescued.

Because they had offended and were banished from the Imperial Court, his father the emperor did not even come to the funeral.

Lux and company were shunned and forsaken by both the imperial family and the people.

“That’s a really tragic story… Did you not resent anyone?”

“I resented them, of course.”

Lux awkwardly laughed and replied.

“The Emperor who is my father, the imperial family, the Old Empire, the territory people, I resented everyone around me. I think that I probably cursed even this world. I became desperate. I became disgusted by anything and everything –– but”

“But?”

“Philphie saved me. I, who also lost almost all value as royalty, she had been by my side all the time––. She slipped out of her House and came to see me every day. But one day, she got lost, and I decided to go looking for her.”

Even to Lux’s wry smile, Krulcifer did not laugh.

“I noticed then. That I didn’t actually want to hate anyone. Because of the Empire, I didn’t want to hate those important to me–– or those who might become so.”

“…………”

“That’s why I wanted to change the country. I wanted to create a country where no one would have to hate those that they like… See, I also have something like lineage, but I was in the lowest rank of the royalty.”

He said so and turned a smile to Krulcifer.

“––You really are a good person, eh.”

“That’s not right. After all, I…”

At Krulcifer’s earnest words, Lux returned so.

“If you had ended up becoming the Prince of the New Kingdom, would you also have saved me?”

“Eh…?”

“No, it is nothing.”

The moment when Krulcifer returned again to her usual smile,

“Hey! Are you under here!? Lux! Krulcifer!”

From upstairs, Lisha came down with the sound of friction caused by metal.

“Lisha-sama!?”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>bakii*! Knocking a nearby ceiling, four Machine Dragons got down.

“Ooh, they are here! Finally found you, Lux!”

When looking up at the broken ceiling, there were Lisha wearing the <Chimeric Wyvern>, and the three girls of the Triad respectively wearing each a general-purpose Machine Dragon.

They seemed to have dug through until nearby with the armament attached to the <Chimeric Wyvern>’s right arm.

“Everyone, have you come to rescue us!?”

“Yes. I was able to perceive your positions with my <Drake>, so –– it’s good that you’re safe above all.”

Lux heaved a sigh of relief at Nokuto’s voice.

“It’s almost the time when the gate will open. I’ll carry you, so let’s go quickly.”

When Lisha said so, she was about to first carry Lux with the <Chimeric Wyvern>’s left hand, but

“You should first take Krulcifer-san. She seems to be hurt.”

Nokuto calmly pointed out so.

“…Wha!? B-But… Thinking carefully, my right arm is equipped with a drill, so there will be no sense of stability to hold an injured person. Hey Sharis, I leave Krulcifer to you whose both hands are empty.”

“Good grief, what an incorrigible Princess.”

While smiling wryly at Lisha’s order, Sharis wearing a <Wyvern> got down.

“We have already given the excavated ancient documents and Machine Dragons’ parts to the other members and made them wait near the “gate”. And now with you two safe like this, we can say that the strategy this time is a success.”

While Sharis said so, she picked up Krulcifer.

“What a relief. Everyone is safe. Well then, let’s go back.”

After Tillfarr added that at last, they all started moving.

On the way to the “gate”, fortunately no Abyss appeared and they were able to safely escape from the ruins.

===Part 12===

“So in the end, there was no results obtained related to the “key”, huh? Even though your <Wyvern> was seriously damaged––”

When Lux returned to the girl’s dormitory and finished his medical checkup, he was given instructions of “complete bed rest” for a while.

In the medical office in the evening, there was no one else except just Airi and Lux now.

Although Lux had not suffered apparent injuries, since fatigue had accumulated due to injuries like bruises and his Machine Dragon’s operation, he was told not to fight for a while.

Krulcifer and the Knight Squadron’s members who travelled along also ended their medical treatment, and were now under rest.

“No, like I said, sorry.”

“I am angry because Nii-san has not reflected on anything at all. In addition to that, the ruins are dangerous, and yet you acted recklessly again––”

About that, when he protected Krulcifer from the collapse of the ruins, he had hit his body here and there; so there was no helping it, but,

“In the end –– that horn was not a “key”, huh?”

“Yes. In that situation, I was afraid to use it and even when I held it up inside the ruins, there was no decent reaction which made it look like a key.”

Something which was a possibility having arrived at the depths of the ruins.

But, he could not say yet that he had found a different “key”.

About the fact that the path to the door had been opened by the power of the girl of the ruins that was Krulcifer.

“I see… It’s regrettable that there was no progress with this, but there’s no helping it.”

With this, the ruins investigation rights that the Atismata New Kingdom owned had been fully used once.

In order to investigate the ruins once again, they had to win the off-campus confrontation battle against the neighboring countries by using Drag-Rides and acquire those rights.

For the off-campus confrontation battle in one month, a campus selection battle would begin in one week.

Lux also had to decide what he would do for that battle.

But, before that… there was something he had to do.

“Then, Nii-san. Please, drink this.”

As Lux forcibly raised half his body, Airi held out a cup containing a dark brown liquid to him.

“This is––?”

“It’s a medicine. Since you will make it in time for the duel, please take a rest at least for now.”

“…Yes. Thank you.”

Lux took the cup containing the medicine and drank it up in one gulp.

“…Ngh, hum”

After a while, he closed his eyes and groaned a bit.

As he fell asleep before long, he started leaking small sleeper’s breathing.

“––Are you satisfied with this? Krulcifer-san.”

“Yes, thank you.”

Immediately after, Krulcifer entered into the medical office.

Then, after seeing Lux lying down on the bed, she leaked a small breath.

“Like this, we can feel at ease for the time being.”

With her usual cool expression.

“Is it all right? If you ask Nii-san, I think that he will fight with you.”

When Airi asked so wonderingly,

“He will certainly. But––”

Krulcifer muttered as she cast down her eyes with hesitation.

While Lux would still be sleeping due to the medicine with strong sleep effect, the duel would be over.

It was also Krulcifer who asked Airi for the concoction of a medicine for that purpose.

“I cannot afford to get your brother involved with my situation any more than this. He has already helped me a lot.”

“In any case, it will be impossible for Nii-san to fight tonight.”

Airi, staring at Lux’s sleeping as such, calmly concluded.

“Not only injuries and fatigue during the ruins investigation, but his <Wyvern> was also seriously damaged. He can’t fight properly with it just slightly repaired. And against two powerful people in a duel at that.”

“That’s right.”

With an attitude saying that she understood, Krulcifer turned her heels.

In any case, Lux did not have a Drag-Ride to fight with.

“Besides –– since we are talking about Nii-san, if compelled, he might try to use <Bahamut>.”

The “Black Hero” who destroyed the Old Empire five years ago.

If he used <Bahamut>, his true identity might be known by those two opponents.

If that happened, in exchange for victory, Lux would draw further danger to himself.

Therefore, Krulcifer, after consideration, made this decision.

A way to bring her fate to an end by herself without relying on Lux.

“Well then, I’ll leave him to you. You surely understand even without me saying it, but if he were to wake up, tell him that the duel was called off––. This request also, will be over by tomorrow.”

Putting the request of the matter on a nearby table, Krulcifer left the medical room.

After the sound of her footsteps disappeared, Airi sighed.

“As expected, you still know nothing about Nii-san…”

Airi muttered in a resigned, amazed and somehow casual tone.

Suddenly, the door was strongly knocked on, and Lisha came in.

“Hey, Lux? Are your injuries all right? ––Wait, the little sister is also here, huh.”

Slightly disappointed, Lisha turned her gaze to Airi.

“Is something the matter? Lizsharte-sama.”

“No. I checked a little with my authority about a matter which Lux had asked before. That man called Barzeride –– he is quite suspicious. He’s an ambitious person and it seems that he had hired bandits as private soldiers several times in the past.”

“That is certainly strange.”

“But, the situation is much worse now. It was written in the letter delivered from mother just a while ago. The reason why we mustn't overthrow Barzeride and his aim. This New Kingdom’s crisis will be––”

And Lisha began to talk next to Lux who was sleeping.

About the conspiracy of the “Title Holder of the Kingdom” hidden in this matter.<noinclude>
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Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 2 Episode 3

2017-12-09T07:45:52Z

OmegaWeaponZ: /* Episode 3 - The Sixth Ruin – One Garden */

==Episode 3 - The Sixth Ruins – One Garden==

===Part 1===

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

Two people were sitting on a sofa in a spacious living room.

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

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

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

“So –– how is it? The condition of the Divine Drag-Ride <Aži Dahāka> that I sold––”

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

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

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

Barzeride smiled at the familiar voice.

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

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

“Then––”

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

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

Barzeride shook his shoulders and joyfully laughed.

As he imagined his military rule in the future.

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

“Yeah, see you again, my friend.”

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

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

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

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

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

===Part 2===

“Phew…”

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

Lux who welcomed lunch break in the classroom was a little sleepy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Okay. It’s here.”

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

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

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

As Lux was thinking so,

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

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

“What on earth does this mean…?”

''Rather, what does she mean by peeping?''

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

“N, Ngh…”

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

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

“Ah, welcome––, wait, eeeeh!?”

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

“––I’m coming in, Lux.”

“Lu-chan. You’re drooling.”

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

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

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

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

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

As for Philphie, her big breasts were also emphasized and it was a very bewitching appearance.

“Errr –– what is this?”

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

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

At Tillfarr who openly talked, Lisha blushed in panic.

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

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

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

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

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

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v2 0013.jpg|thumb]]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“…………”

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

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

“Lu-chan. The meal will cool down.”

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

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

“…Shall I do it?”

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

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

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

“U-Um, thank you for the meal.”

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

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

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

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

“It’s very delicious.”

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

“Haw…!?”

Lisha blushed and stiffened on the spot.

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

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

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

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

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

“I made a dessert.”

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

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

When Lux hurriedly questioned so,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

===Part 3===

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

Then –– After school of that day.

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

The unique smell of metal and oil which acridly assailed his nose.

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

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

“Errr, so, for today’s work––”

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

“Oh, then I’ll do it.”

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

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

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

“Huh…?”

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

“Why are you here, too––?”

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

Airi said with a somewhat implying smile.

“Ah geez, Lux! Come back here!”

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

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

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

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

And, Airi spread several sheets of paper there.

“This is––”

“Yes. It’s the output analysis result of <Bahamut> that Nii-san uses. I observed the last battle on Nokuto’s <Drake>.”

“…………”

Lux slowly looked over the bunch of papers.

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

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

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

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

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

Especially regarding <Bahamut>, since Lux could not afford to use it very often, time was required to analyze it.

But––

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

“Thank you, Lisha-sama.”

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

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

“Nokuto and I also helped, Nii-san.”

“Ah, thank you, both of you.”

“Yes. I feel obliged.”

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

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

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

“Ah, yes. I know.”

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

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

“Yes. Roger, Airi.”

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

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

“…………”

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

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

Lisha suddenly muttered as she folded her arms.

“Ah, speaking of which––”

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

The day for that to happen should be tomorrow.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Ah, yes. Thank you.”

Lux nodded and thanked Airi’s consideration.

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

Drag-Rides, Abysses and unknown technology.

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

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

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

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

“Is that so?”

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

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

Krulcifer was a foreign student of the country Ymir.

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

When it came to the subjugation of a dangerous Abyss, Krulcifer should basically not participate.

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

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

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

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

“A talk?”

“Ah, yes… well.”

When Lisha was about to begin talking,

<nowiki>*</nowiki>knock-knock*

They heard a light knock.

“Good evening!”

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

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

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

Lisha turned reproachful eyes at the cheerful Tillfarr and sighed.

“Why did you come here for? Tillfarr.”

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

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

“Ah, I see.”

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

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

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

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

“Then, even if I go––”

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

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

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

===Part 4===

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

He carefully knocked on the door of the dressing room and bathroom, and after having confirmed that there was nobody inside, he put the plate “under cleaning” outside and took off his clothes.

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

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

After dashing hot water over himself at the washing place, he slowly washed his body and finally immersed his whole body into the bathtub.

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

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

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

“Haa…”

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

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

It was about the duel over Krulcifer’s engagement.

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

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

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

(I don’t really understand though. She doesn’t seem to have a very good relationship with her home––)

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

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

“…………”

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

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

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

As he talked like so to himself.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>chapun*. The sound of water splashing could be heard immediately nearby.

“Eh––?”

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

“…… Huh?”

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

“––Wait, eeeeeeeeeeeeeh!?”

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

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

“It’s rude. Lu-chan.”

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

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

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

“…………”

At her indifferent words, Lux guessed.

This situation was definitely Philphie’s mischievous big sister, Principal Relie’s doing.

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

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

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

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

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

“––Why?”

Philphie returned a straight face.

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

As Lux confusedly said so,

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

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

Lux’s face reflexively became red

“N-No, I’m not talking about that––”

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

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

Philphie smiled as she said so in a hearty tone.

“…………”

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

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

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

It was beautiful.

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v2 0014.jpg|thumb]]

Her big amber eyes and her flushed cheeks.

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

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

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

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

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

“…Kukah”

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

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

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

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

(W-Wait, I can see her breasts…! From the front is bad!)

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

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

“Huh––?”

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

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

“Ngh… what’s wrong? Lu-chan”

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

“…Yes. Thank you.”

Philphie who woke up turned her head to thank him.

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

“H-Hey, Phi-chan”

“…What?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Lu-chan. Be careful tomorrow.”

“E-Errr…?”

Lux came to his senses at Philphie’s voice.

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

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

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

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

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

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

–– About ten minutes later.

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

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

===Part 5===

And–– the morning of the next day.

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

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

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

The members who would sortie were about 14 people.

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

––No, they intended to do so.

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

Instructor Raigree said with a slightly bitter face.

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

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

“Eh…?”

“Why did Krulcifer-san––?”

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

Lux also felt the same way.

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

“Please, take care of me. Everyone”

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

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

Though that alone deserved enough surprise––

“And this person is––”

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

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

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

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

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

“…………”

Noise.

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

Which wasn’t surprising.

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

“Instructor. What the hell does this mean?”

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

“That is––”

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

“''No matter if he is a person from one of the Four Great Nobles and also associated with the army–– He is an outsider in this Royal Military Academy. I can’t consent that such a person suddenly participates in this important strategy''. Is what you want to say, right? Your Highness the Princess.”

“Hmm…”

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

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

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

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

(What is he planning…?)

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

That alone was uncanny.

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

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

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

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

But,

“You do not need to worry, Princess Lizsharte. I just stopped by the Principal's Room a while ago and had written a covenant. Even if something were to happen to me, you will not be held responsible.”

Barzeride calmly replied so.

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

This matter had probably already been settled prior.

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

When Sharis of the Triad suddenly asked,

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

Barzeride bragged with a smile.

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

“…………”

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

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

''Or it might be both'', Lux thought.

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

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

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

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

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

Before departure, Lux approached Krulcifer and asked.

Participation in a dangerous mission should’ve been originally prohibited by order of the country Ymir.

As Lux tried to ask the reason,

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

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

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

''Is it also somehow related to Barzeride’s unnatural participation?''

Though Lux had such a speculation,

“And, that has nothing to do with that person. When I forced the matter of my participation in this investigation to the Principal, I did not know where about he had heard it from; but he just selfishly came along.”

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

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

Then he turned an affixed-like smile to Krulcifer.

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

Krulcifer replied in a cold tone.

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

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

Barzeride returned so with a calm expression.

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

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

“Still –– it’s unexpected.”

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

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

A tone filled with clear provocation and contempt.

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

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

Lisha suddenly called out in displeasure from behind.

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

“Sorry for my rudeness, Miss commanding officer.”

Barzeride replied in a polite tone and quietly withdrew.

“You’re a lifesaver, Lisha-sama.”

“Ah, no. Well… Yes, d-don’t mind it.”

Lux smiled wryly to Lisha who scratched her head slightly embarrassed.

“We will depart soon, Miss commanding officer.”

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

Being urged by Krulcifer, Lisha took command.

Finally, the operation commenced.

===Part 6===

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lux also overlooked the ruins while setting up his blade.

“This is the “Garden”…”

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

The ship type “Ark” floating on the open sea.

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

And this “Garden” close to the Fort City.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Understood.”

When Lux nodded,

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

Soon after, Lisha urged everyone to be cautious.

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

“That’s––!”

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

It was a kind of Abyss commonly known as Golem.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“It will take too much time.”

“Eh?”

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

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

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

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

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

“It’s certainly true, but––”

“Then –– I will start moving.”

The moment when Lisha was at a loss for a rebuttal, Krulcifer moved.

“––!”

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

<Fafnir> accelerated leaving behind all the people present in an instant.

(Fast…!)

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

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

Ooooooooh…

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

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

“Watch out!”

The fist approached from behind <Fafnir> as it came too close.

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

––But,

“Eh…?”

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

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

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

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

Guh…! Ooooooooh!

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

“Krulcifer-san! Dodge it!”

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

But, a strange thing happened again.

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

“…Eh?”

Using that opening, Krulcifer once again pulled the trigger.

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v2 0003.jpg|thumb]]

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

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

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

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

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

『You do not need to come.』

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

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

“Eh––?”

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

Guh, …Oooooooooooooooh!

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

“Looks like it.”

Lisha who had worn the <Chimeric Wyvern> took a breath as she saw it.

It had been frozen.

The mechanical giant soldier covered with thick rock skin.

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

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

“... Amazing.”

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

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

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

“That was <Fafnir>’s Divine Raiment––”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Guoh… Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

The Golem with neither mouth nor eyes raised a muffled roar.

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

“……!?”

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

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

“Krulcifer! Deploy a barrier!”

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

Boom!

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

“Krulcifer-san!”

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

But,

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

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

Soon after, a needle-like shooting released from <Fafnir>’s <Freezing Canon> pierced the Golem’s frozen chest.

“Eh…?”

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

She was unhurt.

On the front of <Fafnir>, seven octagonal shields tinged with a bluish-white light were unfolded.

“That’s another special armament of <Fafnir>, <Auto Shield>.”

Such an explanation flew from Lisha from behind.

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Aptitude value, huh?”

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

Saying so, Lisha turned her gaze to Lux.

“That’s––”

When Lux raised his voice,

Gu… Ooooaaaaah!

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

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

“She did it!”

“You’re amazing, Krulcifer-san!”

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

“…………”

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

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

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

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

At that moment, Krulcifer plainly declared so.

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

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

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

In such a meaning, the members who had not fought yet and still had spare energy left should participate in the investigation, but––

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

“Krulcifer, san…?”

(Is she by any chance… impatient?)

Lux was perplexed at Krulcifer’s behavior which was calm at first glance, but somehow hard-pressed.

As it is, they started moving to get down to the “Garden”.

''Something doesn’t feel right.''

When Lux thought so,

“Kukuku. As expected of my future wife. That’s a splendid skill –– but”

In the rear, Barzeride who came along wearing a general-purpose type <Wyrm> suddenly laughed.

When Lux had his attention attracted by his voice for an instant,

『Everyone! Be careful –– something is coming!』

Tillfarr who was on land raised a voice of warning.

『Signs of an enemy confirmed by radar. It’s a new type of Abyss.』

The moment when Nokuto with her <Drake> added that, it could be seen.

“…!? W-What is that? …!”

A Knight Squadron’s girl wearing a <Wyvern> leaked a small scream.

“Don’t tell me…!”

In the sky where the cloud of dust had cleared up, a strange-looking demon was floating.

A big frame which easily surpassed a standing big bear’s, reddish brown skin and huge jet black wings.

It was a monster which let its dagger-like fangs peep out all together in a line and savagely twisted its dark red mouth.

It leaked a smog-like purple breath, occasionally opened wide its bloodshot eyes and licked its lips.

It showed no sign of hiding at all.

But, it slowly and surely shortened the distance to the Knight Squadron.

“If I’m not mistaken, that’s––”

“A Diabolos… huh!”

Lisha, frowning, cried.

Lux had also never seen it until now, but he had already read about it in the ruins’ investigation book.

A brutal medium-sized Abyss strong enough to be able to destroy a small town.

It was a type of Abyss among the flying kinds just like the Gargoyle which he had fought before, but it was an existence several times more dangerous than the Gargoyle.

Probably because it rarely appeared, there were no details written about it even in the books in the library of the Capital.

But, by confronting it like this, they were naturally aware of how dangerous it was.

It was said that this was a creature which must not exist in this world.

“––Gieeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!”

Raising a growl-like scream, the Abyss’s eyes shone.

When most of the members reflexively shrank their bodies, the Diabolos kicked the sky.

“Shaaaaaaaaa!”

It caused a gust which burst the atmosphere and with an explosive speed, swooped down on Nokuto who was wearing a <Drake> down below.

“––!?”

Although Lisha and the others who were in front of the ruins also reacted, they could not catch up.

So as to mow the girl’s face which revealed despair, its stout arm was keenly swung down.

''I won’t make it in time!''

When anyone who was there thought so and was about to cover their eyes, a sharp metallic sound resounded in the sky.

“Kuh…!?”

Using his large blade as a shield, Lux stood in between the Diabolos and Nokuto.

“Lux…san!?”

“It’s fine–– so get away!”

Nokuto, realizing that she would get in Lux’s way, hurriedly jumped back.

A tremendous weight as if being hit by an iron stake.

Lux defended against the blow let out by the demon with perfect timing and position; that blow had a power to the extent that the blade got cracked.

Moreover –– that alone could not completely stop it.

Lux tried to crush it with an inhuman, herculean strength from the position where he stopped the blow.

The small fissures on the blade turned into a crack with cracking sounds.

(At this rate –– it’ll break!)

When Lux perceived danger,

Boom!

A light beam emitted from the canon of the <Chimeric Wyvern> was fired at the Diabolos’s flank.

“Guaaaaaaah!”

The Diabolos which perceived it struck Lux’s <Wyvern> with its other arm, leapt back using the recoil and avoided the canon.

At the same time, it sneaked behind Sharis who came close in order to help Nokuto.

“What…!?”

Sharis, turning around, slashed at it with her blade –– but, far from being avoided, it had been caught by the Diabolos’s right hand.

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v2 0015.jpg|thumb]]

“Kuh––!?”

Her weapon caught, Sharis’s judgment suddenly became dull.

The demon’s left arm which was thrust out using that opening was frozen.

“Guooooooah!”

Krulcifer’s <Freezing Canon>. Using that opportunity when the demon’s attack was stopped, Sharis abandoned her caught sword to get out of the Abyss’s range.

When the Diabolos also took distance at the same time, deep sighs leaked out from the Knight Squadron’s members.

A face-off after taking distance.

In this unpredictable situation, the sound of unsheathing (a sword) could be heard suddenly from behind.

“––Well then, it’s my turn soon, I guess.”

The owner of that leisurely voice was Barzeride who tagged along.

Slightly behind from Lux and the others, he cancelled the armor of his <Wyrm> and equipped a new Machine Dragon which he summoned.

His body changed into a Drag-Knight with thick armor dyed in ultramarine like midnight black.

“That’s––”

All the people present, while also being cautious of the Abyss, turned their looks towards his Machine Dragon.

Divine Drag-Ride <Aži Dahāka>。

Barzeride’s Divine Drag-Ride which could only be used against high rank opponents even in mock battles in the Capital.

It was the battle figure of the man called “Title Holder of the Kingdom”.

“Fuhahahahaha!”

At that moment, Barzeride’s loud laughter resounded, and the canons connected to both his shoulders moved.

<Aži Dahāka>’s special armament already seen in the tournament, <Devil’s Glow>.

The two muzzles were charged with purple light and suddenly spouted flames.

The two flash of light attacked aiming at the Diabolos –– but, the enemy evaded the attack by a hairbreadth escaping into the sky.

“Kyaah…!?”

All the members of the “Knight Squadron” held their breath at his attack. They had reflectively dodged it, but <Aži Dahāka>’s shelling had grazed the members of the “Knight Squadron”.

But, Barzeride whose shelling was evaded still turned a composed smile to Lux.

“How’s that, fallen Prince? Do you want to play a game with me? About which of us will defeat that Abyss first––. If you can defeat it before me, I’ll make it you guys victory at this point in time and withdraw that duel’s promise.”

“Quit the joke, Barzeride.”

Before Lux could answer, Lisha cut in with an uncanny look.

“This isn’t hunting for fun! If you intend to do more unnecessary things than this, I’ll first beat you up here.”

However, Barzeride simply ignored Lisha’s anger and continued.

“Aren’t you confident? Lux Acadia.”

“Kuh…!”

In contrast, Lux ground his teeth as he heard that.

Though Barzeride was probably serious, the problem was not there.

––This man fired at a distance which also involved the members of the “Knight Squadron” around him in the shelling.

If by any chance something were to happen, this man for sure –– intended to cover it up as an “accident”.

“You––”

At this time when Lux’s voice trembled in anger,

“Would you please stop fooling around?”

Krulcifer who came back to his side broke in with an unusually serious voice.

“Kuku, that’s quite a cold attitude, my future wife. But, I’ll allow that much. That’s why you’re worth being conquered.”

<Aži Dahāka>’s armor bowl softly tapped on <Fafnir>’s shoulder.

After calmly shaking it off, Krulcifer took a deep breath,

“I will dispose of the enemy earlier than you. In that case, there is no problem, right?”

She declared so with a cool expression.

“Ooh, how promising. So, you still have spare energy left, huh.”

“Krulcifer! Don’t act rashly! Retreat temporarily and fix your posture!”

Lisha ignored Barzeride’s statement and said so.

But,

“It’s all right. I will not cause you trouble with my rash actions this time. Besides –– time is precious.”

With an expression which repressed her feelings, Krulcifer set up the special armament <Freezing Canon>.

And, she flew towards the Diabolos which was far away and was watching the situation.

Lux was surprised by the action of Krulcifer who was good at long-range shooting.

“Krulcifer-san!”

It was probably in order to draw away Barzeride’s attention and not let the others become involved.

Certainly, Krulcifer was the owner of an outstanding ability even among the Knight Squadron’s members, but that Diabolos was not an ordinary Abyss.

“This time for sure –– I will shoot it down.”

At the same time as she approached the Abyss, she set up the <Freezing Canon> and aimed at it.

Since she could use the Divine Raiment future foresight in offense and defense at point-blank range, Krulcifer should have the advantage.

Or at least, it should have been like that.

“…!? Why did <Fafnir>’s foresight––?”

The moment of opening hostilities, agitation ran through Krulcifer’s profile and she stopped moving.

Not overlooking that opening which suddenly appeared, the Diabolos spouted hellish flames.

“Guaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!”

“––––”

Dispelling the cold of the <Freezing Canon> shot reflexively, scorching raging flames approached Krulcifer.

“Watch out!”

Lux who rushed at once at max power thrust Krulcifer away.

“Ushaaaaaaaa!”

Although Lux did not end up being rolled into the flames, he directly received the fist of the Diabolos which drew near as it followed.

“Guh…!”

He issued a muffled groan and was knocked down on to the ground as such.

“Lux!”

At the same time that Lisha and the remaining Knight Squadron’s members shouted, they poured concentrated fire on the Diabolos.

But, that barrage of more than ten shots was all dodged with smooth flight movements.

“Kuuh…!”

When all the members over there were astonished at the enemy more formidable than expected––

“––Good grief, so my help is necessary after all.”

From Barzeride’s <Aži Dahāka> which was on the ground, a shelling of <Devil’s Glow> was released.

As if it was natural, the Diabolos dodged it with mobility which did not match its big frame –– but,

“Guaah!?”

On its chest, a halberd was sticking out as if it grew.

“…Eh?”

Lux and Krulcifer who saw it, no, all the members present were dumbfounded.

For a moment, no one had noticed that that halberd was a close-range weapon thrown by <Aži Dahāka>.

Among the Drag-Rides’ weapons, the halberd was a heavyweight class weapon. Besides the abnormality of Barzeride with <Aži Dahāka> which threw it at the speed like an arrow, the problem was the applied process.

The Abyss was in the sky with no obstacles around.

Even if Barzeride could predict that the Abyss would dodge, he shouldn’t be able to predict where it would dodge to.

It was a blow as if he foresaw the future like <Fafnir>’s Divine Raiment, <Wise Blood>.

“Guru…. Aaaaah!?”

Maybe because it was a fatal wound which reached its core, the Diabolos suddenly stopped moving; and while its whole body went into convulsions, it began to spout blue blood.

“This game –– it’s my victory, right? Fallen Prince.”

Barzeride who saw that looked at Lux and Krulcifer and contentedly smiled.

But Lux did not care about such a thing now.

“…Why? I––”

Although ostensibly uttering a calm voice as usual,

But, Krulcifer was confused to the extent that Lux had never seen before.

This was probably because the future foresight by <Fafnir>’s Divine Raiment, <Wise Blood> suddenly became impossible to use.

Moreover, the Abyss had been shot down by <Aži Dahāka> operated by that Barzeride.

The girl’s calm and perfect face had been distorted with unrest by these two unlikely events.

“Kuhahahaha! As expected, there is nobody who can match me, Lux Acadia.”

Barzeride’s shrill laughter resounded around.

''He’s certainly strong.''

''He possessed strength outstanding enough to be called “Title Holder of the Kingdom”'', Lux thought.

However,

(Something doesn’t feel right––)

When Lux had his attention attracted by that sense of discomfort for a moment,

“Don’t relax yet!”

Lisha’s voice could be heard from a distant place.

“Gu, aaaaaaaaaaah…!”

The Diabolos which suffered a fatal wound, vomited blood and fainted in agony.

Its chest with a hole opened that was gaping wide suddenly swelled to more than double its size.

“…!? Leave quickly!”

The Knight Squadron’s members who saw that hurriedly shouted.

『Everyone, deploy your barrier at max power!』

Immediately after Lisha’s shout was heard through dragon voice once again,

Red cracks appeared on the Abyss’s whole body and it was tinged with light.

Among the Abysses, several kinds of individuals who self-destructed had been confirmed.

When all the members took a defensive posture, Lux noticed that something was strange about Krulcifer who was beside him.

“Why doesn’t it move? My <Fafnir>––”

Next to Lux, Krulcifer’s airframe began to shake with a rattling sound.

Despite the impending danger approaching, the shield of the special armament <Auto Shield> on the contrary dropped from around <Fafnir>.

The control confusion due to the user’s exhaustion –– the rampage began.

“Krulcifer-san!?”

Immediately after, the Abyss’s body exploded with a flash.

A scorching torrent born with a roar swallowed everything along with screams.

With the blast and impact, it was impossible to breathe.

Enduring a pain as if his lungs and heart would be crushed, Lux desperately embraced the dumbfounded Krulcifer, thus becoming her shield.

Then, he lost consciousness.

===Part 7===

The sound of rainfall could be heard.

What he recalled was the memories of more than five years ago.

A carriage which broke had rolled down the cliff along the route where a forest was close by.

Whether the ground collapsed or the wheels came out, or it slid due to rain, the cause was unknown.

Although it was said that it was a cliff, it was not so high. It was just a height of about four Mel from the route above the cliff.

But, the coachman and horses had already died by the impact of the fall.

There were only two survivors; a lady dressed in a plain dress –– Lux’s mother was also bleeding from the head, but she was still breathing.

“Please! Please, help us! We are from the Imperial Family! We are the Acadia people living in the Phillend territory!”

While holding his arm broken at the time of the fall, he desperately shouted.

It was an incident of two years ago that Lux’s mother’s side family was alienated by the Imperial Family and banished from the Imperial Court.

After his mother’s father –– that is, Lux’s grandfather stated a candid advice for imperial politics, there seemed to have been a dispute there, and his grandfather was sent to prison for the crime of defamation and Lux’s family was treated coldly.

After being banished from the Imperial Court, they had been living modestly on the outskirts of the Capital, but this accident occurred when they went for an outing from the house.

“Please! We will reward you. If I don’t take her to a doctor as soon as possible, my mother will––”

A few carriages were coming and going on the route above the cliff.

The sound of rainfall was not strong. Though there was also fog, his cry for help should reach there.

But, no one responded to Lux’s voice.

“Please! Somebody! ––!?”

What came down instead of a response were stones.

Blood flowed from Lux’s forehead and half of his silver hair and face were dyed red.

Looking up ahead, despair was standing.

“Shut up! You damn kid!”

“That’s right! Do you know what you royalty and nobles have done to us!?”

“Even if we don’t help you guys who have been banished from the Imperial Court, we won’t be accused of crime! Just drop dead like that, you bastard!”

The figures of people filled with hatred and raising voices of resentment.

The day when Lux learned that reality for the first time.

All the fights began.

===Part 8===

“Ngh… Hum…”

Lux woke up with an anguished groan.

His body became stiff when he tried to move, due to the dull pain as if his whole body was fractured.

“…!? That’s right, everyone is––!”

Recalling about what had happen just a while ago, Lux forcibly got up.

Then––

“Eh…?”

Lux’s surrounding was covered with a grass thicket which grew in abundance, rugged big rocks, a lake which was visible from the gap in the trees and a ceiling which illuminated the ground with a soft light.

It was a mysterious place as if he lost his way in an uncivilized forest.

“Where the hell is this place…?”

“Probably –– inside the sixth ruins “Garden”.”

“Uwaaah!?”

At the voice which he suddenly heard from behind, Lux’s body shook in surprise.

When he looked back, Krulcifer wearing a dress gear like Lux was standing; her Sword Device hung to the belt at her waist.

“I understand how you feel, but do not shout that much. I have not grasped the situation yet, so it is dangerous.”

“Ah, sorry…”

At her usual calm and composed expression, Lux was a little relieved.

She was calm now unlike the Krulcifer of a little while ago.

“What on earth happened? If I remember correctly, the Abyss exploded and––”

“Immediately after the Garden shone, it looks like the people and things around were drawn to inside here. It’s also only a little while ago that I woke up.”

Saying so with a sigh, Krulcifer sat down beside him.

“Thanks to you protecting me, it looks like I’m all right. Thank you.”

“Ah, no. I’m glad that Krulcifer-san is safe.”

As Lux unintentionally looked, there was a bag containing tools for investigation at the place where he was sleeping.

He thought that he had lost it during the battle, but it seemed that luckily this had also been drawn into the inside of the ruins.

“Besides us, it seems that several members of the “Knight Squadron” were also sucked in, but other than that, I don’t know the rest of the details.”

“If I’m not mistaken, when we entered the ruins, our course of actions was already decided, right?”

Lux took out a memo of the strategy operation from his bag.

The “Garden” had a system such that the gate opened and closed by a cycle of fixed times.

There were access gates on each wall side of the six faces of the cube, and at the same time as the opening and shutting, things from outside were drawn in, and things inside were ejected.

“In case the invasion of the inside of the “Garden” succeeded, the first move is aiming for the altar in the center. Afterwards, carry out the investigation at the altar for about two hours max and then move to the gate of the inner wall after completion. Wait for the opening and closing time and return outside. It will be like this if we proceed as planned, eh.”

Krulcifer who seemed to have memorized the strategy contents confirmed as she read smoothly.

“Yes. But–– now…”

An unexpected incident had already occurred and the situation was different from the usual investigation.

It was a state of emergency where they were attacked by an unexpected Abyss and the members were also scattered.

Under the present conditions where they didn’t even know how many other members were drawn in, the Knight Squadron’s members’ safety should be top priority.

“Well then –– let’s head to the altar at the center tomorrow. Everyone should surely gather there, too.”

Krulcifer calmly muttered.

“Is your body all right, Lux-kun?”

“Y-Yes, well––. Not that, is it okay!?”

“What do you mean?”

Being asked so with a serious look, Lux hesitated.

Then, he alternately looked at the memo in his hand and Krulcifer’s face in panic.

If they were in perfect condition, it would be reasonable to proceed with the ruins investigation like this.

But, in case that there were casualties or that the members’ fatigue was profound, they should cancel the investigation and a judgment about withdrawing should be required, too.

In that case, they should camp near the gate of the inner wall from the start without going to the altar which was the center, and wait there to escape by the opening and closing of the ruins.

In other words, in this case––

“We shouldn’t overdo it. Um –– we also have that duel tomorrow night… Even your body is tired, isn’t it, Krulcifer-san…?”

<Fafnir>’s rampage shown earlier.

The failure of Krulcifer who is always calm and composed.

What Krulcifer desired should be the cancellation of the engagement plan selfishly forced on her.

For that, preserving her strength by not overdoing it in this mission and then winning the duel against Barzeride and Alterize should be the ideal scenario.

And yet, Krulcifer was trying to forcibly defeat the Abyss a while ago.

Though Lux felt uneasy at that behavior that was too much unlike her,

“It’s all right. At that time, I was just a little tired, and I’m not injured. What about you?”

As she turned her usual calm voice and looked at him, he wasn’t able to say the words he should say.

“I’m also all right, but… ––Ah.”

While touching his body, Lux noticed,

The blade of the <Wyvern>’s Sword Device which was hanging onto his waist lost its light.

This state showed that the corresponding machine was in a “serious damage” state.

Like this, he could not even summon it let alone wearing it as armor.

<Bahamut>’s black sword was fine, but since he couldn’t use it just like that, it would probably be the last resort.

“I wonder if it is broken. It’s because you protected me, huh.”

“N-No, we were both safe, so we’re pretty lucky.”

Considering that situation, that much was helpful enough.

However –– when thinking about tomorrow’s duel, it was also a troubling problem.

“If you want, you can just wait in front of the gate without overdoing it here. I’ll go alone.”

Krulcifer said not in a sarcastic or provocative tone, but in an earnest one.

That instead stimulated Lux’s uneasiness.

“N-No––. I’ll also go! I can’t let you go alone, Krulcifer-san!”

“…Thank you.”

To Lux who expressed his strong will, Krulcifer revealed a relieved smile.

The moment when Lux’s heart skipped a bit at Krulcifer’s slightly feverish gaze,

“By the way, Lux-kun. You –– are you good at cooking outdoors?”

“Eh…?”

Krulcifer suddenly said that and looked up at the ceiling of the wild wall.

“I do not know the theory behind it, but in this “Garden”, the system seems to be such that it will become dark in conjunction with outside time. At this rate, it will be night soon.”

“E-Errr, um––”

“In the case that we are in the “Garden”, camping goods such as firewood can be procured locally. This was also written, right?”

“Ah, yes…”

To Krulcifer who had suddenly returned to her usual self, Lux did not know what to say.

“And –– the securing of drinking water is necessary, too. The points (locations) of drinkable spring water should have been sketched on the drawn map from past investigations, so can you please give it to me, too?”

“Ah, I understand that, but Krulcifer-san is…”

“I will watch over the baggage near this vicinity. I’m counting on you, Lux-kun.”

“…………”

She had asserted like so with an extremely calm face.

In a peremptory tone…

“T-Then, I’ll be right back, so be careful, too, Krulcifer-san––”

“Lux-kun, you are a man after all. How reliable.”

When she earnestly said so, he could no longer complain.

(B-But well, it somehow feels like it’s been a long time since Krulcifer-san behaved like herself.)

He was still feeling pain here and there, but since he had shown off, he could not pull back.

''That’s what being a man is'', Lux thought.

(I feel like I have been beautifully led around by Krulcifer-san, but…)

Lux, enduring fatigue and dull pain, collected firewood and drinking water and decided to take a rest that day.

…………

There was no sun in the “Garden”.

Nonetheless, the light of the ceiling disappeared just as if the day had set, and nature and the neighborhood were wrapped in azure darkness.

They made a small bonfire at the waterside and built a simple tent stretching a cloth on the side of rocks and trees.

As they nibbled the dried meat and rye bread which were in the bag and finished their simple dinner, they were finally able to settle down.

“Speaking of which, I wonder if everyone is safe…”

Lux anxiously muttered so.

He presumed that Lisha and the others who were near had probably also been drawn inside the ruins, but he did not know.

“If there was a <Drake> user we would be able to detect the position of biological reactions and Machine Dragons .Though that is also impossible in this situation.”

“Which means, we can only advance to the altar at the center. If we’re lucky, we might be able to join them there––”

“…………”

As silence filled the neighborhood, Lux was thinking.

About the fact that Krulcifer did not seem to have an ordinary relation with the Einvolk House.

About the reason why she was so obsessed with this ruins investigation.

And––

“We should decide soon about the lookout and sleeping order.”

As if sliding into Lux’s thinking, Krulcifer muttered.

Fortunately, there were no ferocious carnivores inside the “Garden”, so they didn’t have to worry about being attacked by a beast.

But, there was also the possibility that an Abyss might appear in the “Garden”, so as expected they should avoid relaxing their vigilance openly.

“T-Then, I’ll look out first.”

When Lux proposed so, Krulcifer quietly nodded,

“Understood. After a little time has passed, please wake me up.”

As she lied down on the sheet which was a simple tent,

“Don’t attack me, okay?”

“I-I won’t do something like that!?”

To Krulcifer’s teasing voice, Lux unintentionally shouted.

“I see… But just to note, you have a criminal record.”

“Like I said, that was a misunderstanding!? That I’ve broken into the bath before was because––”

“Yes, I know. Judging from how you panicked, you surely will not do anything. Well then, good night.”

“…………”

As usual, he was played with.

When Krulcifer turned her back on Lux, she began to leak a sleeper’s breathing (the breathing of a person sleeping) calmly after a while.

“Ruins, huh…”

After sighing once, Lux looked up at the dark space.

An existence which should also be called the treasure warehouse of the world that brought about a tremendous development due to Drag-Rides and ancient documents.

The fight to solve its mysteries was accelerating as time passed.

It appeared to be what Fugil had said; Lux was also in possession of the golden horn which could summon the Abysses, but there was no reaction so far.

Was the key to reaching the ruins’ depths that Airi, who deciphered ancient documents, was talking about something different?

And on the night of the next day, a duel with Barzeride was waiting.

“It would be good if nothing happens…”

Towards the ceiling of the Garden where the sky could not be seen, it looked like invisible dark clouds were hanging over.

===Part 9===

One night had passed in the “Garden” –– the next day.

Lux also seemed to have fallen asleep before he was aware, and when he woke up, Krulcifer was sitting in front of the bonfire.

It looked like Lux himself was unexpectedly quite exhausted.

After he had the same meal as yesterday, they began to walk to the place called the “altar” at the center.

They did not use Machine Dragons to move because Lux’s <Wyvern> had been greatly damaged.

Though <Bahamut> and <Fafnir> were available, now when fatigue still remained, there was the need to preserve them in case of emergencies.

In this sense, it was a situation where they couldn’t let their guard down even for a moment.

“It looks like it is going to rain.”

Krulcifer who was walking in front while holding up her hand to her face said.

“Rain? Does it even rain in this place?”

“Based on past records, it looks like it. It seems that the structure has not yet been clarified though––. Let’s hurry.”

Krulcifer said so and accelerated her pace.

But immediately after, her slender body suddenly staggered a bit.

“Watch out!”

When Lux hurriedly supported her body, it was tinged with a high fever.

“Krulcifer-san. Don’t tell me that’s––”

The reason why she left the physical work to Lux for last night’s camping.

If Lux’s prediction proved right, they should return as soon as possible.

“…I am all right. I also said so yesterday, right? Thank you for helping me.”

But even so, Krulcifer began to walk looking only forward.

A small amount of sweat oozed on the nape of her neck.

The inside of the “Garden” was by no means hot.

Lux was convinced that her leg was injured.

“It’s just a little twisted. It’s not a big deal.”

“As expected, shouldn’t we go back? I’ll take you until the gate of the inner wall with <Bahamut>, so if we just stay still there––”

“I am sorry.”

As she painfully cast her eyes down, Krulcifer still did not stop walking.

“I must by all means go. This is one of a few chances I have, so––”

“…I understand.”

Therefore, Lux also decided to go on.

“In return, let me walk in front.”

As he said only that, Krulcifer also nodded slightly.

For a while, the two people silently advanced.

“Hey, Krulcifer-san.”

“…What is it?”

As if to loosen the awkward atmosphere, Lux called out to her.

“Krulcifer-san, why were you looking for the “Black Hero”?”

To Lux’s question, Krulcifer remained silent for a short while.

“For the same reason that I am heading to the altar now. There is something I would like to know by all means.”

She lowered her gaze and softly muttered.

“Have you heard from anyone that my Machine Dragon aptitude value is strangely high? Normally, no matter how rash a human acts, there is a limit for the continuous operation of a Drag-Ride. But––”

“But?”

“If the legend of the “Black Hero” is true, if he really annihilated the imperial army in one night, then that Drag-Knight has almost no limit. Surely just like me –– something like that.”

“…………”

Unable to say anything at Krulcifer’s meaningful words, Lux continued walking.

And after about ten minutes,

“This place is, um––”

Krulcifer and Lux had finally arrived at the altar at the center.

Around a circular floor, white columns stood in a row and a silver gem placed on the central platform was tinged with a mysterious light.

A strange structure (Object) which they seemed to be familiar with and unlike any other thing.

It (Object) which was made of the same white metal as the walls of the “Garden” was the altar.

“It looks like we are the first to arrive, huh…”

Krulcifer quietly approached that jewel while looking around.

“Well then, we will wait for everyone here––”

When Lux proposed so,

『Ga, gagaga…』

A strange sound could be suddenly heard.

“……!?”

Though Lux and Krulcifer placed their hands on their Sword Devices at their waists at once,

“An Abyss… it doesn’t look like it!? This voice is –– a person’s!?”

『Ga, gagaga…! Existence of the <key> recognized. Performing special code unlock. If there is no problem, begin the transfer.』

A voice which directly resounded within the brain like the dragon voice was suddenly audible.

“This sound!? Is it by any chance from this altar––!?”

At that moment, the pattern depicted on the floor emitted a dazzling light.

“This––!?”

They reflexively closed their eyes –– when they opened them, all the scenery had changed.

“––It looks like we were transferred to the inside.”

An inorganic corridor surrounded by bluish-white metallic plates and where innumerable rubble rolled.

It was the inside of the altar that they had heard about.

“This place, is my…”

When Lux was surprised at the unfamiliar scenery, Krulcifer moved as if she was in a hurry.

And, when she put her hand on a strange box-shaped object, a white light ran.

『Confirming key’s authentication. By level authority, removing lock to the second layer management room.』

“The object, talked…!?”

To that mysterious occurrence, Lux opened his eyes wide in surprise.

''The strange voice which was emitted from the object.''

''Has it reacted to Krulcifer?''

“So…I was right after all, huh.”

With a small sigh, Krulcifer’s hand separated from the object.

And then she slowly walked towards a shelf which was on the side of the wall side of the room.

“Krulcifer-san!? That place––”

Numerous <Boxes> were placed on the shelf.

Inside the ruins, boxes which stored Machine Dragons’ parts and ancient documents –– <Box> existed.

However, because the seams were firm and couldn’t be opened, originally there should be no other method of opening it other than bringing back the entire box with a Machine Dragon, and then taking time to break it, but…

“…………”

『Confirming key’s authentication. By level authority, removing lock to the second layer management room.』

Krulcifer, with a serious look, softly held up her hand to the edge of a Box and moved a finger as if softly stroking the space.

“Eh…!?”

With only that, the box, which should not open, completely opened with a small sound.

Inside of it, there were numerous general-purpose Machine Dragons’ armaments and parts, and a bunch of papers written in ancient characters.

Krulcifer looked over the pages of the ancient document as she turned them.

Each time she shook her head while saying “That’s not it…”; she walked to the doors at the back.

The metal walls lying on top of one another automatically opened by her only touching them.

Ahead of that, there was a staircase which continued further underground.

“I still don’t know. Deeper… I should search deeper. ––!”

While muttering, the moment when she put her hand on the opened door at the back, Krulcifer’s body suddenly fell.

“Krulcifer-san!”

“Uh…”

As she shook her head in order to shake off the pain, Krulcifer tried to get up.

But, she could not get up straight.

Her body which Lux supported was tinged with a strong fever.

“So hot, don’t tell me…?”

“…I’m all right, I can still––”

『Gagaga… pipipipi––!』

The moment when Krulcifer answered like so, vibrations ran around.

“An earthquake? No––”

『Danger. Due to vibrations, the inside collapsed. Please evacuate to a safe room.』

Soon after the voice was emitted from the object, as it said the ceiling began to crumble.

“……!”

Supporting Krulcifer who could no longer move, Lux slipped into a nearby room.

The vibrations settled and the surroundings regained its silence once again.

………………

“It looks like the outside of the door has been blocked with rubble.”

Having escaped from the collapse for the time being, Lux who heaved a breath of relief muttered so.

Though the collapse was small, as expected this layer seemed to be dangerous.

That was surely the result of various predecessors breaking and digging through the building in order to get Machine Dragons and materials related to them.

Depending on the location of the ruins, there also seemed to be parts which became relatively fragile.

“Let’s settle down for a little while. With your body like that, it’s impossible to use <Fafnir>. I’ll look over the situation around here a little, so––”

After the vibrations from the collapse settled, Lux told so to Krulcifer who cast her eyes down and stood up.

Probably because of the shock, most of the light around disappeared and darkness wrapped the vicinity.

“…I am sorry.”

He heard a faint voice from the girl who hung her head down.

“No. Don’t worry about it. More importantly ––eh?”

When Lux was going to state his concern about Krulcifer’s body, her thin fingertips softly held his hand.

“Could you allow my selfishness just for a little bit? I would like you to hear my story.”

“…………”

“I am not a human of this world. I am–– a survivor of the ruins.”

“A survivor…?”

Lux couldn’t help but become speechless at the words suddenly spat out.

===Part 10===

“I see, so –– were you able to confirm her function as a “key”?”

The same time at Fort City.

In a room of a stately mansion located in the dwelling district of the wealthy, two figures were sitting, facing each other.

They were Barzeride Kreutzer called “Title Holder of the Kingdom” and an existence wearing a jet-black robe.

“Yeah, I expressly tagged along for sightseeing, but in order to protect that woman from the Abyss’s explosion, it looks like I was drawn into the ruins. When you expressly came here to say that I should marry a woman of the country Ymir, I wondered what it was about –– but with this, I understand now.”

Barzeride contentedly muttered so and inclined the wine glass in his hand.

“If we get that “key”, it will be possible to arrive at the depths of the ruins. Wonderful. With this, I will get the “strongest power” and the “greatest fortune”.”

“That’s good for you. Then in order to control her easily, shall I sell you a special medicine? I can make a docile –– living doll for you.”

The figure in robe said so as he warped his mouth.

Although his eyes couldn’t be seen as they were hidden under a hood, his voice was distorted with bottomless malice.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t use those kinds of means.”

But, Barzeride calmly shook his head while returning a smile.

“I took a liking to that woman, you see? If I don’t make her yield directly with my own hands, I won’t be satisfied. Be it the pride or dignity she has piled up, I’ll pin all of it and make her become my thing. In this country, women are no more than tools for us men to push on our way to the top. I have to make her thoroughly understand that. Her skill as a Drag-Knight is also excellent, and besides –– even as a tool for night time, it looks like I can enjoy it for a long time.”

“What a good hobby you have, “Title Holder of the Kingdom”.”

The figure in robe who understood his intention contentedly nodded.

“But for the engagement with her, it has turned into a strange duel. Do you have any chances of victory?”

“That’s a stupid question, brethren.”

As Barzeride replied immediately, he softly touched the hilt of the Sword Device hung at his waist with his fingers.

“The Divine Raiment of <Aži Dahāka> which I bought from you is the strongest. I don’t feel like losing no matter who the opponent is. Even if that legendary “Black Hero” is to appear, he won’t be a match for the current me.”

“Yes, Speaking of which –– there is one thing I have to tell you about that, Lord Kreutzer.”

The figure in robe changed his frivolous voice to a serious one and told so.

Opening his gray pupils, hidden in the shadow, wide to the limit, the man laughed.

“The Old Empire’s legend –– the Black Hero’s true identity and his Divine Raiment. Don’t you want to buy this information?”

===Part 11===

“I am not a human of this world. I am–– a survivor of the ruins.”

To Krulcifer’s words, Lux could not help but freeze.

In this altar room where they couldn’t move from due to the collapse, a quiet voice resounded.

“A human of the ruins… don’t tell me––”

“I was found in the ruins of Ymir–– a place called the “fourth ruins – Hole”. No, saying that I was excavated would be correct.”

“By that, what do you mean?”

“Do you remember the <Box> of a little while ago? A treasure box in which the inheritance of the old times sleeps in. Similarly, it seems that I was sleeping within a box with a form different from that. I, who was still very young, that is. At that time, the Head of the Einvolk House who was doing the ruins’ investigation –– and currently my foster father found me.”

“Then, for the Einvolk House…”

“Of course, since it is a proper House, I was taken in as an adopted child. Or so I thought. They probably have some kind of expectation from me. They should have wanted me as a clue connected to the ruins –– and a lost past. I, who had no memory at all of the past, was living in the Einvolk House, knowing nothing about such a thing.”

“…………”

“Around the time when I was old enough, I had understood that I was an adopted child. My parents, my siblings, the employees, everybody was somewhat distant, so I naturally became aware of it. That I–– was different from the people of this house. That’s why I worked very hard. In order to please everyone and in order to have them accept me as a member of the family someday. Really, no matter how hard things were, I endured them and kept working hard.”

“Krulcifer, san…”

“And like that, before I became aware, I was called a genius. Be it study or etiquette… also as a Drag-Knight, I was recognized as a first-class user. But… in the end, the thing I wanted the most, I was not able to obtain it.”

“…………”

The Einvolk Family, A distinguished family of knights and Drag-Knights.

Because she had no blood relationship, the girl struggled for a place to stay.

So, she piled up ability and results through years of hard work and reached the top.

But––

“No. Far from it, before I became aware, they became more distant. The harder I was working, the bigger the distance to them became. I, who possessed a skill to the extent of being given a Divine Drag-Ride at this age, was avoided by my siblings before I was aware. As expected, it was because of the fact that I am a creature different from them. One day, I had accidentally heard about it when my father and my big brother were talking.”

Resignation and loneliness were mixed in the tone of Krulcifer who talked indifferently.

“And finally like this, I was also kept away from the House. The rampage that occurred in the ruins of Ymir; after that incident, I was treated like an angel of death and thus sent to another country. Not having taken my Divine Drag-Ride was probably in order to give some weight to it as an article for sale.”

“Is that why you were so obsessed with this ruins’ investigation?”

“Yes… I always wanted to confirm it. Whether I was really a human of the ruins. I thought that maybe what I had heard until now was some kind of mistake, and that the real me is just an ordinary human and a person from the Einvolk House, but––”

Treasure and technology which slept in the ruins.

Lux understood that she was not interested in such a thing that many people sought.

“My true identity is, after all, a human of the ruins. After seeing the ruins’ reaction to me, I’m now sure of that. But–– I was not able to remember anything about me and the events of the past.”

Quietly casting down her eyes, Krulcifer sighed.

“Y-You cannot jump to conclusions yet! It isn’t as if you examined everything here, too; and perhaps, there might be other clues in the ruins in Ymir––”

“No, it’s fine already.”

“Eh…?”

To the words which suddenly fell, Lux could not help but doubt his eyes.

Krulcifer’s lean figure was trembling little by little.

“I have already become scared now, so… I wonder why. Even though I hated so much the family of the Einvolk House… even though I wanted to know the truth, if I came to know that I am really an outsider and “different”, then I would become helplessly frightened. If I continued to explore the ruins here, and if there was any other person from the ruins like me or ordinary people accepting my existence –– When I think so.”

“Krulcifer…san”

To Krulcifer who showed a fleeting profile, Lux silently stretched his hands.

“I’m sorry. For having made you go along with my selfishness, for such a nobody like me––”

“That’s not true!”

Lux raised his voice, and grasped Krulcifer’s hands.

“Lux…kun?”

“Neither Ymir nor the Einvolk House matters. Krulcifer-san is a friend the same as us, and for now –– my love… partner right?! So –– no longer say such lonely things…”

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v2 0016.jpg|thumb]]

Lux, who became embarrassed at his voice which got excited, quietly looked away while saying that still holding her hands.

“…………”

After Krulcifer stared at Lux with a blank face for only several seconds,

“Fu, Fufufu…”

She burst into laughter with a face as if she was enduring something.

“…Eh?”

“Lux-kun. I will give you one advice. You should not easily believe a woman’s complaints.”

“Eh, eeeeeeeeeeeeeh…!?”

Krulcifer who suddenly returned to a cool expression said so as to tease him.

“Wait, was what you said a while ago a lie!?”

When Lux confusedly released Krulcifer’s hands,

“You should stop sympathizing with other people’s misfortunes. Your only weakness is being generous to others, so I said that just to test it; but this reaction of yours was more than expected. Be careful at the time of the duel.”

“…Ah, Hahaha.”

To the words of Krulcifer who looked as if nothing had happened, Lux smiled wryly for a while.

“But really, why are you so softhearted. Even you were a Prince of that notorious Old Empire––”

“Though I think that it isn’t really like I’m softhearted. This is surely because such was my fate.”

To Krulcifer’s mutter, Lux answered with a distant look.

“Eh…?”

“I had been banished from the Imperial Court along with my mother and my little sister Airi because of an admonition of my maternal grandfather. My grandfather was a former feudal lord, and he had also worked as the person in charge of the imperial family’s education, so I think that he wasn’t able to remain silent after witnessing the Empire’s way of doing things. But––”

At that time, the Emperor and Prime Minister imprisoned his grandfather and also banished Lux and company from the Imperial Court as punishment.

And then, one day after two years, an incident occurred.

When the carriage that Lux and his mother rode on slipped down a cliff, the territory people, out of the grudge of being oppressed by the Old Empire, let Lux’s mother who was injured die.

They did not get rescued.

Because they had offended and were banished from the Imperial Court, his father the emperor did not even come to the funeral.

Lux and company were shunned and forsaken by both the imperial family and the people.

“That’s a really tragic story… Did you not resent anyone?”

“I resented them, of course.”

Lux awkwardly laughed and replied.

“The Emperor who is my father, the imperial family, the Old Empire, the territory people, I resented everyone around me. I think that I probably cursed even this world. I became desperate. I became disgusted by anything and everything –– but”

“But?”

“Philphie saved me. I, who also lost almost all value as royalty, she had been by my side all the time––. She slipped out of her House and came to see me every day. But one day, she got lost, and I decided to go looking for her.”

Even to Lux’s wry smile, Krulcifer did not laugh.

“I noticed then. That I didn’t actually want to hate anyone. Because of the Empire, I didn’t want to hate those important to me–– or those who might become so.”

“…………”

“That’s why I wanted to change the country. I wanted to create a country where no one would have to hate those that they like… See, I also have something like lineage, but I was in the lowest rank of the royalty.”

He said so and turned a smile to Krulcifer.

“––You really are a good person, eh.”

“That’s not right. After all, I…”

At Krulcifer’s earnest words, Lux returned so.

“If you had ended up becoming the Prince of the New Kingdom, would you also have saved me?”

“Eh…?”

“No, it is nothing.”

The moment when Krulcifer returned again to her usual smile,

“Hey! Are you under here!? Lux! Krulcifer!”

From upstairs, Lisha came down with the sound of friction caused by metal.

“Lisha-sama!?”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>bakii*! Knocking a nearby ceiling, four Machine Dragons got down.

“Ooh, they are here! Finally found you, Lux!”

When looking up at the broken ceiling, there were Lisha wearing the <Chimeric Wyvern>, and the three girls of the Triad respectively wearing each a general-purpose Machine Dragon.

They seemed to have dug through until nearby with the armament attached to the <Chimeric Wyvern>’s right arm.

“Everyone, have you come to rescue us!?”

“Yes. I was able to perceive your positions with my <Drake>, so –– it’s good that you’re safe above all.”

Lux heaved a sigh of relief at Nokuto’s voice.

“It’s almost the time when the gate will open. I’ll carry you, so let’s go quickly.”

When Lisha said so, she was about to first carry Lux with the <Chimeric Wyvern>’s left hand, but

“You should first take Krulcifer-san. She seems to be hurt.”

Nokuto calmly pointed out so.

“…Wha!? B-But… Thinking carefully, my right arm is equipped with a drill, so there will be no sense of stability to hold an injured person. Hey Sharis, I leave Krulcifer to you whose both hands are empty.”

“Good grief, what an incorrigible Princess.”

While smiling wryly at Lisha’s order, Sharis wearing a <Wyvern> got down.

“We have already given the excavated ancient documents and Machine Dragons’ parts to the other members and made them wait near the “gate”. And now with you two safe like this, we can say that the strategy this time is a success.”

While Sharis said so, she picked up Krulcifer.

“What a relief. Everyone is safe. Well then, let’s go back.”

After Tillfarr added that at last, they all started moving.

On the way to the “gate”, fortunately no Abyss appeared and they were able to safely escape from the ruins.

===Part 12===

“So in the end, there was no results obtained related to the “key”, huh? Even though your <Wyvern> was seriously damaged––”

When Lux returned to the girl’s dormitory and finished his medical checkup, he was given instructions of “complete bed rest” for a while.

In the medical office in the evening, there was no one else except just Airi and Lux now.

Although Lux had not suffered apparent injuries, since fatigue had accumulated due to injuries like bruises and his Machine Dragon’s operation, he was told not to fight for a while.

Krulcifer and the Knight Squadron’s members who travelled along also ended their medical treatment, and were now under rest.

“No, like I said, sorry.”

“I am angry because Nii-san has not reflected on anything at all. In addition to that, the ruins are dangerous, and yet you acted recklessly again––”

About that, when he protected Krulcifer from the collapse of the ruins, he had hit his body here and there; so there was no helping it, but,

“In the end –– that horn was not a “key”, huh?”

“Yes. In that situation, I was afraid to use it and even when I held it up inside the ruins, there was no decent reaction which made it look like a key.”

Something which was a possibility having arrived at the depths of the ruins.

But, he could not say yet that he had found a different “key”.

About the fact that the path to the door had been opened by the power of the girl of the ruins that was Krulcifer.

“I see… It’s regrettable that there was no progress with this, but there’s no helping it.”

With this, the ruins investigation rights that the Atismata New Kingdom owned had been fully used once.

In order to investigate the ruins once again, they had to win the off-campus confrontation battle against the neighboring countries by using Drag-Rides and acquire those rights.

For the off-campus confrontation battle in one month, a campus selection battle would begin in one week.

Lux also had to decide what he would do for that battle.

But, before that… there was something he had to do.

“Then, Nii-san. Please, drink this.”

As Lux forcibly raised half his body, Airi held out a cup containing a dark brown liquid to him.

“This is––?”

“It’s a medicine. Since you will make it in time for the duel, please take a rest at least for now.”

“…Yes. Thank you.”

Lux took the cup containing the medicine and drank it up in one gulp.

“…Ngh, hum”

After a while, he closed his eyes and groaned a bit.

As he fell asleep before long, he started leaking small sleeper’s breathing.

“––Are you satisfied with this? Krulcifer-san.”

“Yes, thank you.”

Immediately after, Krulcifer entered into the medical office.

Then, after seeing Lux lying down on the bed, she leaked a small breath.

“Like this, we can feel at ease for the time being.”

With her usual cool expression.

“Is it all right? If you ask Nii-san, I think that he will fight with you.”

When Airi asked so wonderingly,

“He will certainly. But––”

Krulcifer muttered as she cast down her eyes with hesitation.

While Lux would still be sleeping due to the medicine with strong sleep effect, the duel would be over.

It was also Krulcifer who asked Airi for the concoction of a medicine for that purpose.

“I cannot afford to get your brother involved with my situation any more than this. He has already helped me a lot.”

“In any case, it will be impossible for Nii-san to fight tonight.”

Airi, staring at Lux’s sleeping as such, calmly concluded.

“Not only injuries and fatigue during the ruins investigation, but his <Wyvern> was also seriously damaged. He can’t fight properly with it just slightly repaired. And against two powerful people in a duel at that.”

“That’s right.”

With an attitude saying that she understood, Krulcifer turned her heels.

In any case, Lux did not have a Drag-Ride to fight with.

“Besides –– since we are talking about Nii-san, if compelled, he might try to use <Bahamut>.”

The “Black Hero” who destroyed the Old Empire five years ago.

If he used <Bahamut>, his true identity might be known by those two opponents.

If that happened, in exchange for victory, Lux would draw further danger to himself.

Therefore, Krulcifer, after consideration, made this decision.

A way to bring her fate to an end by herself without relying on Lux.

“Well then, I’ll leave him to you. You surely understand even without me saying it, but if he were to wake up, tell him that the duel was called off––. This request also, will be over by tomorrow.”

Putting the request of the matter on a nearby table, Krulcifer left the medical room.

After the sound of her footsteps disappeared, Airi sighed.

“As expected, you still know nothing about Nii-san…”

Airi muttered in a resigned, amazed and somehow casual tone.

Suddenly, the door was strongly knocked on, and Lisha came in.

“Hey, Lux? Are your injuries all right? ––Wait, the little sister is also here, huh.”

Slightly disappointed, Lisha turned her gaze to Airi.

“Is something the matter? Lizsharte-sama.”

“No. I checked a little with my authority about a matter which Lux had asked before. That man called Barzeride –– he is quite suspicious. He’s an ambitious person and it seems that he had hired bandits as private soldiers several times in the past.”

“That is certainly strange.”

“But, the situation is much worse now. It was written in the letter delivered from mother just a while ago. The reason why we must overthrow Barzeride and his aim. This New Kingdom’s crisis will be––”

And Lisha began to talk next to Lux who was sleeping.

About the conspiracy of the “Title Holder of the Kingdom” hidden in this matter.<noinclude>
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Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 2 Episode 3

2017-12-09T06:56:32Z

OmegaWeaponZ: /* Part 9 */

==Episode 3 - The Sixth Ruin – One Garden==

===Part 1===

Fort City first block. A white stately mansion located in the dwelling district of the wealthy.

Two people were sitting on a sofa in a spacious living room.

One of them was a man characterized by his blonde hair and high stature, Barzeride Kreutzer.

The other was an existence with sharp piercing eyes which put on a jet black robe and a hood which covered over his eyes.

Inside, the house was illuminated by the sunlight flowing in through the windows and there was no presence of other people such as servants.

“So –– how is it? The condition of the Divine Drag-Ride <Aži Dahāka> that I sold––”

“Yeah. It’s splendid, my friend. I was finally able to perfectly master its Divine Raiment. I still content myself with third place in the tournament of the Capital for now, but––. If I feel like it, this country’s Drag-Knights will no longer be opponents for me.”

To the existence with the robe, the blonde man full of confidence answered while returning a smile.

“I see; it’s as expected of you, my sworn friend. Then–– I count on you for the matter we have talked about.”

Barzeride smiled at the familiar voice.

“If I remember correctly, it was about me marrying that young woman of Earl of Ymir, right? The fact that she is a foreign woman will be a bit of a problem, but is there anything special with her?”

“She is a “key”. The key to unlock the seal of the ruins, she has that kind of power. In order to reach a deep level where humanity has never gone in until now.”

“Then––”

“Yeah, I want to entrust it to you. Therefore, it doesn’t matter whatever means you use. Be sure to conquer(subdue) her and by using her power –– I want you to wrench the doors of the ruins open. If you do so, I’ll leave half of the ruins’ treasures and this country’s rule which will someday fall into our hands to you.”

“Kuku, I understand. That woman seems to be quite proud, but such a female is worth breaking. I’ll live up to your expectations, my friend.”

Barzeride shook his shoulders and joyfully laughed.

As he imagined his military rule in the future.

“Well then, I will take my leave. You don’t need to see me off.”

“Yeah, see you again, my friend.”

Saying only that, the existence with the robe soundlessly left the mansion.

After Barzeride went up to the second floor of the mansion, and saw with his own eyes from the window that the figure disappeared in the alley,

“Hmph. Don’t think that you can tame me forever. Well, it’s fine; if you say I can use whatever means, then there are many measures to consider.”

Saying so, Barzeride tightly grasped the Sword Device at hand and clicked his tongue.

“I’m looking forward to it. This country’s next King ––will be me.”

===Part 2===

“Phew…”

It was the day after they agreed to a duel with Barzeride.

Lux who welcomed lunch break in the classroom was a little sleepy.

Since he handled a classmate’s request today from earlier this morning, he was a little tired.

This was because he thought that it wasn’t good that he gave so much priority to Krulcifer’s request that he hardly listened to other girls’, but––

(As expected, I overdid it a little, I guess…)

On account of his life of odd jobs, when it grew dark, he went to bed and made sure to relieve fatigue for the next day’s work, but, since he came to this academy, he had worked even more as much as he was usually taken care of.

He didn’t know whether or not she guessed it, but Krulcifer unusually released Lux saying “I have some business to take care of today”.

Though it wasn’t a bad feeling to live as Krulcifer’s “lover”, as expected spending time with her who was much more elegant than him was unexpectedly nerve wracking.

Thus, when it had been long since he lazed; lying down on the desk, Tillfarr, one of the Triad, gently poked the shoulder of Lux who was half asleep.

“Oh my, I see that your girlfriend isn’t here today. Lux-cchi, you’re lonely, right?”

To the carefree smile like a flower, Lux raised his face with a wry smile.

“Errr, is it for a work or something?”

“Oh, you may say that, I guess? Seems like you’ve been abandoned. Then, can you tag along with me a little?”

Tillfarr naturally took Lux’s hand and left the classroom with him.

Other students who were withholding due to the matter of Krulcifer’s “lover” were showing faces saying “Damn it, I was late”.

“Okay. It’s here.”

When they walked down the corridor a little, they arrived in front of a certain room before he was aware.

“Huh? This is the drawing room, but––?”

''It’s originally a room for visitors or guests, but is it all right to enter now?''

As Lux was thinking so,

“It’s all right. There is no plan for it to be used today, and we got permission from the Principal. Well then, I’ll go prepare, so wait. Ah, peeping is forbidden.”

The mastermind Tillfarr who brought him along left Lux and went somewhere.

“What on earth does this mean…?”

''Rather, what does she mean by peeping?''

Lux sat on the sofa while being puzzled, but probably because of fatigue, he had fallen into a light sleep.

“N, Ngh…”

“Sorry to keep you waiting! Then, excuse me!”

When he suddenly woke up and raised his face, he heard a knock on the door and then Tillfarr’s voice.

“Ah, welcome––, wait, eeeeh!?”

Lux who was still half asleep couldn’t help but doubt his own eyes as he saw the outfits of the girls who entered.

“––I’m coming in, Lux.”

“Lu-chan. You’re drooling.”

Standing there were Lisha and Philphie dressed in unfamiliar maid outfits.

Following after them was Tillfarr holding plates of food in both hands.

“So, in order to heal Lux-cchi’s daily fatigue, let us serve you. Master, rest slowly.”

Looking at Tillfarr, who winked, and the other two’s appearances, Lux opened his mouth flabbergasted.

It was a plain black maid outfit with a white brim, but as the clothes were a little customized, the skirt was cut rather short.

As for Philphie, her big breasts were also emphasized and it was a very bewitching appearance.

“Errr –– what is this?”

“Well you know, master. I was also consulted by Lisha-sama as to how to make Lux-cchi happy. Because the Princess says that she doesn’t really know what can make a man your age happy, so––”

“H-Hey. You promised not to say that, right!?”

At Tillfarr who openly talked, Lisha blushed in panic.

“––And then, we reached the conclusion that imagining the scene of the time when Lux was a Prince, and serving you as maids was the most pleasing to do.”

“But, I hadn’t gotten maids to take care of me that much––”

“Then, you should use this opportunity to fully enjoy it. We’re all amateurs though.”

As expected of the class’s mood maker, she forcibly pushed forward the talk.

Then, she began to display the dishes on the table.

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v2 0013.jpg|thumb]]

Since it was just lunch time, too, they seemed to want him to eat here.

(Is it all right to do something like this in the academy’s drawing room…?)

Though it isn’t as if Lux didn’t think so just a little,

“Um –– Is it troublesome? Doing something like this suddenly…?”

Looking at Lisha in her maid outfit averting her eyes slightly embarrassed, he changed his mood.

“No, I’m very happy. Thank you, Lisha-sama.”

“……!? N-No, um –– f-for the time being today, you may think of me as being your maid and do somewhat indecent things like when you were young…”

“I won’t do that!? What do you think I was when I was young!?”

“I-I see. Tillfarr said that such things seem to be a maid’s work, too…”

“…………”

As Lux turned a surprised look, Tillfarr whistled acting as if she knew nothing.

Though Lux found it really troublesome, he was honestly happy that they were concerned about him who was tired.

“Lu-chan. The meal will cool down.”

“Since it’s a rare opportunity, a maid will feed you. Lisha-sama.”

“……!? A-As expected, that’s more embarrassing, or rather––”

“…Shall I do it?”

“N-No, let me do it after all. Can I, Lux!?”

Though Lisha was somewhat reserved, she said so as to oppose Philphie.

Then, she picked up a sandwich put on the plate and held it out to Lux’s mouth.

“U-Um, thank you for the meal.”

Since the other two were watching steadily, it felt somewhat awkward, but Lux ate the sandwich from Lisha’s hand.

It had the taste and texture of fresh vegetables, ham, eggs, spices, and sauce.

Since there was also the fact that Lux was also hungry, the sandwich which seemed to be homemade smoothly went into his stomach.

“U-Um, how is the taste? Just to note, we had the dining room’s cook help us with it––”

“It’s very delicious.”

As he replied so to Lisha in her maid outfit who asked with upturned eyes,

“Haw…!?”

Lisha blushed and stiffened on the spot.

“Lux ate it… It’s somehow very exciting. Doing something like this.”

While leaking a seductive sigh, Lisha carried the sandwich to Lux’s mouth with tottering hands. The dish which was put on a large plate was eaten in no time.

“Here, water. Afterwards well, let’s see; shall I massage your shoulders?”

As Lisha was looking outside from the window from the room with an entranced expression, Tillfarr gave him water and gently massaged Lux’s shoulders.

Then, Philphie who was silent until now also put a large plate on the table.

“I made a dessert.”

“T-Thank you –– wait, the dessert after the meal is this!? Isn’t it a little unreasonable!?”

It was a circular pancake –– no, it which was made in seven thick layers could already be regarded as a cylinder.

When Lux hurriedly questioned so,

“…Lu-chan is, cold. Even though you gladly ate it long ago.”

Abruptly looking away as if her pride was wounded, Philphie sulked.

Pancakes were certainly Philphie’s specialty when they were young, but––

“N-No. I like this, too. It wasn’t so much in the old days –– b-but, it’s so nostalgic, I’m happy.”

When he hurriedly corrected himself like so, Philphie’s good mood returned as she said “really?”.

“Then, let’s eat together. We can finish it if we eat together.”

Philphie showing a gentle smile and Lux began to eat the pancake tower together.

After eating two layers, Lux was down and unable to continue; in the end, Philphie ate up the rest in the blink of an eye.

Though it was quite interesting and was a feast for his eyes, Lux thought at last with a wry smile.

(In the end, the three of them were not maid-like at all…)

===Part 3===

“Oh, you finally came! I was waiting for you, Lux.”

Then –– After school of that day.

Lux showed up in the Drag-Knight’s atelier by Lisha’s request.

The unique smell of metal and oil which acridly assailed his nose.

And, countless assembled Machine Dragons standing in a row was a magnificent view no matter how many times one saw it.

One could understand by seeing that Lisha had put on a white gown on her uniform, and was doing her work as an engineer.

“Errr, so, for today’s work––”

“W-Well… leave aside the talk of work for the time being and make yourself comfortable. I’ll get you some tea now, so––”

“Oh, then I’ll do it.”

As Lux offered so due to his usual odd jobs’ habit, and was about to head to the small kitchen located in the back of the atelier.

“No. There’s no need. I, the younger one, should do it.”

“You should just sit down there, Nii-san.”

“Huh…?”

Standing there were two familiar girls, his little sister Airi and her friend Nokuto.

“Why are you here, too––?”

“We had a little business regarding Machine Dragons; since it’s a rare opportunity –– are we in your way? Nii-san.”

Airi said with a somewhat implying smile.

“Ah geez, Lux! Come back here!”

Lisha who saw that called out to him from the sofa.

“Geez, I can at least explain it by myself…”

Judging from Lisha seeming somehow discontented, Airi and Nokuto seemed to have forcibly intruded in here.

After a while, tea poured into cups was carried, and Airi and Nokuto also sat down before the work unit.

And, Airi spread several sheets of paper there.

“This is––”

“Yes. It’s the output analysis result of <Bahamut> that Nii-san uses. I observed the last battle on Nokuto’s <Drake>.”

“…………”

Lux slowly looked over the bunch of papers.

Starting with the estimated output when he used the Divine Raiment, detailed records such as the estimated time of operation limit were written.

Airi probably collected them over many hours for Lux to use <Bahamut> someday.

By increasing the output, one would be able to momentarily generate a strong power, but in return, the consumption would be huge.

A precise adjustment of the output of the Drag-Ride and each armament was carried out in accordance with the ability and aptitude of the user.

However, unlike a general-purpose Machine Dragon, for a Divine Drag-Ride whose existence was confirmed and it was said that there was only one for each species in the world, there was no standard value of adjustment, and it was the present fact that analyses aren’t readily advanced.

Especially regarding <Bahamut>, since Lux could not afford to use it very often, time was required to analyze it.

But––

“While looking at it, I made a fine output adjustment to <Bahamut>. As expected, it was hard to do it until now since there was no data. I cut the output which is likely to be vainly used as much as possible, so I think you can fight quite easily more than before.”

“Thank you, Lisha-sama.”

As Lux turned a smile, Lisha suddenly blushed and averted her eyes.

“Ah, yes… If you say it like that, then it was worth my doing my best. U-Um, as a reward, if you could hold me––”

“Nokuto and I also helped, Nii-san.”

“Ah, thank you, both of you.”

“Yes. I feel obliged.”

“––H-Hey!? I haven’t finished talking yet!”

Ignoring Lisha who shouted from behind, Airi continued the talk.

“By the way, it doesn’t mean that I want you to fight for a long period of time. So, please do not act rashly. That –– you understand, right?”

“Ah, yes. I know.”

To Lux’s smile, Airi also returned a smile.

“With that said, Nokuto. I cannot trust Nii-san, so I can only rely on you.”

“Yes. Roger, Airi.”

“Hey, hey!? What do you mean? You don’t trust me!?”

“It’s obvious, right? Even though you always ignore my advice and rampage as you please.”

“…………”

When being told so, he thought that she was actually right; so his ears hurt.

“Well, in tomorrow’s ‘Abyss subjugation’ and ‘ruins investigation’, as expected I don’t think <Bahamut> should be used.”

Lisha suddenly muttered as she folded her arms.

“Ah, speaking of which––”

The ruins’ investigation by “Knight Squadron” that he was told about by Relie.

The day for that to happen should be tomorrow.

The objective was the subjugation of a Golem, a large Abyss which appeared around the ruins.

As well as the sixth ruin –– Garden’s investigation.

Originally, that mission would be carried out by a unit whose members were half composed of those elected from the “Knight Squadron”, but this time by Relie’s recommendation, Lux was also going to tag along as an exception.

Of course, he could not afford to let <Bahamut>’s existence be known to the other members of the “Knight Squadron”, so he did not want to act too much rashly, but––

“Don’t worry. After all, the commanding officer this time is me.”

Drinking the tea contained in her cup, Lisha stuck out her chest.

“While we are it, I also prepared the most recently drawn map of the “Garden”, so please keep it in mind during this evening.”

“Ah, yes. Thank you.”

Lux nodded and thanked Airi’s consideration.

The ruins were labyrinths whose existences had been confirmed to number seven in the world presently and in which ancient technology slept.

Drag-Rides, Abysses and unknown technology.

This place was an existence which brought various things in the world and prompted rapid evolution and development in these past ten years.

Among the three ruins which were in the territory of and around the New Kingdom, the sixth ruin, the “Garden” was the place where investigation had advanced the most in the present situation, but even so –– its whole aspect had not been clarified yet.

But, since it was a matter which had continued since the Old Empire era, it was a path which could not be avoided.

“This time, as expected Krulcifer won’t tag along. So, you may rely on me without reserve, Lux.”

“Is that so?”

To Lisha who tapped his shoulder smilingly, Lux returned so.

“Yes. In her case, there is that “condition” after all.”

Krulcifer was a foreign student of the country Ymir.

Therefore, on the occasion of fighting in this Atismata New Kingdom, her unique standard was determined.

When it came to the subjugation of a dangerous Abyss, Krulcifer should basically not participate.

(I wonder if she’ll be alright by herself. Krulcifer-san…)

However, Lux was anxious about going and leaving her alone.

It should be the safest if she didn’t go to the ruin investigation, but––

“Okay, this talk is over. Therefore, how about you young girls go back? I want to talk with Lux about a slightly personal matter, you see?”

“A talk?”

“Ah, yes… well.”

When Lisha was about to begin talking,

<nowiki>*</nowiki>knock-knock*

They heard a light knock.

“Good evening!”

Before they could reply, opening the door and entering was Tillfarr of the Triad.

“What are you all doing? It looks very interesting, so let me in.”

“As usual, you’re someone who can’t read the atmosphere…”

Lisha turned reproachful eyes at the cheerful Tillfarr and sighed.

“Why did you come here for? Tillfarr.”

As she couldn’t just watch that without doing anything, Nokuto also of the Triad asked just as amazed.

“Well, there is a message for Lux-cchi. From Principal Relie; she said that tonight after about five o’clock–– you’ll be able to enter the bathroom.”

“Ah, I see.”

At these words, Lux also forgot their talk about the ruins and stood up.

About the bathing in the girl’s dormitory, Lux was basically prohibited from going in, but there was a certain period of time when he could use the bathroom; about once a week.

When the female students finished their bathing and there were no other users, he was called out by the manager such as the dormitory leader and was allowed to enter all alone.

Since he usually got it over with only wiping his body with a towel dipped in cold or hot water, bathing was a rare opportunity for Lux.

“Then, even if I go––”

“Hmm… it can’t be helped. Let’s call it a day. Let’s talk about this another time.”

With Lisha’s permission, Lux left the Machine Dragon’s atelier.

And he went straight to the large public bath of the girl’s dormitory.

===Part 4===

“Phew. It’s been a while since I was in a bath––”

He carefully knocked on the door of the dressing room and bathroom, and after having confirmed that there was nobody inside, he put the plate “under cleaning” outside and took off his clothes.

Although he had properly gotten permission from the Principal, as expected he couldn’t help being nervous just by being in the bathroom of the girl’s dormitory.

Marble pillars, and the large bathroom which lamps faintly illuminated.

After dashing hot water over himself at the washing place, he slowly washed his body and finally immersed his whole body into the bathtub.

''I was regularly bathing in my Imperial Court life when I was young, but after beginning my life of Chores, I was hardly able to take a proper bath; so this is also a side benefit'', Lux thought.

He relaxed his whole body and entrusted it to the buoyancy of hot water.

The sensation of his muscles, which got tired with daily odd jobs and training, getting loose was comfortable.

“Haa…”

Originally a time of supreme bliss that he could rarely taste.

Nevertheless, there was a certain concern in Lux’s head.

It was about the duel over Krulcifer’s engagement.

There was no problem in the fact that it had come to a duel –– to the fight itself.

However, aside from the woman butler Alterize, Barzeride was a dangerous opponent.

And, he was also worried about Krulcifer who had also decided to fight.

(I don’t really understand though. She doesn’t seem to have a very good relationship with her home––)

Of course, since it was about Krulcifer, she was probably doing well; but it somehow felt like she did not trust the members of the Einvolk House.

This might be because Lux, who was treated as a parasite among the imperial family before, put himself in her place that he ended up thinking so.

“…………”

Lux gently closed his eyes while being soaked into the bathtub.

Tomorrow, Lux would join the ruins investigation by the “Knight Squadron” for the first time.

“I hope we’ll be able to come back safely––”

As he talked like so to himself.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>chapun*. The sound of water splashing could be heard immediately nearby.

“Eh––?”

When he spontaneously opened his eyes and looked at the figure hidden in the white steam,

“…… Huh?”

A familiar pink-haired girl looked at Lux with her absentminded eyes and tilted her head to the side.

“––Wait, eeeeeeeeeeeeeh!?”

Standing with a splashy sound, Lux could not help but draw back in the bathtub.

As he flung his back on the wall, he finally grasped the present situation.

“It’s rude. Lu-chan.”

When Philphie who let her hair down said so with a serious look,

“Ah, s-sorry–– not that!? Why is Phil…Phi-chan here!? Um, wasn’t there a plate “under cleaning” outside!?”

“It’s because I came back late from training today. Onee-chan said that the bath is still opened––”

“…………”

At her indifferent words, Lux guessed.

This situation was definitely Philphie’s mischievous big sister, Principal Relie’s doing.

“Geez, what is she thinking!? That person…!”

No matter if they were childhood friends, she should not let a young lady and a man their age sleep and take a bath together.

It looked like Philphie herself did not mind it, but there was a problem after all.

“S-Sorry. W-Well then, I’ll immediately go out, so––”

As Lux, thinking so, was about to get out of the bathtub,

“––Why?”

Philphie returned a straight face.

“No, after all!? Even Phi-chan hates it, right!? To take a bath with me, a man––”

As Lux confusedly said so,

“I will never take a bath with a man I don’t like.”

Bending her head slightly to one side, she replied with a serious look.

Lux’s face reflexively became red

“N-No, I’m not talking about that––”

When Lux said so while covering his eyes with his hand,

“It’s been a long time since I took a bath with Lu-chan. It’s really nostalgic…”

Philphie smiled as she said so in a hearty tone.

“…………”

Her tone looked really happy for her, who was usually taciturn, and Lux somehow hesitated about getting out of the bathtub.

(N-No, but––, it doesn’t change the fact that it’s ethically wrong!)

Within his whole body conflict and embarrassment seethed, Lux threw a fleeting glance at the figure of Philphie slightly away.

It was beautiful.

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v2 0014.jpg|thumb]]

Her big amber eyes and her flushed cheeks.

Her fluffy pink hair got wet and slightly stuck on her skin.

And, her white, firm skin and big chest which floated in the bathtub––

(Wait, looking more than this is bad…!)

Lux looked away and somehow maintained his reason which almost collapsed unintentionally.

As he threw a fleeting sidelong glance at Philphie after calming down after several deep breaths––

“…Kukah”

“She actually fell asleep!? Wait, you can’t sleep here, Phil––”

Unintentionally drawing near, he lightly shook Philphie’s shoulders soaking in the bathtub.

Her vivid body temperature and the feel of her smooth skin.

The rich swelling which shook together with Philphie shaken back and forth.

(W-Wait, I can see her breasts…! From the front is bad!)

Lux’s gaze was attracted to her half exposed big chest floating in the hot water, and his throat quickly got dry.

In order to restrain himself, as he got up from the bathtub at once, he put his hands on Philphie’s shoulders from behind and lightly shook her––

“Huh––?”

For an instant, a strange sense of discomfort cooled down Lux’s mind.

Lux himself, not knowing immediately the reason, stiffened for about several seconds.

“Ngh… what’s wrong? Lu-chan”

“N-No… M-More importantly, you shouldn’t sleep in the bath, Phi-chan.”

“…Yes. Thank you.”

Philphie who woke up turned her head to thank him.

So as not to see her naked body over the transparent hot water, Lux, after averting his eyes, finally realized the true identity of the sense of discomfort.

“H-Hey, Phi-chan”

“…What?”

“Wasn’t there a scar on your back? A small one diagonally from the right shoulder––”

“…Maybe there was. I don’t really remember though.”

With slow movements, Philphie passed one hand onto her back and traced it with a finger.

Right, I’m sure there should have been one.

Lux remembered having heard that it was a scar she had gotten by having fallen down in her childhood before meeting with him.

It was not that deep a scar, but one could tell by sight that it was an old wound.

But, as far as Lux saw a while ago, the scar had neatly disappeared.

Could the wound which left a scar that remained from the time of childhood be healed at this age?

“Lu-chan. Be careful tomorrow.”

“E-Errr…?”

Lux came to his senses at Philphie’s voice.

“You’re going to the ruins, right? I also won’t be able to go with you this time due to orders. It’s regrettable, but I was told so by Onee-chan.”

He had the feeling that slight loneliness was mixed into her usually leisurely tone.

It seemed that she wouldn’t be able to sortie together with them as a member of the “Knight Squadron” this time, too.

Although a military power to protect the Fort City was also necessary, it isn’t like that problem did not occur to him, but

“Y-Yes. It’s all right. I’ll come back again properly.”

As he promised so, Lux, after having allowed Philphie to get up first, left the bathroom.

–– About ten minutes later.

In order to pass time so as to not see Philphie changing her clothes, it seemed to have been a longer, leisurely bath than he thought.

It took a while for Lux, who felt dizzy, to return to his room.

===Part 5===

And–– the morning of the next day.

Lux and the members of the “Knight Squadron” had gathered in the waiting room of the practice field for the mission.

The objective was the subjugation of a Golem, a large-sized Abyss which wanders around the ruins, and the internal investigation of the sixth ruin “Garden”.

Lux and company were exempted from today’s lessons, and it was scheduled that they would return before the tomorrow evening

The members who would sortie were about 14 people.

It was planned that after defeating the large-sized Abyss –– Golem, a few elites with remaining power among them would enter the ruins.

––No, they intended to do so.

“Well then, I will inform you of a few points about the change of plan of today’s strategy execution.”

Instructor Raigree said with a slightly bitter face.

As the one supervising the strategy this time, it plainly showed that an unexpected and troublesome incident happened.

“First of all ––I will have the foreign student Krulcifer exceptionally participate in this strategy. Her participation to the strategy was strongly requested by the person herself. She asked not to have special treatment and to carry out the mission as a member.”

“Eh…?”

“Why did Krulcifer-san––?”

The members of the “Knight Squadron” could not help but leak out voices of surprise.

Lux also felt the same way.

Even though by order of the country Ymir, she should’ve said that she would not get involved in dangerous missions––

“Please, take care of me. Everyone”

The person concerned, Krulcifer simply got it over with a greeting without explaining her reason for tagging along.

A volunteer to the ruins investigation which they didn’t even expect.

Though that alone deserved enough surprise––

“And this person is––”

“Ah, I will personally introduce myself. I cannot afford to cause you trouble, Instructor.”

Lux was familiar with that haughty tone, and theatrically exaggerated behavior and expression which coerced others.

“What is the meaning of this? Why is this guy––”

The mutter of Lisha, who could not hide her confusion, could be also heard by Lux beside her.

“My name is Barzeride Kreutzer. I act as assistant lord of the Bergeijk region. I graduated as the top student from a Drag-Knight’s military academy two years ago. I thought to offer my cooperation hoping to be of help regarding the duty of this Abyss subjugation as well as the ruins investigation.”

“…………”

Noise.

Unrest which could not be hidden ran through the “Knight Squadron” which should be used to unusual events and fighting scenes (bravado).

Which wasn’t surprising.

No matter how you think about it, an aristocrat with a position to govern a territory –– and a former military employee at that suddenly participating in a mission of the “Knight Squadron” was not common.

“Instructor. What the hell does this mean?”

As if speaking for the voices of all the members present there, Lisha took a step forward.

“That is––”

When Raigree who was asked was suddenly at a loss for words,

“''No matter if he is a person from one of the Four Great Nobles and also associated with the army–– He is an outsider in this Royal Military Academy. I can’t consent that such a person suddenly participates in this important strategy''. Is what you want to say, right? Your Highness the Princess.”

“Hmm…”

Lisha frowned at Barzeride who talked with a smile as he saw through her.

“No worries, I don’t intend to interrupt or interfere in the mission contents. Help –– yes, I just purely intend to help. Rather, shouldn’t you be happy with that? After all, I, who gained the seat of third place in the tournament of the Capital, have volunteered for the shield role of delicate (frail) girls like you––”

It was a statement which posed as a gentleman’s at first glance.

However, his real intention which treated the female students here with contempt and looked down on them was clearly transmitted.

(What is he planning…?)

Even Lux could not yet understand what Barzeride had in mind.

That alone was uncanny.

“That is what’s called “minding your own business”, Lord Kreutzer. If someone who didn’t participate in the coordination training is added to the strategy, our actions will be inhibited, too. To begin with, if a “Big Noble” such as you were to be injured, the academy side could not take responsibility, either.”

Even so, Lisha showed a will of refusal to Barzeride who did not change his strong will.

The other party was from one of the “Four Great Nobles” which had governed a very large territory from the Old Empire era.

Lisha who was the New Kingdom Princess was the only person in this place that could speak as an equal.

But,

“You do not need to worry, Princess Lizsharte. I just stopped by the Principal's Room a while ago and had written a covenant. Even if something were to happen to me, you will not be held responsible.”

Barzeride calmly replied so.

When Lisha turned a fleeting glance to the side, Instructor Raigree gave a small nod as she gave up.

This matter had probably already been settled prior.

“I see. I understand the situation. But, why go that far––?”

When Sharis of the Triad suddenly asked,

“If you’re asking for a reason, there is one. The girl who should become my future wife will be there. In case anything should happen in this dangerous mission––”

Barzeride bragged with a smile.

Small ripples spread among the members of the “Knight Squadron” that heard that.

“…………”

Krulcifer who was thrown gazes looked the other way seeming totally unconcerned.

Was she disgusted or maybe she didn’t want to show a reaction?

''Or it might be both'', Lux thought.

“––Well then, I will have Lord Kreutzer act only as support in the Abyss subjugation. He will not be involved with the investigation. Understood, everyone?”

When Instructor Raigree said so, there was no further objection.

When the strategy meeting ended, Lux and company changed into dress gear and came out to the practice field.

Afterwards, each of them equipped their Machine Dragons and began to move towards the target location, but––

“Um, Krulcifer-san. Why are you taking part in this mission––?”

Before departure, Lux approached Krulcifer and asked.

Participation in a dangerous mission should’ve been originally prohibited by order of the country Ymir.

As Lux tried to ask the reason,

“I will tell you in detail later. Right now, it is one of the few opportunities for me to achieve my purpose.”

Krulcifer returned so in low voice to Lux while paying attention to the surrounding.

''What does she mean by the investigation of the ruins was her purpose?''

''Is it also somehow related to Barzeride’s unnatural participation?''

Though Lux had such a speculation,

“And, that has nothing to do with that person. When I forced the matter of my participation in this investigation to the Principal, I did not know where about he had heard it from; but he just selfishly came along.”

“Those are really cold words, eh, my future wife.”

As he had heard their conversation, Barzeride appeared from behind Lux.

Then he turned an affixed-like smile to Krulcifer.

“Hey, can you stop with that future something? I remember having said that you and I are just strangers.”

Krulcifer replied in a cold tone.

If the woman butler Alterize who tried to make the engagement saw that, she would fly into rage, but

“Ah, sorry for that. But well, I thought that the result of the duel that will be held tomorrow night has already been decided.”

Barzeride returned so with a calm expression.

A duel to decide the establishment or cancellation of the engagement.

About that fight which Krulcifer was the prize, he was probably thinking that his victory was already a matter of fact.

“Still –– it’s unexpected.”

Then, as he turned his face to Lux who was immediately nearby, Barzeride showed a frivolous smile.

“To think that a man who can do nothing other than defending himself is participating in such a mission. Geez, there is nothing more ludicrous than this.”

A tone filled with clear provocation and contempt.

Though Lux did not react and remained silent to that clear hostility,

“Could you stop talking about unnecessary things, Lord Kreutzer?”

Lisha suddenly called out in displeasure from behind.

“And I’ll say this while I’m at it; Lux has the important mission of going into the ruins with us this time. If you intend to hamper the strategy by saying more nonsense like that, I shall ask you to leave right now. Even if you have some other purpose.”

“Sorry for my rudeness, Miss commanding officer.”

Barzeride replied in a polite tone and quietly withdrew.

“You’re a lifesaver, Lisha-sama.”

“Ah, no. Well… Yes, d-don’t mind it.”

Lux smiled wryly to Lisha who scratched her head slightly embarrassed.

“We will depart soon, Miss commanding officer.”

“Tch, interrupting us when we’re in a good atmosphere… Well then everyone; equip your Drag-Rides. We are departing!”

Being urged by Krulcifer, Lisha took command.

Finally, the operation commenced.

===Part 6===

A few minutes after they equipped their Machine Dragons and departed.

All the members arrived at the ruins of the New Kingdom territory about 20 km away from the Fort City.

A huge white cube which had grown from the ground of a wasteland.

That building called the sixth ruin –– “Garden” was endowed with an inorganic, majestic appearance.

『The target has been confirmed. Everyone, get ready for battle!』

Lisha who acted as the commanding officer this time urged vigilance through the dragon voice.

Lux also overlooked the ruins while setting up his blade.

“This is the “Garden”…”

There were three ruins, which appeared from about ten years ago, existing within the New Kingdom’s territory.

The ship type “Ark” floating on the open sea.

The “Babel” extending from the land of the border, breaking through the clouds and soaring.

And this “Garden” close to the Fort City.

In the interior where six sides were surrounded by a square wall, there were a forest, lake, cave and the like, it seemed like a structure connoting one small world.

It seemed that Machine Dragons and technology from the past were sleeping at the altar at the center, but––

“It’s really curious. Is this also the first time for you, a Former Prince of the Empire, to be seeing this?”

Sharis wearing a <Wyvern> and flying beside Lux accosted him as such.

It seemed that only third-year students in the “Knight Squadron” had experience with investigation.

“I have worked as a guard, guarding the surroundings due to odd jobs–– but this is my first time seeing it this close.”

“I see. In this place, only the third-year students who came along have experience in investigations. You have probably heard about it in the prior strategy meeting, but if there is anything, you can ask me without reserve.”

“Understood.”

When Lux nodded,

『Hey. Be careful, everyone! Abyss confirmed ahead!』

Soon after, Lisha urged everyone to be cautious.

At a closer look, a huge lump appeared from the shades of the “Garden” where there were several castles.

“That’s––!”

Reflected in the eyes of the Drag- Ride clad on Lux was a giant metal soldier whose half body was covered with rock scales.

It was a kind of Abyss commonly known as Golem.

A large-sized Abyss which boasted of its big frame and superhuman strength.

Although it had weaknesses such as its slow pace and its monotonous attacks, it possessed a hard, sturdy metal body; it was proud of its power in which a single blow delivered from its weight was impossible to defend against and to which a fatal wound was unavoidable.

Escape would be easy for a competent Drag-Knight, but the subjugation was a nearly impossible formidable obstacle.

The only consolation was that because it was not an active kind for an Abyss, if one did not approach carelessly, there was a very small risk of being attacked; but since it had appeared, it could not be left alone forever.

“It looks like it will be quite worth defeating it, Lux”

Even so, Lisha calmly muttered while looking at the target.

The distance between the Knight Squadron’s platoon and the Golem was about 500 Mel by eye measurement.

It had been established by past battles that the location of its core was in the chest, but its outer shell would probably not be pierced with half-hearted long-range shooting.

“Errr, in the prior strategy, if I’m not mistaken ––”

Ordinary long-range shooting wouldn’t be able to make even a dent on it.

First attract the enemy’s attention with the high mobility of a <Wyvern>, then attack its chest with <Wyverns>’ Breath Guns loaded at full power from the ground and continue shaving its shell until the core is exposed.

The strategy which had been planned on the previous day should be something like this, but––

“It will take too much time.”

“Eh?”

As Lux reacted to that mutter, Krulcifer turned her face to Lisha.

“Can you leave the diversion and attack to me? It will be faster that way.”

“W-Wait a minute! Do you intend to do it alone!?”

Lisha hurriedly tried to stop Krulcifer’s proposal, but she was not shaken at all.

“It is possible with my <Fafnir>. If there is not any problem, then let me go.”

“It’s certainly true, but––”

“Then –– I will start moving.”

The moment when Lisha was at a loss for a rebuttal, Krulcifer moved.

“––!”

Immediately after, not only Lux who tried to call out to her, but the members of the “Knight Squadron” also gasped.

<Fafnir> accelerated leaving behind all the people present in an instant.

(Fast…!)

A speed to the extent that even Lux who possessed a superhuman kinetic vision and reading lost sight of her figure.

With its extraordinary mobility, <Fafnir> closed in upon the Golem in an instant.

Ooooooooh…

The Golem which reacted to <Fafnir>’s approach issued a strange noise from its head and let its strong arm howl.

It pulled (wielded) its fist like a thick huge rock and let out a blow describing an arc.

“Watch out!”

The fist approached from behind <Fafnir> as it came too close.

A female student reflexively shouted at the blow released from a blind spot.

––But,

“Eh…?”

The moment when it looked as if the fist hit, <Fafnir> evaded it without even looking behind.

A minimum movement without too much waste considering it immediately moved after sensing the presence.

It set up a sniper rifle and fired light bullets while coolly receiving the sudden gust which arose.

Several shots impacted on the Golem’s opened underarm and bluish white lights burst.

Guh…! Ooooooooh!

The Abyss raised a groan and launched an attack with the other arm, but Krulcifer did not move.

“Krulcifer-san! Dodge it!”

Lux raised his voice this time, but Krulcifer still floating in mid-air did not move an inch.

But, a strange thing happened again.

Whether it used up all its strength or its posture was broken by the shooting earlier, the Golem’s fist stopped exactly just before hitting Krulcifer.

“…Eh?”

Using that opening, Krulcifer once again pulled the trigger.

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v2 0003.jpg|thumb]]

The precise shooting which could also be called a divine feat which she showed in the mock battle against the temporary instructors before this.

But, even if it had been hit by an attack of several shots, the Golem did not move an inch.

“I’ll go, too. As expected, it can’t be defeated with just a rifle. We have to cooperate––”

''I don’t know why, but Krulcifer hurried ahead.''

As Lux who intuitively felt so was going to back her up,

『You do not need to come.』

Through the dragon voice, Krulcifer’s voice could be heard for all of the members of the Squadron.

『It looks like I will soon defeat this enemy.』

“Eh––?”

The other members, at the same time that they blankly opened their mouths, understood her reply.

Guh, …Oooooooooooooooh!

At first glance, the movement of both arms of the Golem almost stopped.

“Looks like it.”

Lisha who had worn the <Chimeric Wyvern> took a breath as she saw it.

It had been frozen.

The mechanical giant soldier covered with thick rock skin.

The joints of both elbows and wrists were frozen and its movements were sealed.

“That is <Fafnir>’s special armament –– the <Freezing Canon>. It basically has the same high efficiency of a sniper rifle, but that armament holds the ability to freeze the parts shot. It’s a troublesome weapon which, if you defend, would freeze you together with the part used to defend. In the case of a mock battle with her, you can’t help but avoid her attacks.”

“... Amazing.”

While listening to Lisha’s explanation, Lux leaked a voice of admiration.

She said to avoid, but it was probably at a level where it might be said it was impossible to evade all the precise shootings of that <Fafnir>.

“By the way, <Fafnir>’s Divine Raiment seems to be the ability of future foresight called <Wise Blood>. It was probably thanks to that, that she was able to one-sidedly attack while dodging the enemy’s attacks earlier.”

“That was <Fafnir>’s Divine Raiment––”

A Divine Raiment of offense and defense which foresaw an opponent’s attack and aimed at their opening.

Moreover, Krulcifer had precisely frozen only the joints of the Golem.

With that –– the enemy could no longer fight back.

As its chest was finally also frozen, the Golem began to behave violently as it struggled, but because of its own weight and muscular strength, the self-destruction of its joints began.

『Krulcifer, leave the rest to us. I’ll finish it off with long-range shooting.』

When Lisha was going to call out to Krulcifer with the dragon voice,

Guoh… Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

The Golem with neither mouth nor eyes raised a muffled roar.

At the same time, its huge head cracked open like a cotyledon which buds.

“……!?”

The moment when Krulcifer raised her guard, a straight flash was released from the huge jewel which was there.

It would be meaningless if she didn’t consciously activate the precognition ability which is her Divine Raiment.

“Krulcifer! Deploy a barrier!”

Before Lisha had finished shouting, a line of light flew to <Fafnir> and an explosion occurred.

Boom!

With a roaring sound, the storm and impact reached up to Lux and the others who were away.

“Krulcifer-san!”

Lux could not help but raise his voice, and headed to her rescue with his <Wyvern>.

But,

“I remember having said that you do not need to come. Lux-kun.”

Suddenly, Krulcifer’s cool voice tickly struck Lux’s ears

Soon after, a needle-like shooting released from <Fafnir>’s <Freezing Canon> pierced the Golem’s frozen chest.

“Eh…?”

The moment when the white smoke which was obscuring the field of vision cleared up, it was reflected on Lux’s eyes.

She was unhurt.

On the front of <Fafnir>, seven octagonal shields tinged with a bluish-white light were unfolded.

“That’s another special armament of <Fafnir>, <Auto Shield>.”

Such an explanation flew from Lisha from behind.

“A defense type armament which automatically protects the main body in response to an enemy’s attack. It is said to be several times harder than an ordinary barrier.”

An armament which symbolized solid scales symbolizing the gigantic dragon Fafnir.

Lux couldn’t help but feel admiration before her ability to easily use up the two special armaments.

Precise shooting impossible to defend against, high-speed mobility and moreover an impregnable defensive barrier.

Krulcifer who boasted of a flawless strength overwhelmed the Abyss all alone.

“But, to be able to manage the Divine Raiment and the special armaments to such an extent, is related to Krulcifer’s aptitude value.”

“Aptitude value, huh?”

“Yes. Her Machine Dragon aptitude value is exceptionally high even among the female students of this academy. Normally, it’s an unbelievable numerical value. In such a meaning, you’re quite unnatural, too.”

Saying so, Lisha turned her gaze to Lux.

“That’s––”

When Lux raised his voice,

Gu… Ooooaaaaah!

The Golem whose chest was torn by <Fafnir>’s rapid-fire and core crushed collapsed.

The frozen joints broke to pieces with a roaring sound and dust soared highly.

“She did it!”

“You’re amazing, Krulcifer-san!”

As they were released from the tension, the female students of the “Knight Squadron” raised cheers.

“…………”

But, Krulcifer, in contrast to her comrades in high spirits, was staring at the outer wall of the “Garden” with an expression as if brooding over something.

『Eeih, be quiet! We’re still in the middle of the plan.』

Lisha shouted at the unit by dragon voice as to chide them.

“Well then –– we’ll get down to the ruins like this.”

At that moment, Krulcifer plainly declared so.

『W-Wait, Krulcifer!? It should have been planned that it will be the members of the Triad, Lux and I to investigate the ruins!』

The investigation of ruins was also accompanied with the danger of the appearance of a new Abyss.

Therefore, a few elites would penetrate the ruins and a powerful person would also be left outside and prepared just in case something unexpected happened.

In such a meaning, the members who had not fought yet and still had spare energy left should participate in the investigation, but––

“I can still fight. So, you don’t mind, right?”

“Krulcifer, san…?”

(Is she by any chance… impatient?)

Lux was perplexed at Krulcifer’s behavior which was calm at first glance, but somehow hard-pressed.

As it is, they started moving to get down to the “Garden”.

''Something doesn’t feel right.''

When Lux thought so,

“Kukuku. As expected of my future wife. That’s a splendid skill –– but”

In the rear, Barzeride who came along wearing a general-purpose type <Wyrm> suddenly laughed.

When Lux had his attention attracted by his voice for an instant,

『Everyone! Be careful –– something is coming!』

Tillfarr who was on land raised a voice of warning.

『Signs of an enemy confirmed by radar. It’s a new type of Abyss.』

The moment when Nokuto with her <Drake> added that, it could be seen.

“…!? W-What is that? …!”

A Knight Squadron’s girl wearing a <Wyvern> leaked a small scream.

“Don’t tell me…!”

In the sky where the cloud of dust had cleared up, a strange-looking demon was floating.

A big frame which easily surpassed a standing big bear’s, reddish brown skin and huge jet black wings.

It was a monster which let its dagger-like fangs peep out all together in a line and savagely twisted its dark red mouth.

It leaked a smog-like purple breath, occasionally opened wide its bloodshot eyes and licked its lips.

It showed no sign of hiding at all.

But, it slowly and surely shortened the distance to the Knight Squadron.

“If I’m not mistaken, that’s––”

“A Diabolos… huh!”

Lisha, frowning, cried.

Lux had also never seen it until now, but he had already read about it in the ruins’ investigation book.

A brutal medium-sized Abyss strong enough to be able to destroy a small town.

It was a type of Abyss among the flying kinds just like the Gargoyle which he had fought before, but it was an existence several times more dangerous than the Gargoyle.

Probably because it rarely appeared, there were no details written about it even in the books in the library of the Capital.

But, by confronting it like this, they were naturally aware of how dangerous it was.

It was said that this was a creature which must not exist in this world.

“––Gieeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!”

Raising a growl-like scream, the Abyss’s eyes shone.

When most of the members reflexively shrank their bodies, the Diabolos kicked the sky.

“Shaaaaaaaaa!”

It caused a gust which burst the atmosphere and with an explosive speed, swooped down on Nokuto who was wearing a <Drake> down below.

“––!?”

Although Lisha and the others who were in front of the ruins also reacted, they could not catch up.

So as to mow the girl’s face which revealed despair, its stout arm was keenly swung down.

''I won’t make it in time!''

When anyone who was there thought so and was about to cover their eyes, a sharp metallic sound resounded in the sky.

“Kuh…!?”

Using his large blade as a shield, Lux stood in between the Diabolos and Nokuto.

“Lux…san!?”

“It’s fine–– so get away!”

Nokuto, realizing that she would get in Lux’s way, hurriedly jumped back.

A tremendous weight as if being hit by an iron stake.

Lux defended against the blow let out by the demon with perfect timing and position; that blow had a power to the extent that the blade got cracked.

Moreover –– that alone could not completely stop it.

Lux tried to crush it with an inhuman, herculean strength from the position where he stopped the blow.

The small fissures on the blade turned into a crack with cracking sounds.

(At this rate –– it’ll break!)

When Lux perceived danger,

Boom!

A light beam emitted from the canon of the <Chimeric Wyvern> was fired at the Diabolos’s flank.

“Guaaaaaaah!”

The Diabolos which perceived it struck Lux’s <Wyvern> with its other arm, leapt back using the recoil and avoided the canon.

At the same time, it sneaked behind Sharis who came close in order to help Nokuto.

“What…!?”

Sharis, turning around, slashed at it with her blade –– but, far from being avoided, it had been caught by the Diabolos’s right hand.

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v2 0015.jpg|thumb]]

“Kuh––!?”

Her weapon caught, Sharis’s judgment suddenly became dull.

The demon’s left arm which was thrust out using that opening was frozen.

“Guooooooah!”

Krulcifer’s <Freezing Canon>. Using that opportunity when the demon’s attack was stopped, Sharis abandoned her caught sword to get out of the Abyss’s range.

When the Diabolos also took distance at the same time, deep sighs leaked out from the Knight Squadron’s members.

A face-off after taking distance.

In this unpredictable situation, the sound of unsheathing (a sword) could be heard suddenly from behind.

“––Well then, it’s my turn soon, I guess.”

The owner of that leisurely voice was Barzeride who tagged along.

Slightly behind from Lux and the others, he cancelled the armor of his <Wyrm> and equipped a new Machine Dragon which he summoned.

His body changed into a Drag-Knight with thick armor dyed in ultramarine like midnight black.

“That’s––”

All the people present, while also being cautious of the Abyss, turned their looks towards his Machine Dragon.

Divine Drag-Ride <Aži Dahāka>。

Barzeride’s Divine Drag-Ride which could only be used against high rank opponents even in mock battles in the Capital.

It was the battle figure of the man called “Title Holder of the Kingdom”.

“Fuhahahahaha!”

At that moment, Barzeride’s loud laughter resounded, and the canons connected to both his shoulders moved.

<Aži Dahāka>’s special armament already seen in the tournament, <Devil’s Glow>.

The two muzzles were charged with purple light and suddenly spouted flames.

The two flash of light attacked aiming at the Diabolos –– but, the enemy evaded the attack by a hairbreadth escaping into the sky.

“Kyaah…!?”

All the members of the “Knight Squadron” held their breath at his attack. They had reflectively dodged it, but <Aži Dahāka>’s shelling had grazed the members of the “Knight Squadron”.

But, Barzeride whose shelling was evaded still turned a composed smile to Lux.

“How’s that, fallen Prince? Do you want to play a game with me? About which of us will defeat that Abyss first––. If you can defeat it before me, I’ll make it you guys victory at this point in time and withdraw that duel’s promise.”

“Quit the joke, Barzeride.”

Before Lux could answer, Lisha cut in with an uncanny look.

“This isn’t hunting for fun! If you intend to do more unnecessary things than this, I’ll first beat you up here.”

However, Barzeride simply ignored Lisha’s anger and continued.

“Aren’t you confident? Lux Acadia.”

“Kuh…!”

In contrast, Lux ground his teeth as he heard that.

Though Barzeride was probably serious, the problem was not there.

––This man fired at a distance which also involved the members of the “Knight Squadron” around him in the shelling.

If by any chance something were to happen, this man for sure –– intended to cover it up as an “accident”.

“You––”

At this time when Lux’s voice trembled in anger,

“Would you please stop fooling around?”

Krulcifer who came back to his side broke in with an unusually serious voice.

“Kuku, that’s quite a cold attitude, my future wife. But, I’ll allow that much. That’s why you’re worth being conquered.”

<Aži Dahāka>’s armor bowl softly tapped on <Fafnir>’s shoulder.

After calmly shaking it off, Krulcifer took a deep breath,

“I will dispose of the enemy earlier than you. In that case, there is no problem, right?”

She declared so with a cool expression.

“Ooh, how promising. So, you still have spare energy left, huh.”

“Krulcifer! Don’t act rashly! Retreat temporarily and fix your posture!”

Lisha ignored Barzeride’s statement and said so.

But,

“It’s all right. I will not cause you trouble with my rash actions this time. Besides –– time is precious.”

With an expression which repressed her feelings, Krulcifer set up the special armament <Freezing Canon>.

And, she flew towards the Diabolos which was far away and was watching the situation.

Lux was surprised by the action of Krulcifer who was good at long-range shooting.

“Krulcifer-san!”

It was probably in order to draw away Barzeride’s attention and not let the others become involved.

Certainly, Krulcifer was the owner of an outstanding ability even among the Knight Squadron’s members, but that Diabolos was not an ordinary Abyss.

“This time for sure –– I will shoot it down.”

At the same time as she approached the Abyss, she set up the <Freezing Canon> and aimed at it.

Since she could use the Divine Raiment future foresight in offense and defense at point-blank range, Krulcifer should have the advantage.

Or at least, it should have been like that.

“…!? Why did <Fafnir>’s foresight––?”

The moment of opening hostilities, agitation ran through Krulcifer’s profile and she stopped moving.

Not overlooking that opening which suddenly appeared, the Diabolos spouted hellish flames.

“Guaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!”

“––––”

Dispelling the cold of the <Freezing Canon> shot reflexively, scorching raging flames approached Krulcifer.

“Watch out!”

Lux who rushed at once at max power thrust Krulcifer away.

“Ushaaaaaaaa!”

Although Lux did not end up being rolled into the flames, he directly received the fist of the Diabolos which drew near as it followed.

“Guh…!”

He issued a muffled groan and was knocked down on to the ground as such.

“Lux!”

At the same time that Lisha and the remaining Knight Squadron’s members shouted, they poured concentrated fire on the Diabolos.

But, that barrage of more than ten shots was all dodged with smooth flight movements.

“Kuuh…!”

When all the members over there were astonished at the enemy more formidable than expected––

“––Good grief, so my help is necessary after all.”

From Barzeride’s <Aži Dahāka> which was on the ground, a shelling of <Devil’s Glow> was released.

As if it was natural, the Diabolos dodged it with mobility which did not match its big frame –– but,

“Guaah!?”

On its chest, a halberd was sticking out as if it grew.

“…Eh?”

Lux and Krulcifer who saw it, no, all the members present were dumbfounded.

For a moment, no one had noticed that that halberd was a close-range weapon thrown by <Aži Dahāka>.

Among the Drag-Rides’ weapons, the halberd was a heavyweight class weapon. Besides the abnormality of Barzeride with <Aži Dahāka> which threw it at the speed like an arrow, the problem was the applied process.

The Abyss was in the sky with no obstacles around.

Even if Barzeride could predict that the Abyss would dodge, he shouldn’t be able to predict where it would dodge to.

It was a blow as if he foresaw the future like <Fafnir>’s Divine Raiment, <Wise Blood>.

“Guru…. Aaaaah!?”

Maybe because it was a fatal wound which reached its core, the Diabolos suddenly stopped moving; and while its whole body went into convulsions, it began to spout blue blood.

“This game –– it’s my victory, right? Fallen Prince.”

Barzeride who saw that looked at Lux and Krulcifer and contentedly smiled.

But Lux did not care about such a thing now.

“…Why? I––”

Although ostensibly uttering a calm voice as usual,

But, Krulcifer was confused to the extent that Lux had never seen before.

This was probably because the future foresight by <Fafnir>’s Divine Raiment, <Wise Blood> suddenly became impossible to use.

Moreover, the Abyss had been shot down by <Aži Dahāka> operated by that Barzeride.

The girl’s calm and perfect face had been distorted with unrest by these two unlikely events.

“Kuhahahaha! As expected, there is nobody who can match me, Lux Acadia.”

Barzeride’s shrill laughter resounded around.

''He’s certainly strong.''

''He possessed strength outstanding enough to be called “Title Holder of the Kingdom”'', Lux thought.

However,

(Something doesn’t feel right––)

When Lux had his attention attracted by that sense of discomfort for a moment,

“Don’t relax yet!”

Lisha’s voice could be heard from a distant place.

“Gu, aaaaaaaaaaah…!”

The Diabolos which suffered a fatal wound, vomited blood and fainted in agony.

Its chest with a hole opened that was gaping wide suddenly swelled to more than double its size.

“…!? Leave quickly!”

The Knight Squadron’s members who saw that hurriedly shouted.

『Everyone, deploy your barrier at max power!』

Immediately after Lisha’s shout was heard through dragon voice once again,

Red cracks appeared on the Abyss’s whole body and it was tinged with light.

Among the Abysses, several kinds of individuals who self-destructed had been confirmed.

When all the members took a defensive posture, Lux noticed that something was strange about Krulcifer who was beside him.

“Why doesn’t it move? My <Fafnir>––”

Next to Lux, Krulcifer’s airframe began to shake with a rattling sound.

Despite the impending danger approaching, the shield of the special armament <Auto Shield> on the contrary dropped from around <Fafnir>.

The control confusion due to the user’s exhaustion –– the rampage began.

“Krulcifer-san!?”

Immediately after, the Abyss’s body exploded with a flash.

A scorching torrent born with a roar swallowed everything along with screams.

With the blast and impact, it was impossible to breathe.

Enduring a pain as if his lungs and heart would be crushed, Lux desperately embraced the dumbfounded Krulcifer, thus becoming her shield.

Then, he lost consciousness.

===Part 7===

The sound of rainfall could be heard.

What he recalled was the memories of more than five years ago.

A carriage which broke had rolled down the cliff along the route where a forest was close by.

Whether the ground collapsed or the wheels came out, or it slid due to rain, the cause was unknown.

Although it was said that it was a cliff, it was not so high. It was just a height of about four Mel from the route above the cliff.

But, the coachman and horses had already died by the impact of the fall.

There were only two survivors; a lady dressed in a plain dress –– Lux’s mother was also bleeding from the head, but she was still breathing.

“Please! Please, help us! We are from the Imperial Family! We are the Acadia people living in the Phillend territory!”

While holding his arm broken at the time of the fall, he desperately shouted.

It was an incident of two years ago that Lux’s mother’s side family was alienated by the Imperial Family and banished from the Imperial Court.

After his mother’s father –– that is, Lux’s grandfather stated a candid advice for imperial politics, there seemed to have been a dispute there, and his grandfather was sent to prison for the crime of defamation and Lux’s family was treated coldly.

After being banished from the Imperial Court, they had been living modestly on the outskirts of the Capital, but this accident occurred when they went for an outing from the house.

“Please! We will reward you. If I don’t take her to a doctor as soon as possible, my mother will––”

A few carriages were coming and going on the route above the cliff.

The sound of rainfall was not strong. Though there was also fog, his cry for help should reach there.

But, no one responded to Lux’s voice.

“Please! Somebody! ––!?”

What came down instead of a response were stones.

Blood flowed from Lux’s forehead and half of his silver hair and face were dyed red.

Looking up ahead, despair was standing.

“Shut up! You damn kid!”

“That’s right! Do you know what you royalty and nobles have done to us!?”

“Even if we don’t help you guys who have been banished from the Imperial Court, we won’t be accused of crime! Just drop dead like that, you bastard!”

The figures of people filled with hatred and raising voices of resentment.

The day when Lux learned that reality for the first time.

All the fights began.

===Part 8===

“Ngh… Hum…”

Lux woke up with an anguished groan.

His body became stiff when he tried to move, due to the dull pain as if his whole body was fractured.

“…!? That’s right, everyone is––!”

Recalling about what had happen just a while ago, Lux forcibly got up.

Then––

“Eh…?”

Lux’s surrounding was covered with a grass thicket which grew in abundance, rugged big rocks, a lake which was visible from the gap in the trees and a ceiling which illuminated the ground with a soft light.

It was a mysterious place as if he lost his way in an uncivilized forest.

“Where the hell is this place…?”

“Probably –– inside the sixth ruin “Garden”.”

“Uwaaah!?”

At the voice which he suddenly heard from behind, Lux’s body shook in surprise.

When he looked back, Krulcifer wearing a dress gear like Lux was standing; her Sword Device hung to the belt at her waist.

“I understand how you feel, but do not shout that much. I have not grasped the situation yet, so it is dangerous.”

“Ah, sorry…”

At her usual calm and composed expression, Lux was a little relieved.

She was calm now unlike the Krulcifer of a little while ago.

“What on earth happened? If I remember correctly, the Abyss exploded and––”

“Immediately after the Garden shone, it looks like the people and things around were drawn to inside here. It’s also only a little while ago that I woke up.”

Saying so with a sigh, Krulcifer sat down beside him.

“Thanks to you protecting me, it looks like I’m all right. Thank you.”

“Ah, no. I’m glad that Krulcifer-san is safe.”

As Lux unintentionally looked, there was a bag containing tools for investigation at the place where he was sleeping.

He thought that he had lost it during the battle, but it seemed that luckily this had also been drawn into the inside of the ruins.

“Besides us, it seems that several members of the “Knight Squadron” were also sucked in, but other than that, I don’t know the rest of the details.”

“If I’m not mistaken, when we entered the ruins, our course of actions was already decided, right?”

Lux took out a memo of the strategy operation from his bag.

The “Garden” had a system such that the gate opened and closed by a cycle of fixed times.

There were access gates on each wall side of the six faces of the cube, and at the same time as the opening and shutting, things from outside were drawn in, and things inside were ejected.

“In case the invasion of the inside of the “Garden” succeeded, the first move is aiming for the altar in the center. Afterwards, carry out the investigation at the altar for about two hours max and then move to the gate of the inner wall after completion. Wait for the opening and closing time and return outside. It will be like this if we proceed as planned, eh.”

Krulcifer who seemed to have memorized the strategy contents confirmed as she read smoothly.

“Yes. But–– now…”

An unexpected incident had already occurred and the situation was different from the usual investigation.

It was a state of emergency where they were attacked by an unexpected Abyss and the members were also scattered.

Under the present conditions where they didn’t even know how many other members were drawn in, the Knight Squadron’s members’ safety should be top priority.

“Well then –– let’s head to the altar at the center tomorrow. Everyone should surely gather there, too.”

Krulcifer calmly muttered.

“Is your body all right, Lux-kun?”

“Y-Yes, well––. Not that, is it okay!?”

“What do you mean?”

Being asked so with a serious look, Lux hesitated.

Then, he alternately looked at the memo in his hand and Krulcifer’s face in panic.

If they were in perfect condition, it would be reasonable to proceed with the ruins investigation like this.

But, in case that there were casualties or that the members’ fatigue was profound, they should cancel the investigation and a judgment about withdrawing should be required, too.

In that case, they should camp near the gate of the inner wall from the start without going to the altar which was the center, and wait there to escape by the opening and closing of the ruins.

In other words, in this case––

“We shouldn’t overdo it. Um –– we also have that duel tomorrow night… Even your body is tired, isn’t it, Krulcifer-san…?”

<Fafnir>’s rampage shown earlier.

The failure of Krulcifer who is always calm and composed.

What Krulcifer desired should be the cancellation of the engagement plan selfishly forced on her.

For that, preserving her strength by not overdoing it in this mission and then winning the duel against Barzeride and Alterize should be the ideal scenario.

And yet, Krulcifer was trying to forcibly defeat the Abyss a while ago.

Though Lux felt uneasy at that behavior that was too much unlike her,

“It’s all right. At that time, I was just a little tired, and I’m not injured. What about you?”

As she turned her usual calm voice and looked at him, he wasn’t able to say the words he should say.

“I’m also all right, but… ––Ah.”

While touching his body, Lux noticed,

The blade of the <Wyvern>’s Sword Device which was hanging onto his waist lost its light.

This state showed that the corresponding machine was in a “serious damage” state.

Like this, he could not even summon it let alone wearing it as armor.

<Bahamut>’s black sword was fine, but since he couldn’t use it just like that, it would probably be the last resort.

“I wonder if it is broken. It’s because you protected me, huh.”

“N-No, we were both safe, so we’re pretty lucky.”

Considering that situation, that much was helpful enough.

However –– when thinking about tomorrow’s duel, it was also a troubling problem.

“If you want, you can just wait in front of the gate without overdoing it here. I’ll go alone.”

Krulcifer said not in a sarcastic or provocative tone, but in an earnest one.

That instead stimulated Lux’s uneasiness.

“N-No––. I’ll also go! I can’t let you go alone, Krulcifer-san!”

“…Thank you.”

To Lux who expressed his strong will, Krulcifer revealed a relieved smile.

The moment when Lux’s heart skipped a bit at Krulcifer’s slightly feverish gaze,

“By the way, Lux-kun. You –– are you good at cooking outdoors?”

“Eh…?”

Krulcifer suddenly said that and looked up at the ceiling of the wild wall.

“I do not know the theory behind it, but in this “Garden”, the system seems to be such that it will become dark in conjunction with outside time. At this rate, it will be night soon.”

“E-Errr, um––”

“In the case that we are in the “Garden”, camping goods such as firewood can be procured locally. This was also written, right?”

“Ah, yes…”

To Krulcifer who had suddenly returned to her usual self, Lux did not know what to say.

“And –– the securing of drinking water is necessary, too. The points (locations) of drinkable spring water should have been sketched on the drawn map from past investigations, so can you please give it to me, too?”

“Ah, I understand that, but Krulcifer-san is…”

“I will watch over the baggage near this vicinity. I’m counting on you, Lux-kun.”

“…………”

She had asserted like so with an extremely calm face.

In a peremptory tone…

“T-Then, I’ll be right back, so be careful, too, Krulcifer-san––”

“Lux-kun, you are a man after all. How reliable.”

When she earnestly said so, he could no longer complain.

(B-But well, it somehow feels like it’s been a long time since Krulcifer-san behaved like herself.)

He was still feeling pain here and there, but since he had shown off, he could not pull back.

''That’s what being a man is'', Lux thought.

(I feel like I have been beautifully led around by Krulcifer-san, but…)

Lux, enduring fatigue and dull pain, collected firewood and drinking water and decided to take a rest that day.

…………

There was no sun in the “Garden”.

Nonetheless, the light of the ceiling disappeared just as if the day had set, and nature and the neighborhood were wrapped in azure darkness.

They made a small bonfire at the waterside and built a simple tent stretching a cloth on the side of rocks and trees.

As they nibbled the dried meat and rye bread which were in the bag and finished their simple dinner, they were finally able to settle down.

“Speaking of which, I wonder if everyone is safe…”

Lux anxiously muttered so.

He presumed that Lisha and the others who were near had probably also been drawn inside the ruins, but he did not know.

“If there was a <Drake> user we would be able to detect the position of biological reactions and Machine Dragons .Though that is also impossible in this situation.”

“Which means, we can only advance to the altar at the center. If we’re lucky, we might be able to join them there––”

“…………”

As silence filled the neighborhood, Lux was thinking.

About the fact that Krulcifer did not seem to have an ordinary relation with the Einvolk House.

About the reason why she was so obsessed with this ruins investigation.

And––

“We should decide soon about the lookout and sleeping order.”

As if sliding into Lux’s thinking, Krulcifer muttered.

Fortunately, there were no ferocious carnivores inside the “Garden”, so they didn’t have to worry about being attacked by a beast.

But, there was also the possibility that an Abyss might appear in the “Garden”, so as expected they should avoid relaxing their vigilance openly.

“T-Then, I’ll look out first.”

When Lux proposed so, Krulcifer quietly nodded,

“Understood. After a little time has passed, please wake me up.”

As she lied down on the sheet which was a simple tent,

“Don’t attack me, okay?”

“I-I won’t do something like that!?”

To Krulcifer’s teasing voice, Lux unintentionally shouted.

“I see… But just to note, you have a criminal record.”

“Like I said, that was a misunderstanding!? That I’ve broken into the bath before was because––”

“Yes, I know. Judging from how you panicked, you surely will not do anything. Well then, good night.”

“…………”

As usual, he was played with.

When Krulcifer turned her back on Lux, she began to leak a sleeper’s breathing (the breathing of a person sleeping) calmly after a while.

“Ruins, huh…”

After sighing once, Lux looked up at the dark space.

An existence which should also be called the treasure warehouse of the world that brought about a tremendous development due to Drag-Rides and ancient documents.

The fight to solve its mysteries was accelerating as time passed.

It appeared to be what Fugil had said; Lux was also in possession of the golden horn which could summon the Abysses, but there was no reaction so far.

Was the key to reaching the ruins’ depths that Airi, who deciphered ancient documents, was talking about something different?

And on the night of the next day, a duel with Barzeride was waiting.

“It would be good if nothing happens…”

Towards the ceiling of the Garden where the sky could not be seen, it looked like invisible dark clouds were hanging over.

===Part 9===

One night had passed in the “Garden” –– the next day.

Lux also seemed to have fallen asleep before he was aware, and when he woke up, Krulcifer was sitting in front of the bonfire.

It looked like Lux himself was unexpectedly quite exhausted.

After he had the same meal as yesterday, they began to walk to the place called the “altar” at the center.

They did not use Machine Dragons to move because Lux’s <Wyvern> had been greatly damaged.

Though <Bahamut> and <Fafnir> were available, now when fatigue still remained, there was the need to preserve them in case of emergencies.

In this sense, it was a situation where they couldn’t let their guard down even for a moment.

“It looks like it is going to rain.”

Krulcifer who was walking in front while holding up her hand to her face said.

“Rain? Does it even rain in this place?”

“Based on past records, it looks like it. It seems that the structure has not yet been clarified though––. Let’s hurry.”

Krulcifer said so and accelerated her pace.

But immediately after, her slender body suddenly staggered a bit.

“Watch out!”

When Lux hurriedly supported her body, it was tinged with a high fever.

“Krulcifer-san. Don’t tell me that’s––”

The reason why she left the physical work to Lux for last night’s camping.

If Lux’s prediction proved right, they should return as soon as possible.

“…I am all right. I also said so yesterday, right? Thank you for helping me.”

But even so, Krulcifer began to walk looking only forward.

A small amount of sweat oozed on the nape of her neck.

The inside of the “Garden” was by no means hot.

Lux was convinced that her leg was injured.

“It’s just a little twisted. It’s not a big deal.”

“As expected, shouldn’t we go back? I’ll take you until the gate of the inner wall with <Bahamut>, so if we just stay still there––”

“I am sorry.”

As she painfully cast her eyes down, Krulcifer still did not stop walking.

“I must by all means go. This is one of a few chances I have, so––”

“…I understand.”

Therefore, Lux also decided to go on.

“In return, let me walk in front.”

As he said only that, Krulcifer also nodded slightly.

For a while, the two people silently advanced.

“Hey, Krulcifer-san.”

“…What is it?”

As if to loosen the awkward atmosphere, Lux called out to her.

“Krulcifer-san, why were you looking for the “Black Hero”?”

To Lux’s question, Krulcifer remained silent for a short while.

“For the same reason that I am heading to the altar now. There is something I would like to know by all means.”

She lowered her gaze and softly muttered.

“Have you heard from anyone that my Machine Dragon aptitude value is strangely high? Normally, no matter how rash a human acts, there is a limit for the continuous operation of a Drag-Ride. But––”

“But?”

“If the legend of the “Black Hero” is true, if he really annihilated the imperial army in one night, then that Drag-Knight has almost no limit. Surely just like me –– something like that.”

“…………”

Unable to say anything at Krulcifer’s meaningful words, Lux continued walking.

And after about ten minutes,

“This place is, um––”

Krulcifer and Lux had finally arrived at the altar at the center.

Around a circular floor, white columns stood in a row and a silver gem placed on the central platform was tinged with a mysterious light.

A strange structure (Object) which they seemed to be familiar with and unlike any other thing.

It (Object) which was made of the same white metal as the walls of the “Garden” was the altar.

“It looks like we are the first to arrive, huh…”

Krulcifer quietly approached that jewel while looking around.

“Well then, we will wait for everyone here––”

When Lux proposed so,

『Ga, gagaga…』

A strange sound could be suddenly heard.

“……!?”

Though Lux and Krulcifer placed their hands on their Sword Devices at their waists at once,

“An Abyss… it doesn’t look like it!? This voice is –– a person’s!?”

『Ga, gagaga…! Existence of the <key> recognized. Performing special code unlock. If there is no problem, begin the transfer.』

A voice which directly resounded within the brain like the dragon voice was suddenly audible.

“This sound!? Is it by any chance from this altar––!?”

At that moment, the pattern depicted on the floor emitted a dazzling light.

“This––!?”

They reflexively closed their eyes –– when they opened them, all the scenery had changed.

“––It looks like we were transferred to the inside.”

An inorganic corridor surrounded by bluish-white metallic plates and where innumerable rubble rolled.

It was the inside of the altar that they had heard about.

“This place, is my…”

When Lux was surprised at the unfamiliar scenery, Krulcifer moved as if she was in a hurry.

And, when she put her hand on a strange box-shaped object, a white light ran.

『Confirming key’s authentication. By level authority, removing lock to the second layer management room.』

“The object, talked…!?”

To that mysterious occurrence, Lux opened his eyes wide in surprise.

''The strange voice which was emitted from the object.''

''Has it reacted to Krulcifer?''

“So…I was right after all, huh.”

With a small sigh, Krulcifer’s hand separated from the object.

And then she slowly walked towards a shelf which was on the side of the wall side of the room.

“Krulcifer-san!? That place––”

Numerous <Boxes> were placed on the shelf.

Inside the ruins, boxes which stored Machine Dragons’ parts and ancient documents –– <Box> existed.

However, because the seams were firm and couldn’t be opened, originally there should be no other method of opening it other than bringing back the entire box with a Machine Dragon, and then taking time to break it, but…

“…………”

『Confirming key’s authentication. By level authority, removing lock to the second layer management room.』

Krulcifer, with a serious look, softly held up her hand to the edge of a Box and moved a finger as if softly stroking the space.

“Eh…!?”

With only that, the box, which should not open, completely opened with a small sound.

Inside of it, there were numerous general-purpose Machine Dragons’ armaments and parts, and a bunch of papers written in ancient characters.

Krulcifer looked over the pages of the ancient document as she turned them.

Each time she shook her head while saying “That’s not it…”; she walked to the doors at the back.

The metal walls lying on top of one another automatically opened by her only touching them.

Ahead of that, there was a staircase which continued further underground.

“I still don’t know. Deeper… I should search deeper. ––!”

While muttering, the moment when she put her hand on the opened door at the back, Krulcifer’s body suddenly fell.

“Krulcifer-san!”

“Uh…”

As she shook her head in order to shake off the pain, Krulcifer tried to get up.

But, she could not get up straight.

Her body which Lux supported was tinged with a strong fever.

“So hot, don’t tell me…?”

“…I’m all right, I can still––”

『Gagaga… pipipipi––!』

The moment when Krulcifer answered like so, vibrations ran around.

“An earthquake? No––”

『Danger. Due to vibrations, the inside collapsed. Please evacuate to a safe room.』

Soon after the voice was emitted from the object, as it said the ceiling began to crumble.

“……!”

Supporting Krulcifer who could no longer move, Lux slipped into a nearby room.

The vibrations settled and the surroundings regained its silence once again.

………………

“It looks like the outside of the door has been blocked with rubble.”

Having escaped from the collapse for the time being, Lux who heaved a breath of relief muttered so.

Though the collapse was small, as expected this layer seemed to be dangerous.

That was surely the result of various predecessors breaking and digging through the building in order to get Machine Dragons and materials related to them.

Depending on the location of the ruins, there also seemed to be parts which became relatively fragile.

“Let’s settle down for a little while. With your body like that, it’s impossible to use <Fafnir>. I’ll look over the situation around here a little, so––”

After the vibrations from the collapse settled, Lux told so to Krulcifer who cast her eyes down and stood up.

Probably because of the shock, most of the light around disappeared and darkness wrapped the vicinity.

“…I am sorry.”

He heard a faint voice from the girl who hung her head down.

“No. Don’t worry about it. More importantly ––eh?”

When Lux was going to state his concern about Krulcifer’s body, her thin fingertips softly held his hand.

“Could you allow my selfishness just for a little bit? I would like you to hear my story.”

“…………”

“I am not a human of this world. I am–– a survivor of the ruins.”

“A survivor…?”

Lux couldn’t help but become speechless at the words suddenly spat out.

===Part 10===

“I see, so –– were you able to confirm her function as a “key”?”

The same time at Fort City.

In a room of a stately mansion located in the dwelling district of the wealthy, two figures were sitting, facing each other.

They were Barzeride Kreutzer called “Title Holder of the Kingdom” and an existence wearing a jet-black robe.

“Yeah, I expressly tagged along for sightseeing, but in order to protect that woman from the Abyss’s explosion, it looks like I was drawn into the ruins. When you expressly came here to say that I should marry a woman of the country Ymir, I wondered what it was about –– but with this, I understand now.”

Barzeride contentedly muttered so and inclined the wine glass in his hand.

“If we get that “key”, it will be possible to arrive at the depths of the ruins. Wonderful. With this, I will get the “strongest power” and the “greatest fortune”.”

“That’s good for you. Then in order to control her easily, shall I sell you a special medicine? I can make a docile –– living doll for you.”

The figure in robe said so as he warped his mouth.

Although his eyes couldn’t be seen as they were hidden under a hood, his voice was distorted with bottomless malice.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t use those kinds of means.”

But, Barzeride calmly shook his head while returning a smile.

“I took a liking to that woman, you see? If I don’t make her yield directly with my own hands, I won’t be satisfied. Be it the pride or dignity she has piled up, I’ll pin all of it and make her become my thing. In this country, women are no more than tools for us men to push on our way to the top. I have to make her thoroughly understand that. Her skill as a Drag-Knight is also excellent, and besides –– even as a tool for night time, it looks like I can enjoy it for a long time.”

“What a good hobby you have, “Title Holder of the Kingdom”.”

The figure in robe who understood his intention contentedly nodded.

“But for the engagement with her, it has turned into a strange duel. Do you have any chances of victory?”

“That’s a stupid question, brethren.”

As Barzeride replied immediately, he softly touched the hilt of the Sword Device hung at his waist with his fingers.

“The Divine Raiment of <Aži Dahāka> which I bought from you is the strongest. I don’t feel like losing no matter who the opponent is. Even if that legendary “Black Hero” is to appear, he won’t be a match for the current me.”

“Yes, Speaking of which –– there is one thing I have to tell you about that, Lord Kreutzer.”

The figure in robe changed his frivolous voice to a serious one and told so.

Opening his gray pupils, hidden in the shadow, wide to the limit, the man laughed.

“The Old Empire’s legend –– the Black Hero’s true identity and his Divine Raiment. Don’t you want to buy this information?”

===Part 11===

“I am not a human of this world. I am–– a survivor of the ruins.”

To Krulcifer’s words, Lux could not help but freeze.

In this altar room where they couldn’t move from due to the collapse, a quiet voice resounded.

“A human of the ruins… don’t tell me––”

“I was found in the ruins of Ymir–– a place called the “fourth ruin – Hole”. No, saying that I was excavated would be correct.”

“By that, what do you mean?”

“Do you remember the <Box> of a little while ago? A treasure box in which the inheritance of the old times sleeps in. Similarly, it seems that I was sleeping within a box with a form different from that. I, who was still very young, that is. At that time, the Head of the Einvolk House who was doing the ruins’ investigation –– and currently my foster father found me.”

“Then, for the Einvolk House…”

“Of course, since it is a proper House, I was taken in as an adopted child. Or so I thought. They probably have some kind of expectation from me. They should have wanted me as a clue connected to the ruins –– and a lost past. I, who had no memory at all of the past, was living in the Einvolk House, knowing nothing about such a thing.”

“…………”

“Around the time when I was old enough, I had understood that I was an adopted child. My parents, my siblings, the employees, everybody was somewhat distant, so I naturally became aware of it. That I–– was different from the people of this house. That’s why I worked very hard. In order to please everyone and in order to have them accept me as a member of the family someday. Really, no matter how hard things were, I endured them and kept working hard.”

“Krulcifer, san…”

“And like that, before I became aware, I was called a genius. Be it study or etiquette… also as a Drag-Knight, I was recognized as a first-class user. But… in the end, the thing I wanted the most, I was not able to obtain it.”

“…………”

The Einvolk Family, A distinguished family of knights and Drag-Knights.

Because she had no blood relationship, the girl struggled for a place to stay.

So, she piled up ability and results through years of hard work and reached the top.

But––

“No. Far from it, before I became aware, they became more distant. The harder I was working, the bigger the distance to them became. I, who possessed a skill to the extent of being given a Divine Drag-Ride at this age, was avoided by my siblings before I was aware. As expected, it was because of the fact that I am a creature different from them. One day, I had accidentally heard about it when my father and my big brother were talking.”

Resignation and loneliness were mixed in the tone of Krulcifer who talked indifferently.

“And finally like this, I was also kept away from the House. The rampage that occurred in the ruins of Ymir; after that incident, I was treated like an angel of death and thus sent to another country. Not having taken my Divine Drag-Ride was probably in order to give some weight to it as an article for sale.”

“Is that why you were so obsessed with this ruins’ investigation?”

“Yes… I always wanted to confirm it. Whether I was really a human of the ruins. I thought that maybe what I had heard until now was some kind of mistake, and that the real me is just an ordinary human and a person from the Einvolk House, but––”

Treasure and technology which slept in the ruins.

Lux understood that she was not interested in such a thing that many people sought.

“My true identity is, after all, a human of the ruins. After seeing the ruins’ reaction to me, I’m now sure of that. But–– I was not able to remember anything about me and the events of the past.”

Quietly casting down her eyes, Krulcifer sighed.

“Y-You cannot jump to conclusions yet! It isn’t as if you examined everything here, too; and perhaps, there might be other clues in the ruins in Ymir––”

“No, it’s fine already.”

“Eh…?”

To the words which suddenly fell, Lux could not help but doubt his eyes.

Krulcifer’s lean figure was trembling little by little.

“I have already become scared now, so… I wonder why. Even though I hated so much the family of the Einvolk House… even though I wanted to know the truth, if I came to know that I am really an outsider and “different”, then I would become helplessly frightened. If I continued to explore the ruins here, and if there was any other person from the ruins like me or ordinary people accepting my existence –– When I think so.”

“Krulcifer…san”

To Krulcifer who showed a fleeting profile, Lux silently stretched his hands.

“I’m sorry. For having made you go along with my selfishness, for such a nobody like me––”

“That’s not true!”

Lux raised his voice, and grasped Krulcifer’s hands.

“Lux…kun?”

“Neither Ymir nor the Einvolk House matters. Krulcifer-san is a friend the same as us, and for now –– my love… partner right?! So –– no longer say such lonely things…”

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v2 0016.jpg|thumb]]

Lux, who became embarrassed at his voice which got excited, quietly looked away while saying that still holding her hands.

“…………”

After Krulcifer stared at Lux with a blank face for only several seconds,

“Fu, Fufufu…”

She burst into laughter with a face as if she was enduring something.

“…Eh?”

“Lux-kun. I will give you one advice. You should not easily believe a woman’s complaints.”

“Eh, eeeeeeeeeeeeeh…!?”

Krulcifer who suddenly returned to a cool expression said so as to tease him.

“Wait, was what you said a while ago a lie!?”

When Lux confusedly released Krulcifer’s hands,

“You should stop sympathizing with other people’s misfortunes. Your only weakness is being generous to others, so I said that just to test it; but this reaction of yours was more than expected. Be careful at the time of the duel.”

“…Ah, Hahaha.”

To the words of Krulcifer who looked as if nothing had happened, Lux smiled wryly for a while.

“But really, why are you so softhearted. Even you were a Prince of that notorious Old Empire––”

“Though I think that it isn’t really like I’m softhearted. This is surely because such was my fate.”

To Krulcifer’s mutter, Lux answered with a distant look.

“Eh…?”

“I had been banished from the Imperial Court along with my mother and my little sister Airi because of an admonition of my maternal grandfather. My grandfather was a former feudal lord, and he had also worked as the person in charge of the imperial family’s education, so I think that he wasn’t able to remain silent after witnessing the Empire’s way of doing things. But––”

At that time, the Emperor and Prime Minister imprisoned his grandfather and also banished Lux and company from the Imperial Court as punishment.

And then, one day after two years, an incident occurred.

When the carriage that Lux and his mother rode on slipped down a cliff, the territory people, out of the grudge of being oppressed by the Old Empire, let Lux’s mother who was injured die.

They did not get rescued.

Because they had offended and were banished from the Imperial Court, his father the emperor did not even come to the funeral.

Lux and company were shunned and forsaken by both the imperial family and the people.

“That’s a really tragic story… Did you not resent anyone?”

“I resented them, of course.”

Lux awkwardly laughed and replied.

“The Emperor who is my father, the imperial family, the Old Empire, the territory people, I resented everyone around me. I think that I probably cursed even this world. I became desperate. I became disgusted by anything and everything –– but”

“But?”

“Philphie saved me. I, who also lost almost all value as royalty, she had been by my side all the time––. She slipped out of her House and came to see me every day. But one day, she got lost, and I decided to go looking for her.”

Even to Lux’s wry smile, Krulcifer did not laugh.

“I noticed then. That I didn’t actually want to hate anyone. Because of the Empire, I didn’t want to hate those important to me–– or those who might become so.”

“…………”

“That’s why I wanted to change the country. I wanted to create a country where no one would have to hate those that they like… See, I also have something like lineage, but I was in the lowest rank of the royalty.”

He said so and turned a smile to Krulcifer.

“––You really are a good person, eh.”

“That’s not right. After all, I…”

At Krulcifer’s earnest words, Lux returned so.

“If you had ended up becoming the Prince of the New Kingdom, would you also have saved me?”

“Eh…?”

“No, it is nothing.”

The moment when Krulcifer returned again to her usual smile,

“Hey! Are you under here!? Lux! Krulcifer!”

From upstairs, Lisha came down with the sound of friction caused by metal.

“Lisha-sama!?”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>bakii*! Knocking a nearby ceiling, four Machine Dragons got down.

“Ooh, they are here! Finally found you, Lux!”

When looking up at the broken ceiling, there were Lisha wearing the <Chimeric Wyvern>, and the three girls of the Triad respectively wearing each a general-purpose Machine Dragon.

They seemed to have dug through until nearby with the armament attached to the <Chimeric Wyvern>’s right arm.

“Everyone, have you come to rescue us!?”

“Yes. I was able to perceive your positions with my <Drake>, so –– it’s good that you’re safe above all.”

Lux heaved a sigh of relief at Nokuto’s voice.

“It’s almost the time when the gate will open. I’ll carry you, so let’s go quickly.”

When Lisha said so, she was about to first carry Lux with the <Chimeric Wyvern>’s left hand, but

“You should first take Krulcifer-san. She seems to be hurt.”

Nokuto calmly pointed out so.

“…Wha!? B-But… Thinking carefully, my right arm is equipped with a drill, so there will be no sense of stability to hold an injured person. Hey Sharis, I leave Krulcifer to you whose both hands are empty.”

“Good grief, what an incorrigible Princess.”

While smiling wryly at Lisha’s order, Sharis wearing a <Wyvern> got down.

“We have already given the excavated ancient documents and Machine Dragons’ parts to the other members and made them wait near the “gate”. And now with you two safe like this, we can say that the strategy this time is a success.”

While Sharis said so, she picked up Krulcifer.

“What a relief. Everyone is safe. Well then, let’s go back.”

After Tillfarr added that at last, they all started moving.

On the way to the “gate”, fortunately no Abyss appeared and they were able to safely escape from the ruins.

===Part 12===

“So in the end, there was no results obtained related to the “key”, huh? Even though your <Wyvern> was seriously damaged––”

When Lux returned to the girl’s dormitory and finished his medical checkup, he was given instructions of “complete bed rest” for a while.

In the medical office in the evening, there was no one else except just Airi and Lux now.

Although Lux had not suffered apparent injuries, since fatigue had accumulated due to injuries like bruises and his Machine Dragon’s operation, he was told not to fight for a while.

Krulcifer and the Knight Squadron’s members who travelled along also ended their medical treatment, and were now under rest.

“No, like I said, sorry.”

“I am angry because Nii-san has not reflected on anything at all. In addition to that, the ruins are dangerous, and yet you acted recklessly again––”

About that, when he protected Krulcifer from the collapse of the ruins, he had hit his body here and there; so there was no helping it, but,

“In the end –– that horn was not a “key”, huh?”

“Yes. In that situation, I was afraid to use it and even when I held it up inside the ruins, there was no decent reaction which made it look like a key.”

Something which was a possibility having arrived at the depths of the ruins.

But, he could not say yet that he had found a different “key”.

About the fact that the path to the door had been opened by the power of the girl of the ruins that was Krulcifer.

“I see… It’s regrettable that there was no progress with this, but there’s no helping it.”

With this, the ruins investigation rights that the Atismata New Kingdom owned had been fully used once.

In order to investigate the ruins once again, they had to win the off-campus confrontation battle against the neighboring countries by using Drag-Rides and acquire those rights.

For the off-campus confrontation battle in one month, a campus selection battle would begin in one week.

Lux also had to decide what he would do for that battle.

But, before that… there was something he had to do.

“Then, Nii-san. Please, drink this.”

As Lux forcibly raised half his body, Airi held out a cup containing a dark brown liquid to him.

“This is––?”

“It’s a medicine. Since you will make it in time for the duel, please take a rest at least for now.”

“…Yes. Thank you.”

Lux took the cup containing the medicine and drank it up in one gulp.

“…Ngh, hum”

After a while, he closed his eyes and groaned a bit.

As he fell asleep before long, he started leaking small sleeper’s breathing.

“––Are you satisfied with this? Krulcifer-san.”

“Yes, thank you.”

Immediately after, Krulcifer entered into the medical office.

Then, after seeing Lux lying down on the bed, she leaked a small breath.

“Like this, we can feel at ease for the time being.”

With her usual cool expression.

“Is it all right? If you ask Nii-san, I think that he will fight with you.”

When Airi asked so wonderingly,

“He will certainly. But––”

Krulcifer muttered as she cast down her eyes with hesitation.

While Lux would still be sleeping due to the medicine with strong sleep effect, the duel would be over.

It was also Krulcifer who asked Airi for the concoction of a medicine for that purpose.

“I cannot afford to get your brother involved with my situation any more than this. He has already helped me a lot.”

“In any case, it will be impossible for Nii-san to fight tonight.”

Airi, staring at Lux’s sleeping as such, calmly concluded.

“Not only injuries and fatigue during the ruins investigation, but his <Wyvern> was also seriously damaged. He can’t fight properly with it just slightly repaired. And against two powerful people in a duel at that.”

“That’s right.”

With an attitude saying that she understood, Krulcifer turned her heels.

In any case, Lux did not have a Drag-Ride to fight with.

“Besides –– since we are talking about Nii-san, if compelled, he might try to use <Bahamut>.”

The “Black Hero” who destroyed the Old Empire five years ago.

If he used <Bahamut>, his true identity might be known by those two opponents.

If that happened, in exchange for victory, Lux would draw further danger to himself.

Therefore, Krulcifer, after consideration, made this decision.

A way to bring her fate to an end by herself without relying on Lux.

“Well then, I’ll leave him to you. You surely understand even without me saying it, but if he were to wake up, tell him that the duel was called off––. This request also, will be over by tomorrow.”

Putting the request of the matter on a nearby table, Krulcifer left the medical room.

After the sound of her footsteps disappeared, Airi sighed.

“As expected, you still know nothing about Nii-san…”

Airi muttered in a resigned, amazed and somehow casual tone.

Suddenly, the door was strongly knocked on, and Lisha came in.

“Hey, Lux? Are your injuries all right? ––Wait, the little sister is also here, huh.”

Slightly disappointed, Lisha turned her gaze to Airi.

“Is something the matter? Lizsharte-sama.”

“No. I checked a little with my authority about a matter which Lux had asked before. That man called Barzeride –– he is quite suspicious. He’s an ambitious person and it seems that he had hired bandits as private soldiers several times in the past.”

“That is certainly strange.”

“But, the situation is much worse now. It was written in the letter delivered from mother just a while ago. The reason why we must overthrow Barzeride and his aim. This New Kingdom’s crisis will be––”

And Lisha began to talk next to Lux who was sleeping.

About the conspiracy of the “Title Holder of the Kingdom” hidden in this matter.<noinclude>
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Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 2 Episode 3

2017-12-08T20:05:47Z

OmegaWeaponZ: /* Part 6 */

==Episode 3 - The Sixth Ruin – One Garden==

===Part 1===

Fort City first block. A white stately mansion located in the dwelling district of the wealthy.

Two people were sitting on a sofa in a spacious living room.

One of them was a man characterized by his blonde hair and high stature, Barzeride Kreutzer.

The other was an existence with sharp piercing eyes which put on a jet black robe and a hood which covered over his eyes.

Inside, the house was illuminated by the sunlight flowing in through the windows and there was no presence of other people such as servants.

“So –– how is it? The condition of the Divine Drag-Ride <Aži Dahāka> that I sold––”

“Yeah. It’s splendid, my friend. I was finally able to perfectly master its Divine Raiment. I still content myself with third place in the tournament of the Capital for now, but––. If I feel like it, this country’s Drag-Knights will no longer be opponents for me.”

To the existence with the robe, the blonde man full of confidence answered while returning a smile.

“I see; it’s as expected of you, my sworn friend. Then–– I count on you for the matter we have talked about.”

Barzeride smiled at the familiar voice.

“If I remember correctly, it was about me marrying that young woman of Earl of Ymir, right? The fact that she is a foreign woman will be a bit of a problem, but is there anything special with her?”

“She is a “key”. The key to unlock the seal of the ruins, she has that kind of power. In order to reach a deep level where humanity has never gone in until now.”

“Then––”

“Yeah, I want to entrust it to you. Therefore, it doesn’t matter whatever means you use. Be sure to conquer(subdue) her and by using her power –– I want you to wrench the doors of the ruins open. If you do so, I’ll leave half of the ruins’ treasures and this country’s rule which will someday fall into our hands to you.”

“Kuku, I understand. That woman seems to be quite proud, but such a female is worth breaking. I’ll live up to your expectations, my friend.”

Barzeride shook his shoulders and joyfully laughed.

As he imagined his military rule in the future.

“Well then, I will take my leave. You don’t need to see me off.”

“Yeah, see you again, my friend.”

Saying only that, the existence with the robe soundlessly left the mansion.

After Barzeride went up to the second floor of the mansion, and saw with his own eyes from the window that the figure disappeared in the alley,

“Hmph. Don’t think that you can tame me forever. Well, it’s fine; if you say I can use whatever means, then there are many measures to consider.”

Saying so, Barzeride tightly grasped the Sword Device at hand and clicked his tongue.

“I’m looking forward to it. This country’s next King ––will be me.”

===Part 2===

“Phew…”

It was the day after they agreed to a duel with Barzeride.

Lux who welcomed lunch break in the classroom was a little sleepy.

Since he handled a classmate’s request today from earlier this morning, he was a little tired.

This was because he thought that it wasn’t good that he gave so much priority to Krulcifer’s request that he hardly listened to other girls’, but––

(As expected, I overdid it a little, I guess…)

On account of his life of odd jobs, when it grew dark, he went to bed and made sure to relieve fatigue for the next day’s work, but, since he came to this academy, he had worked even more as much as he was usually taken care of.

He didn’t know whether or not she guessed it, but Krulcifer unusually released Lux saying “I have some business to take care of today”.

Though it wasn’t a bad feeling to live as Krulcifer’s “lover”, as expected spending time with her who was much more elegant than him was unexpectedly nerve wracking.

Thus, when it had been long since he lazed; lying down on the desk, Tillfarr, one of the Triad, gently poked the shoulder of Lux who was half asleep.

“Oh my, I see that your girlfriend isn’t here today. Lux-cchi, you’re lonely, right?”

To the carefree smile like a flower, Lux raised his face with a wry smile.

“Errr, is it for a work or something?”

“Oh, you may say that, I guess? Seems like you’ve been abandoned. Then, can you tag along with me a little?”

Tillfarr naturally took Lux’s hand and left the classroom with him.

Other students who were withholding due to the matter of Krulcifer’s “lover” were showing faces saying “Damn it, I was late”.

“Okay. It’s here.”

When they walked down the corridor a little, they arrived in front of a certain room before he was aware.

“Huh? This is the drawing room, but––?”

''It’s originally a room for visitors or guests, but is it all right to enter now?''

As Lux was thinking so,

“It’s all right. There is no plan for it to be used today, and we got permission from the Principal. Well then, I’ll go prepare, so wait. Ah, peeping is forbidden.”

The mastermind Tillfarr who brought him along left Lux and went somewhere.

“What on earth does this mean…?”

''Rather, what does she mean by peeping?''

Lux sat on the sofa while being puzzled, but probably because of fatigue, he had fallen into a light sleep.

“N, Ngh…”

“Sorry to keep you waiting! Then, excuse me!”

When he suddenly woke up and raised his face, he heard a knock on the door and then Tillfarr’s voice.

“Ah, welcome––, wait, eeeeh!?”

Lux who was still half asleep couldn’t help but doubt his own eyes as he saw the outfits of the girls who entered.

“––I’m coming in, Lux.”

“Lu-chan. You’re drooling.”

Standing there were Lisha and Philphie dressed in unfamiliar maid outfits.

Following after them was Tillfarr holding plates of food in both hands.

“So, in order to heal Lux-cchi’s daily fatigue, let us serve you. Master, rest slowly.”

Looking at Tillfarr, who winked, and the other two’s appearances, Lux opened his mouth flabbergasted.

It was a plain black maid outfit with a white brim, but as the clothes were a little customized, the skirt was cut rather short.

As for Philphie, her big breasts were also emphasized and it was a very bewitching appearance.

“Errr –– what is this?”

“Well you know, master. I was also consulted by Lisha-sama as to how to make Lux-cchi happy. Because the Princess says that she doesn’t really know what can make a man your age happy, so––”

“H-Hey. You promised not to say that, right!?”

At Tillfarr who openly talked, Lisha blushed in panic.

“––And then, we reached the conclusion that imagining the scene of the time when Lux was a Prince, and serving you as maids was the most pleasing to do.”

“But, I hadn’t gotten maids to take care of me that much––”

“Then, you should use this opportunity to fully enjoy it. We’re all amateurs though.”

As expected of the class’s mood maker, she forcibly pushed forward the talk.

Then, she began to display the dishes on the table.

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v2 0013.jpg|thumb]]

Since it was just lunch time, too, they seemed to want him to eat here.

(Is it all right to do something like this in the academy’s drawing room…?)

Though it isn’t as if Lux didn’t think so just a little,

“Um –– Is it troublesome? Doing something like this suddenly…?”

Looking at Lisha in her maid outfit averting her eyes slightly embarrassed, he changed his mood.

“No, I’m very happy. Thank you, Lisha-sama.”

“……!? N-No, um –– f-for the time being today, you may think of me as being your maid and do somewhat indecent things like when you were young…”

“I won’t do that!? What do you think I was when I was young!?”

“I-I see. Tillfarr said that such things seem to be a maid’s work, too…”

“…………”

As Lux turned a surprised look, Tillfarr whistled acting as if she knew nothing.

Though Lux found it really troublesome, he was honestly happy that they were concerned about him who was tired.

“Lu-chan. The meal will cool down.”

“Since it’s a rare opportunity, a maid will feed you. Lisha-sama.”

“……!? A-As expected, that’s more embarrassing, or rather––”

“…Shall I do it?”

“N-No, let me do it after all. Can I, Lux!?”

Though Lisha was somewhat reserved, she said so as to oppose Philphie.

Then, she picked up a sandwich put on the plate and held it out to Lux’s mouth.

“U-Um, thank you for the meal.”

Since the other two were watching steadily, it felt somewhat awkward, but Lux ate the sandwich from Lisha’s hand.

It had the taste and texture of fresh vegetables, ham, eggs, spices, and sauce.

Since there was also the fact that Lux was also hungry, the sandwich which seemed to be homemade smoothly went into his stomach.

“U-Um, how is the taste? Just to note, we had the dining room’s cook help us with it––”

“It’s very delicious.”

As he replied so to Lisha in her maid outfit who asked with upturned eyes,

“Haw…!?”

Lisha blushed and stiffened on the spot.

“Lux ate it… It’s somehow very exciting. Doing something like this.”

While leaking a seductive sigh, Lisha carried the sandwich to Lux’s mouth with tottering hands. The dish which was put on a large plate was eaten in no time.

“Here, water. Afterwards well, let’s see; shall I massage your shoulders?”

As Lisha was looking outside from the window from the room with an entranced expression, Tillfarr gave him water and gently massaged Lux’s shoulders.

Then, Philphie who was silent until now also put a large plate on the table.

“I made a dessert.”

“T-Thank you –– wait, the dessert after the meal is this!? Isn’t it a little unreasonable!?”

It was a circular pancake –– no, it which was made in seven thick layers could already be regarded as a cylinder.

When Lux hurriedly questioned so,

“…Lu-chan is, cold. Even though you gladly ate it long ago.”

Abruptly looking away as if her pride was wounded, Philphie sulked.

Pancakes were certainly Philphie’s specialty when they were young, but––

“N-No. I like this, too. It wasn’t so much in the old days –– b-but, it’s so nostalgic, I’m happy.”

When he hurriedly corrected himself like so, Philphie’s good mood returned as she said “really?”.

“Then, let’s eat together. We can finish it if we eat together.”

Philphie showing a gentle smile and Lux began to eat the pancake tower together.

After eating two layers, Lux was down and unable to continue; in the end, Philphie ate up the rest in the blink of an eye.

Though it was quite interesting and was a feast for his eyes, Lux thought at last with a wry smile.

(In the end, the three of them were not maid-like at all…)

===Part 3===

“Oh, you finally came! I was waiting for you, Lux.”

Then –– After school of that day.

Lux showed up in the Drag-Knight’s atelier by Lisha’s request.

The unique smell of metal and oil which acridly assailed his nose.

And, countless assembled Machine Dragons standing in a row was a magnificent view no matter how many times one saw it.

One could understand by seeing that Lisha had put on a white gown on her uniform, and was doing her work as an engineer.

“Errr, so, for today’s work––”

“W-Well… leave aside the talk of work for the time being and make yourself comfortable. I’ll get you some tea now, so––”

“Oh, then I’ll do it.”

As Lux offered so due to his usual odd jobs’ habit, and was about to head to the small kitchen located in the back of the atelier.

“No. There’s no need. I, the younger one, should do it.”

“You should just sit down there, Nii-san.”

“Huh…?”

Standing there were two familiar girls, his little sister Airi and her friend Nokuto.

“Why are you here, too––?”

“We had a little business regarding Machine Dragons; since it’s a rare opportunity –– are we in your way? Nii-san.”

Airi said with a somewhat implying smile.

“Ah geez, Lux! Come back here!”

Lisha who saw that called out to him from the sofa.

“Geez, I can at least explain it by myself…”

Judging from Lisha seeming somehow discontented, Airi and Nokuto seemed to have forcibly intruded in here.

After a while, tea poured into cups was carried, and Airi and Nokuto also sat down before the work unit.

And, Airi spread several sheets of paper there.

“This is––”

“Yes. It’s the output analysis result of <Bahamut> that Nii-san uses. I observed the last battle on Nokuto’s <Drake>.”

“…………”

Lux slowly looked over the bunch of papers.

Starting with the estimated output when he used the Divine Raiment, detailed records such as the estimated time of operation limit were written.

Airi probably collected them over many hours for Lux to use <Bahamut> someday.

By increasing the output, one would be able to momentarily generate a strong power, but in return, the consumption would be huge.

A precise adjustment of the output of the Drag-Ride and each armament was carried out in accordance with the ability and aptitude of the user.

However, unlike a general-purpose Machine Dragon, for a Divine Drag-Ride whose existence was confirmed and it was said that there was only one for each species in the world, there was no standard value of adjustment, and it was the present fact that analyses aren’t readily advanced.

Especially regarding <Bahamut>, since Lux could not afford to use it very often, time was required to analyze it.

But––

“While looking at it, I made a fine output adjustment to <Bahamut>. As expected, it was hard to do it until now since there was no data. I cut the output which is likely to be vainly used as much as possible, so I think you can fight quite easily more than before.”

“Thank you, Lisha-sama.”

As Lux turned a smile, Lisha suddenly blushed and averted her eyes.

“Ah, yes… If you say it like that, then it was worth my doing my best. U-Um, as a reward, if you could hold me––”

“Nokuto and I also helped, Nii-san.”

“Ah, thank you, both of you.”

“Yes. I feel obliged.”

“––H-Hey!? I haven’t finished talking yet!”

Ignoring Lisha who shouted from behind, Airi continued the talk.

“By the way, it doesn’t mean that I want you to fight for a long period of time. So, please do not act rashly. That –– you understand, right?”

“Ah, yes. I know.”

To Lux’s smile, Airi also returned a smile.

“With that said, Nokuto. I cannot trust Nii-san, so I can only rely on you.”

“Yes. Roger, Airi.”

“Hey, hey!? What do you mean? You don’t trust me!?”

“It’s obvious, right? Even though you always ignore my advice and rampage as you please.”

“…………”

When being told so, he thought that she was actually right; so his ears hurt.

“Well, in tomorrow’s ‘Abyss subjugation’ and ‘ruins investigation’, as expected I don’t think <Bahamut> should be used.”

Lisha suddenly muttered as she folded her arms.

“Ah, speaking of which––”

The ruins’ investigation by “Knight Squadron” that he was told about by Relie.

The day for that to happen should be tomorrow.

The objective was the subjugation of a Golem, a large Abyss which appeared around the ruins.

As well as the sixth ruin –– Garden’s investigation.

Originally, that mission would be carried out by a unit whose members were half composed of those elected from the “Knight Squadron”, but this time by Relie’s recommendation, Lux was also going to tag along as an exception.

Of course, he could not afford to let <Bahamut>’s existence be known to the other members of the “Knight Squadron”, so he did not want to act too much rashly, but––

“Don’t worry. After all, the commanding officer this time is me.”

Drinking the tea contained in her cup, Lisha stuck out her chest.

“While we are it, I also prepared the most recently drawn map of the “Garden”, so please keep it in mind during this evening.”

“Ah, yes. Thank you.”

Lux nodded and thanked Airi’s consideration.

The ruins were labyrinths whose existences had been confirmed to number seven in the world presently and in which ancient technology slept.

Drag-Rides, Abysses and unknown technology.

This place was an existence which brought various things in the world and prompted rapid evolution and development in these past ten years.

Among the three ruins which were in the territory of and around the New Kingdom, the sixth ruin, the “Garden” was the place where investigation had advanced the most in the present situation, but even so –– its whole aspect had not been clarified yet.

But, since it was a matter which had continued since the Old Empire era, it was a path which could not be avoided.

“This time, as expected Krulcifer won’t tag along. So, you may rely on me without reserve, Lux.”

“Is that so?”

To Lisha who tapped his shoulder smilingly, Lux returned so.

“Yes. In her case, there is that “condition” after all.”

Krulcifer was a foreign student of the country Ymir.

Therefore, on the occasion of fighting in this Atismata New Kingdom, her unique standard was determined.

When it came to the subjugation of a dangerous Abyss, Krulcifer should basically not participate.

(I wonder if she’ll be alright by herself. Krulcifer-san…)

However, Lux was anxious about going and leaving her alone.

It should be the safest if she didn’t go to the ruin investigation, but––

“Okay, this talk is over. Therefore, how about you young girls go back? I want to talk with Lux about a slightly personal matter, you see?”

“A talk?”

“Ah, yes… well.”

When Lisha was about to begin talking,

<nowiki>*</nowiki>knock-knock*

They heard a light knock.

“Good evening!”

Before they could reply, opening the door and entering was Tillfarr of the Triad.

“What are you all doing? It looks very interesting, so let me in.”

“As usual, you’re someone who can’t read the atmosphere…”

Lisha turned reproachful eyes at the cheerful Tillfarr and sighed.

“Why did you come here for? Tillfarr.”

As she couldn’t just watch that without doing anything, Nokuto also of the Triad asked just as amazed.

“Well, there is a message for Lux-cchi. From Principal Relie; she said that tonight after about five o’clock–– you’ll be able to enter the bathroom.”

“Ah, I see.”

At these words, Lux also forgot their talk about the ruins and stood up.

About the bathing in the girl’s dormitory, Lux was basically prohibited from going in, but there was a certain period of time when he could use the bathroom; about once a week.

When the female students finished their bathing and there were no other users, he was called out by the manager such as the dormitory leader and was allowed to enter all alone.

Since he usually got it over with only wiping his body with a towel dipped in cold or hot water, bathing was a rare opportunity for Lux.

“Then, even if I go––”

“Hmm… it can’t be helped. Let’s call it a day. Let’s talk about this another time.”

With Lisha’s permission, Lux left the Machine Dragon’s atelier.

And he went straight to the large public bath of the girl’s dormitory.

===Part 4===

“Phew. It’s been a while since I was in a bath––”

He carefully knocked on the door of the dressing room and bathroom, and after having confirmed that there was nobody inside, he put the plate “under cleaning” outside and took off his clothes.

Although he had properly gotten permission from the Principal, as expected he couldn’t help being nervous just by being in the bathroom of the girl’s dormitory.

Marble pillars, and the large bathroom which lamps faintly illuminated.

After dashing hot water over himself at the washing place, he slowly washed his body and finally immersed his whole body into the bathtub.

''I was regularly bathing in my Imperial Court life when I was young, but after beginning my life of Chores, I was hardly able to take a proper bath; so this is also a side benefit'', Lux thought.

He relaxed his whole body and entrusted it to the buoyancy of hot water.

The sensation of his muscles, which got tired with daily odd jobs and training, getting loose was comfortable.

“Haa…”

Originally a time of supreme bliss that he could rarely taste.

Nevertheless, there was a certain concern in Lux’s head.

It was about the duel over Krulcifer’s engagement.

There was no problem in the fact that it had come to a duel –– to the fight itself.

However, aside from the woman butler Alterize, Barzeride was a dangerous opponent.

And, he was also worried about Krulcifer who had also decided to fight.

(I don’t really understand though. She doesn’t seem to have a very good relationship with her home––)

Of course, since it was about Krulcifer, she was probably doing well; but it somehow felt like she did not trust the members of the Einvolk House.

This might be because Lux, who was treated as a parasite among the imperial family before, put himself in her place that he ended up thinking so.

“…………”

Lux gently closed his eyes while being soaked into the bathtub.

Tomorrow, Lux would join the ruins investigation by the “Knight Squadron” for the first time.

“I hope we’ll be able to come back safely––”

As he talked like so to himself.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>chapun*. The sound of water splashing could be heard immediately nearby.

“Eh––?”

When he spontaneously opened his eyes and looked at the figure hidden in the white steam,

“…… Huh?”

A familiar pink-haired girl looked at Lux with her absentminded eyes and tilted her head to the side.

“––Wait, eeeeeeeeeeeeeh!?”

Standing with a splashy sound, Lux could not help but draw back in the bathtub.

As he flung his back on the wall, he finally grasped the present situation.

“It’s rude. Lu-chan.”

When Philphie who let her hair down said so with a serious look,

“Ah, s-sorry–– not that!? Why is Phil…Phi-chan here!? Um, wasn’t there a plate “under cleaning” outside!?”

“It’s because I came back late from training today. Onee-chan said that the bath is still opened––”

“…………”

At her indifferent words, Lux guessed.

This situation was definitely Philphie’s mischievous big sister, Principal Relie’s doing.

“Geez, what is she thinking!? That person…!”

No matter if they were childhood friends, she should not let a young lady and a man their age sleep and take a bath together.

It looked like Philphie herself did not mind it, but there was a problem after all.

“S-Sorry. W-Well then, I’ll immediately go out, so––”

As Lux, thinking so, was about to get out of the bathtub,

“––Why?”

Philphie returned a straight face.

“No, after all!? Even Phi-chan hates it, right!? To take a bath with me, a man––”

As Lux confusedly said so,

“I will never take a bath with a man I don’t like.”

Bending her head slightly to one side, she replied with a serious look.

Lux’s face reflexively became red

“N-No, I’m not talking about that––”

When Lux said so while covering his eyes with his hand,

“It’s been a long time since I took a bath with Lu-chan. It’s really nostalgic…”

Philphie smiled as she said so in a hearty tone.

“…………”

Her tone looked really happy for her, who was usually taciturn, and Lux somehow hesitated about getting out of the bathtub.

(N-No, but––, it doesn’t change the fact that it’s ethically wrong!)

Within his whole body conflict and embarrassment seethed, Lux threw a fleeting glance at the figure of Philphie slightly away.

It was beautiful.

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v2 0014.jpg|thumb]]

Her big amber eyes and her flushed cheeks.

Her fluffy pink hair got wet and slightly stuck on her skin.

And, her white, firm skin and big chest which floated in the bathtub––

(Wait, looking more than this is bad…!)

Lux looked away and somehow maintained his reason which almost collapsed unintentionally.

As he threw a fleeting sidelong glance at Philphie after calming down after several deep breaths––

“…Kukah”

“She actually fell asleep!? Wait, you can’t sleep here, Phil––”

Unintentionally drawing near, he lightly shook Philphie’s shoulders soaking in the bathtub.

Her vivid body temperature and the feel of her smooth skin.

The rich swelling which shook together with Philphie shaken back and forth.

(W-Wait, I can see her breasts…! From the front is bad!)

Lux’s gaze was attracted to her half exposed big chest floating in the hot water, and his throat quickly got dry.

In order to restrain himself, as he got up from the bathtub at once, he put his hands on Philphie’s shoulders from behind and lightly shook her––

“Huh––?”

For an instant, a strange sense of discomfort cooled down Lux’s mind.

Lux himself, not knowing immediately the reason, stiffened for about several seconds.

“Ngh… what’s wrong? Lu-chan”

“N-No… M-More importantly, you shouldn’t sleep in the bath, Phi-chan.”

“…Yes. Thank you.”

Philphie who woke up turned her head to thank him.

So as not to see her naked body over the transparent hot water, Lux, after averting his eyes, finally realized the true identity of the sense of discomfort.

“H-Hey, Phi-chan”

“…What?”

“Wasn’t there a scar on your back? A small one diagonally from the right shoulder––”

“…Maybe there was. I don’t really remember though.”

With slow movements, Philphie passed one hand onto her back and traced it with a finger.

Right, I’m sure there should have been one.

Lux remembered having heard that it was a scar she had gotten by having fallen down in her childhood before meeting with him.

It was not that deep a scar, but one could tell by sight that it was an old wound.

But, as far as Lux saw a while ago, the scar had neatly disappeared.

Could the wound which left a scar that remained from the time of childhood be healed at this age?

“Lu-chan. Be careful tomorrow.”

“E-Errr…?”

Lux came to his senses at Philphie’s voice.

“You’re going to the ruins, right? I also won’t be able to go with you this time due to orders. It’s regrettable, but I was told so by Onee-chan.”

He had the feeling that slight loneliness was mixed into her usually leisurely tone.

It seemed that she wouldn’t be able to sortie together with them as a member of the “Knight Squadron” this time, too.

Although a military power to protect the Fort City was also necessary, it isn’t like that problem did not occur to him, but

“Y-Yes. It’s all right. I’ll come back again properly.”

As he promised so, Lux, after having allowed Philphie to get up first, left the bathroom.

–– About ten minutes later.

In order to pass time so as to not see Philphie changing her clothes, it seemed to have been a longer, leisurely bath than he thought.

It took a while for Lux, who felt dizzy, to return to his room.

===Part 5===

And–– the morning of the next day.

Lux and the members of the “Knight Squadron” had gathered in the waiting room of the practice field for the mission.

The objective was the subjugation of a Golem, a large-sized Abyss which wanders around the ruins, and the internal investigation of the sixth ruin “Garden”.

Lux and company were exempted from today’s lessons, and it was scheduled that they would return before the tomorrow evening

The members who would sortie were about 14 people.

It was planned that after defeating the large-sized Abyss –– Golem, a few elites with remaining power among them would enter the ruins.

––No, they intended to do so.

“Well then, I will inform you of a few points about the change of plan of today’s strategy execution.”

Instructor Raigree said with a slightly bitter face.

As the one supervising the strategy this time, it plainly showed that an unexpected and troublesome incident happened.

“First of all ––I will have the foreign student Krulcifer exceptionally participate in this strategy. Her participation to the strategy was strongly requested by the person herself. She asked not to have special treatment and to carry out the mission as a member.”

“Eh…?”

“Why did Krulcifer-san––?”

The members of the “Knight Squadron” could not help but leak out voices of surprise.

Lux also felt the same way.

Even though by order of the country Ymir, she should’ve said that she would not get involved in dangerous missions––

“Please, take care of me. Everyone”

The person concerned, Krulcifer simply got it over with a greeting without explaining her reason for tagging along.

A volunteer to the ruins investigation which they didn’t even expect.

Though that alone deserved enough surprise––

“And this person is––”

“Ah, I will personally introduce myself. I cannot afford to cause you trouble, Instructor.”

Lux was familiar with that haughty tone, and theatrically exaggerated behavior and expression which coerced others.

“What is the meaning of this? Why is this guy––”

The mutter of Lisha, who could not hide her confusion, could be also heard by Lux beside her.

“My name is Barzeride Kreutzer. I act as assistant lord of the Bergeijk region. I graduated as the top student from a Drag-Knight’s military academy two years ago. I thought to offer my cooperation hoping to be of help regarding the duty of this Abyss subjugation as well as the ruins investigation.”

“…………”

Noise.

Unrest which could not be hidden ran through the “Knight Squadron” which should be used to unusual events and fighting scenes (bravado).

Which wasn’t surprising.

No matter how you think about it, an aristocrat with a position to govern a territory –– and a former military employee at that suddenly participating in a mission of the “Knight Squadron” was not common.

“Instructor. What the hell does this mean?”

As if speaking for the voices of all the members present there, Lisha took a step forward.

“That is––”

When Raigree who was asked was suddenly at a loss for words,

“''No matter if he is a person from one of the Four Great Nobles and also associated with the army–– He is an outsider in this Royal Military Academy. I can’t consent that such a person suddenly participates in this important strategy''. Is what you want to say, right? Your Highness the Princess.”

“Hmm…”

Lisha frowned at Barzeride who talked with a smile as he saw through her.

“No worries, I don’t intend to interrupt or interfere in the mission contents. Help –– yes, I just purely intend to help. Rather, shouldn’t you be happy with that? After all, I, who gained the seat of third place in the tournament of the Capital, have volunteered for the shield role of delicate (frail) girls like you––”

It was a statement which posed as a gentleman’s at first glance.

However, his real intention which treated the female students here with contempt and looked down on them was clearly transmitted.

(What is he planning…?)

Even Lux could not yet understand what Barzeride had in mind.

That alone was uncanny.

“That is what’s called “minding your own business”, Lord Kreutzer. If someone who didn’t participate in the coordination training is added to the strategy, our actions will be inhibited, too. To begin with, if a “Big Noble” such as you were to be injured, the academy side could not take responsibility, either.”

Even so, Lisha showed a will of refusal to Barzeride who did not change his strong will.

The other party was from one of the “Four Great Nobles” which had governed a very large territory from the Old Empire era.

Lisha who was the New Kingdom Princess was the only person in this place that could speak as an equal.

But,

“You do not need to worry, Princess Lizsharte. I just stopped by the Principal's Room a while ago and had written a covenant. Even if something were to happen to me, you will not be held responsible.”

Barzeride calmly replied so.

When Lisha turned a fleeting glance to the side, Instructor Raigree gave a small nod as she gave up.

This matter had probably already been settled prior.

“I see. I understand the situation. But, why go that far––?”

When Sharis of the Triad suddenly asked,

“If you’re asking for a reason, there is one. The girl who should become my future wife will be there. In case anything should happen in this dangerous mission––”

Barzeride bragged with a smile.

Small ripples spread among the members of the “Knight Squadron” that heard that.

“…………”

Krulcifer who was thrown gazes looked the other way seeming totally unconcerned.

Was she disgusted or maybe she didn’t want to show a reaction?

''Or it might be both'', Lux thought.

“––Well then, I will have Lord Kreutzer act only as support in the Abyss subjugation. He will not be involved with the investigation. Understood, everyone?”

When Instructor Raigree said so, there was no further objection.

When the strategy meeting ended, Lux and company changed into dress gear and came out to the practice field.

Afterwards, each of them equipped their Machine Dragons and began to move towards the target location, but––

“Um, Krulcifer-san. Why are you taking part in this mission––?”

Before departure, Lux approached Krulcifer and asked.

Participation in a dangerous mission should’ve been originally prohibited by order of the country Ymir.

As Lux tried to ask the reason,

“I will tell you in detail later. Right now, it is one of the few opportunities for me to achieve my purpose.”

Krulcifer returned so in low voice to Lux while paying attention to the surrounding.

''What does she mean by the investigation of the ruins was her purpose?''

''Is it also somehow related to Barzeride’s unnatural participation?''

Though Lux had such a speculation,

“And, that has nothing to do with that person. When I forced the matter of my participation in this investigation to the Principal, I did not know where about he had heard it from; but he just selfishly came along.”

“Those are really cold words, eh, my future wife.”

As he had heard their conversation, Barzeride appeared from behind Lux.

Then he turned an affixed-like smile to Krulcifer.

“Hey, can you stop with that future something? I remember having said that you and I are just strangers.”

Krulcifer replied in a cold tone.

If the woman butler Alterize who tried to make the engagement saw that, she would fly into rage, but

“Ah, sorry for that. But well, I thought that the result of the duel that will be held tomorrow night has already been decided.”

Barzeride returned so with a calm expression.

A duel to decide the establishment or cancellation of the engagement.

About that fight which Krulcifer was the prize, he was probably thinking that his victory was already a matter of fact.

“Still –– it’s unexpected.”

Then, as he turned his face to Lux who was immediately nearby, Barzeride showed a frivolous smile.

“To think that a man who can do nothing other than defending himself is participating in such a mission. Geez, there is nothing more ludicrous than this.”

A tone filled with clear provocation and contempt.

Though Lux did not react and remained silent to that clear hostility,

“Could you stop talking about unnecessary things, Lord Kreutzer?”

Lisha suddenly called out in displeasure from behind.

“And I’ll say this while I’m at it; Lux has the important mission of going into the ruins with us this time. If you intend to hamper the strategy by saying more nonsense like that, I shall ask you to leave right now. Even if you have some other purpose.”

“Sorry for my rudeness, Miss commanding officer.”

Barzeride replied in a polite tone and quietly withdrew.

“You’re a lifesaver, Lisha-sama.”

“Ah, no. Well… Yes, d-don’t mind it.”

Lux smiled wryly to Lisha who scratched her head slightly embarrassed.

“We will depart soon, Miss commanding officer.”

“Tch, interrupting us when we’re in a good atmosphere… Well then everyone; equip your Drag-Rides. We are departing!”

Being urged by Krulcifer, Lisha took command.

Finally, the operation commenced.

===Part 6===

A few minutes after they equipped their Machine Dragons and departed.

All the members arrived at the ruins of the New Kingdom territory about 20 km away from the Fort City.

A huge white cube which had grown from the ground of a wasteland.

That building called the sixth ruin –– “Garden” was endowed with an inorganic, majestic appearance.

『The target has been confirmed. Everyone, get ready for battle!』

Lisha who acted as the commanding officer this time urged vigilance through the dragon voice.

Lux also overlooked the ruins while setting up his blade.

“This is the “Garden”…”

There were three ruins, which appeared from about ten years ago, existing within the New Kingdom’s territory.

The ship type “Ark” floating on the open sea.

The “Babel” extending from the land of the border, breaking through the clouds and soaring.

And this “Garden” close to the Fort City.

In the interior where six sides were surrounded by a square wall, there were a forest, lake, cave and the like, it seemed like a structure connoting one small world.

It seemed that Machine Dragons and technology from the past were sleeping at the altar at the center, but––

“It’s really curious. Is this also the first time for you, a Former Prince of the Empire, to be seeing this?”

Sharis wearing a <Wyvern> and flying beside Lux accosted him as such.

It seemed that only third-year students in the “Knight Squadron” had experience with investigation.

“I have worked as a guard, guarding the surroundings due to odd jobs–– but this is my first time seeing it this close.”

“I see. In this place, only the third-year students who came along have experience in investigations. You have probably heard about it in the prior strategy meeting, but if there is anything, you can ask me without reserve.”

“Understood.”

When Lux nodded,

『Hey. Be careful, everyone! Abyss confirmed ahead!』

Soon after, Lisha urged everyone to be cautious.

At a closer look, a huge lump appeared from the shades of the “Garden” where there were several castles.

“That’s––!”

Reflected in the eyes of the Drag- Ride clad on Lux was a giant metal soldier whose half body was covered with rock scales.

It was a kind of Abyss commonly known as Golem.

A large-sized Abyss which boasted of its big frame and superhuman strength.

Although it had weaknesses such as its slow pace and its monotonous attacks, it possessed a hard, sturdy metal body; it was proud of its power in which a single blow delivered from its weight was impossible to defend against and to which a fatal wound was unavoidable.

Escape would be easy for a competent Drag-Knight, but the subjugation was a nearly impossible formidable obstacle.

The only consolation was that because it was not an active kind for an Abyss, if one did not approach carelessly, there was a very small risk of being attacked; but since it had appeared, it could not be left alone forever.

“It looks like it will be quite worth defeating it, Lux”

Even so, Lisha calmly muttered while looking at the target.

The distance between the Knight Squadron’s platoon and the Golem was about 500 Mel by eye measurement.

It had been established by past battles that the location of its core was in the chest, but its outer shell would probably not be pierced with half-hearted long-range shooting.

“Errr, in the prior strategy, if I’m not mistaken ––”

Ordinary long-range shooting wouldn’t be able to make even a dent on it.

First attract the enemy’s attention with the high mobility of a <Wyvern>, then attack its chest with <Wyverns>’ Breath Guns loaded at full power from the ground and continue shaving its shell until the core is exposed.

The strategy which had been planned on the previous day should be something like this, but––

“It will take too much time.”

“Eh?”

As Lux reacted to that mutter, Krulcifer turned her face to Lisha.

“Can you leave the diversion and attack to me? It will be faster that way.”

“W-Wait a minute! Do you intend to do it alone!?”

Lisha hurriedly tried to stop Krulcifer’s proposal, but she was not shaken at all.

“It is possible with my <Fafnir>. If there is not any problem, then let me go.”

“It’s certainly true, but––”

“Then –– I will start moving.”

The moment when Lisha was at a loss for a rebuttal, Krulcifer moved.

“––!”

Immediately after, not only Lux who tried to call out to her, but the members of the “Knight Squadron” also gasped.

<Fafnir> accelerated leaving behind all the people present in an instant.

(Fast…!)

A speed to the extent that even Lux who possessed a superhuman kinetic vision and reading lost sight of her figure.

With its extraordinary mobility, <Fafnir> closed in upon the Golem in an instant.

Ooooooooh…

The Golem which reacted to <Fafnir>’s approach issued a strange noise from its head and let its strong arm howl.

It pulled (wielded) its fist like a thick huge rock and let out a blow describing an arc.

“Watch out!”

The fist approached from behind <Fafnir> as it came too close.

A female student reflexively shouted at the blow released from a blind spot.

––But,

“Eh…?”

The moment when it looked as if the fist hit, <Fafnir> evaded it without even looking behind.

A minimum movement without too much waste considering it immediately moved after sensing the presence.

It set up a sniper rifle and fired light bullets while coolly receiving the sudden gust which arose.

Several shots impacted on the Golem’s opened underarm and bluish white lights burst.

Guh…! Ooooooooh!

The Abyss raised a groan and launched an attack with the other arm, but Krulcifer did not move.

“Krulcifer-san! Dodge it!”

Lux raised his voice this time, but Krulcifer still floating in mid-air did not move an inch.

But, a strange thing happened again.

Whether it used up all its strength or its posture was broken by the shooting earlier, the Golem’s fist stopped exactly just before hitting Krulcifer.

“…Eh?”

Using that opening, Krulcifer once again pulled the trigger.

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v2 0003.jpg|thumb]]

The precise shooting which could also be called a divine feat which she showed in the mock battle against the temporary instructors before this.

But, even if it had been hit by an attack of several shots, the Golem did not move an inch.

“I’ll go, too. As expected, it can’t be defeated with just a rifle. We have to cooperate––”

''I don’t know why, but Krulcifer hurried ahead.''

As Lux who intuitively felt so was going to back her up,

『You do not need to come.』

Through the dragon voice, Krulcifer’s voice could be heard for all of the members of the Squadron.

『It looks like I will soon defeat this enemy.』

“Eh––?”

The other members, at the same time that they blankly opened their mouths, understood her reply.

Guh, …Oooooooooooooooh!

At first glance, the movement of both arms of the Golem almost stopped.

“Looks like it.”

Lisha who had worn the <Chimeric Wyvern> took a breath as she saw it.

It had been frozen.

The mechanical giant soldier covered with thick rock skin.

The joints of both elbows and wrists were frozen and its movements were sealed.

“That is <Fafnir>’s special armament –– the <Freezing Canon>. It basically has the same high efficiency of a sniper rifle, but that armament holds the ability to freeze the parts shot. It’s a troublesome weapon which, if you defend, would freeze you together with the part used to defend. In the case of a mock battle with her, you can’t help but avoid her attacks.”

“... Amazing.”

While listening to Lisha’s explanation, Lux leaked a voice of admiration.

She said to avoid, but it was probably at a level where it might be said it was impossible to evade all the precise shootings of that <Fafnir>.

“By the way, <Fafnir>’s Divine Raiment seems to be the ability of future foresight called <Wise Blood>. It was probably thanks to that, that she was able to one-sidedly attack while dodging the enemy’s attacks earlier.”

“That was <Fafnir>’s Divine Raiment––”

A Divine Raiment of offense and defense which foresaw an opponent’s attack and aimed at their opening.

Moreover, Krulcifer had precisely frozen only the joints of the Golem.

With that –– the enemy could no longer fight back.

As its chest was finally also frozen, the Golem began to behave violently as it struggled, but because of its own weight and muscular strength, the self-destruction of its joints began.

『Krulcifer, leave the rest to us. I’ll finish it off with long-range shooting.』

When Lisha was going to call out to Krulcifer with the dragon voice,

Guoh… Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

The Golem with neither mouth nor eyes raised a muffled roar.

At the same time, its huge head cracked open like a cotyledon which buds.

“……!?”

The moment when Krulcifer raised her guard, a straight flash was released from the huge jewel which was there.

It would be meaningless if she didn’t consciously activate the precognition ability which is her Divine Raiment.

“Krulcifer! Deploy a barrier!”

Before Lisha had finished shouting, a line of light flew to <Fafnir> and an explosion occurred.

Boom!

With a roaring sound, the storm and impact reached up to Lux and the others who were away.

“Krulcifer-san!”

Lux could not help but raise his voice, and headed to her rescue with his <Wyvern>.

But,

“I remember having said that you do not need to come. Lux-kun.”

Suddenly, Krulcifer’s cool voice tickly struck Lux’s ears

Soon after, a needle-like shooting released from <Fafnir>’s <Freezing Canon> pierced the Golem’s frozen chest.

“Eh…?”

The moment when the white smoke which was obscuring the field of vision cleared up, it was reflected on Lux’s eyes.

She was unhurt.

On the front of <Fafnir>, seven octagonal shields tinged with a bluish-white light were unfolded.

“That’s another special armament of <Fafnir>, <Auto Shield>.”

Such an explanation flew from Lisha from behind.

“A defense type armament which automatically protects the main body in response to an enemy’s attack. It is said to be several times harder than an ordinary barrier.”

An armament which symbolized solid scales symbolizing the gigantic dragon Fafnir.

Lux couldn’t help but feel admiration before her ability to easily use up the two special armaments.

Precise shooting impossible to defend against, high-speed mobility and moreover an impregnable defensive barrier.

Krulcifer who boasted of a flawless strength overwhelmed the Abyss all alone.

“But, to be able to manage the Divine Raiment and the special armaments to such an extent, is related to Krulcifer’s aptitude value.”

“Aptitude value, huh?”

“Yes. Her Machine Dragon aptitude value is exceptionally high even among the female students of this academy. Normally, it’s an unbelievable numerical value. In such a meaning, you’re quite unnatural, too.”

Saying so, Lisha turned her gaze to Lux.

“That’s––”

When Lux raised his voice,

Gu… Ooooaaaaah!

The Golem whose chest was torn by <Fafnir>’s rapid-fire and core crushed collapsed.

The frozen joints broke to pieces with a roaring sound and dust soared highly.

“She did it!”

“You’re amazing, Krulcifer-san!”

As they were released from the tension, the female students of the “Knight Squadron” raised cheers.

“…………”

But, Krulcifer, in contrast to her comrades in high spirits, was staring at the outer wall of the “Garden” with an expression as if brooding over something.

『Eeih, be quiet! We’re still in the middle of the plan.』

Lisha shouted at the unit by dragon voice as to chide them.

“Well then –– we’ll get down to the ruins like this.”

At that moment, Krulcifer plainly declared so.

『W-Wait, Krulcifer!? It should have been planned that it will be the members of the Triad, Lux and I to investigate the ruins!』

The investigation of ruins was also accompanied with the danger of the appearance of a new Abyss.

Therefore, a few elites would penetrate the ruins and a powerful person would also be left outside and prepared just in case something unexpected happened.

In such a meaning, the members who had not fought yet and still had spare energy left should participate in the investigation, but––

“I can still fight. So, you don’t mind, right?”

“Krulcifer, san…?”

(Is she by any chance… impatient?)

Lux was perplexed at Krulcifer’s behavior which was calm at first glance, but somehow hard-pressed.

As it is, they started moving to get down to the “Garden”.

''Something doesn’t feel right.''

When Lux thought so,

“Kukuku. As expected of my future wife. That’s a splendid skill –– but”

In the rear, Barzeride who came along wearing a general-purpose type <Wyrm> suddenly laughed.

When Lux had his attention attracted by his voice for an instant,

『Everyone! Be careful –– something is coming!』

Tillfarr who was on land raised a voice of warning.

『Signs of an enemy confirmed by radar. It’s a new type of Abyss.』

The moment when Nokuto with her <Drake> added that, it could be seen.

“…!? W-What is that? …!”

A Knight Squadron’s girl wearing a <Wyvern> leaked a small scream.

“Don’t tell me…!”

In the sky where the cloud of dust had cleared up, a strange-looking demon was floating.

A big frame which easily surpassed a standing big bear’s, reddish brown skin and huge jet black wings.

It was a monster which let its dagger-like fangs peep out all together in a line and savagely twisted its dark red mouth.

It leaked a smog-like purple breath, occasionally opened wide its bloodshot eyes and licked its lips.

It showed no sign of hiding at all.

But, it slowly and surely shortened the distance to the Knight Squadron.

“If I’m not mistaken, that’s––”

“A Diabolos… huh!”

Lisha, frowning, cried.

Lux had also never seen it until now, but he had already read about it in the ruins’ investigation book.

A brutal medium-sized Abyss strong enough to be able to destroy a small town.

It was a type of Abyss among the flying kinds just like the Gargoyle which he had fought before, but it was an existence several times more dangerous than the Gargoyle.

Probably because it rarely appeared, there were no details written about it even in the books in the library of the Capital.

But, by confronting it like this, they were naturally aware of how dangerous it was.

It was said that this was a creature which must not exist in this world.

“––Gieeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!”

Raising a growl-like scream, the Abyss’s eyes shone.

When most of the members reflexively shrank their bodies, the Diabolos kicked the sky.

“Shaaaaaaaaa!”

It caused a gust which burst the atmosphere and with an explosive speed, swooped down on Nokuto who was wearing a <Drake> down below.

“––!?”

Although Lisha and the others who were in front of the ruins also reacted, they could not catch up.

So as to mow the girl’s face which revealed despair, its stout arm was keenly swung down.

''I won’t make it in time!''

When anyone who was there thought so and was about to cover their eyes, a sharp metallic sound resounded in the sky.

“Kuh…!?”

Using his large blade as a shield, Lux stood in between the Diabolos and Nokuto.

“Lux…san!?”

“It’s fine–– so get away!”

Nokuto, realizing that she would get in Lux’s way, hurriedly jumped back.

A tremendous weight as if being hit by an iron stake.

Lux defended against the blow let out by the demon with perfect timing and position; that blow had a power to the extent that the blade got cracked.

Moreover –– that alone could not completely stop it.

Lux tried to crush it with an inhuman, herculean strength from the position where he stopped the blow.

The small fissures on the blade turned into a crack with cracking sounds.

(At this rate –– it’ll break!)

When Lux perceived danger,

Boom!

A light beam emitted from the canon of the <Chimeric Wyvern> was fired at the Diabolos’s flank.

“Guaaaaaaah!”

The Diabolos which perceived it struck Lux’s <Wyvern> with its other arm, leapt back using the recoil and avoided the canon.

At the same time, it sneaked behind Sharis who came close in order to help Nokuto.

“What…!?”

Sharis, turning around, slashed at it with her blade –– but, far from being avoided, it had been caught by the Diabolos’s right hand.

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v2 0015.jpg|thumb]]

“Kuh––!?”

Her weapon caught, Sharis’s judgment suddenly became dull.

The demon’s left arm which was thrust out using that opening was frozen.

“Guooooooah!”

Krulcifer’s <Freezing Canon>. Using that opportunity when the demon’s attack was stopped, Sharis abandoned her caught sword to get out of the Abyss’s range.

When the Diabolos also took distance at the same time, deep sighs leaked out from the Knight Squadron’s members.

A face-off after taking distance.

In this unpredictable situation, the sound of unsheathing (a sword) could be heard suddenly from behind.

“––Well then, it’s my turn soon, I guess.”

The owner of that leisurely voice was Barzeride who tagged along.

Slightly behind from Lux and the others, he cancelled the armor of his <Wyrm> and equipped a new Machine Dragon which he summoned.

His body changed into a Drag-Knight with thick armor dyed in ultramarine like midnight black.

“That’s––”

All the people present, while also being cautious of the Abyss, turned their looks towards his Machine Dragon.

Divine Drag-Ride <Aži Dahāka>。

Barzeride’s Divine Drag-Ride which could only be used against high rank opponents even in mock battles in the Capital.

It was the battle figure of the man called “Title Holder of the Kingdom”.

“Fuhahahahaha!”

At that moment, Barzeride’s loud laughter resounded, and the canons connected to both his shoulders moved.

<Aži Dahāka>’s special armament already seen in the tournament, <Devil’s Glow>.

The two muzzles were charged with purple light and suddenly spouted flames.

The two flash of light attacked aiming at the Diabolos –– but, the enemy evaded the attack by a hairbreadth escaping into the sky.

“Kyaah…!?”

All the members of the “Knight Squadron” held their breath at his attack. They had reflectively dodged it, but <Aži Dahāka>’s shelling had grazed the members of the “Knight Squadron”.

But, Barzeride whose shelling was evaded still turned a composed smile to Lux.

“How’s that, fallen Prince? Do you want to play a game with me? About which of us will defeat that Abyss first––. If you can defeat it before me, I’ll make it you guys victory at this point in time and withdraw that duel’s promise.”

“Quit the joke, Barzeride.”

Before Lux could answer, Lisha cut in with an uncanny look.

“This isn’t hunting for fun! If you intend to do more unnecessary things than this, I’ll first beat you up here.”

However, Barzeride simply ignored Lisha’s anger and continued.

“Aren’t you confident? Lux Acadia.”

“Kuh…!”

In contrast, Lux ground his teeth as he heard that.

Though Barzeride was probably serious, the problem was not there.

––This man fired at a distance which also involved the members of the “Knight Squadron” around him in the shelling.

If by any chance something were to happen, this man for sure –– intended to cover it up as an “accident”.

“You––”

At this time when Lux’s voice trembled in anger,

“Would you please stop fooling around?”

Krulcifer who came back to his side broke in with an unusually serious voice.

“Kuku, that’s quite a cold attitude, my future wife. But, I’ll allow that much. That’s why you’re worth being conquered.”

<Aži Dahāka>’s armor bowl softly tapped on <Fafnir>’s shoulder.

After calmly shaking it off, Krulcifer took a deep breath,

“I will dispose of the enemy earlier than you. In that case, there is no problem, right?”

She declared so with a cool expression.

“Ooh, how promising. So, you still have spare energy left, huh.”

“Krulcifer! Don’t act rashly! Retreat temporarily and fix your posture!”

Lisha ignored Barzeride’s statement and said so.

But,

“It’s all right. I will not cause you trouble with my rash actions this time. Besides –– time is precious.”

With an expression which repressed her feelings, Krulcifer set up the special armament <Freezing Canon>.

And, she flew towards the Diabolos which was far away and was watching the situation.

Lux was surprised by the action of Krulcifer who was good at long-range shooting.

“Krulcifer-san!”

It was probably in order to draw away Barzeride’s attention and not let the others become involved.

Certainly, Krulcifer was the owner of an outstanding ability even among the Knight Squadron’s members, but that Diabolos was not an ordinary Abyss.

“This time for sure –– I will shoot it down.”

At the same time as she approached the Abyss, she set up the <Freezing Canon> and aimed at it.

Since she could use the Divine Raiment future foresight in offense and defense at point-blank range, Krulcifer should have the advantage.

Or at least, it should have been like that.

“…!? Why did <Fafnir>’s foresight––?”

The moment of opening hostilities, agitation ran through Krulcifer’s profile and she stopped moving.

Not overlooking that opening which suddenly appeared, the Diabolos spouted hellish flames.

“Guaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!”

“––––”

Dispelling the cold of the <Freezing Canon> shot reflexively, scorching raging flames approached Krulcifer.

“Watch out!”

Lux who rushed at once at max power thrust Krulcifer away.

“Ushaaaaaaaa!”

Although Lux did not end up being rolled into the flames, he directly received the fist of the Diabolos which drew near as it followed.

“Guh…!”

He issued a muffled groan and was knocked down on to the ground as such.

“Lux!”

At the same time that Lisha and the remaining Knight Squadron’s members shouted, they poured concentrated fire on the Diabolos.

But, that barrage of more than ten shots was all dodged with smooth flight movements.

“Kuuh…!”

When all the members over there were astonished at the enemy more formidable than expected––

“––Good grief, so my help is necessary after all.”

From Barzeride’s <Aži Dahāka> which was on the ground, a shelling of <Devil’s Glow> was released.

As if it was natural, the Diabolos dodged it with mobility which did not match its big frame –– but,

“Guaah!?”

On its chest, a halberd was sticking out as if it grew.

“…Eh?”

Lux and Krulcifer who saw it, no, all the members present were dumbfounded.

For a moment, no one had noticed that that halberd was a close-range weapon thrown by <Aži Dahāka>.

Among the Drag-Rides’ weapons, the halberd was a heavyweight class weapon. Besides the abnormality of Barzeride with <Aži Dahāka> which threw it at the speed like an arrow, the problem was the applied process.

The Abyss was in the sky with no obstacles around.

Even if Barzeride could predict that the Abyss would dodge, he shouldn’t be able to predict where it would dodge to.

It was a blow as if he foresaw the future like <Fafnir>’s Divine Raiment, <Wise Blood>.

“Guru…. Aaaaah!?”

Maybe because it was a fatal wound which reached its core, the Diabolos suddenly stopped moving; and while its whole body went into convulsions, it began to spout blue blood.

“This game –– it’s my victory, right? Fallen Prince.”

Barzeride who saw that looked at Lux and Krulcifer and contentedly smiled.

But Lux did not care about such a thing now.

“…Why? I––”

Although ostensibly uttering a calm voice as usual,

But, Krulcifer was confused to the extent that Lux had never seen before.

This was probably because the future foresight by <Fafnir>’s Divine Raiment, <Wise Blood> suddenly became impossible to use.

Moreover, the Abyss had been shot down by <Aži Dahāka> operated by that Barzeride.

The girl’s calm and perfect face had been distorted with unrest by these two unlikely events.

“Kuhahahaha! As expected, there is nobody who can match me, Lux Acadia.”

Barzeride’s shrill laughter resounded around.

''He’s certainly strong.''

''He possessed strength outstanding enough to be called “Title Holder of the Kingdom”'', Lux thought.

However,

(Something doesn’t feel right––)

When Lux had his attention attracted by that sense of discomfort for a moment,

“Don’t relax yet!”

Lisha’s voice could be heard from a distant place.

“Gu, aaaaaaaaaaah…!”

The Diabolos which suffered a fatal wound, vomited blood and fainted in agony.

Its chest with a hole opened that was gaping wide suddenly swelled to more than double its size.

“…!? Leave quickly!”

The Knight Squadron’s members who saw that hurriedly shouted.

『Everyone, deploy your barrier at max power!』

Immediately after Lisha’s shout was heard through dragon voice once again,

Red cracks appeared on the Abyss’s whole body and it was tinged with light.

Among the Abysses, several kinds of individuals who self-destructed had been confirmed.

When all the members took a defensive posture, Lux noticed that something was strange about Krulcifer who was beside him.

“Why doesn’t it move? My <Fafnir>––”

Next to Lux, Krulcifer’s airframe began to shake with a rattling sound.

Despite the impending danger approaching, the shield of the special armament <Auto Shield> on the contrary dropped from around <Fafnir>.

The control confusion due to the user’s exhaustion –– the rampage began.

“Krulcifer-san!?”

Immediately after, the Abyss’s body exploded with a flash.

A scorching torrent born with a roar swallowed everything along with screams.

With the blast and impact, it was impossible to breathe.

Enduring a pain as if his lungs and heart would be crushed, Lux desperately embraced the dumbfounded Krulcifer, thus becoming her shield.

Then, he lost consciousness.

===Part 7===

The sound of rainfall could be heard.

What he recalled was the memories of more than five years ago.

A carriage which broke had rolled down the cliff along the route where a forest was close by.

Whether the ground collapsed or the wheels came out, or it slid due to rain, the cause was unknown.

Although it was said that it was a cliff, it was not so high. It was just a height of about four Mel from the route above the cliff.

But, the coachman and horses had already died by the impact of the fall.

There were only two survivors; a lady dressed in a plain dress –– Lux’s mother was also bleeding from the head, but she was still breathing.

“Please! Please, help us! We are from the Imperial Family! We are the Acadia people living in the Phillend territory!”

While holding his arm broken at the time of the fall, he desperately shouted.

It was an incident of two years ago that Lux’s mother’s side family was alienated by the Imperial Family and banished from the Imperial Court.

After his mother’s father –– that is, Lux’s grandfather stated a candid advice for imperial politics, there seemed to have been a dispute there, and his grandfather was sent to prison for the crime of defamation and Lux’s family was treated coldly.

After being banished from the Imperial Court, they had been living modestly on the outskirts of the Capital, but this accident occurred when they went for an outing from the house.

“Please! We will reward you. If I don’t take her to a doctor as soon as possible, my mother will––”

A few carriages were coming and going on the route above the cliff.

The sound of rainfall was not strong. Though there was also fog, his cry for help should reach there.

But, no one responded to Lux’s voice.

“Please! Somebody! ––!?”

What came down instead of a response were stones.

Blood flowed from Lux’s forehead and half of his silver hair and face were dyed red.

Looking up ahead, despair was standing.

“Shut up! You damn kid!”

“That’s right! Do you know what you royalty and nobles have done to us!?”

“Even if we don’t help you guys who have been banished from the Imperial Court, we won’t be accused of crime! Just drop dead like that, you bastard!”

The figures of people filled with hatred and raising voices of resentment.

The day when Lux learned that reality for the first time.

All the fights began.

===Part 8===

“Ngh… Hum…”

Lux woke up with an anguished groan.

His body became stiff when he tried to move, due to the dull pain as if his whole body was fractured.

“…!? That’s right, everyone is––!”

Recalling about what had happen just a while ago, Lux forcibly got up.

Then––

“Eh…?”

Lux’s surrounding was covered with a grass thicket which grew in abundance, rugged big rocks, a lake which was visible from the gap in the trees and a ceiling which illuminated the ground with a soft light.

It was a mysterious place as if he lost his way in an uncivilized forest.

“Where the hell is this place…?”

“Probably –– inside the sixth ruin “Garden”.”

“Uwaaah!?”

At the voice which he suddenly heard from behind, Lux’s body shook in surprise.

When he looked back, Krulcifer wearing a dress gear like Lux was standing; her Sword Device hung to the belt at her waist.

“I understand how you feel, but do not shout that much. I have not grasped the situation yet, so it is dangerous.”

“Ah, sorry…”

At her usual calm and composed expression, Lux was a little relieved.

She was calm now unlike the Krulcifer of a little while ago.

“What on earth happened? If I remember correctly, the Abyss exploded and––”

“Immediately after the Garden shone, it looks like the people and things around were drawn to inside here. It’s also only a little while ago that I woke up.”

Saying so with a sigh, Krulcifer sat down beside him.

“Thanks to you protecting me, it looks like I’m all right. Thank you.”

“Ah, no. I’m glad that Krulcifer-san is safe.”

As Lux unintentionally looked, there was a bag containing tools for investigation at the place where he was sleeping.

He thought that he had lost it during the battle, but it seemed that luckily this had also been drawn into the inside of the ruins.

“Besides us, it seems that several members of the “Knight Squadron” were also sucked in, but other than that, I don’t know the rest of the details.”

“If I’m not mistaken, when we entered the ruins, our course of actions was already decided, right?”

Lux took out a memo of the strategy operation from his bag.

The “Garden” had a system such that the gate opened and closed by a cycle of fixed times.

There were access gates on each wall side of the six faces of the cube, and at the same time as the opening and shutting, things from outside were drawn in, and things inside were ejected.

“In case the invasion of the inside of the “Garden” succeeded, the first move is aiming for the altar in the center. Afterwards, carry out the investigation at the altar for about two hours max and then move to the gate of the inner wall after completion. Wait for the opening and closing time and return outside. It will be like this if we proceed as planned, eh.”

Krulcifer who seemed to have memorized the strategy contents confirmed as she read smoothly.

“Yes. But–– now…”

An unexpected incident had already occurred and the situation was different from the usual investigation.

It was a state of emergency where they were attacked by an unexpected Abyss and the members were also scattered.

Under the present conditions where they didn’t even know how many other members were drawn in, the Knight Squadron’s members’ safety should be top priority.

“Well then –– let’s head to the altar at the center tomorrow. Everyone should surely gather there, too.”

Krulcifer calmly muttered.

“Is your body all right, Lux-kun?”

“Y-Yes, well––. Not that, is it okay!?”

“What do you mean?”

Being asked so with a serious look, Lux hesitated.

Then, he alternately looked at the memo in his hand and Krulcifer’s face in panic.

If they were in perfect condition, it would be reasonable to proceed with the ruins investigation like this.

But, in case that there were casualties or that the members’ fatigue was profound, they should cancel the investigation and a judgment about withdrawing should be required, too.

In that case, they should camp near the gate of the inner wall from the start without going to the altar which was the center, and wait there to escape by the opening and closing of the ruins.

In other words, in this case––

“We shouldn’t overdo it. Um –– we also have that duel tomorrow night… Even your body is tired, isn’t it, Krulcifer-san…?”

<Fafnir>’s rampage shown earlier.

The failure of Krulcifer who is always calm and composed.

What Krulcifer desired should be the cancellation of the engagement plan selfishly forced on her.

For that, preserving her strength by not overdoing it in this mission and then winning the duel against Barzeride and Alterize should be the ideal scenario.

And yet, Krulcifer was trying to forcibly defeat the Abyss a while ago.

Though Lux felt uneasy at that behavior that was too much unlike her,

“It’s all right. At that time, I was just a little tired, and I’m not injured. What about you?”

As she turned her usual calm voice and looked at him, he wasn’t able to say the words he should say.

“I’m also all right, but… ––Ah.”

While touching his body, Lux noticed,

The blade of the <Wyvern>’s Sword Device which was hanging onto his waist lost its light.

This state showed that the corresponding machine was in a “serious damage” state.

Like this, he could not even summon it let alone wearing it as armor.

<Bahamut>’s black sword was fine, but since he couldn’t use it just like that, it would probably be the last resort.

“I wonder if it is broken. It’s because you protected me, huh.”

“N-No, we were both safe, so we’re pretty lucky.”

Considering that situation, that much was helpful enough.

However –– when thinking about tomorrow’s duel, it was also a troubling problem.

“If you want, you can just wait in front of the gate without overdoing it here. I’ll go alone.”

Krulcifer said not in a sarcastic or provocative tone, but in an earnest one.

That instead stimulated Lux’s uneasiness.

“N-No––. I’ll also go! I can’t let you go alone, Krulcifer-san!”

“…Thank you.”

To Lux who expressed his strong will, Krulcifer revealed a relieved smile.

The moment when Lux’s heart skipped a bit at Krulcifer’s slightly feverish gaze,

“By the way, Lux-kun. You –– are you good at cooking outdoors?”

“Eh…?”

Krulcifer suddenly said that and looked up at the ceiling of the wild wall.

“I do not know the theory behind it, but in this “Garden”, the system seems to be such that it will become dark in conjunction with outside time. At this rate, it will be night soon.”

“E-Errr, um––”

“In the case that we are in the “Garden”, camping goods such as firewood can be procured locally. This was also written, right?”

“Ah, yes…”

To Krulcifer who had suddenly returned to her usual self, Lux did not know what to say.

“And –– the securing of drinking water is necessary, too. The points (locations) of drinkable spring water should have been sketched on the drawn map from past investigations, so can you please give it to me, too?”

“Ah, I understand that, but Krulcifer-san is…”

“I will watch over the baggage near this vicinity. I’m counting on you, Lux-kun.”

“…………”

She had asserted like so with an extremely calm face.

In a peremptory tone…

“T-Then, I’ll be right back, so be careful, too, Krulcifer-san––”

“Lux-kun, you are a man after all. How reliable.”

When she earnestly said so, he could no longer complain.

(B-But well, it somehow feels like it’s been a long time since Krulcifer-san behaved like herself.)

He was still feeling pain here and there, but since he had shown off, he could not pull back.

''That’s what being a man is'', Lux thought.

(I feel like I have been beautifully led around by Krulcifer-san, but…)

Lux, enduring fatigue and dull pain, collected firewood and drinking water and decided to take a rest that day.

…………

There was no sun in the “Garden”.

Nonetheless, the light of the ceiling disappeared just as if the day had set, and nature and the neighborhood were wrapped in azure darkness.

They made a small bonfire at the waterside and built a simple tent stretching a cloth on the side of rocks and trees.

As they nibbled the dried meat and rye bread which were in the bag and finished their simple dinner, they were finally able to settle down.

“Speaking of which, I wonder if everyone is safe…”

Lux anxiously muttered so.

He presumed that Lisha and the others who were near had probably also been drawn inside the ruins, but he did not know.

“If there was a <Drake> user we would be able to detect the position of biological reactions and Machine Dragons .Though that is also impossible in this situation.”

“Which means, we can only advance to the altar at the center. If we’re lucky, we might be able to join them there––”

“…………”

As silence filled the neighborhood, Lux was thinking.

About the fact that Krulcifer did not seem to have an ordinary relation with the Einvolk House.

About the reason why she was so obsessed with this ruins investigation.

And––

“We should decide soon about the lookout and sleeping order.”

As if sliding into Lux’s thinking, Krulcifer muttered.

Fortunately, there were no ferocious carnivores inside the “Garden”, so they didn’t have to worry about being attacked by a beast.

But, there was also the possibility that an Abyss might appear in the “Garden”, so as expected they should avoid relaxing their vigilance openly.

“T-Then, I’ll look out first.”

When Lux proposed so, Krulcifer quietly nodded,

“Understood. After a little time has passed, please wake me up.”

As she lied down on the sheet which was a simple tent,

“Don’t attack me, okay?”

“I-I won’t do something like that!?”

To Krulcifer’s teasing voice, Lux unintentionally shouted.

“I see… But just to note, you have a criminal record.”

“Like I said, that was a misunderstanding!? That I’ve broken into the bath before was because––”

“Yes, I know. Judging from how you panicked, you surely will not do anything. Well then, good night.”

“…………”

As usual, he was played with.

When Krulcifer turned her back on Lux, she began to leak a sleeper’s breathing (the breathing of a person sleeping) calmly after a while.

“Ruins, huh…”

After sighing once, Lux looked up at the dark space.

An existence which should also be called the treasure warehouse of the world that brought about a tremendous development due to Drag-Rides and ancient documents.

The fight to solve its mysteries was accelerating as time passed.

It appeared to be what Fugil had said; Lux was also in possession of the golden horn which could summon the Abysses, but there was no reaction so far.

Was the key to reaching the ruins’ depths that Airi, who deciphered ancient documents, was talking about something different?

And on the night of the next day, a duel with Barzeride was waiting.

“It would be good if nothing happens…”

Towards the ceiling of the Garden where the sky could not be seen, it looked like invisible dark clouds were hanging over.

===Part 9===

One night had passed in the “Garden” –– the next day.

Lux also seemed to have fallen asleep before he was aware, and when he woke up, Krulcifer was sitting in front of the bonfire.

It looked like Lux himself was unexpectedly quite exhausted.

After he had the same meal as yesterday, they began to walk to the place called the “altar” at the center.

They did not use Machine Dragons to move because Lux’s <Wyvern> had been greatly damaged.

Though <Bahamut> and <Fafnir> were available, now when fatigue still remained, there was the need to preserve them in case of emergencies.

In this sense, it was a situation where they couldn’t let their guard down even for a moment.

“It looks like it is going to rain.”

Krulcifer who was walking in front while holding up her hand to her face said.

“Rain? Does it even rain in this place?”

“Based on past records, it looks like it. It seems that the structure has not yet been clarified though––. Let’s hurry.”

Krulcifer said so and accelerated her pace.

But immediately after, her slender body suddenly staggered (slanted) a bit.

“Watch out!”

When Lux hurriedly supported her body, it was tinged with a high fever.

“Krulcifer-san. Don’t tell me that’s––”

The reason why she left the physical work to Lux for last night’s camping.

If Lux’s prediction proved right, they should return as soon as possible.

“…I am all right. I also said so yesterday, right? Thank you for helping me.”

But even so, Krulcifer began to walk looking only forward.

A small amount of sweat oozed on the nape of her neck.

The inside of the “Garden” was by no means hot.

Lux was convinced that her leg was injured.

“It’s just a little twisted. It’s not a big deal.”

“As expected, shouldn’t we go back? I’ll take you until the gate of the inner wall with <Bahamut>, so if we just stay still there––”

“I am sorry.”

As she painfully cast her eyes down, Krulcifer still did not stop walking.

“I must by all means go. This is one of a few chances I have, so––”

“…I understand.”

Therefore, Lux also decided to go on.

“In return, let me walk in front.”

As he said only that, Krulcifer also nodded slightly.

For a while, the two people silently advanced.

“Hey, Krulcifer-san.”

“…What is it?”

As if to loosen the awkward atmosphere, Lux called out to her.

“Krulcifer-san, why were you looking for the “Black Hero”?”

At Lux’s question, Krulcifer remained silent for a short while.

“For the same reason that I am heading to the altar now. There is something I would like to know by all means.”

She lowered her gaze and softly muttered.

“Have you heard from anyone that my Machine Dragon aptitude value is strangely high? Normally, no matter how rash human acts, there is a limit for the continuous operation of a Drag-Ride. But––”

“But?”

“If the legend of the “Black Hero” is true, if he really annihilated the imperial army in one night, then that Drag-Knight has almost no limit. Surely just like me –– something like that.”

“…………”

Unable to say anything at Krulcifer’s meaningful words, Lux continued walking.

And after about ten minutes,

“This place is, um––”

Krulcifer and Lux had finally arrived at the altar at the center.

Around a circular floor, white columns stood in a row and a silver gem placed on the central platform was tinged with a mysterious light.

A strange structure (Object) which they seemed to be familiar with and unlike any other thing.

It (Object) which was made of the same white metal as the walls of the “Garden” was the altar.

“It looks like we are the first to arrive, huh…”

Krulcifer quietly approached that jewel while looking around.

“Well then, we will wait for everyone here––”

When Lux proposed so,

『Ga, gagaga…』

A strange sound could be suddenly heard.

“……!?”

Though Lux and Krulcifer placed their hands on their Sword Devices to their waists at once,

“An Abyss… it doesn’t look like it!? This voice is –– a person’s!?”

『Ga, gagaga…! Existence of the <key> recognized. Performing special code unlock. If there is no problem, begin the transfer.』

A voice which directly resounded within the brain like the dragon voice was suddenly audible.

“This sound!? Is it by any chance from this altar––!?”

At that moment, the pattern depicted on the floor emitted a dazzling light.

“This––!?”

They reflexively closed their eyes –– when they opened them, all the scenery had changed.

“––It looks like we were transferred to the inside.”

An inorganic corridor surrounded by bluish-white metallic plates and where innumerable rubble rolled.

It was the inside of the altar that they had heard about.

“This place, is my…”

When Lux was surprised at the unfamiliar scenery, Krulcifer moved as if she was in a hurry.

And, when she put her hand on a strange box-shaped object, a white light ran.

『Confirming key’s authentication. By level authority, removing lock to the second layer management room.』

“The object, talked…!?”

To that mysterious occurrence, Lux opened his eyes wide in surprise.

''The strange voice which was emitted from the object.''

''Has it reacted to Krulcifer?''

“So…I was right after all, huh.”

With a small sigh, Krulcifer’s hand separated from the object.

And then she slowly walked towards a shelf which was on the side of the wall side of the room.

“Krulcifer-san!? That place––”

Numerous <Boxes> were placed on the shelf.

Inside the ruins, boxes which stored Machine Dragons’ parts and ancient documents –– <Box> existed.

However, because the seams were firm and couldn’t be opened, originally there should be no other method of opening it other than bringing back the entire box with a Machine Dragon, and then taking time to break it, but…

“…………”

『Confirming key’s authentication. By level authority, removing lock to the second layer management room.』

Krulcifer, with a serious look, softly held up her hand to the edge of a Box and moved a finger as if softly stroking the space.

“Eh…!?”

With only that, the box, which should not open, completely opened with a small sound.

Inside of it, there were numerous general-purpose Machine Dragons’ armaments and parts, and a bunch of papers written in ancient characters.

Krulcifer looked over the pages of the ancient document as she turned them.

Each time she shook her head while saying “That’s not it…”; she walked to the doors at the back.

The metal walls lying on top of one another automatically opened by her only touching them.

Ahead of that, there was a staircase which continued further underground.

“I still don’t know. Deeper… I should search deeper. ––!”

While muttering, the moment when she put her hand on the opened door at the back, Krulcifer’s body suddenly fell.

“Krulcifer-san!”

“Uh…”

As she shook her head in order to shake off the pain, Krulcifer tried to get up.

But, she could not get up straight.

Her body which Lux supported was tinged with a strong fever.

“So hot, don’t tell me…?”

“…I’m all right, I can still––”

『Gagaga…, pipipipi––!』

The moment when Krulcifer answered like so, vibrations ran around.

“An earthquake? No––”

『Danger. Due to vibrations, the inside collapsed. Please evacuate to a safe room.』

Soon after the voice was emitted from the object, as it said the ceiling began to crumble.

“……!”

Supporting Krulcifer who could no longer move, Lux slipped into a nearby room.

The vibrations settled and the surroundings regained its silence once again.

………………

“It looks like the outside of the door has been blocked with rubble.”

Having escaped from the collapse for the time being, Lux who heaved a breath of relief muttered so.

Though the collapse was small, as expected this layer seemed to be dangerous.

That was surely the result of various predecessors breaking and digging through the building in order to get Machine Dragons and materials related to them.

Depending on the location of the ruins, there also seemed to be parts which became relatively fragile.

“Let’s settle down for a little while. With your body like that, it’s impossible to use <Fafnir>. I’ll look over the situation around here a little, so––”

After the vibrations from the collapse settled, Lux told so to Krulcifer who cast her eyes down and stood up.

Probably because of the shock, most of the light around disappeared and darkness wrapped the vicinity.

“…I am sorry.”

He heard a faint voice from the girl who hung her head down.

“No. Don’t worry about it. More importantly ––eh?”

When Lux was going to state his concern about Krulcifer’s body, her thin fingertips softly held his hand.

“Could you allow my selfishness just for a little bit? I would like you to hear my story.”

“…………”

“I am not a human of this world. I am–– a survivor of the ruins.”

“A survivor…?”

Lux couldn’t help but become speechless at the words suddenly spat out.

===Part 10===

“I see, so –– were you able to confirm her function as a “key”?”

The same time at Fort City.

In a room of a stately mansion located in the dwelling district of the wealthy, two figures were sitting, facing each other.

They were Barzeride Kreutzer called “Title Holder of the Kingdom” and an existence wearing a jet-black robe.

“Yeah, I expressly tagged along for sightseeing, but in order to protect that woman from the Abyss’s explosion, it looks like I was drawn to the ruins. When you expressly came here to say that I should marry a woman of the country Ymir, I wondered what it was about –– but with this, I understand now.”

Barzeride contentedly muttered so and inclined the wine glass in his hand.

“If we get that “key”, it will be possible to arrive at the depths of the ruins. Wonderful. With this, I will get the “strongest power” and the “greatest fortune”.”

“That’s good for you. Then in order to control her easily, shall I sell you a special medicine? I can make a docile –– living doll for you.”

The figure in robe said so as he warped his mouth.

Although his eyes couldn’t be seen as they were hidden under a hood, his voice was distorted with bottomless malice.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t use those kinds of means.”

But, Barzeride calmly shook his head while returning a smile.

“I took a liking to that woman, you see? If I don’t make her yield directly with my own hands, I won’t be satisfied. Be it the pride or dignity she has piled up, I’ll pin all of it and make her become my thing. In this country, women are no more than tools for us men to push on our way to the top. I have to make her thoroughly understand that. Her skill as a Drag-Knight is also excellent, and besides –– even as a tool for night time, it looks like I can enjoy it for a long time.”

“What a good hobby you have, “Title Holder of the Kingdom”.”

The figure in robe who understood his intention contentedly nodded.

“But for the engagement with her, it has turned into a strange duel. Do you have any chances of victory?”

“That’s a stupid question, brethren.”

As Barzeride replied immediately, he softly touched the hilt of the Sword Device hung to his waist with his fingers.

“The Divine Raiment of <Aži Dahāka> which I bought from you is the strongest. I don’t feel like losing no matter who the opponent is. Even if that legendary “Black Hero” is to appear, he won’t be a match for the current me.”

“Yes, Speaking of which –– there is one thing I have to tell you about that, Lord Kreutzer.”

The figure in robe changed his frivolous voice to a serious one and told so.

Opening his gray pupils, hidden in the shadow, wide to the limit, the man laughed.

“The Old Empire’s legend –– the Black Hero’s true identity and his Divine Raiment. Don’t you want to buy this information?”

===Part 11===

“I am not a human of this world. I am–– a survivor of the ruins.”

To Krulcifer’s words, Lux could not help but freeze.

In this altar room where they couldn’t move from due to the collapse, a quiet voice resounded.

“A human of the ruins…, don’t tell me––”

“I was found in the ruins of Ymir––, a place called the “fourth ruins – Hole”. No, saying that I was excavated would be correct.”

“By that, what do you mean?”

“Do you remember the <Box> of a little while ago? A treasure box in which the inheritance of the old times sleeps in. Similarly, it seems that I was sleeping within a box with a form different from that. I, who was still very young, that is. At that time, the Head of the Einvolk House who was doing the ruins’ investigation –– and currently my foster father found me.”

“Then, for the Einvolk House…”

“Of course, since it is a proper House, I was taken in as an adopted child. Or so I thought. They probably have some kind of expectation from me. They should have wanted me as a clue connected to the ruins –– and a lost past. I, who had no memory at all of the past, was living in the Einvolk House, knowing nothing about such a thing.”

“…………”

“Around the time when I was also enough, I had understood that I was an adopted child. My parents, my siblings, the employees, everybody was somewhat distant, so I naturally became aware of it. That I–– was different from the people of this house. That’s why I worked very hard. In order to please to everyone and in order to have them accept me as a member of the family someday. Really no matter how hard things were, I endured them and kept working hard.”

“Krulcifer, san…”

“And like that, before I became aware, I was called a genius. Be it study or etiquette… also as Drag-Knight, I was recognized as a first-class user. But… in the end, the thing I wanted the most, I was not able to obtain it.”

“…………”

The Einvolk Family, A distinguished family of knights and Drag-Knights.

Because she had no blood relationship, the girl struggled for a place to stay.

So, she piled up ability and results through years of hard work and reached the top.

But––,

“No. Far from it, before I became aware, they became more distant. The harder I was working, the bigger the distance to them became. I, who possessed a skill to the extent of being given a Divine Drag-Ride at this age, was avoided by my siblings before I was aware. As expected, it was because of the fact that I am a creature different from them. One day, I had accidentally heard about it when my father and my big brother were talking.”

Resignation and loneliness were mixed in the tone of Krulcifer who talked indifferently.

“And finally like this, I was also kept away from the House. The rampage that occurred in the ruins of Ymir; after that incident, I was treated like an angel of death and thus sent to another country. Not having taken my Divine Drag-Ride was probably in order to give some weight to it as an article for sale.”

“Is that why you were so obsessed with this ruins’ investigation?”

“Yes… I always wanted to confirm it. Whether I was really a human of the ruins. I thought that maybe what I had heard until now was some kind of mistake, and that the real me is just an ordinary human and a person from the Einvolk House, but––”

Treasure and technology which slept in the ruins.

Lux understood that she was not interested in such a thing that many people sought.

“My true identity is, after all, a human of the ruins. After seeing the ruins’ reaction to me, I’m now sure of that. But–– I was not able to remember anything about the me and the events of the past.”

Quietly casting down her eyes, Krulcifer sighed.

“Y-You cannot jump to conclusions yet! It isn’t as if you examined everything here, too; and perhaps, there might be other clues in the ruins in Ymir––”

“No, it’s fine already.”

“Eh…?”

To the words which suddenly fell, Lux could not help but doubt his eyes.

Krulcifer’s lean figure was trembling little by little.

“I have already become scared now, so… I wonder why. Even though I hated so much the family of the Einvolk House… even though I wanted to know the truth, if I came to know that I am really an outsider and “different”, then I would become helplessly frightened. If I continued to explore the ruins here, and if there was any other people from the ruins like me or ordinary people accepting my existence –– When I think so.”

“Krulcifer…san”

To Krulcifer who showed a fleeting profile, Lux silently stretched his hands.

“I’m sorry. For having made you go along with my selfishness, for such a nobody like me––”

“That’s not true!”

Lux raised his voice, and grasped Krulcifer’s hands.

“Lux…kun?”

“Neither Ymir nor the Einvolk House matters. Krulcifer-san is a friend the same as us, and for now –– my love… partner right?! So –– no longer say such lonely things…”

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v2 0016.jpg|thumb]]

Lux, who became embarrassed at his voice which got excited, quietly looked away while saying that still holding her hands.

“…………”

After Krulcifer stared at Lux with a blank face for only several seconds,

“Fu, Fufufu…”

She burst into laughter with a face as if she was enduring something.

“…Eh?”

“Lux-kun. I will give you one advice. You should not easily believe a woman’s complaints.”

“Eh, eeeeeeeeeeeeeh…!?”

Krulcifer who suddenly returned to a cool expression said so as to tease him.

“Wait, was what you said a while ago a lie!?”

When Lux confusedly released Krulcifer’s hands,

“You should stop sympathizing with other people’s misfortunes. Your only weakness is being generous with others, so I said that just to test it; but this reaction of yours was more than expected. Be careful at the time of the duel.”

“…Ah, Hahaha.”

To the words of Krulcifer who looked as if nothing had happened, Lux smiled wryly for a while.

“But really, why are you so softhearted. Even you were a Prince of that notorious Old Empire––”

“Though I think that it isn’t really like I’m softhearted. This is surely because such was my fate.”

To Krulcifer’s mutter, Lux answered with a distant look.

“Eh…?”

“I had been banished from the Imperial Court along with my mother and my little sister Airi because of an admonition of my maternal grandfather. My grandfather was a former feudal lord, and he had also worked as the person in charge of the imperial family’s education, so I think that he wasn’t able to remain silent after witnessing the Empire’s way of doing things. But––”

At that time, the Emperor and Prime Minister imprisoned his grandfather and also banished Lux and company from the Imperial Court as punishment.

And then, one day after two years, an incident occurred.

When the carriage that Lux and his mother rode on slipped down a cliff, the territory people, out of the grudge of being oppressed by the Old Empire, let Lux’s mother who was injured die.

They did not get rescued.

Because they had offended and were banished from the Imperial Court, his father the emperor did not even come to the funeral.

Lux and company were shunned and forsaken by both the imperial family and the people.

“That’s a really tragic story… Did you not resent anyone?”

“I resented them, of course.”

Lux awkwardly laughed and replied.

“The Emperor who is my father, the imperial family, the Old Empire, the territory people, I resented everyone around me. I think that I probably cursed even this world. I became desperate. I became disgusted by anything and everything –– but”

“But?”

“Philphie saved me. I, who also lost almost all value as royalty, she had been by my side all the time––. She slipped out of her House and came to see me every day. But one day, she got lost, and I decided to go looking for her.”

Even to Lux’s wry smile, Krulcifer did not laugh.

“I noticed then. That I didn’t actually want to hate anyone. Because of the Empire, I didn’t want to hate those important to me–– or those who might become so.”

“…………”

“That’s why I wanted to change the country. I wanted to create a country where no one would have to hate those that they like… See, I also have something like lineage, but I was in the lowest rank of the royalty.”

He said so and turned a smile to Krulcifer.

“––You really are a good person, eh.”

“That’s not right. After all, I…”

At Krulcifer’s earnest words, Lux returned so.

“If you had ended up becoming the Prince of the New Kingdom, would you also have saved me?”

“Eh…?”

“No, it is nothing.”

The moment when Krulcifer returned again to her usual smile,

“Hey! Are you under here!? Lux! Krulcifer!”

From upstairs, Lisha came down with the sound of friction caused by metal.

“Lisha-sama!?”

*bakii*! Knocking a nearby ceiling, four Machine Dragons got down.

“Ooh, they are here! Finally found you, Lux!”

When looking up at the broken ceiling, there were Lisha wearing the <Chimeric Wyvern>, and the three girls of the Triad respectively wearing each a general-purpose Machine Dragon.

They seemed to have dug through until nearby with the armament attached to the <Chimeric Wyvern>’s right arm.

“Everyone, have you come to rescue us!?”

“Yes. I was able to perceive your positions with my <Drake>, so –– it’s good that you’re safe above all.”

Lux heaved a sigh of relief at Nokuto’s voice.

“It’s almost the time when the gate will open. I’ll carry you, so let’s go quickly.”

When Lisha said so, she was about to first carry Lux with the <Chimeric Wyvern>’s left hand, but

“You should first take Krulcifer-san. She seems to be hurt.”

Nokuto calmly pointed out so.

“…Wha!? B-But… Thinking carefully, my right arm is equipped with a drill, so there will be no sense of stability to hold an injured person. Hey Sharis, I leave Krulcifer to you whose both hands are empty.”

“Good grief, what an incorrigible Princess.”

While smiling wryly at Lisha’s order, Sharis wearing a <Wyvern> got down.

“We have already given the excavated ancient documents and Machine Dragons’ parts to the other members and made them wait near the “gate”. And now with you two safe like this, we can say that the strategy this time is a success.”

While Sharis said so, she picked up Krulcifer.

“What a relief. Everyone is safe. Well then, let’s go back.”

After Tillfarr added that at last, they all started moving.

On the way to the “gate”, fortunately no Abyss appeared and they were able to safely escape from the ruins.

===Part 12===

“So in the end, there was no results obtained related to the “key”, huh? Even though your <Wyvern> was seriously damaged––”

When Lux returned to the girl’s dormitory and finished his medical checkup, he was given instructions of “complete bed rest” for a while.

In the medical office in the evening, there was no one else except just Airi and Lux now.

Although Lux had not suffered apparent injuries, since fatigue had accumulated due to injuries like bruises and his Machine Dragon’s operation, he was told not to fight for a while.

Krulcifer and the Knight Squadron’s members who travelled along also ended their medical treatment, and were now under rest.

“No, like I said, sorry.”

“I am angry because Nii-san has not reflected on anything at all. In addition to that, the ruins are dangerous, and yet you acted recklessly again––”

About that, when he protected Krulcifer from the collapse of the ruins, he had hit his body here and there; so there was no helping it, but

“In the end –– that horn was not a “key”, huh?”

“Yes. In that situation, I was afraid to use it and even when I held it up inside the ruins, there was no decent reaction which made it look like a key.”

Something which was a possibility having arrived at the depths of the ruins.

But, he could not say yet that he had found a different “key”.

About the fact that the path to the door had been already opened by the power of the girl of the ruins that was Krulcifer.

“I see… It’s regrettable that there was no progress with this, but there’s no helping it.”

With this, the ruins investigation rights that the Atismata New Kingdom owned had been fully used once.

In order to investigate the ruins once again, they had to win the off-campus confrontation battle against the neighboring countries by using Drag-Rides and acquire those rights.

For the off-campus confrontation battle in one month, a campus selection battle would begin in one week.

Lux also had to decide what he would do for that battle.

But, before that… there was something he had to do.

“Then, Nii-san. Please, drink this.”

As Lux forcibly raised half his body, Airi held out a cup containing a dark brown liquid to him.

“This is––?”

“It’s a medicine. Since you will make it in time for the duel, please take a rest at least for now.”

“…Yes. Thank you.”

Lux took the cup containing the medicine and drank it up in one gulp.

“…Ngh, hum”

After a while, he closed his eyes and groaned a bit.

As he fell asleep before long, he started leaking small sleeper’s breathing.

“––Are you satisfied with this? Krulcifer-san.”

“Yes, thank you.”

Immediately after, Krulcifer entered into the medical office.

Then, after seeing Lux lying down on the bed, she leaked a small breath.

“Like this, we can feel at ease for the time being.”

With her usual cool expression.

“Is it all right? If you ask Nii-san, I think that he will fight with you.”

When Airi asked so wonderingly,

“He will certainly. But––”

Krulcifer muttered as she cast down her eyes with hesitation.

While Lux would still be sleeping due to the medicine with strong sleep effect, the duel would be over.

It was also Krulcifer who asked Airi for the concoction of a medicine for that purpose.

“I cannot afford to get your brother involved with my situation any more than this. He has already helped me a lot.”

“In any case, it will be impossible for Nii-san to fight tonight.”

Airi, staring at Lux’s sleeping as such, calmly concluded.

“Not only injuries and fatigue during the ruins investigation, but his <Wyvern> was also seriously damaged. He can’t fight properly with it just slightly repaired. And against two powerful people in the duel at that.”

“That’s right.”

With an attitude saying that she understood, Krulcifer turned her heels.

In any case, Lux did not have a Drag-Ride to fight with.

“Besides –– since we are talking about Nii-san, if compelled, he might try to use <Bahamut>.”

The “Black Hero” who destroyed the Old Empire five years ago.

If he used <Bahamut>, his true identity might be known by those two opponents.

If that happened, in exchange for victory, Lux would draw further danger to himself.

Therefore, Krulcifer, after consideration, made this decision.

A way to bring her fate to an end by herself without relying on Lux.

“Well then, I’ll leave him to you. You surely understand even without me saying it, but if he were to wake up, tell him that the duel was called off––. This request also will be over by tomorrow.”

Putting the request of the matter on a nearby table, Krulcifer left the medical room.

After the sound of her footsteps disappeared, Airi sighed.

“As expected, you still know nothing about Ni-san…”

Airi muttered in a resigned, amazed and somehow casual tone.

Suddenly, the door was strongly knocked on, and Lisha came in.

“Hey, Lux? Are your injuries all right? ––Wait, the little sister is also here, huh.”

Slightly disappointed, Lisha turned her gaze to Airi.

“Is there something the matter? Lizsharte-sama.”

“No. I checked a little with my authority about a matter which Lux had asked before. That man called Barzeride –– he is quite suspicious. He’s an ambitious person and it seems that he had hired bandits as private soldiers several times in the past.”

“That is certainly strange.”

“But, the situation is much worse now. It was written in the letter delivered from mother just a while ago. The reason why we mustn’t overthrown Barzeride and his aim. This New Kingdom’s crisis will be––”

And Lisha began to talk next to Lux who was sleeping.

About the conspiracy of the “Title Holder of the Kingdom” hidden in this matter.

<noinclude>

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Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 2 Episode 3

2017-12-07T20:45:46Z

OmegaWeaponZ: /* Episode3 - The Sixth Ruins – One Garden */

==Episode 3 - The Sixth Ruin – One Garden==

===Part 1===

Fort City first block. A white stately mansion located in the dwelling district of the wealthy.

Two people were sitting on a sofa in a spacious living room.

One of them was a man characterized by his blonde hair and high stature, Barzeride Kreutzer.

The other was an existence with sharp piercing eyes which put on a jet black robe and a hood which covered over his eyes.

Inside, the house was illuminated by the sunlight flowing in through the windows and there was no presence of other people such as servants.

“So –– how is it? The condition of the Divine Drag-Ride <Aži Dahāka> that I sold––”

“Yeah. It’s splendid, my friend. I was finally able to perfectly master its Divine Raiment. I still content myself with third place in the tournament of the Capital for now, but––. If I feel like it, this country’s Drag-Knights will no longer be opponents for me.”

To the existence with the robe, the blonde man full of confidence answered while returning a smile.

“I see; it’s as expected of you, my sworn friend. Then–– I count on you for the matter we have talked about.”

Barzeride smiled at the familiar voice.

“If I remember correctly, it was about me marrying that young woman of Earl of Ymir, right? The fact that she is a foreign woman will be a bit of a problem, but is there anything special with her?”

“She is a “key”. The key to unlock the seal of the ruins, she has that kind of power. In order to reach a deep level where humanity has never gone in until now.”

“Then––”

“Yeah, I want to entrust it to you. Therefore, it doesn’t matter whatever means you use. Be sure to conquer(subdue) her and by using her power –– I want you to wrench the doors of the ruins open. If you do so, I’ll leave half of the ruins’ treasures and this country’s rule which will someday fall into our hands to you.”

“Kuku, I understand. That woman seems to be quite proud, but such a female is worth breaking. I’ll live up to your expectations, my friend.”

Barzeride shook his shoulders and joyfully laughed.

As he imagined his military rule in the future.

“Well then, I will take my leave. You don’t need to see me off.”

“Yeah, see you again, my friend.”

Saying only that, the existence with the robe soundlessly left the mansion.

After Barzeride went up to the second floor of the mansion, and saw with his own eyes from the window that the figure disappeared in the alley,

“Hmph. Don’t think that you can tame me forever. Well, it’s fine; if you say I can use whatever means, then there are many measures to consider.”

Saying so, Barzeride tightly grasped the Sword Device at hand and clicked his tongue.

“I’m looking forward to it. This country’s next King ––will be me.”

===Part 2===

“Phew…”

It was the day after they agreed to a duel with Barzeride.

Lux who welcomed lunch break in the classroom was a little sleepy.

Since he handled a classmate’s request today from earlier this morning, he was a little tired.

This was because he thought that it wasn’t good that he gave so much priority to Krulcifer’s request that he hardly listened to other girls’, but––

(As expected, I overdid it a little, I guess…)

On account of his life of odd jobs, when it grew dark, he went to bed and made sure to relieve fatigue for the next day’s work, but, since he came to this academy, he had worked even more as much as he was usually taken care of.

He didn’t know whether or not she guessed it, but Krulcifer unusually released Lux saying “I have some business to take care of today”.

Though it wasn’t a bad feeling to live as Krulcifer’s “lover”, as expected spending time with her who was much more elegant than him was unexpectedly nerve wracking.

Thus, when it had been long since he lazed; lying down on the desk, Tillfarr, one of the Triad, gently poked the shoulder of Lux who was half asleep.

“Oh my, I see that your girlfriend isn’t here today. Lux-cchi, you’re lonely, right?”

To the carefree smile like a flower, Lux raised his face with a wry smile.

“Errr, is it for a work or something?”

“Oh, you may say that, I guess? Seems like you’ve been abandoned. Then, can you tag along with me a little?”

Tillfarr naturally took Lux’s hand and left the classroom with him.

Other students who were withholding due to the matter of Krulcifer’s “lover” were showing faces saying “Damn it, I was late”.

“Okay. It’s here.”

When they walked down the corridor a little, they arrived in front of a certain room before he was aware.

“Huh? This is the drawing room, but––?”

''It’s originally a room for visitors or guests, but is it all right to enter now?''

As Lux was thinking so,

“It’s all right. There is no plan for it to be used today, and we got permission from the Principal. Well then, I’ll go prepare, so wait. Ah, peeping is forbidden.”

The mastermind Tillfarr who brought him along left Lux and went somewhere.

“What on earth does this mean…?”

''Rather, what does she mean by peeping?''

Lux sat on the sofa while being puzzled, but probably because of fatigue, he had fallen into a light sleep.

“N, Ngh…”

“Sorry to keep you waiting! Then, excuse me!”

When he suddenly woke up and raised his face, he heard a knock on the door and then Tillfarr’s voice.

“Ah, welcome––, wait, eeeeh!?”

Lux who was still half asleep couldn’t help but doubt his own eyes as he saw the outfits of the girls who entered.

“––I’m coming in, Lux.”

“Lu-chan. You’re drooling.”

Standing there were Lisha and Philphie dressed in unfamiliar maid outfits.

Following after them was Tillfarr holding plates of food in both hands.

“So, in order to heal Lux-cchi’s daily fatigue, let us serve you. Master, rest slowly.”

Looking at Tillfarr, who winked, and the other two’s appearances, Lux opened his mouth flabbergasted.

It was a plain black maid outfit with a white brim, but as the clothes were a little customized, the skirt was cut rather short.

As for Philphie, her big breasts were also emphasized and it was a very bewitching appearance.

“Errr –– what is this?”

“Well you know, master. I was also consulted by Lisha-sama as to how to make Lux-cchi happy. Because the Princess says that she doesn’t really know what can make a man your age happy, so––”

“H-Hey. You promised not to say that, right!?”

At Tillfarr who openly talked, Lisha blushed in panic.

“––And then, we reached the conclusion that imagining the scene of the time when Lux was a Prince, and serving you as maids was the most pleasing to do.”

“But, I hadn’t gotten maids to take care of me that much––”

“Then, you should use this opportunity to fully enjoy it. We’re all amateurs though.”

As expected of the class’s mood maker, she forcibly pushed forward the talk.

Then, she began to display the dishes on the table.

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v2 0013.jpg|thumb]]

Since it was just lunch time, too, they seemed to want him to eat here.

(Is it all right to do something like this in the academy’s drawing room…?)

Though it isn’t as if Lux didn’t think so just a little,

“Um –– Is it troublesome? Doing something like this suddenly…?”

Looking at Lisha in her maid outfit averting her eyes slightly embarrassed, he changed his mood.

“No, I’m very happy. Thank you, Lisha-sama.”

“……!? N-No, um –– f-for the time being today, you may think of me as being your maid and do somewhat indecent things like when you were young…”

“I won’t do that!? What do you think I was when I was young!?”

“I-I see. Tillfarr said that such things seem to be a maid’s work, too…”

“…………”

As Lux turned a surprised look, Tillfarr whistled acting as if she knew nothing.

Though Lux found it really troublesome, he was honestly happy that they were concerned about him who was tired.

“Lu-chan. The meal will cool down.”

“Since it’s a rare opportunity, a maid will feed you. Lisha-sama.”

“……!? A-As expected, that’s more embarrassing, or rather––”

“…Shall I do it?”

“N-No, let me do it after all. Can I, Lux!?”

Though Lisha was somewhat reserved, she said so as to oppose Philphie.

Then, she picked up a sandwich put on the plate and held it out to Lux’s mouth.

“U-Um, thank you for the meal.”

Since the other two were watching steadily, it felt somewhat awkward, but Lux ate the sandwich from Lisha’s hand.

It had the taste and texture of fresh vegetables, ham, eggs, spices, and sauce.

Since there was also the fact that Lux was also hungry, the sandwich which seemed to be homemade smoothly went into his stomach.

“U-Um, how is the taste? Just to note, we had the dining room’s cook help us with it––”

“It’s very delicious.”

As he replied so to Lisha in her maid outfit who asked with upturned eyes,

“Haw…!?”

Lisha blushed and stiffened on the spot.

“Lux ate it… It’s somehow very exciting. Doing something like this.”

While leaking a seductive sigh, Lisha carried the sandwich to Lux’s mouth with tottering hands. The dish which was put on a large plate was eaten in no time.

“Here, water. Afterwards well, let’s see; shall I massage your shoulders?”

As Lisha was looking outside from the window from the room with an entranced expression, Tillfarr gave him water and gently massaged Lux’s shoulders.

Then, Philphie who was silent until now also put a large plate on the table.

“I made a dessert.”

“T-Thank you –– wait, the dessert after the meal is this!? Isn’t it a little unreasonable!?”

It was a circular pancake –– no, it which was made in seven thick layers could already be regarded as a cylinder.

When Lux hurriedly questioned so,

“…Lu-chan is, cold. Even though you gladly ate it long ago.”

Abruptly looking away as if her pride was wounded, Philphie sulked.

Pancakes were certainly Philphie’s specialty when they were young, but––

“N-No. I like this, too. It wasn’t so much in the old days –– b-but, it’s so nostalgic, I’m happy.”

When he hurriedly corrected himself like so, Philphie’s good mood returned as she said “really?”.

“Then, let’s eat together. We can finish it if we eat together.”

Philphie showing a gentle smile and Lux began to eat the pancake tower together.

After eating two layers, Lux was down and unable to continue; in the end, Philphie ate up the rest in the blink of an eye.

Though it was quite interesting and was a feast for his eyes, Lux thought at last with a wry smile.

(In the end, the three of them were not maid-like at all…)

===Part 3===

“Oh, you finally came! I was waiting for you, Lux.”

Then –– After school of that day.

Lux showed up in the Drag-Knight’s atelier by Lisha’s request.

The unique smell of metal and oil which acridly assailed his nose.

And, countless assembled Machine Dragons standing in a row was a magnificent view no matter how many times one saw it.

One could understand by seeing that Lisha had put on a white gown on her uniform, and was doing her work as an engineer.

“Errr, so, for today’s work––”

“W-Well… leave aside the talk of work for the time being and make yourself comfortable. I’ll get you some tea now, so––”

“Oh, then I’ll do it.”

As Lux offered so due to his usual odd jobs’ habit, and was about to head to the small kitchen located in the back of the atelier.

“No. There’s no need. I, the younger one, should do it.”

“You should just sit down there, Nii-san.”

“Huh…?”

Standing there were two familiar girls, his little sister Airi and her friend Nokuto.

“Why are you here, too––?”

“We had a little business regarding Machine Dragons; since it’s a rare opportunity –– are we in your way? Nii-san.”

Airi said with a somewhat implying smile.

“Ah geez, Lux! Come back here!”

Lisha who saw that called out to him from the sofa.

“Geez, I can at least explain it by myself…”

Judging from Lisha seeming somehow discontented, Airi and Nokuto seemed to have forcibly intruded in here.

After a while, tea poured into cups was carried, and Airi and Nokuto also sat down before the work unit.

And, Airi spread several sheets of paper there.

“This is––”

“Yes. It’s the output analysis result of <Bahamut> that Nii-san uses. I observed the last battle on Nokuto’s <Drake>.”

“…………”

Lux slowly looked over the bunch of papers.

Starting with the estimated output when he used the Divine Raiment, detailed records such as the estimated time of operation limit were written.

Airi probably collected them over many hours for Lux to use <Bahamut> someday.

By increasing the output, one would be able to momentarily generate a strong power, but in return, the consumption would be huge.

A precise adjustment of the output of the Drag-Ride and each armament was carried out in accordance with the ability and aptitude of the user.

However, unlike a general-purpose Machine Dragon, for a Divine Drag-Ride whose existence was confirmed and it was said that there was only one for each species in the world, there was no standard value of adjustment, and it was the present fact that analyses aren’t readily advanced.

Especially regarding <Bahamut>, since Lux could not afford to use it very often, time was required to analyze it.

But––

“While looking at it, I made a fine output adjustment to <Bahamut>. As expected, it was hard to do it until now since there was no data. I cut the output which is likely to be vainly used as much as possible, so I think you can fight quite easily more than before.”

“Thank you, Lisha-sama.”

As Lux turned a smile, Lisha suddenly blushed and averted her eyes.

“Ah, yes… If you say it like that, then it was worth my doing my best. U-Um, as a reward, if you could hold me––”

“Nokuto and I also helped, Nii-san.”

“Ah, thank you, both of you.”

“Yes. I feel obliged.”

“––H-Hey!? I haven’t finished talking yet!”

Ignoring Lisha who shouted from behind, Airi continued the talk.

“By the way, it doesn’t mean that I want you to fight for a long period of time. So, please do not act rashly. That –– you understand, right?”

“Ah, yes. I know.”

To Lux’s smile, Airi also returned a smile.

“With that said, Nokuto. I cannot trust Nii-san, so I can only rely on you.”

“Yes. Roger, Airi.”

“Hey, hey!? What do you mean? You don’t trust me!?”

“It’s obvious, right? Even though you always ignore my advice and rampage as you please.”

“…………”

When being told so, he thought that she was actually right; so his ears hurt.

“Well, in tomorrow’s ‘Abyss subjugation’ and ‘ruins investigation’, as expected I don’t think <Bahamut> should be used.”

Lisha suddenly muttered as she folded her arms.

“Ah, speaking of which––”

The ruins’ investigation by “Knight Squadron” that he was told about by Relie.

The day for that to happen should be tomorrow.

The objective was the subjugation of a Golem, a large Abyss which appeared around the ruins.

As well as the sixth ruin –– Garden’s investigation.

Originally, that mission would be carried out by a unit whose members were half composed of those elected from the “Knight Squadron”, but this time by Relie’s recommendation, Lux was also going to tag along as an exception.

Of course, he could not afford to let <Bahamut>’s existence be known to the other members of the “Knight Squadron”, so he did not want to act too much rashly, but––

“Don’t worry. After all, the commanding officer this time is me.”

Drinking the tea contained in her cup, Lisha stuck out her chest.

“While we are it, I also prepared the most recently drawn map of the “Garden”, so please keep it in mind during this evening.”

“Ah, yes. Thank you.”

Lux nodded and thanked Airi’s consideration.

The ruins were labyrinths whose existences had been confirmed to number seven in the world presently and in which ancient technology slept.

Drag-Rides, Abysses and unknown technology.

This place was an existence which brought various things in the world and prompted rapid evolution and development in these past ten years.

Among the three ruins which were in the territory of and around the New Kingdom, the sixth ruin, the “Garden” was the place where investigation had advanced the most in the present situation, but even so –– its whole aspect had not been clarified yet.

But, since it was a matter which had continued since the Old Empire era, it was a path which could not be avoided.

“This time, as expected Krulcifer won’t tag along. So, you may rely on me without reserve, Lux.”

“Is that so?”

To Lisha who tapped his shoulder smilingly, Lux returned so.

“Yes. In her case, there is that “condition” after all.”

Krulcifer was a foreign student of the country Ymir.

Therefore, on the occasion of fighting in this Atismata New Kingdom, her unique standard was determined.

When it came to the subjugation of a dangerous Abyss, Krulcifer should basically not participate.

(I wonder if she’ll be alright by herself. Krulcifer-san…)

However, Lux was anxious about going and leaving her alone.

It should be the safest if she didn’t go to the ruin investigation, but––

“Okay, this talk is over. Therefore, how about you young girls go back? I want to talk with Lux about a slightly personal matter, you see?”

“A talk?”

“Ah, yes… well.”

When Lisha was about to begin talking,

<nowiki>*</nowiki>knock-knock*

They heard a light knock.

“Good evening!”

Before they could reply, opening the door and entering was Tillfarr of the Triad.

“What are you all doing? It looks very interesting, so let me in.”

“As usual, you’re someone who can’t read the atmosphere…”

Lisha turned reproachful eyes at the cheerful Tillfarr and sighed.

“Why did you come here for? Tillfarr.”

As she couldn’t just watch that without doing anything, Nokuto also of the Triad asked just as amazed.

“Well, there is a message for Lux-cchi. From Principal Relie; she said that tonight after about five o’clock–– you’ll be able to enter the bathroom.”

“Ah, I see.”

At these words, Lux also forgot their talk about the ruins and stood up.

About the bathing in the girl’s dormitory, Lux was basically prohibited from going in, but there was a certain period of time when he could use the bathroom; about once a week.

When the female students finished their bathing and there were no other users, he was called out by the manager such as the dormitory leader and was allowed to enter all alone.

Since he usually got it over with only wiping his body with a towel dipped in cold or hot water, bathing was a rare opportunity for Lux.

“Then, even if I go––”

“Hmm… it can’t be helped. Let’s call it a day. Let’s talk about this another time.”

With Lisha’s permission, Lux left the Machine Dragon’s atelier.

And he went straight to the large public bath of the girl’s dormitory.

===Part 4===

“Phew. It’s been a while since I was in a bath––”

He carefully knocked on the door of the dressing room and bathroom, and after having confirmed that there was nobody inside, he put the plate “under cleaning” outside and took off his clothes.

Although he had properly gotten permission from the Principal, as expected he couldn’t help being nervous just by being in the bathroom of the girl’s dormitory.

Marble pillars, and the large bathroom which lamps faintly illuminated.

After dashing hot water over himself at the washing place, he slowly washed his body and finally immersed his whole body into the bathtub.

''I was regularly bathing in my Imperial Court life when I was young, but after beginning my life of Chores, I was hardly able to take a proper bath; so this is also a side benefit'', Lux thought.

He relaxed his whole body and entrusted it to the buoyancy of hot water.

The sensation of his muscles, which got tired with daily odd jobs and training, getting loose was comfortable.

“Haa…”

Originally a time of supreme bliss that he could rarely taste.

Nevertheless, there was a certain concern in Lux’s head.

It was about the duel over Krulcifer’s engagement.

There was no problem in the fact that it had come to a duel –– to the fight itself.

However, aside from the woman butler Alterize, Barzeride was a dangerous opponent.

And, he was also worried about Krulcifer who had also decided to fight.

(I don’t really understand though. She doesn’t seem to have a very good relationship with her home––)

Of course, since it was about Krulcifer, she was probably doing well; but it somehow felt like she did not trust the members of the Einvolk House.

This might be because Lux, who was treated as a parasite among the imperial family before, put himself in her place that he ended up thinking so.

“…………”

Lux gently closed his eyes while being soaked into the bathtub.

Tomorrow, Lux would join the ruins investigation by the “Knight Squadron” for the first time.

“I hope we’ll be able to come back safely––”

As he talked like so to himself.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>chapun*. The sound of water splashing could be heard immediately nearby.

“Eh––?”

When he spontaneously opened his eyes and looked at the figure hidden in the white steam,

“…… Huh?”

A familiar pink-haired girl looked at Lux with her absentminded eyes and tilted her head to the side.

“––Wait, eeeeeeeeeeeeeh!?”

Standing with a splashy sound, Lux could not help but draw back in the bathtub.

As he flung his back on the wall, he finally grasped the present situation.

“It’s rude. Lu-chan.”

When Philphie who let her hair down said so with a serious look,

“Ah, s-sorry–– not that!? Why is Phil…Phi-chan here!? Um, wasn’t there a plate “under cleaning” outside!?”

“It’s because I came back late from training today. Onee-chan said that the bath is still opened––”

“…………”

At her indifferent words, Lux guessed.

This situation was definitely Philphie’s mischievous big sister, Principal Relie’s doing.

“Geez, what is she thinking!? That person…!”

No matter if they were childhood friends, she should not let a young lady and a man their age sleep and take a bath together.

It looked like Philphie herself did not mind it, but there was a problem after all.

“S-Sorry. W-Well then, I’ll immediately go out, so––”

As Lux, thinking so, was about to get out of the bathtub,

“––Why?”

Philphie returned a straight face.

“No, after all!? Even Phi-chan hates it, right!? To take a bath with me, a man––”

As Lux confusedly said so,

“I will never take a bath with a man I don’t like.”

Bending her head slightly to one side, she replied with a serious look.

Lux’s face reflexively became red

“N-No, I’m not talking about that––”

When Lux said so while covering his eyes with his hand,

“It’s been a long time since I took a bath with Lu-chan. It’s really nostalgic…”

Philphie smiled as she said so in a hearty tone.

“…………”

Her tone looked really happy for her, who was usually taciturn, and Lux somehow hesitated about getting out of the bathtub.

(N-No, but––, it doesn’t change the fact that it’s ethically wrong!)

Within his whole body conflict and embarrassment seethed, Lux threw a fleeting glance at the figure of Philphie slightly away.

It was beautiful.

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v2 0014.jpg|thumb]]

Her big amber eyes and her flushed cheeks.

Her fluffy pink hair got wet and slightly stuck on her skin.

And, her white, firm skin and big chest which floated in the bathtub––

(Wait, looking more than this is bad…!)

Lux looked away and somehow maintained his reason which almost collapsed unintentionally.

As he threw a fleeting sidelong glance at Philphie after calming down after several deep breaths––

“…Kukah”

“She actually fell asleep!? Wait, you can’t sleep here, Phil––”

Unintentionally drawing near, he lightly shook Philphie’s shoulders soaking in the bathtub.

Her vivid body temperature and the feel of her smooth skin.

The rich swelling which shook together with Philphie shaken back and forth.

(W-Wait, I can see her breasts…! From the front is bad!)

Lux’s gaze was attracted to her half exposed big chest floating in the hot water, and his throat quickly got dry.

In order to restrain himself, as he got up from the bathtub at once, he put his hands on Philphie’s shoulders from behind and lightly shook her––

“Huh––?”

For an instant, a strange sense of discomfort cooled down Lux’s mind.

Lux himself, not knowing immediately the reason, stiffened for about several seconds.

“Ngh… what’s wrong? Lu-chan”

“N-No… M-More importantly, you shouldn’t sleep in the bath, Phi-chan.”

“…Yes. Thank you.”

Philphie who woke up turned her head to thank him.

So as not to see her naked body over the transparent hot water, Lux, after averting his eyes, finally realized the true identity of the sense of discomfort.

“H-Hey, Phi-chan”

“…What?”

“Wasn’t there a scar on your back? A small one diagonally from the right shoulder––”

“…Maybe there was. I don’t really remember though.”

With slow movements, Philphie passed one hand onto her back and traced it with a finger.

Right, I’m sure there should have been one.

Lux remembered having heard that it was a scar she had gotten by having fallen down in her childhood before meeting with him.

It was not that deep a scar, but one could tell by sight that it was an old wound.

But, as far as Lux saw a while ago, the scar had neatly disappeared.

Could the wound which left a scar that remained from the time of childhood be healed at this age?

“Lu-chan. Be careful tomorrow.”

“E-Errr…?”

Lux came to his senses at Philphie’s voice.

“You’re going to the ruins, right? I also won’t be able to go with you this time due to orders. It’s regrettable, but I was told so by Onee-chan.”

He had the feeling that slight loneliness was mixed into her usually leisurely tone.

It seemed that she wouldn’t be able to sortie together with them as a member of the “Knight Squadron” this time, too.

Although a military power to protect the Fort City was also necessary, it isn’t like that problem did not occur to him, but

“Y-Yes. It’s all right. I’ll come back again properly.”

As he promised so, Lux, after having allowed Philphie to get up first, left the bathroom.

–– About ten minutes later.

In order to pass time so as to not see Philphie changing her clothes, it seemed to have been a longer, leisurely bath than he thought.

It took a while for Lux, who felt dizzy, to return to his room.

===Part 5===

And–– the morning of the next day.

Lux and the members of the “Knight Squadron” had gathered in the waiting room of the practice field for the mission.

The objective was the subjugation of a Golem, a large-sized Abyss which wanders around the ruins, and the internal investigation of the sixth ruin “Garden”.

Lux and company were exempted from today’s lessons, and it was scheduled that they would return before the tomorrow evening

The members who would sortie were about 14 people.

It was planned that after defeating the large-sized Abyss –– Golem, a few elites with remaining power among them would enter the ruins.

––No, they intended to do so.

“Well then, I will inform you of a few points about the change of plan of today’s strategy execution.”

Instructor Raigree said with a slightly bitter face.

As the one supervising the strategy this time, it plainly showed that an unexpected and troublesome incident happened.

“First of all ––I will have the foreign student Krulcifer exceptionally participate in this strategy. Her participation to the strategy was strongly requested by the person herself. She asked not to have special treatment and to carry out the mission as a member.”

“Eh…?”

“Why did Krulcifer-san––?”

The members of the “Knight Squadron” could not help but leak out voices of surprise.

Lux also felt the same way.

Even though by order of the country Ymir, she should’ve said that she would not get involved in dangerous missions––

“Please, take care of me. Everyone”

The person concerned, Krulcifer simply got it over with a greeting without explaining her reason for tagging along.

A volunteer to the ruins investigation which they didn’t even expect.

Though that alone deserved enough surprise––

“And this person is––”

“Ah, I will personally introduce myself. I cannot afford to cause you trouble, Instructor.”

Lux was familiar with that haughty tone, and theatrically exaggerated behavior and expression which coerced others.

“What is the meaning of this? Why is this guy––”

The mutter of Lisha, who could not hide her confusion, could be also heard by Lux beside her.

“My name is Barzeride Kreutzer. I act as assistant lord of the Bergeijk region. I graduated as the top student from a Drag-Knight’s military academy two years ago. I thought to offer my cooperation hoping to be of help regarding the duty of this Abyss subjugation as well as the ruins investigation.”

“…………”

Noise.

Unrest which could not be hidden ran through the “Knight Squadron” which should be used to unusual events and fighting scenes (bravado).

Which wasn’t surprising.

No matter how you think about it, an aristocrat with a position to govern a territory –– and a former military employee at that suddenly participating in a mission of the “Knight Squadron” was not common.

“Instructor. What the hell does this mean?”

As if speaking for the voices of all the members present there, Lisha took a step forward.

“That is––”

When Raigree who was asked was suddenly at a loss for words,

“''No matter if he is a person from one of the Four Great Nobles and also associated with the army–– He is an outsider in this Royal Military Academy. I can’t consent that such a person suddenly participates in this important strategy''. Is what you want to say, right? Your Highness the Princess.”

“Hmm…”

Lisha frowned at Barzeride who talked with a smile as he saw through her.

“No worries, I don’t intend to interrupt or interfere in the mission contents. Help –– yes, I just purely intend to help. Rather, shouldn’t you be happy with that? After all, I, who gained the seat of third place in the tournament of the Capital, have volunteered for the shield role of delicate (frail) girls like you––”

It was a statement which posed as a gentleman’s at first glance.

However, his real intention which treated the female students here with contempt and looked down on them was clearly transmitted.

(What is he planning…?)

Even Lux could not yet understand what Barzeride had in mind.

That alone was uncanny.

“That is what’s called “minding your own business”, Lord Kreutzer. If someone who didn’t participate in the coordination training is added to the strategy, our actions will be inhibited, too. To begin with, if a “Big Noble” such as you were to be injured, the academy side could not take responsibility, either.”

Even so, Lisha showed a will of refusal to Barzeride who did not change his strong will.

The other party was from one of the “Four Great Nobles” which had governed a very large territory from the Old Empire era.

Lisha who was the New Kingdom Princess was the only person in this place that could speak as an equal.

But,

“You do not need to worry, Princess Lizsharte. I just stopped by the Principal's Room a while ago and had written a covenant. Even if something were to happen to me, you will not be held responsible.”

Barzeride calmly replied so.

When Lisha turned a fleeting glance to the side, Instructor Raigree gave a small nod as she gave up.

This matter had probably already been settled prior.

“I see. I understand the situation. But, why go that far––?”

When Sharis of the Triad suddenly asked,

“If you’re asking for a reason, there is one. The girl who should become my future wife will be there. In case anything should happen in this dangerous mission––”

Barzeride bragged with a smile.

Small ripples spread among the members of the “Knight Squadron” that heard that.

“…………”

Krulcifer who was thrown gazes looked the other way seeming totally unconcerned.

Was she disgusted or maybe she didn’t want to show a reaction?

''Or it might be both'', Lux thought.

“––Well then, I will have Lord Kreutzer act only as support in the Abyss subjugation. He will not be involved with the investigation. Understood, everyone?”

When Instructor Raigree said so, there was no further objection.

When the strategy meeting ended, Lux and company changed into dress gear and came out to the practice field.

Afterwards, each of them equipped their Machine Dragons and began to move towards the target location, but––

“Um, Krulcifer-san. Why are you taking part in this mission––?”

Before departure, Lux approached Krulcifer and asked.

Participation in a dangerous mission should’ve been originally prohibited by order of the country Ymir.

As Lux tried to ask the reason,

“I will tell you in detail later. Right now, it is one of the few opportunities for me to achieve my purpose.”

Krulcifer returned so in low voice to Lux while paying attention to the surrounding.

''What does she mean by the investigation of the ruins was her purpose?''

''Is it also somehow related to Barzeride’s unnatural participation?''

Though Lux had such a speculation,

“And, that has nothing to do with that person. When I forced the matter of my participation in this investigation to the Principal, I did not know where about he had heard it from; but he just selfishly came along.”

“Those are really cold words, eh, my future wife.”

As he had heard their conversation, Barzeride appeared from behind Lux.

Then he turned an affixed-like smile to Krulcifer.

“Hey, can you stop with that future something? I remember having said that you and I are just strangers.”

Krulcifer replied in a cold tone.

If the woman butler Alterize who tried to make the engagement saw that, she would fly into rage, but

“Ah, sorry for that. But well, I thought that the result of the duel that will be held tomorrow night has already been decided.”

Barzeride returned so with a calm expression.

A duel to decide the establishment or cancellation of the engagement.

About that fight which Krulcifer was the prize, he was probably thinking that his victory was already a matter of fact.

“Still –– it’s unexpected.”

Then, as he turned his face to Lux who was immediately nearby, Barzeride showed a frivolous smile.

“To think that a man who can do nothing other than defending himself is participating in such a mission. Geez, there is nothing more ludicrous than this.”

A tone filled with clear provocation and contempt.

Though Lux did not react and remained silent to that clear hostility,

“Could you stop talking about unnecessary things, Lord Kreutzer?”

Lisha suddenly called out in displeasure from behind.

“And I’ll say this while I’m at it; Lux has the important mission of going into the ruins with us this time. If you intend to hamper the strategy by saying more nonsense like that, I shall ask you to leave right now. Even if you have some other purpose.”

“Sorry for my rudeness, Miss commanding officer.”

Barzeride replied in a polite tone and quietly withdrew.

“You’re a lifesaver, Lisha-sama.”

“Ah, no. Well… Yes, d-don’t mind it.”

Lux smiled wryly to Lisha who scratched her head slightly embarrassed.

“We will depart soon, Miss commanding officer.”

“Tch, interrupting us when we’re in a good atmosphere… Well then everyone; equip your Drag-Rides. We are departing!”

Being urged by Krulcifer, Lisha took command.

Finally, the operation commenced.

===Part 6===

A few minutes after they equipped their Machine Dragons and departed.

All the members arrived at the ruins of the New Kingdom territory about 20 Km away from the Fort City.

A huge white cube which had grown from the ground of a wasteland.

That building called the sixth ruins –– “Garden” was endowed with an inorganic, majestic appearance.

『The target has been confirmed. Everyone, get ready for battle!』

Lisha who acted as the commanding officer this time urged vigilance through the dragon voice.

Lux also overlooked the ruins while setting up his blade.

“This is the “Garden”…”

There were three ruins, which appeared from about ten years ago, existing within the New Kingdom’s territory.

The ship type “Ark” floating on the open sea.

The “Babel” extending from the land of the border, breaking through the clouds and soaring.

And this “Garden” close to the Fort City.

In the interior where six sides were surrounded by a square wall, there were a forest, lake, cave and the like, it seemed like a structure connoting one small world.

It seemed that Machine Dragons and technology from the past were sleeping at the altar at the center, but––

“It’s really curious. Is this also the first time for you, a Former Prince of the Empire, to be seeing this?”

Sharis wearing a <Wyvern> and flying beside Lux accosted him as such.

It seemed that only third-year students in the “Knight Squadron” had experience with investigation.

“I have worked as a guard, guarding the surroundings due to odd jobs–– but this is my first time seeing it this close.”

“I see. In this place, only the third-year students who came along have experience in investigations. You have probably heard about it in the prior strategy meeting, but if there is anything, you can ask me without reserve.”

“Understood.”

When Lux nodded,

『Hey. Be careful, everyone! Abyss confirmed ahead!』

Soon after, Lisha urged everyone to be cautious.

At a closer look, a huge lump appeared from the shades of the “Garden” where there were several castles.

“That’s––!”

Reflected in the eyes of the Drag- Ride clad on Lux was a giant metal soldier whose half body was covered with rock scales.

It was a kind of Abyss commonly known as Golem.

A large-sized Abyss which boasted of its big frame and superhuman strength.

Although it had weaknesses such as its slow pace and its monotonous attacks, it possessed a hard, sturdy metal body; it was proud of its power in which a single blow delivered from its weight was impossible to defend against and to which a fatal wound was unavoidable.

Escape would be easy for a competent Drag-Knight, but the subjugation was a nearly impossible formidable obstacle.

The only consolation was that because it was not an active kind for an Abyss, if one did not approach carelessly, there was a very small risk of being attacked; but since it had appeared, it could not be left alone forever.

“It looks like it will be quite worth defeating it, Lux”

Even so, Lisha calmly muttered while looking at the target.

The distance between the Knight Squadron’s platoon and the Golem was about 500 Mel by eye measurement.

It had been established by past battles that the location of its core was in the chest, but its outer shell would probably not be pierced with half-hearted long-range shooting.

“Errr, in the prior strategy, if I’m not mistaken ––”

Ordinary long-range shooting wouldn’t be able to make even a dent on it.

First attract the enemy’s attention with the high mobility of a <Wyvern>, then attack its chest with <Wyverns>’ Breath Guns loaded at full power from the ground and continue shaving its shell until the core is exposed.

The strategy which had been planned on the previous day should be something like this, but––

“It will take too much time.”

“Eh?”

As Lux reacted to that mutter, Krulcifer turned her face to Lisha.

“Can you leave the diversion and attack to me? It will be faster that way.”

“W-Wait a minute! Do you intend to do it alone!?”

Lisha hurriedly tried to stop Krulcifer’s proposal, but she was not shaken at all.

“It is possible with my <Fafnir>. If there is not any problem, then let me go.”

“It’s certainly true, but––”

“Then –– I will start moving.”

The moment when Lisha was at a loss for a rebuttal, Krulcifer moved.

“––!”

Immediately after, not only Lux who tried to call out to her, but the members of the “Knight Squadron” also gasped.

<Fafnir> accelerated leaving behind all the people present in an instant.

(Fast…!)

A speed to the extent that even Lux who possessed a superhuman kinetic vision and reading lost sight of her figure.

With its extraordinary mobility, <Fafnir> closed in upon the Golem in an instant.

Ooooooooh…

The Golem which reacted to <Fafnir>’s approach issued a strange noise from its head and let its strong arm howl

It pulled (wielded) its fist like a thick huge rock and let out a blow describing an arc.

“Watch out!”

The fist approached from behind <Fafnir> as it came too close.

A female student reflexively shouted at the blow released from a blind spot.

––But,

“Eh…?”

The moment when it looked as if the fist hit, <Fafnir> evaded it without even looking behind.

A minimum movement without too much waste considering it immediately moved after sensing the presence.

It set up a sniper rifle and fired light bullets while coolly receiving the sudden gust which arose.

Several shots impacted on the Golem’s opened underarm and bluish white lights burst.

Guh…! Ooooooooh!

The Abyss raised a groan and launched an attack with the other arm, but Krulcifer did not move.

“Krulcifer-san! Dodge it!”

Lux raised his voice this time, but Krulcifer still floating in mid-air did not move an inch.

But, a strange thing happened again.

Whether it used up all its strength or its posture was broken by the shooting earlier, the Golem’s fist stopped exactly just before hitting Krulcifer.

“…Eh?”

Using that opening, Krulcifer once again pulled the trigger.

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v2 0003.jpg|thumb]]

The precise shooting which could also be called a divine feat which she showed in the mock battle against the temporary instructors before this.

But, even if it had been hit by an attack of several shots, the Golem did not move an inch.

“I’ll go, too. As expected, it can’t be defeated with just a rifle. We have to cooperate––”

''I don’t know why, but Krulcifer hurried ahead.''

As Lux who intuitively felt so was going to back her up,

『You do not need to come.』

Through the dragon voice, Krulcifer’s voice could be heard for all of the members of the Squadron.

『It looks like I will soon defeat this enemy.』

“Eh––?”

The other members, at the same that time they blankly opened their mouths, understood her reply.

Guh, …Oooooooooooooooh!

At first glance, the movement of both arms of the Golem almost stopped.

“Looks like it.”

Lisha who had worn the <Chimeric Wyvern> took a breath as she saw it.

It had been frozen.

The mechanical giant soldier covered with thick rock skin.

The joints of both elbows and wrists were frozen and its movements were sealed.

“That is <Fafnir>’s special armament –– the <Freezing Canon>. It basically has the same high efficiency of a sniper rifle, but that armament holds the ability to freeze the parts shot. It’s a troublesome weapon which, if you defend, would freeze you together with the part used to defend. In the case of a mock battle with her, you can’t help but avoid her attacks.”

“... Amazing.”

While listening to Lisha’s explanation, Lux leaked a voice of admiration.

She said to avoid, but it was probably a level where it might be said it was impossible to evade all the precise shootings of that <Fafnir>.

“By the way, <Fafnir>’s Divine Raiment seems to be the ability of future foresight called <Wise Blood>. It was probably thanks to that, that she was able to one-sidedly attack while dodging the enemy’s attacks earlier.”

“That was <Fafnir>’s Divine Raiment––”

A Divine Raiment of offense and defense which foresaw an opponent’s attack and aimed at their opening.

Moreover, Krulcifer had precisely frozen only the joints of the Golem.

With that –– the enemy could no longer fight back.

As its chest was finally also frozen, the Golem began to behave violently as it struggled, but because of its own weight and muscular strength, the self-destruction of its joints began.

『Krulcifer, leave the rest to us. I’ll finish it off with long-range shooting.』

When Lisha was going to call out to Krulcifer with the dragon voice,

Guoh… Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

The Golem with neither mouth nor eyes raised a muffled roar.

At the same time, its huge head cracked open like a cotyledon which buds.

“……!?”

The moment when Krulcifer raised her guard, a straight flash was released from the huge jewel which was there.

It would be meaningless if she didn’t consciously activate the precognition ability which is her Divine Raiment.

“Krulcifer! Deploy a barrier!”

Before Lisha had finished shouting, a line of light flew to <Fafnir> and an explosion occurred.

Boom!

With a roaring sound, the storm and impact reached up to Lux and the others who were away.

“Krulcifer-san!”

Lux could not help but raise his voice, and headed to her rescue with his <Wyvern>.

But,

“I remember having said that you do not need to come. Lux-kun.”

Suddenly, Krulcifer’s cool voice tickly struck Lux’s ears

Soon after, a needle-like shooting released from <Fafnir>’s <Freezing Canon> pierced the Golem’s frozen chest.

“Eh…?”

The moment when the white smoke which was obscuring the field of vision cleared up, it was reflected on Lux’s eyes.

She was unhurt.

On the front of <Fafnir>, seven octagonal shields tinged with a bluish-white light were unfolded.

“That’s another special armament of <Fafnir>, <Auto Shield>.”

Such explanation flew from Lisha from behind.

“A defense type armament which automatically protects the main body in response to an enemy’s attack. It is said to be several times harder than an ordinary barrier.”

An armament which symbolized solid scales symbolizing the gigantic dragon Fafnir.

Lux couldn’t help but feel admiration before her ability to easily use up the two special armaments.

Precise shooting impossible to defend, high-speed mobility and moreover an impregnable defensive barrier.

Krulcifer who boasted of a flawless strength overwhelmed the Abyss all alone.

“But, to be able to manage the Divine Raiment and the special armaments to such extent, is related to Krulcifer’s aptitude value.”

“Aptitude value, huh?”

“Yes. Her Machine Dragon aptitude value is exceptionally high even among the female students of this academy. Normally, it’s an unbelievable numerical value. In such a meaning, you’re quite unnatural, too.”

Saying so, Lisha turned her gaze to Lux.

“That’s––”

When Lux raised his voice,

Gu… Ooooaaaaah!

The Golem whose chest was torn by <Fafnir>’s rapid-fire and core crushed collapsed.

The frozen joints broke to pieces with a roaring sound and dust soared highly.

“She did it!”

“You’re amazing, Krulcifer-san!”

As they were released from the tension, the female students of the “Knight Squadron” raised cheers.

“…………”

But, Krulcifer, in contrast to her comrades in high spirits, was staring at the outer wall of the “Garden” with an expression as if brooding over something.

『Eeih, be quiet! We’re still in the middle of the plan.』

Lisha shouted at the unit by dragon voice as to chide them.

“Well then –– we’ll get down to the ruins like this.”

At that moment, Krulcifer plainly declared so.

『W-Wait, Krulcifer!? It should have been planned that it will be the members of the Triad, Lux and I to investigate the ruins!』

The investigation of ruins was also accompanied with the danger of the appearance of a new Abyss.

Therefore, a few elites would penetrate the ruins and a powerful person would also be left outside and prepared just in case something unexpected happened.

In such a meaning, the members who had not fought yet and still had spare energy left should participate in the investigation, but––

“I can still fight. So, you don’t mind, right?”

“Krulcifer, san…?”

(Is she by any chance… impatient?)

Lux was perplexed at Krulcifer’s behavior which was calm at first glance, but somehow hard-pressed.

As it is, they started moving to get down to the “Garden”.

''Something doesn’t feel right.''

When Lux thought so,

“Kukuku. As expected of my future wife. That’s a splendid skill –– but”

In the rear, Barzeride who came along wearing a general-purpose type <Wyrm> suddenly laughed.

When Lux had his attention attracted by his voice for an instant,

『Everyone! Be careful –– something is coming!』

Tillfarr who was on land raised a voice of warning.

『Signs of an enemy confirmed by radar. It’s a new type of Abyss.』

The moment when Nokuto with her <Drake> added that, it could be seen.

“…!? W-What is that? …!”

A Knight Squadron’s girl wearing a <Wyvern> leaked a small scream.

“Don’t tell me…!”

In the sky where the cloud of dust had cleared up, a strange-looking demon was floating.

A big frame which easily surpassed a standing big bear’s, reddish brown skin and huge jet black wings.

It was a monster which let its dagger-like fangs peep out all together in a line and savagely twisted its dark red mouth.

It leaked a smog-like purple breath, occasionally opened wide its bloodshot eyes and licked its lips.

It showed no sign of hiding at all.

But, it slowly and surely shortened the distance to the Knight Squadron.

“If I’m not mistaken, that’s––”

“A Diabolos… huh!”

Lisha, frowning, cried.

Lux had also never seen it until now, but he had already read about it in the ruins’ investigation book.

A brutal medium-sized Abyss strong enough to be able to destroy a small town.

It was a type of Abyss among the flying kinds just like the Gargoyle which he had fought before, but it was an existence several times more dangerous than the Gargoyle.

Probably because it rarely appeared, there were no details written about it even in the books in the library of the Capital.

But, by confronting it like this, they were naturally aware of how dangerous it was.

It was said that this was a creature which must not exist in this world.

“––Gieeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!”

Raising a growl-like scream, the Abyss’s eyes shone.

When most of the members reflexively shrank their bodies, the Diabolos kicked the sky.

“Shaaaaaaaaa!”

It caused a gust which burst the atmosphere and with an explosive speed, swooped down on Nokuto who was wearing a <Drake> down below.

“––!?”

Although Lisha and the others who were in front of the ruins also reacted, they could not catch up.

So as to mow the girl’s face which revealed despair, its stout arm was keenly swung down.

''I won’t make it in time!''

When anyone who was there thought so and was about to cover their eyes, a sharp metallic sound resounded in the sky.

“Kuh…!?”

Using his large blade as a shield, Lux stood in between the Diabolos and Nokuto.

“Lux…san!?”

“It’s fine–– so get away!”

Nokuto, realizing that she would get in Lux’s way, hurriedly jumped back.

A tremendous weight as if being hit by an iron stake.

Lux defended against the blow let out by the demon with perfect timing and position; that blow had a power to the extent that the blade got cracked.

Moreover –– that alone could not completely stop it.

Lux tried to crush it with an inhuman, herculean strength from the position where he stopped the blow.

The small fissures on the blade turned into a crack with cracking sounds.

(At this rate –– it’ll break!)

When Lux perceived danger,

Boom!

A light beam emitted from the canon of the <Chimeric Wyvern> was fired at the Diabolos’s flank.

“Guaaaaaaah!”

The Diabolos which perceived it struck Lux’s <Wyvern> with its other arm, leapt back using the recoil and avoided the canon.

At the same time, it sneaked behind Sharis who came close in order to help Nokuto.

“What…!?”

Sharis, turning around, slashed at it with her blade –– but, far from being avoided, it had been caught by the Diabolos’s right hand.

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v2 0015.jpg|thumb]]

“Kuh––!?”

Her weapon caught, Sharis’s judgment suddenly became dull.

The demon’s left arm which was thrust out using that opening was frozen.

“Guooooooah!”

Krulcifer’s <Freezing Canon>. Using that opportunity when the demon’s attack was stopped, Sharis abandoned her caught sword to get out of the Abyss’s range.

When the Diabolos also took distance at the same time, deep sighs leaked out from the Knight Squadron’s members.

A face-off after taking distance.

In this unpredictable situation, the sound of unsheathing (a sword) could be heard suddenly from behind.

“––Well then, it’s my turn soon, I guess.”

The owner of that leisurely voice was Barzeride who tagged along.

Slightly behind from Lux and the others, he cancelled the armor of his <Wyrm> and equipped a new Machine Dragon which he summoned.

His body changed into a Drag-Knight with thick armor dyed in ultramarine like midnight black.

“That’s––”

All the people present, while also being cautious of the Abyss, turned their looks towards his Machine Dragon.

Divine Drag-Ride <Aži Dahāka>。

Barzeride’s Divine Drag-Ride which could only be used against high rank opponents even in mock battles in the Capital.

It was the battle figure of the man called “Title Holder of the Kingdom”.

“Fuhahahahaha!”

At that moment, Barzeride’s loud laughter resounded, and the canons connected to both his shoulders moved.

<Aži Dahāka>’s special armament already seen in the tournament, <Devil’s Glow>.

The two muzzles were charged with purple light and suddenly spouted flames.

The two flash of light attacked aiming at the Diabolos –– but, the enemy evaded the attack by a hairbreadth escaping into the sky.

“Kyaah…!?”

All the members of the “Knight Squadron” held their breath at his attack. They had reflectively dodged it, but <Aži Dahāka>’s shelling had grazed the members of the “Knight Squadron”.

But, Barzeride whose shelling was evaded still turned a composed smile to Lux.

“How’s that, fallen Prince? Do you want to play a game with me? About which of us will defeat that Abyss first––. If you can defeat it before me, I’ll make it you guys victory at this point in time and withdraw that duel’s promise.”

“Quit the joke, Barzeride.”

Before Lux could answer, Lisha cut in with an uncanny look.

“This isn’t hunting for fun! If you intend to do more unnecessary things than this, I’ll first beat you up here.”

However, Barzeride simply ignored Lisha’s anger and continued.

“Aren’t you confident? Lux Acadia.”

“Kuh…!”

In contrast, Lux ground his teeth as he heard that.

Though Barzeride was probably serious, the problem was not there.

––This man fired at a distance which also involved the members of the “Knight Squadron” around in the shelling.

If by chance something was to happen, this man for sure –– intended to cover it up as an “accident”.

“You––”

At this time when Lux’s voice trembled in anger,

“Would you please stop fooling around?”

Krulcifer who came back to his side broke in with an unusually serious voice.

“Kuku, that’s quite a cold attitude, my future wife. But, I’ll allow that much. That’s why you’re worth being conquered.”

<Aži Dahāka>’s armor bowl softly tapped on <Fafnir>’s shoulder.

After calmly shaking it off, Krulcifer took a deep breath,

“I will dispose of the enemy earlier than you. In that case, there is no problem, right?”

She declared so with a cool expression.

“Ooh, how promising. So, you still have spare energy left, huh.”

“Krulcifer! Don’t act rashly! Retreat temporarily and fix your posture!”

Lisha ignored Barzeride’s statement and said so.

But,

“It’s all right. I will not cause you trouble with my rash actions this time. Besides –– time is precious.”

With an expression which repressed her feelings Krulcifer set up the special armament <Freezing Canon>.

And, she flew towards the Diabolos which was far away and was watching the situation.

Lux was surprised by the action of Krulcifer who was good at long-range shooting.

“Krulcifer-san!”

It was probably in order to draw away Barzeride’s attention and not let the others become involved.

Certainly, Krulcifer was the owner of an outstanding ability even among the Knight Squadron’s members, but that Diabolos was not an ordinary Abyss.

“This time for sure –– I will shoot it down.”

At the same time as she approached the Abyss, she set up the <Freezing Canon> and aimed at it.

Since she could use the Divine Raiment future foresight in offense and defense at point-blank range, Krulcifer should have the advantage.

Or at least, it should like that.

“…!? Why did <Fafnir>’s foresight––?”

The moment of opening hostilities, agitation ran through Krulcifer’s profile and she stopped moving.

Not overlooking that opening which suddenly appeared, the Diabolos spouted hellish flames.

“Guaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!”

“––––”

Dispelling the cold of the <Freezing Canon> shot reflexively, scorching raging flames approached Krulcifer.

“Watch out!”

Lux who rushed at once at max power thrust Krulcifer away.

“Ushaaaaaaaa!”

Although Lux did not end up being rolled into the flames, it directly received the fist of the Diabolos which drew near as it followed.

“Guh…!”

He issued a muffled groan and was knocked down on to the ground as such.

“Lux!”

As the same time that Lisha and the remaining Knight Squadron’s members shouted, they poured concentrated fire on the Diabolos.

But, that barrage of more than ten shots was all dodged with smooth flight movements.

“Kuuh…!”

When all the members over there were astonished at the enemy more formidable than expected––

“––Good grief, so my help is necessary after all.”

From Barzeride’s <Aži Dahāka> which was on the ground, a shelling of <Devil’s Glow> was released.

As if it was natural, the Diabolos dodged it with mobility which did not match its big frame –– but,

“Guaah!?”

On its chest, a halberd was sticking out as if it grew.

“…Eh?”

Lux and Krulcifer who saw it, no, all the members present were dumbfounded.

For a moment, no one had noticed that that halberd was a close-range weapon thrown by <Aži Dahāka>.

Among the Drag-Rides’ weapons, the halberd was a heavyweight class weapon. Besides the abnormality of Barzeride with <Aži Dahāka> which threw it at the speed like an arrow, the problem was the applied process.

The Abyss was in the sky with no obstacles around.

Even if Barzeride could predict that the Abyss would dodge, he shouldn’t be able to predict where it would dodge to.

It was a blow as if he foresaw the future like <Fafnir>’s Divine Raiment, <Wise Blood>.

“Guru…. Aaaaah!?”

Maybe because it was fatal wound which reached its core, the Diabolos suddenly stopped moving; and while its whole body went into convulsions, it began to spout blue blood.

“This game –– it’s my victory, right? Fallen Prince.”

Barzeride who saw that looked at Lux and Krulcifer and contentedly smiled.

But Lux did not care about such a thing now.

“…Why? I––”

Although ostensibly uttering calm voice as usual,

But, Krulcifer was confused to the extent that Lux had never seen before.

This was probably because the future foresight by <Fafnir>’s Divine Raiment, <Wise Blood> suddenly became impossible to use.

Moreover, the Abyss had been shot down by <Aži Dahāka> operated by that Barzeride.

The girl’s calm and perfect face had been distorted with unrest by these two unlikely events.

“Kuhahahaha! As expected, there is nobody who can match me, Lux Acadia.”

Barzeride’s shrill laughter resounded around.

''He’s certainly strong.''

''He possessed strength outstanding enough to be called “Title Holder of the Kingdom”'', Lux thought

However,

(Something doesn’t feel right––)

When Lux had his attention attracted by that sense of discomfort for a moment,

“Don’t relax yet!”

Lisha’s voice could be heard from a distant place.

“Gu, aaaaaaaaaaah…!”

The Diabolos which suffered a fatal wound, vomited blood and fainted in agony.

Its chest with a hole opened that was gaping wide suddenly swelled to more than double its size.

“…!? Leave quickly!”

The Knight Squadron’s members who saw that hurriedly shouted.

『Everyone, deploy your barrier at max power!』

Immediately after Lisha’s shout was heard through dragon voice once again,

red cracks appeared on the Abyss’s whole body and it was tinged with light.

Among the Abysses, several kinds of individuals who self-blasted had been confirmed.

When all the members took a defensive posture, Lux noticed that something was strange about Krulcifer who was beside him.

“Why doesn’t it move? My <Fafnir>––”

Next to Lux, Krulcifer’s airframe began to shake with a rattling sound.

Despite the impending danger approaching, the shield of the special armament <Auto Shield> on the contrary dropped from around <Fafnir>.

The control confusion due to the user’s exhaustion –– the rampage began.

“Krulcifer-san!?”

Immediately after, the Abyss’s body exploded with a flash.

A scorching torrent born with a roar swallowed everything along with screams.

With the blast and impact, it was impossible to breathe.

Enduring a pain as if his lungs and heart would be crushed, Lux desperately embraced the dumbfounded Krulcifer, thus becoming her shield.

Then, he lost consciousness.

===Part 7===

The sound of rainfall could be heard.

What he recalled was the memories of more than five years ago.

A carriage which broke had rolled down the cliff along the route where a forest was close by.

Whether the ground collapsed or the wheels came out, or it slid due to rain, the cause was unknown.

Although it was said that it was cliff, it was not so high. It was just a height of about four Mel from the route above the cliff.

But, the coachman and horses had already died by the impact of the fall.

There were only two survivors; a lady dressed in a plain dress –– Lux’s mother was also bleeding from the head, but she was still breathing.

“Please! Please, help us! We are from the Imperial Family! We are the Acadia people living in the Phillend territory!”

While holding his arm broken at the time of the fall, he desperately shouted.

It was an incident of two years ago that Lux’s mother’s side family was alienated by the Imperial Family and banished from the Imperial Court.

After his mother’s father –– that is, Lux’s grandfather stated a candid advice for imperial politics, there seemed to have been a dispute there, and his grandfather was sent to prison for the crime of defamation and Lux’s family was treated coldly.

After being banished from the Imperial Court, they had been living modestly on the outskirts of the Capital, but this accident occurred when they went for an outing from the house.

“Please! We will reward you. If I don’t take her to a doctor as soon as possible, my mother will––”

A few carriages were coming and going on the route above the cliff.

The sound of rainfall was not strong. Though there was also fog, his cry for help should reach there.

But, no one responded to Lux’s voice.

“Please! Somebody! ––!?”

What came down instead of a response were stones.

Blood flowed from Lux’s forehead and half of his silver hair and face were dyed red.

Looking up ahead, despair was standing.

“Shut up! You damn kid!”

“That’s right! Do you know what you royalty and nobles have done to us!?”

“Even if we won’t help you guys who have been banished from the Imperial Court, we won’t be accused of crime! Just drop dead like that, you bastard!”

The figures of people filled with hatred and raising voices of resentment.

The day when Lux learned that reality for the first time.

All the fights began.

===Part 8===

“Ngh… Hum…”

Lux woke up with an anguished groan.

His body became stiff when he tried to move, due to the dull pain as if his whole body was fractured.

“…!? That’s right, everyone is––!”

Recalling about what had happen just a while ago, Lux forcibly got up.

Then––

“Eh…?”

Lux’s surrounding was covered with a grass thicket which grew in abundance, rugged big rocks, a lake which was visible from the gap in the trees and a ceiling which illuminated the ground with a soft light.

It was a mysterious place as if he lost his way in an uncivilized forest.

“Where the hell is this place…?”

“Probably –– inside the sixth ruins “Garden”.”

“Uwaaah!?”

At the voice which he suddenly heard from behind, Lux’s body shook in surprise.

When he looked back, Krulcifer wearing dress gear like Lux was standing; her Sword Device hung to the belt of her waist.

“I understand how you feel, but do not shout that much. I have not grasped the situation yet, so it is dangerous.”

“Ah, sorry…”

At her usual very calm, and composed expression, Lux was a little relieved.

She was calm now unlike the Krulcifer of a little a while ago.

“What on earth happened? If I remember correctly, the Abyss exploded and––”

“Immediately after the Garden shone, it looks like the people and things around were drawn to inside here. It’s also only a little while ago that I woke up.”

Saying so with a sigh, Krulcifer sat down beside him.

“Thanks to you protecting me, it looks like I’m all right. Thank you.”

“Ah, no. I’m glad that Krulcifer-san is safe.”

As Lux unintentionally looked, there was a bag containing tools for investigation at the place where he was sleeping.

I thought that he had lost it during the battle, but it seemed that luckily this had also been drawn to inside the ruins.

“Beside us, it seems that several members of the “Knight Squadron” were also sucked in, but other than that, I don’t know the rest of the details.”

“If I’m not mistaken, when we entered the ruins, our course of actions was already decided, right?”

Lux took out a memo of the strategy operation from his bag.

The “Garden” had a system such that the gate opened and closed by a cycle of fixed times.

There were access gates in each wall side of the six faces of the cube, and at the same time as the opening and shutting, things from outside were drawn in, and things inside were ejected.

“In case the invasion to the inside of the “Garden” succeeded, the first move is aiming for the altar in the center. Afterwards, carry out the investigation in the altar for about two hours max and then move to the gate of the inner wall after completion. Wait for the opening and closing time and return outside. It will be like this if we proceed as planned, eh.”

Krulcifer who seemed to have memorized the strategy contents confirmed as she read smoothly.

“Yes. But––, now…”

An unexpected incident had already occurred and the situation was different from the usual investigation.

It was a state of emergency where they were attacked by an unexpected Abyss and the members were also scattered.

Under the present conditions where they didn’t even know how many other members were drawn in, the Knight Squadron’s members’ safety should be top priority.

“Well then –– let’s head to the altar at the center tomorrow. Everyone should surely gather there, too.”

Krulcifer calmly muttered.

“Is your body all right, Lux-kun?”

“Y-Yes, well––. Not that, is it okay!?”

“What do you mean?”

Being asked so with a serious look, Lux hesitated.

Then, he alternately looked at the memo in his hand and Krulcifer’s face in panic.

If they were in perfect condition, it would be reasonable to proceed with the ruins investigation like this.

But, in case that there were casualties or that the members’ fatigue was profound, they should cancel the investigation and a judgment about withdrawing should be required, too.

In that case, they should camp near the gate of the inner wall from the start without going to the altar which was the center, and wait there to escape by the opening and closing of the ruins.

In other words, in this case––

“We shouldn’t overdo it. Um –– we also have that duel tomorrow night… Even your body is tired, isn’t it, Krulcifer-san…?”

<Fafnir>’s rampage shown earlier.

The failure of Krulcifer who is always calm and composed.

What Krulcifer desired should be the cancellation of the engagement plan selfishly forced on her.

For that, preserving her strength by not overdoing it in this mission and then winning the duel against Barzeride and Alterize should be the ideal scenario.

And yet, Krulcifer was trying to forcibly defeat the Abyss a while ago.

Though Lux felt uneasy at that behavior that was too much unlike her,

“It’s all right. At that time, I was just a little tired, and I’m not injured. What about you?”

As she turned her usual calm voice and look to him, he wasn’t able to say the words he should say.

“I’m also all right, but… ––Ah.”

While touching his body, Lux noticed,

The blade of the <Wyvern>’s Sword Device which was hanging onto his waist lost its light.

This state showed that the corresponding machine was in a “serious damage” state.

Like this, he could not even summon it let alone wearing it as armor.

<Bahamut>’s black sword was fine, but since he couldn’t use it just like that, it would probably be the last resort.

“I wonder if it is broken. It’s because you protected me, huh.”

“N-No, we were both safe, so we’re pretty lucky.”

Considering that situation, that much was helpful enough.

However –– when thinking about tomorrow’s duel, it was also a troubling problem.

“If you want, you can just wait in front of the gate without overdoing it here. I’ll go alone.”

Krulcifer said not in a sarcastic or provocative tone, but in an earnest one.

That instead stimulated Lux’s uneasiness.

“N-No––. I’ll also go! I can’t let you go alone, Krulcifer-san!”

“…Thank you.”

To Lux who expressed his strong will, Krulcifer revealed a relieved smile.

The moment when Lux’s heart skipped a bit at Krulcifer’s slightly feverish gaze,

“By the way, Lux-kun. You –– are you good at cooking outdoors?”

“Eh…?”

Krulcifer suddenly said that and looked up at the ceiling of the wild wall.

“I do not know the theory behind it, but in this “Garden”, the system seems to be such that it will become dark in conjunction with outside time. At this rate, it will be night soon.”

“E-Errr, um––”

“In the case that we are in the “Garden”, camping goods such as firewood can be procured locally. This was also written, right?”

“Ah, yes…”

To Krulcifer who had suddenly returned to her usual self, Lux did not know what to say.

“And –– the securing of drinking water is necessary, too. The points (locations) of drinkable spring water should have been sketched on the drawn map from past investigations, so can you please give it to me, too?”

“Ah, I understand that, but Krulcifer-san is…”

“I will watch over the baggage near this vicinity. I’ am counting on you, Lux-kun.”

“…………”

She had asserted like so with an extremely calm face.

In a peremptory tone…

“T-Then, I’ll be right back, so be careful, too, Krulcifer-san––”

“Lux-kun, you are a man after all. How reliable.”

When she earnestly said so, he could no longer complain.

(B-But well, it somehow feels like it’s been a long time since Krulcifer-san behaves like herself.)

He was still feeling pain here and there, but since he had shown off, he could not pull back.

''That’s what being a man is'', Lux thought.

(I feel like I have been beautifully led around by Krulcifer-san, but…)

Lux, enduring fatigue and dull pain, collected firewood and drinking water and decided to take a rest that day.

…………

There was no sun in the “Garden”.

Nonetheless, the light of the ceiling disappeared just as if the day had set, and nature and the neighborhood were wrapped in azure darkness.

They made a small bonfire at the waterside and built a simple tent stretching a cloth on the side of rocks and trees.

As they nibbled the dried meat and rye bread which were in the bag and finished their simple dinner, they were finally able to settle down.

“Speaking of which, I wonder if everyone is safe…”

Lux anxiously muttered so.

He presumed that Lisha and the others who were near had probably also been drawn inside the ruins, but he did not know.

“If there was <Drake> user we would be able to detect the position of biological reactions and Machine Dragons .Though that is also impossible in this situation.”

“Which means, we can only advance to the altar at the center. If we’re lucky, we might be able to join them there––”

“…………”

As silence filled the neighborhood, Lux was thinking.

About the fact that Krulcifer did not seem to have an ordinary relation with the Einvolk House.

About the reason why she was so obsessed with this ruins investigation.

And––

“We should decide soon about the lookout and sleeping order.”

As if sliding into Lux’s thinking, Krulcifer muttered.

Fortunately, there were no ferocious carnivores inside the “Garden”, so they didn’t have to worry about being attacked by a beast.

But, there was also the possibility that an Abyss might appear in the “Garden”, so as expected they should avoid relaxing their vigilance openly.

“T-Then, I’ll look out first.”

When Lux proposed so, Krulcifer quietly nodded,

“Understood. After a little time has passed, please wake me up.”

As she lied down on the sheet which was a simple tent,

“Don’t attack me, okay?”

“I-I won’t do something like that!?”

To Krulcifer’s teasing voice, Lux unintentionally shouted.

“I see… But just to note, you have a criminal record.”

“Like I said, that was a misunderstanding!? That I’ve broken into the bath before was because––”

“Yes, I know. Judging from how you panicked, you surely will not do anything. Well then, good night.”

“…………”

As usual, he was played with.

When Krulcifer turned her back on Lux, she began to leak a sleeper’s breathing (the breathing of a person sleeping) calmly after a while.

“Ruins, huh…”

After sighing once, Lux looked up at the dark space.

An existence which should also be called the treasure warehouse of the world that brought about a tremendous development due to Drag-Rides and ancient documents.

The fight to solve its mysteries was accelerating as time passed.

It appeared to be what Fugil had said; Lux was also in possession of the golden horn which could summon the Abysses, but there was no reaction so far.

Was the key to reaching the ruins’ depths that Airi who, deciphered ancient documents, was talking about was something different?

And on the night of the next day, a duel with Barzeride was waiting.

“It would be good if nothing happens…”

Towards the ceiling of the Garden where the sky could not be seen, it looked like invisible dark clouds were hanging over.

===Part 9===

One night passed in the “Garden” –– the next day

Lux also seemed to have fallen asleep before he was aware, and when he woke up, Krulcifer was sitting in front of the bonfire.

It looked like Lux himself was unexpectedly quite exhausted.

After he had the same meal as yesterday, they began to walk to the place called the “altar” at the center.

They did not use Machine Dragons to move because Lux’s <Wyvern> had been greatly damaged.

Though <Bahamut> and <Fafnir> were available, now when fatigue still remained, there was the need to preserve them in case of emergencies.

In this sense, it was a situation where they couldn’t let their guard down even for a moment.

“It looks like it is going to rain.”

Krulcifer who was walking in front while holding up her hand to her face said.

“It looks like it is going to rain.”

“Rain? Does it even rain in this place?”

“Based on past records, it looks like it. It seems that the structure has not yet been clarified though––. Let’s hurry.”

Krulcifer said so and accelerated her pace.

But immediately after, her slender body suddenly staggered (slanted) a bit.

“Watch out!”

When Lux hurriedly supported her body, it was tinged with a high fever.

“Krulcifer-san. Don’t tell me that’s––”

The reason why she left the physical work to Lux for last night’s camping.

If Lux’s prediction proved right, they should return as soon as possible.

“…I am all right. I also said so yesterday, right? Thank you for helping me.”

But even so, Krulcifer began to walk looking only forward.

A small amount of sweat oozed on the nape of her neck.

The inside of the “Garden” was by no means hot.

Lux was convinced that her leg was injured.

“It’s just a little twisted. It’s not a big deal.”

“As expected, shouldn’t we go back? I’ll take you until the gate of the inner wall with <Bahamut>, so if we just stay still there––”

“I am sorry.”

As she painfully cast her eyes down, Krulcifer still did not stop walking.

“I must by all means go. This is one of a few chances I have, so––”

“…I understand.”

Therefore, Lux also decided to go on.

“In return, let me walk in front.”

As he said only that, Krulcifer also nodded slightly.

For a while, the two people silently advanced.

“Hey, Krulcifer-san.”

“…What is it?”

As if to loosen the awkward atmosphere, Lux called out to her.

“Krulcifer-san, why were you looking for the “Black Hero”?”

At Lux’s question, Krulcifer remained silent for a short while.

“For the same reason that I am heading to the altar now. There is something I would like to know by all means.”

She lowered her gaze and softly muttered.

“Have you heard from anyone that my Machine Dragon aptitude value is strangely high? Normally, no matter how rash human acts, there is a limit for the continuous operation of a Drag-Ride. But––”

“But?”

“If the legend of the “Black Hero” is true, if he really annihilated the imperial army in one night, then that Drag-Knight has almost no limit. Surely just like me –– something like that.”

“…………”

Unable to say anything at Krulcifer’s meaningful words, Lux continued walking.

And after about ten minutes,

“This place is, um––”

Krulcifer and Lux had finally arrived at the altar at the center.

Around a circular floor, white columns stood in a row and a silver gem placed on the central platform was tinged with a mysterious light.

A strange structure (Object) which they seemed to be familiar with and unlike any other thing.

It (Object) which was made of the same white metal as the walls of the “Garden” was the altar.

“It looks like we are the first to arrive, huh…”

Krulcifer quietly approached that jewel while looking around.

“Well then, we will wait for everyone here––”

When Lux proposed so,

『Ga, gagaga…』

A strange sound could be suddenly heard.

“……!?”

Though Lux and Krulcifer placed their hands on their Sword Devices to their waists at once,

“An Abyss… it doesn’t look like it!? This voice is –– a person’s!?”

『Ga, gagaga…! Existence of the <key> recognized. Performing special code unlock. If there is no problem, begin the transfer.』

A voice which directly resounded within the brain like the dragon voice was suddenly audible.

“This sound!? Is it by any chance from this altar––!?”

At that moment, the pattern depicted on the floor emitted a dazzling light.

“This––!?”

They reflexively closed their eyes –– when they opened them, all the scenery had changed.

“––It looks like we were transferred to the inside.”

An inorganic corridor surrounded by bluish-white metallic plates and where innumerable rubble rolled.

It was the inside of the altar that they had heard about.

“This place, is my…”

When Lux was surprised at the unfamiliar scenery, Krulcifer moved as if she was in a hurry.

And, when she put her hand on a strange box-shaped object, a white light ran.

『Confirming key’s authentication. By level authority, removing lock to the second layer management room.』

“The object, talked…!?”

To that mysterious occurrence, Lux opened his eyes wide in surprise.

''The strange voice which was emitted from the object.''

''Has it reacted to Krulcifer?''

“So…I was right after all, huh.”

With a small sigh, Krulcifer’s hand separated from the object.

And then she slowly walked towards a shelf which was in the side of wall side of the room.

“Krulcifer-san!? That place––”

Numerous <Boxes> were placed on the shelf.

Inside the ruins, boxes which stored Machine Dragons’ parts and ancient documents –– <Box> existed.

However, because the seams were firm and couldn’t be opened, originally there should be no other method of opening it other than bringing back the entire box with a Machine Dragon, and then taking time to break it, but…

“…………”

『Confirming key’s authentication. By level authority, removing lock to the second layer management room.』

Krulcifer, with a serious look, softly held up her hand to the edge of a Box and moved a finger as if softly stroking the space.

“Eh…!?”

With only that, the box, which should not open, completely opened with a small sound.

Inside of it, there were numerous general-purpose Machine Dragons’ armaments and parts, and a bunch of papers written in ancient characters.

Krulcifer looked over the pages of the ancient document as she turned them.

Each time she shook her head while saying “that’s not it…”; she walked to the doors at the back.

The metal walls lying on top of one another automatically opened by her only touching them.

Ahead of that, there was a staircase which continued further underground.

“I still don’t know. Deeper… I should search deeper. ––!”

While muttering, the moment when she put her hand on the opened door at the back, Krulcifer’s body suddenly fell.

“Krulcifer-san!”

“Uh…”

As she shook her head in order to shake off the pain, Krulcifer tried to get up.

But, she could not get up straight.

Her body which Lux supported was tinged with a strong fever.

“So hot, don’t tell me…?”

“…I’m all right, I can still––”

『Gagaga…, pipipipi––!』

The moment when Krulcifer answered like so, vibrations ran around.

“An earthquake? No––”

『Danger. Due to vibrations, the inside collapsed. Please evacuate to a safe room.』

Soon after the voice was emitted from the object, as it said the ceiling began to crumble.

“……!”

Supporting Krulcifer who could no longer move, Lux slipped into a nearby room.

The vibrations settled and the surroundings regained its silence once again.

………………

“It looks like the outside of the door has been blocked with rubble.”

Having escaped from the collapse for the time being, Lux who heaved a breath of relief muttered so.

Though the collapse was small, as expected this layer seemed to be dangerous.

That was surely the result of various predecessors breaking and digging through the building in order to get Machine Dragons and materials related to them.

Depending on the location of the ruins, there also seemed to be parts which became relatively fragile.

“Let’s settle down for a little while. With your body like that, it’s impossible to use <Fafnir>. I’ll look over the situation around here a little, so––”

After the vibrations from the collapse settled, Lux told so to Krulcifer who cast her eyes down and stood up.

Probably because of the shock, most of the light around disappeared and darkness wrapped the vicinity.

“…I am sorry.”

He heard a faint voice from the girl who hung her head down.

“No. Don’t worry about it. More importantly ––eh?”

When Lux was going to state his concern about Krulcifer’s body, her thin fingertips softly held his hand.

“Could you allow my selfishness just for a little bit? I would like you to hear my story.”

“…………”

“I am not a human of this world. I am–– a survivor of the ruins.”

“A survivor…?”

Lux couldn’t help but become speechless at the words suddenly spat out.

===Part 10===

“I see, so –– were you able to confirm her function as a “key”?”

The same time at Fort City.

In a room of a stately mansion located in the dwelling district of the wealthy, two figures were sitting, facing each other.

They were Barzeride Kreutzer called “Title Holder of the Kingdom” and an existence wearing a jet-black robe.

“Yeah, I expressly tagged along for sightseeing, but in order to protect that woman from the Abyss’s explosion, it looks like I was drawn to the ruins. When you expressly came here to say that I should marry a woman of the country Ymir, I wondered what it was about –– but with this, I understand now.”

Barzeride contentedly muttered so and inclined the wine glass in his hand.

“If we get that “key”, it will be possible to arrive at the depths of the ruins. Wonderful. With this, I will get the “strongest power” and the “greatest fortune”.”

“That’s good for you. Then in order to control her easily, shall I sell you a special medicine? I can make a docile –– living doll for you.”

The figure in robe said so as he warped his mouth.

Although his eyes couldn’t be seen as they were hidden under a hood, his voice was distorted with bottomless malice.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t use those kinds of means.”

But, Barzeride calmly shook his head while returning a smile.

“I took a liking to that woman, you see? If I don’t make her yield directly with my own hands, I won’t be satisfied. Be it the pride or dignity she has piled up, I’ll pin all of it and make her become my thing. In this country, women are no more than tools for us men to push on our way to the top. I have to make her thoroughly understand that. Her skill as a Drag-Knight is also excellent, and besides –– even as a tool for night time, it looks like I can enjoy it for a long time.”

“What a good hobby you have, “Title Holder of the Kingdom”.”

The figure in robe who understood his intention contentedly nodded.

“But for the engagement with her, it has turned into a strange duel. Do you have any chances of victory?”

“That’s a stupid question, brethren.”

As Barzeride replied immediately, he softly touched the hilt of the Sword Device hung to his waist with his fingers.

“The Divine Raiment of <Aži Dahāka> which I bought from you is the strongest. I don’t feel like losing no matter who the opponent is. Even if that legendary “Black Hero” is to appear, he won’t be a match for the current me.”

“Yes, Speaking of which –– there is one thing I have to tell you about that, Lord Kreutzer.”

The figure in robe changed his frivolous voice to a serious one and told so.

Opening his gray pupils, hidden in the shadow, wide to the limit, the man laughed.

“The Old Empire’s legend –– the Black Hero’s true identity and his Divine Raiment. Don’t you want to buy this information?”

===Part 11===

“I am not a human of this world. I am–– a survivor of the ruins.”

To Krulcifer’s words, Lux could not help but freeze.

In this altar room where they couldn’t move from due to the collapse, a quiet voice resounded.

“A human of the ruins…, don’t tell me––”

“I was found in the ruins of Ymir––, a place called the “fourth ruins – Hole”. No, saying that I was excavated would be correct.”

“By that, what do you mean?”

“Do you remember the <Box> of a little while ago? A treasure box in which the inheritance of the old times sleeps in. Similarly, it seems that I was sleeping within a box with a form different from that. I, who was still very young, that is. At that time, the Head of the Einvolk House who was doing the ruins’ investigation –– and currently my foster father found me.”

“Then, for the Einvolk House…”

“Of course, since it is a proper House, I was taken in as an adopted child. Or so I thought. They probably have some kind of expectation from me. They should have wanted me as a clue connected to the ruins –– and a lost past. I, who had no memory at all of the past, was living in the Einvolk House, knowing nothing about such a thing.”

“…………”

“Around the time when I was also enough, I had understood that I was an adopted child. My parents, my siblings, the employees, everybody was somewhat distant, so I naturally became aware of it. That I–– was different from the people of this house. That’s why I worked very hard. In order to please to everyone and in order to have them accept me as a member of the family someday. Really no matter how hard things were, I endured them and kept working hard.”

“Krulcifer, san…”

“And like that, before I became aware, I was called a genius. Be it study or etiquette… also as Drag-Knight, I was recognized as a first-class user. But… in the end, the thing I wanted the most, I was not able to obtain it.”

“…………”

The Einvolk Family, A distinguished family of knights and Drag-Knights.

Because she had no blood relationship, the girl struggled for a place to stay.

So, she piled up ability and results through years of hard work and reached the top.

But––,

“No. Far from it, before I became aware, they became more distant. The harder I was working, the bigger the distance to them became. I, who possessed a skill to the extent of being given a Divine Drag-Ride at this age, was avoided by my siblings before I was aware. As expected, it was because of the fact that I am a creature different from them. One day, I had accidentally heard about it when my father and my big brother were talking.”

Resignation and loneliness were mixed in the tone of Krulcifer who talked indifferently.

“And finally like this, I was also kept away from the House. The rampage that occurred in the ruins of Ymir; after that incident, I was treated like an angel of death and thus sent to another country. Not having taken my Divine Drag-Ride was probably in order to give some weight to it as an article for sale.”

“Is that why you were so obsessed with this ruins’ investigation?”

“Yes… I always wanted to confirm it. Whether I was really a human of the ruins. I thought that maybe what I had heard until now was some kind of mistake, and that the real me is just an ordinary human and a person from the Einvolk House, but––”

Treasure and technology which slept in the ruins.

Lux understood that she was not interested in such a thing that many people sought.

“My true identity is, after all, a human of the ruins. After seeing the ruins’ reaction to me, I’m now sure of that. But–– I was not able to remember anything about the me and the events of the past.”

Quietly casting down her eyes, Krulcifer sighed.

“Y-You cannot jump to conclusions yet! It isn’t as if you examined everything here, too; and perhaps, there might be other clues in the ruins in Ymir––”

“No, it’s fine already.”

“Eh…?”

To the words which suddenly fell, Lux could not help but doubt his eyes.

Krulcifer’s lean figure was trembling little by little.

“I have already become scared now, so… I wonder why. Even though I hated so much the family of the Einvolk House… even though I wanted to know the truth, if I came to know that I am really an outsider and “different”, then I would become helplessly frightened. If I continued to explore the ruins here, and if there was any other people from the ruins like me or ordinary people accepting my existence –– When I think so.”

“Krulcifer…san”

To Krulcifer who showed a fleeting profile, Lux silently stretched his hands.

“I’m sorry. For having made you go along with my selfishness, for such a nobody like me––”

“That’s not true!”

Lux raised his voice, and grasped Krulcifer’s hands.

“Lux…kun?”

“Neither Ymir nor the Einvolk House matters. Krulcifer-san is a friend the same as us, and for now –– my love… partner right?! So –– no longer say such lonely things…”

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v2 0016.jpg|thumb]]

Lux, who became embarrassed at his voice which got excited, quietly looked away while saying that still holding her hands.

“…………”

After Krulcifer stared at Lux with a blank face for only several seconds,

“Fu, Fufufu…”

She burst into laughter with a face as if she was enduring something.

“…Eh?”

“Lux-kun. I will give you one advice. You should not easily believe a woman’s complaints.”

“Eh, eeeeeeeeeeeeeh…!?”

Krulcifer who suddenly returned to a cool expression said so as to tease him.

“Wait, was what you said a while ago a lie!?”

When Lux confusedly released Krulcifer’s hands,

“You should stop sympathizing with other people’s misfortunes. Your only weakness is being generous with others, so I said that just to test it; but this reaction of yours was more than expected. Be careful at the time of the duel.”

“…Ah, Hahaha.”

To the words of Krulcifer who looked as if nothing had happened, Lux smiled wryly for a while.

“But really, why are you so softhearted. Even you were a Prince of that notorious Old Empire––”

“Though I think that it isn’t really like I’m softhearted. This is surely because such was my fate.”

To Krulcifer’s mutter, Lux answered with a distant look.

“Eh…?”

“I had been banished from the Imperial Court along with my mother and my little sister Airi because of an admonition of my maternal grandfather. My grandfather was a former feudal lord, and he had also worked as the person in charge of the imperial family’s education, so I think that he wasn’t able to remain silent after witnessing the Empire’s way of doing things. But––”

At that time, the Emperor and Prime Minister imprisoned his grandfather and also banished Lux and company from the Imperial Court as punishment.

And then, one day after two years, an incident occurred.

When the carriage that Lux and his mother rode on slipped down a cliff, the territory people, out of the grudge of being oppressed by the Old Empire, let Lux’s mother who was injured die.

They did not get rescued.

Because they had offended and were banished from the Imperial Court, his father the emperor did not even come to the funeral.

Lux and company were shunned and forsaken by both the imperial family and the people.

“That’s a really tragic story… Did you not resent anyone?”

“I resented them, of course.”

Lux awkwardly laughed and replied.

“The Emperor who is my father, the imperial family, the Old Empire, the territory people, I resented everyone around me. I think that I probably cursed even this world. I became desperate. I became disgusted by anything and everything –– but”

“But?”

“Philphie saved me. I, who also lost almost all value as royalty, she had been by my side all the time––. She slipped out of her House and came to see me every day. But one day, she got lost, and I decided to go looking for her.”

Even to Lux’s wry smile, Krulcifer did not laugh.

“I noticed then. That I didn’t actually want to hate anyone. Because of the Empire, I didn’t want to hate those important to me–– or those who might become so.”

“…………”

“That’s why I wanted to change the country. I wanted to create a country where no one would have to hate those that they like… See, I also have something like lineage, but I was in the lowest rank of the royalty.”

He said so and turned a smile to Krulcifer.

“––You really are a good person, eh.”

“That’s not right. After all, I…”

At Krulcifer’s earnest words, Lux returned so.

“If you had ended up becoming the Prince of the New Kingdom, would you also have saved me?”

“Eh…?”

“No, it is nothing.”

The moment when Krulcifer returned again to her usual smile,

“Hey! Are you under here!? Lux! Krulcifer!”

From upstairs, Lisha came down with the sound of friction caused by metal.

“Lisha-sama!?”

*bakii*! Knocking a nearby ceiling, four Machine Dragons got down.

“Ooh, they are here! Finally found you, Lux!”

When looking up at the broken ceiling, there were Lisha wearing the <Chimeric Wyvern>, and the three girls of the Triad respectively wearing each a general-purpose Machine Dragon.

They seemed to have dug through until nearby with the armament attached to the <Chimeric Wyvern>’s right arm.

“Everyone, have you come to rescue us!?”

“Yes. I was able to perceive your positions with my <Drake>, so –– it’s good that you’re safe above all.”

Lux heaved a sigh of relief at Nokuto’s voice.

“It’s almost the time when the gate will open. I’ll carry you, so let’s go quickly.”

When Lisha said so, she was about to first carry Lux with the <Chimeric Wyvern>’s left hand, but

“You should first take Krulcifer-san. She seems to be hurt.”

Nokuto calmly pointed out so.

“…Wha!? B-But… Thinking carefully, my right arm is equipped with a drill, so there will be no sense of stability to hold an injured person. Hey Sharis, I leave Krulcifer to you whose both hands are empty.”

“Good grief, what an incorrigible Princess.”

While smiling wryly at Lisha’s order, Sharis wearing a <Wyvern> got down.

“We have already given the excavated ancient documents and Machine Dragons’ parts to the other members and made them wait near the “gate”. And now with you two safe like this, we can say that the strategy this time is a success.”

While Sharis said so, she picked up Krulcifer.

“What a relief. Everyone is safe. Well then, let’s go back.”

After Tillfarr added that at last, they all started moving.

On the way to the “gate”, fortunately no Abyss appeared and they were able to safely escape from the ruins.

===Part 12===

“So in the end, there was no results obtained related to the “key”, huh? Even though your <Wyvern> was seriously damaged––”

When Lux returned to the girl’s dormitory and finished his medical checkup, he was given instructions of “complete bed rest” for a while.

In the medical office in the evening, there was no one else except just Airi and Lux now.

Although Lux had not suffered apparent injuries, since fatigue had accumulated due to injuries like bruises and his Machine Dragon’s operation, he was told not to fight for a while.

Krulcifer and the Knight Squadron’s members who travelled along also ended their medical treatment, and were now under rest.

“No, like I said, sorry.”

“I am angry because Nii-san has not reflected on anything at all. In addition to that, the ruins are dangerous, and yet you acted recklessly again––”

About that, when he protected Krulcifer from the collapse of the ruins, he had hit his body here and there; so there was no helping it, but

“In the end –– that horn was not a “key”, huh?”

“Yes. In that situation, I was afraid to use it and even when I held it up inside the ruins, there was no decent reaction which made it look like a key.”

Something which was a possibility having arrived at the depths of the ruins.

But, he could not say yet that he had found a different “key”.

About the fact that the path to the door had been already opened by the power of the girl of the ruins that was Krulcifer.

“I see… It’s regrettable that there was no progress with this, but there’s no helping it.”

With this, the ruins investigation rights that the Atismata New Kingdom owned had been fully used once.

In order to investigate the ruins once again, they had to win the off-campus confrontation battle against the neighboring countries by using Drag-Rides and acquire those rights.

For the off-campus confrontation battle in one month, a campus selection battle would begin in one week.

Lux also had to decide what he would do for that battle.

But, before that… there was something he had to do.

“Then, Nii-san. Please, drink this.”

As Lux forcibly raised half his body, Airi held out a cup containing a dark brown liquid to him.

“This is––?”

“It’s a medicine. Since you will make it in time for the duel, please take a rest at least for now.”

“…Yes. Thank you.”

Lux took the cup containing the medicine and drank it up in one gulp.

“…Ngh, hum”

After a while, he closed his eyes and groaned a bit.

As he fell asleep before long, he started leaking small sleeper’s breathing.

“––Are you satisfied with this? Krulcifer-san.”

“Yes, thank you.”

Immediately after, Krulcifer entered into the medical office.

Then, after seeing Lux lying down on the bed, she leaked a small breath.

“Like this, we can feel at ease for the time being.”

With her usual cool expression.

“Is it all right? If you ask Nii-san, I think that he will fight with you.”

When Airi asked so wonderingly,

“He will certainly. But––”

Krulcifer muttered as she cast down her eyes with hesitation.

While Lux would still be sleeping due to the medicine with strong sleep effect, the duel would be over.

It was also Krulcifer who asked Airi for the concoction of a medicine for that purpose.

“I cannot afford to get your brother involved with my situation any more than this. He has already helped me a lot.”

“In any case, it will be impossible for Nii-san to fight tonight.”

Airi, staring at Lux’s sleeping as such, calmly concluded.

“Not only injuries and fatigue during the ruins investigation, but his <Wyvern> was also seriously damaged. He can’t fight properly with it just slightly repaired. And against two powerful people in the duel at that.”

“That’s right.”

With an attitude saying that she understood, Krulcifer turned her heels.

In any case, Lux did not have a Drag-Ride to fight with.

“Besides –– since we are talking about Nii-san, if compelled, he might try to use <Bahamut>.”

The “Black Hero” who destroyed the Old Empire five years ago.

If he used <Bahamut>, his true identity might be known by those two opponents.

If that happened, in exchange for victory, Lux would draw further danger to himself.

Therefore, Krulcifer, after consideration, made this decision.

A way to bring her fate to an end by herself without relying on Lux.

“Well then, I’ll leave him to you. You surely understand even without me saying it, but if he were to wake up, tell him that the duel was called off––. This request also will be over by tomorrow.”

Putting the request of the matter on a nearby table, Krulcifer left the medical room.

After the sound of her footsteps disappeared, Airi sighed.

“As expected, you still know nothing about Ni-san…”

Airi muttered in a resigned, amazed and somehow casual tone.

Suddenly, the door was strongly knocked on, and Lisha came in.

“Hey, Lux? Are your injuries all right? ––Wait, the little sister is also here, huh.”

Slightly disappointed, Lisha turned her gaze to Airi.

“Is there something the matter? Lizsharte-sama.”

“No. I checked a little with my authority about a matter which Lux had asked before. That man called Barzeride –– he is quite suspicious. He’s an ambitious person and it seems that he had hired bandits as private soldiers several times in the past.”

“That is certainly strange.”

“But, the situation is much worse now. It was written in the letter delivered from mother just a while ago. The reason why we mustn’t overthrown Barzeride and his aim. This New Kingdom’s crisis will be––”

And Lisha began to talk next to Lux who was sleeping.

About the conspiracy of the “Title Holder of the Kingdom” hidden in this matter.

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Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 2 Episode 2

2017-12-06T20:14:46Z

OmegaWeaponZ: /* Part 2 */

==Episode 2 – A Messenger of Ymir==

===Part 1===

Three days had already passed since Lux became Krulcifer’s “lover”.

In order to handle the “lover role” requested by her, they continued life that looked like it<ref>like lover life, of course</ref> as they did practice together or as a pair as much as possible and had their lunch together in the dining room.

Thanks to that the initial awkwardness somehow disappeared, but.

“Still, I’m envious of Krulcifer-san.”

“But, it’s her who won the contest, so there’s no helping it.”

“Yes. It’s frustrating, but they look good together. Be it appearance or ability––”

One day after school when such voices had begun to be whispered among the female classmates.

“Today after this, I want you to go on a date with me.”

With her usual cool smile, Krulcifer said so.

And it was still in the classroom in which many classmates were still present as the lesson had just ended.

“D-Date!? Or rather, why are you expressly saying it here!?”

“…………”

Being turned a cramped smile by Lisha at a corner of the classroom, Lux confusedly protested.

But, Krulcifer calmly acted flirtatiously and bent her head slightly to one side.

“It just occurred to me, so I said it –– was it bothersome?”

“I-It wasn’t, but…”

“I see, thank you. I’m glad.”

(N-No good –– I was completely sucked in by her pace)

“Kuh, endure it, endure it…”

They came out to the corridor leaving Lisha who grumblingly muttering so in the classroom.

Then, at the moment when there weren’t any signs of other students, Lux began to speak.

“Um, that declaration just now, perhaps was it on purpose?”

“Of course. If we don’t properly make everyone think that it’s the “real thing”, the messenger of the Einvolk House that will come soon will find it suspicious that it’s a fake.”

“…………”

To Krulcifer who smoothly declared, Lux could not say anything.

“But… Even if you don’t go so far––”

Even if it’s said that a messenger will come from the Einvolk House, would he go as far as to doubt Krulcifer’s words and try to collect evidence?

“You will understand those circumstances right away. The date itself is true, so we shall prepare a little.”

While curtly answering Lux’s question, Krulcifer said so in front of the dormitory.

After returning to his room and preparing his outfit, he met with her in front of the school gate ten minutes later.

“First, let’s go buy clothes.”

They left the school premises and walked down the main street of the first block.

Ahead of them after walking for about 30 minutes, was the commercial area for relatively affluent customers even among the Fort Cities.

The noticeable establishments were upper class-oriented high-class hotels, restaurants, tailor’s shops, monasteries and free medical institutions.

Stately mansions built on a large site were standing in a row in a place where Lux had not come by that much for odd jobs.

The Fort City was also an important base for investigating the ruins.

There were many Drag-Knight nobles living in this city, and there were also a lot of examples of even people living in the Capital having built a secondary residence here.

Even now when the system changed after the outbreak of the coup d’état five years ago, such things remained unchanged.

But––

“It’s really interesting.”

Krulcifer walking beside him suddenly muttered.

“Eh…?”

“It’s not that rare a cityscape, right? For you, a former Prince.”

She seemed to have said it as she saw Lux looking around curiously.

“Do you often come to such places, Krulcifer-san?”

“I rarely come.”

Krulcifer’s reply was plain.

“I see. I think that someone like Krulcifer-san is more suited for the atmosphere of such a refined town more than me––”

As Lux looked at her profile while saying such a thing,

“That isn’t the case. After all –– I hate it.”

“Eh…?”

Still looking forward, Krulcifer said clearly.

“I don’t like people such as aristocrats.”

“…………”

After that, the conversation stopped for a while.

(What the hell does she mean by that…?)

Krulcifer was a daughter of an Earl of Ymir.

The reason why she, who was from a prestigious family, hated the same aristocrats.

''I don’t think it’s for something as simple as antipathy to political marriages of convenience.''

“––Over here.”

When Lux thought about such a thing, Krulcifer suddenly stopped.

There was a big tailor shop decorated with a beautiful signboard and carvings there.

“It’s a shop which seems to be quite expensive.”

“Really? I thought that you, former royalty, was used to such things though.”

When Krulcifer said so with a smile, Lux smiled wryly.

“Having dressed in nice clothes in the Imperial Court is a thing of the past. I don’t remember it any longer.”

“Then, it doesn’t seem to be so enjoyable for you, huh. Then, let’s finish this as soon as possible.”

Saying so, Krulcifer entered the shop first.

Lux followed after her.

“…………”

After measuring his body size and choosing clothes, they had the tailor fix those according to his size.

And, one hour later.

“…Wait, was the shopping for my clothes!?”

In the cityscape wrapped in dusk, Lux who came out of the shop unintentionally cried.

“Rest assured. As far as you trying them on, you looked quite good in formal clothes. As expected of a former Prince.”

Krulcifer returned so with a smile as if it was somebody else’s problem.

“Whether you like it or not–– I can’t accept such expensive stuff!”

Lux, who was bought formal clothes and shoes by Krulcifer, hurriedly declined.

They settled with the tailor that the clothes would be completed after three days, but the fees seemed to have been paid in advance.

“You do not need to mind it. It’s in the range of funds that I can use freely. It’s also not a great amount.”

“…………”

Lux had just bought clothes worth the amount of money that he would’ve spent in three months during the time he was doing odd jobs, so he once again realized that she was after all an Ojou-sama<ref>daughter of high class family </ref>.

No, it might simply be that he did not just seem like a former Prince, but––

“We took the trouble to come to town, so shall we have a meal and then go back? I will pay.”

They left the high-class commercial area and came out to a large street.

Probably because of the time period when it was growing dark, there was nobody in the neighborhood and it was dusky.

“U-Um –– as expected, even I can pay…”

No matter how often he was made to go along with only Krulcifer’s plans, Lux also had his pride.

“I kind of like such manly sides on a boy. Though you usually have a face like a girl––”

“T-That has nothing to do with it, right!?”

It had been a long time since he had his appearance spoken about, so Lux’s face turned red.

At that time when the tension somewhat loosened––

“…!? Watch out!”

At the same time as he shouted, Lux jumped towards Krulcifer and hugged her.

Immediately after, something like a whip extended at high speed and wound the empty space.

In other words, the space on the street where Krulcifer was standing until just a while ago.

A passage slightly away from the upper class area.

Lux was familiar with that weapon which extended from the shade of a vacant house.

“A wire tail…! A Drag-Knight, huh!?”

He promptly drew out his <Wyvern>’s Sword Device from his waist.

“Don’t move! If you move, I’ll shoot!”

But, almost at the same time, five Drag-Rides which appeared from the surroundings had set up Breath Guns towards Lux and Krulcifer.

The five people operating the Machine Dragons were men who wound their heads with a cloth.

Their unfamiliar rustic impression totally harked back to thieves.

“There are five <Drakes>, huh. We were careless…”

Krulcifer seeing that raised both her hands so as to surrender.

Lux also reluctantly followed it and put his sword at his feet.

“Remain like that. Don’t call any Machine Dragons. In any case, you can’t escape anymore.”

The <Drake> –– these Machine Dragons called customized general-purpose Machine Dragons, unlike the other two kinds, had unique abilities.

One of them was the power of “camouflage” that they had used just now.

It erases the drive sound and light, and conceals itself by lightly projecting the scenery of the surroundings.

Therefore, they were able to nudge at Lux and Krulcifer’s opening and take the first move in downtown.

“Well then, we’ll tie you, so can you stay quiet? It’ll be uncomfortable, but I will have you endure it.”

The man at the vanguard said so within the darkness.

''Is their purpose kidnapping?''

''They’re probably bandits aiming for Krulcifer, a daughter of an Earl.''

As Lux who guessed so quietly took a deep breath,

“You’d better stop it.”

He spoke like so towards the men.

“What…?”

To Lux’s attitude which, far from begging for his life, showed no signs of being perturbed, the male thief uttered a dubious voice.

“Yes, you’re right, you’d better stop it. If you don’t want to be hurt, that is.”

Similarly, Krulcifer beside him also muttered as to follow.

“Fuhahahaha! This is why the aristocrat people are… You don’t seem to understand reality. Well it’s fine; you guys, catch them quickly–– gugah!?”

The man in the vanguard who began speaking suddenly fell, leaning forward with his Machine Dragon and groaned.

“…Wha!?”

When the other Drag-Knights squared off, Lux led Krulcifer by the hand and began to run.

“W-Wait!?”

The remaining four <Drakes> who saw that moved in a hurry.

When they were going to chase the two people so that they won’t escape into a narrow passage,

“Errr. Will you stop?”

A huge purple Drag-Ride stood in between Lux and the men.

“What…!?”

Divine Drag-Ride <Typhon>.

It was a ground-type Drag-Ride specialized in close range combat that, although both arms weren’t equipped with weapons, overwhelmed the enemy in hand-to-hand combat with claws and fists.

“Good evening. Lu-chan.”

His childhood friend who was the user of that Machine Dragon called out like so to Lux.

“Philphie… You came after all.”

As Lux smiled wryly and replied to it,

“Hey Lux! I’m also here, you know!? Look here, too!”

Lisha wearing the <Chimeric Wyvern> had already knocked down one Drag-Knight.

“Lisha-sama!”

“Why are you two in such a place?”

“N-No… Um, isn’t it just a coincidence? It isn’t really like we were concerned about the relation between you two and followed you or something like that…”

“Ah, I see…”

As Lux turned an indescribable face to Lisha who averted her eyes and blushed, the three Machine Dragons driven by the remaining men moved simultaneously.

“There are only two enemies! Beat them and kidnap them!”

The <Drakes> respectively set up their small-sized blades and attacked <Typhon>.

But,

“Eeih.”

Contrary to the leisurely voice, a quick fist was let out by <Typhon>.

A strong arm probably twice as big as a common Drag-Ride’s.

The <Drake>’s right arm which was holding the blade that was hit with that fist was pulverized with one blow.

“W-Whaaaat…!?”

In front of the man who opened his eyes wide in surprise, <Typhon> made a somersault.

The Drag-Ride, a weapon built up with metal frame, accelerated with swift movement like a wild beast.

And, a kick of the Machine Dragon pierced through the body (of the Drake) which became defenseless as the arms were destroyed.

“Ga…aah!?”

The bandit was sent flying dozen of Mel behind and fainted in agony.

The barrier which was deployed at maximum output was also smashed and the Machine Dragon’s connection was immediately cancelled.

“Uwah…!?”

Lux seeing that strange combat style could not help but cry out.

“Is it your first time? Watching directly how she fights with her <Typhon>.”

Krulcifer who escaped into the shade of an alley with Lux asked so.

“Philphie. So you can do such things…”

Taijutsu attacks using a Drag-Ride.

Then, she caught the blade of another <Drake> with the palm of her Machine’s hand this time and crushed it in an instant. She launched a punch with the other arm almost simultaneously and smashed the armor with one blow.

Philphie who had learned martial arts seemed to be good at close combat.

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v2 0011.jpg|thumb]]

That human bullet attack which made use of the weight and output had the destructive power to easily defeat a general-purpose Machine Dragon even with defense.

Such a flexible and quick carriage (movement) which made it hardly thinkable that she was wearing armor.

Lux had never seen a Drag-Knight use a roundhouse kick from martial arts.

“I-Is she a monster, this girl…!?”

The fifth bandit, whose comrades were defeated in an instant, started escaping using his <Drake>.

When the man turned his back as he escaped to the alley where it would be hard to chase him with <Typhon>’s big frame,

“<Pile Anchor>”

At the same instant that Philphie muttered that, a thick dark gray wire was shot from the armor (shell) of <Typhon>’s both arms.

“Wha!?”

As the metal, which is at the tip of the wire that came flying bit at the opened <Drake> like the jaw of a big snake, the man was pulled back at high speed before Philphie.

“That’s––!?”

“It’s <Typhon>’s special armament. At first glance, it’s a weapon of the capture system like the wire tail, but it seems that it can be emitted from various parts of the armor and can capture an enemy within range.”

At the same time that the <Pile Anchor>, which was shot from the left arm and caught the enemy, pulled him back at high speed, <Typhon> raised its right arm.

When the forceful counterattack, that was released while drawing in the opponent, was about to burst in front of his eyes,

“H-Help––!?”

“I went a little far… I guess?”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>poof*, Philphie cancelled the <Pile Anchor>’s restraint and released the <Drake>.

But, the <Drake> which had been pulled back at high speed toppled sideways by the force of inertia and crashed into the wall. ––It stopped moving.

“Hey, airhead girl. Don’t let your guard down!”

Lisha shouted while restraining the Drag-Knights whose armor were destroyed using the <Chimeric Wyvern>.

“…Huh?”

The moment when Philphie turned her gaze at the Drag-Knight that she had beaten, the man wasn’t in the <Drake>.

When she looked around, the man could be seen running down a back alley as he cancelled the connection.

Escaping after casting aside his Machine Dragon –– no.

Ahead of where the man was running away, a slender woman was standing.

“D-Don’t move! The woman there––!”

Pulling a knife from his waist, the bandit shouted.

He probably wanted to hold her hostage.

“Watch out!”

Lux unintentionally cried out, and was about to run to help her, but––

“There is no need to go help her.”

He was quietly restrained by Krulcifer with a serious look.

“Eh…?”

Meanwhile, when the bandit approached the woman and was going to thrust the knife at her chest,

“It’s really bad, eh. This country’s public order (security)––”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>kin*!

Soon after the woman calmly muttered, the bandit’s knife flew in midair.

“Wha…!?”

“Please do not move. Otherwise, my hand will slip.”

The bandit who fell on his backside on the spot had the tip of a long sword thrust at his throat.

Countless silver lines were running on the surface of the long sword held by the woman.

“A Sword Device…!? That person, who on earth––”

At the same time Lux muttered that, the woman with a cool-headed expression calmly raised her face.

“Long time no see. Miss”

“Eh…?”

Next to the confused Lux, Krulcifer sighed.

“She is an acquaintance of mine. The butler of the Einvolk House, Alterize McClair.”

“Then, perhaps she is––?”

“Yes, she is the Einvolk House’s attendant who came to see how I do.”

“May we change the place? This place is inappropriate to have a talk.”

The woman called Alterize calmly suggested so.

“…………”

After handing over the bandits to the guard soldiers who arrived late, Lux and company followed after Alterize.

===Part 2===

About ten minutes after they walked away from the scene.

They decided to gather in a bar a little near the academy site and to have a light talk.

Although access to bars was not allowed in school regulations, Alterize said that she would take responsibility.

Lux, Krulcifer and Alterize sat on a table for three people, and Lisha and Philphie sat on the table immediately nearby.

The latter two should originally have nothing to do with the matter, but they ended up coming along due to the course of events.

“First of all, well. It is good above all to see you in good health, Miss. Is what I would like to say, but––”

Alterize glancing at Lux and the others, began to talk so.

The Einvolk House, a noble House of the religious country Ymir and a prestigious family which produced Drag-Knights in large number.

It seemed that she, who served as a butler, was herself an excellent Drag-Knight, and one of the strongest people called Ex-class in the country Ymir.

“There is no need for unnecessary concern just because we are in front of my classmates.”

As Krulcifer curtly said so, Alterize leaked a sigh.

“Well then, straight to the point. Please be a little more careful. Your body belongs to the Einvolk House.”

“Then, being targeted by thieves is also the fate of a prestigious family, so it can’t be helped.”

“…………”

In a tone mixed with sarcasm, Krulcifer returned like so to Alterize’s words which were somewhat disagreeable.

Lisha, who saw it, muttered “What is it? Are they on bad terms?” at the table nearby.

(But certainly, I feel like it’s a little different from a normal master-servant relation…)

Lux who was watching it also had the same impression.

Be it good or bad, it felt like there was no reservation towards each other.

“There‘s not much time before the curfew of the girl’s dormitory, so it will help if you make it short. The reason for you coming here is obvious anyway.”

“It is because Miss is insincere like that that I had to come here.”

To Krulcifer’s words, the woman butler returned in a strong tone.

The butler Alterize with a strict character and the somewhat elusive Krulcifer didn’t seem to have that good of a relationship.

(Alterize-san’s business which Krulcifer-san says is… after all)

While listening to their exchange, Lux recalled the circumstances until now.

Krulcifer’s mission in which she must find a fiancé during attendance at the academy.

About how he was asked to become her lover in order to deceive the attendant of the Einvolk House.

“By the way––, who is that man?”

Alterize suddenly said as she turned her gaze to Lux.

“He’s my lover. It’s great, isn’t it?”

“……!?”

The moment Krulcifer replied so, the shoulders of Lisha who was sitting nearby twitchily shook and she looked at their table.

“Your lover? That boy is…?”

Alterize asked with a dubious face.

“Yes. He may not be that familiar to you, but he is a Prince of the Old Empire, Lux Acadia. He is my classmate who commutes to the Royal Military Academy as the only male student there. Is there any problem?”

“…………”

“There is a problem. Lux will from now on in various ways–– Mmm…!?”

“I-I will listen to you later, so please be quiet for now.”

Alterize suspiciously stared at Lisha, who interjected from the table nearby, and Lux who held her mouth so as to calm her. And after heaving a deep sigh, she muttered.

“I see, that’s really troublesome, the truth is––”

“Well, well–– I was looked down upon, too.”

“……!?”

To the man’s voice uttered suddenly, all the people present gasped in surprise.

The man wearing a red, gorgeous overcoat with treated golden embroidery was standing behind Alterize.

A tall and thin man who let his limbs peep out from under the overcoat.

Although with his golden hair and upright face, he seemed to be a handsome man of gentle manners at first glance, but his slightly hypocritical smile and sharp eyes let one feel a somewhat overbearing atmosphere.

A knight with a strong confidence –– or rather, clad in an armor of ego.

If it was someone seeing it for the first time, nine out ten people would have such an impression.

Having appeared before Lux and company was such a man.

“Lord Kreutzer!? Why are you here? I am sure that the dinner was scheduled for tomorrow, but––”

“Yes, it isn’t like I’ve forgotten. Alterize-dono.”

The man called so returned a smile to the surprised Alterize.

“I may not look like it, but I’m an annoying guy about fixed dates, you see. ––But yes, if I dare to speak about my shortcomings, I’m a little bit impatient. I want to see the girl who will become my wife in the future one step earlier.”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>grin* Twisting the edges of his lips, he turned his face to Krulcifer.

As he let his look crawl from her head to her toes as if licking her all over, the man satisfactorily nodded.

“Ooh. She’s really a beauty as the rumors say. I may not look like it, but I’ve showed up several times to the social parties of the Capital, but–– I’ve never seen such a beautiful girl. Your bodily build is slightly modest<ref>I think here it refers to her flat chest, lol </ref>, but I look forward to your growth.”

“I am honored that you praise her.”

Replying so was Alterize.

“Alterize. Who is this person?”

As Krulcifer asked so with a cold expression,

“I see. It looks like you had not yet talked this through. Well then, I will give my name. My name is Barzeride Kreutzer.”

“……!?”

The moment when they heard the man’s words, tension ran through Lux and Lisha –– no, throughout the whole bar including the customers around.

“…Don’t tell me, one of the four Great Nobles!?”

“Why is the “Titleholder of the Kingdom” here––?”

As several people inside the bar realized his identity, they turned their gazes with low voices.

“You mean Kreutzer of that House?”

Alterize nodded at Krulcifer’s question.

“One of the four Great Noble Families with historical lineage which continues to this day since the Old Empire era. Particularly, it is a noble household which produces many knights and Drag-Knights from generation to generation. This gentleman is its heir.”

(If I remember correctly, the Kreutzer House is––)

Lux recalled after a little thought.

It was indeed a well-known noble House as a noble, but at the same time it was famous as the hawks of the Old Empire.

Regarding pedigree, influence and fortune, it was an outstanding House even in the New Kingdom.

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v2 0012.jpg|thumb]]

But, the whole family’s way of thinking virtually inherited the Old Empire’s ideas, and Lux had not heard that many good rumors about them from the past.

“An heir of the four Great Nobles…? Alterize, don’t tell me you––”

Krulcifer who heard this slightly knitted her brows.

“Yes. While very selfish, I went ahead with the talk to introduce Miss to Lord Kreutzer by the dinner that I had scheduled for tomorrow, and have you exchange an engagement there. But––”

“Why didn’t you inform me, the person concerned, of that?”

As Krulcifer asked in an amazed tone,

“It is because if I do not do at least this much, Miss will give a reason again and run away.”

Alterize calmly replied without being shy.

It looked like although the relation between the two girls was not good, they knew each other’s personality very well.

In short, seeing through the action of Krulcifer of avoiding the engagement by giving a reason one way or another, Alterize seemed to have scheduled to bring the fiancé she personally chose.

Thanks to that, it became quite a chaotic situation.

“I see. But, it’s really a shame. As you see, now I have a man I’m going out with. Isn’t it? Lux-kun.”

“Eh…? Ah, yes. Kind of––”

Lux became confused as the subject was brought forth by Krulcifer.

“Lux…? Ah, I see. That appearance–– so you’re a survivor of the Old Empire’s royalty. This is the first time we exchanged words directly like this, eh.”

Barzeride who was quiet until then approached Lux.

After staring at his face for a while, he slowly opened his mouth.

“Hmm… It’s a weak look hardly thinkable of someone from former royalty. As expected of a dog which was let to live by the New Kingdom’s amnesty. ––You’re really worthy to be called the Chore Prince.”

“…………”

A smile and tone containing contempt.

As Lux remained calm even when being shown such clear hostility,

“Alterize-dono. Is there really a need to postpone this engagement because of a man of this level?”

Barzeride added so as to incite him.

“Certainly, he is from the former royal family. In such a meaning, he may have a lot of influence in various places, but now he’s just an unsightly fallen Prince. He’s a man only living by receiving others’ leftovers. I judge that he isn’t a man worthy of the lineage of the country Ymir’s prestigious family that you serve, the Einvolk family”

“Certainly, that is––”

The moment when Alterize was pressed and was about to consent,

“Haa. Even if you claim to be from the four Great Nobles, it’s only to this degree after all.”

A girl’s dignified voice suddenly cut off the conversation.

The voice was from Lisha sitting at the nearby table.

“To think that you can’t even see through the worth of the man before you. I’m really glad for having the number of rivals decrease, but could you refrain from such a rude tone? Lord Kreutzer.”

After talking with a proud smile, Lisha scowled at the two people at last.

Though he did not seem to be overwhelmed by it, Barzeride shot back a gaze.

“If I remember correctly, you’re––”

“First Princess of the New Kingdom, Lizsharte Atismata. Lux is the man who is going to become my partner. If you dare to insult him, then I will riposte.”

After Barzeride remained silent for several seconds to Lisha’s sharp words,

“…Kukuku. Hahahahaha!”

He suddenly burst into laughter.

“What’s so funny?”

“What do we have here… so that’s it. It looks like the fallen Prince of the Old Empire is quite good at currying girls’ favors. However –– the era from here on will be one of battles(fighting). Powerful people who destroy the appearing Abysses and win against other countries in the fight for ruins are sought above all. And we, the royalty and titled nobility, must excel at the skill in operating Drag-Rides. The power as a Drag-Knight and strength as a leader are sought above all else.”

Prefacing so, Barzeride once again turned his face towards Lux.

“Unfortunately, I’m on an entirely different level from this man. It’s a waste of time. Alterize-dono, I would like you to arrange the engagement as soon as possible, even tomorrow would work.”

“Yes. ––Then tomorrow night as scheduled.”

When Alterize was going to settle so,

“Could you wait for a moment?”

Holding back Lisha who was about to complain again, Krulcifer said so.

“Hou. What’s the matter? Do you want to talk with me? My future wife.”

“From here on, power as a Drag-Knight and power as a leader are above all else. You said so, right?”

“Yes, the Einvolk House also thinks so. Therefore, Lord Kreutzer who is from the four Great Nobles and the “Titleholder of the New Kingdom” is suitable as a fiancé––”

“Is that really so?”

As she interrupted Alterize’s words, Krulcifer revealed a smile.

“What do you mean?”

“If it’s about skill as a Drag-Knight, my lover doesn’t lose, too. Because he is the “Weakest Undefeated” famous at the New Kingdom’s tournaments after all.”

“Fuhahahahaha!”

Barzeride who heard that burst into laughter once again.

“The “Weakest Undefeated”, huh. Now that you mention it, there was also such a shameful nickname, eh. But –– my future wife. Wise as you are, you understand, right? That a coward who only defends himself can’t gain anything.”

“But, in the tournament of the Capital, it isn’t like you also won against him, right?”

“What…?”

“And, could you please stop that way of calling me “my future wife”? You and I are still just strangers.”

“…………”

The expression of Barzeride who heard that suddenly changed into a dangerous one.

“Lord Kreutzer. Please excuse her rudeness––”

When Alterize was hurriedly going to intercede,

“I see. Isn’t the Einvolk House’s daughter quite a capable person. I like you more and more, Krulcifer.”

Distorting his mouth into an arc, Barzeride remained composed.

But, Lux knew.

That behind his expression, apparently calm at first glance, a quiet anger burned.

“Well then, let’s see. How about a match between me and that fallen Prince? A duel with Drag-Rides, that is.”

“––––”

At Barzeride’s words, tension ran within the store.

“L- Lord Kreutzer, that’s––”

When Alterize uttered so in surprise,

“Certainly, it looks like you didn’t inform her of the talk of engagement. It’s your fault for not having gotten her consent on this matter. However, there is no way she would consent if you forcibly concluded an engagement here, right? After showing my ability, the marriage would go smoothly.”

Sending a gaze at Krulcifer as if asking, Barzeride said.

His intention of wanting to make this stubborn, yet smart girl yield on this occasion was transparent and visible.

“To the fight this time, there will be no “draw”, but you don’t possibly intend to run away, do you, Fallen Prince?”

“…………”

Being provoked, Lux hesitated to speak.

Thinking about the future, he mustn’t stand out too much.

He understood that well.

But,

“––Understood. I’ll do it.”

After a slight hesitation, Lux nodded.

If he did not accept the duel here, the engagement between Krulcifer and Barzeride would’ve almost been decided.

He could not use <Bahamut>, but he had no choice but to do it.

“No, I cannot afford to cause Lord Kreutzer trouble…”

When Alterize could not consent and was about to interject as such,

“On this occasion, why don’t you also participate in the duel?”

Krulcifer suggested so calmly.

“…What do you mean?”

“It will not look good if I, the person concerned and you, the person in charge who approached with this matter are just spectators. We might as well make it a duel of two vs. two altogether; how is that?”

“W-What are you saying now!? Please stop with the joke! Do you think that Lord Kreutzer would ride on this––”

“It does not fit my nature to just be waiting for the result like a commodity.”

As Krulcifer said so without hesitation,

“Kukuku, I don’t mind.”

Barzeride readily consented with a fearless smile.

“Isn’t it good, Alterize-dono? A fight without grudge is the very purpose of the duel. Besides, I’m a pacifist, but there are often times when I want to go all out. After all in the tournament of the Capital, I instinctively hold back so that there are no injured.”

He extended his hand to the hilt of the sheathed Sword Device and swung it with a clank.

Probably, a Divine Drag-Ride was stored in the scabbard with a showy ornament.

“It’s regrettable for tomorrow’s dinner, but we’ll cancel it. Then, let’s say the night three days later. I’ll prepare the place for the duel. On the account of work, I’m staying at the Fort City for a while. Don’t run away.”

When only saying that, Barzeride let his luxurious overcoat flutter and left the bar.

“…………”

A flaccid atmosphere flowed before long and bustle returned to inside the bar.

“Phew…”

As Lux, whose strain loosened, sighed,

“You two, do you know what you have done?”

Alterize frowned with a tone so as to admonish them.

“Not only did you reject the engagement, but on top of that –– you also challenged a member of the four Great Nobles to a duel. You carried your joke too far. Lord Kreutzer possesses the Divine Drag-Ride <Aži Dahāka> and is skilled enough to be called “Titleholder of the New Kingdom” in the Capital, you know?”

Barzeride boasted of the record of last year’s third rank in the tournament of the Capital.

Lux who had similarly appeared in the tournament also knew that, but––

“If it’s a Divine Drag-Ride, I also have <Fafnir>. There is no need to be so afraid, right?”

Looking at Krulcifer who showed no signs of being perturbed, Alterize anxiously held down her head.

And after several seconds, she raised her face.

“I understand. However, that person’s ability as a Drag-Knight ––and his influence is something clear even in the New Kingdom now. And it looks like I have also spoiled you too much.”

“Spoiled me? You were just afraid of touching the tumor<ref>Just done a literal translation, so it may be an idiom. And if so, then I guess it’d be “you were afraid to touch upon/face the problem” </ref>, right? Same as the people in that House––”

“…………”

At Krulcifer’s smile which mixed sarcasm, Alterize tightened her expression.

As she quietly stood up from her seat, she put some money tickets on the table.

“I will leave it as it is for tonight. I will show no mercy in this fight with you two.”

Saying just that, the woman dressed as a butler left the bar.

(What on earth did she mean by “the people in that House”––?)

Lux wondered whether anything happened between the Einvolk House and Krulcifer in the past.

A strange silence flowed among Lux and the others.

“It’s almost the time of curfew. Let’s go back already for today.”

To Krulcifer’s words emitted before long, Lux and company decided to go back.

===Part 3===

“––Just a while ago, I did something bad to you, Lux-kun.”

Krulcifer muttered so as the four people were on their way back walking to the academy side by side.

At her unusually depressed voice, Lux hurriedly shook his head.

“No… But more importantly, are you really fine with that?”

The mission of engagement imposed on Krulcifer.

Though he had certainly heard about it, Lux was inwardly surprised at the emotional resistance that did not seem like her who was always calm.

“I see, in other words Krulcifer didn’t want a political marriage of convenience and asked Lux to play the role of her lover, huh. Thank god… I’m now relieved.”

Lisha stroked her chest as she felt relieved and then cocked her head in puzzlement.

“But, that butler ––Alterize was it? For a mere butler, she is impudent, or rather she was a somewhat strange fellow.”

“…………”

Lux also felt it.

Even disregarding the point that it was a strict noble family, he felt like that butler and Krulcifer did not have the ordinary master/servant relation for some reason.

That it was something which was not a mere intimate or bad relationship.

“Don’t mind it. Alterize has been like that since long ago after all. That aside, you saved me by accepting the duel proposed by Lord Kreutzer.”

Krulcifer smiled and looked at Lux walking beside her.

Being stared at by her transparent, beautiful pupils, Lux’s heart could not help pounding.

“M-More importantly, is it all right? A duel with those two…”

“Although I was calm at that time, it’s really troublesome, eh. If you could use that Divine Drag-Ride, there would have been no problem, but––”

The “Black Hero” who destroyed the Old Empire five years ago.

Lux could not afford to let Barzeride and Alterize know that he was <Bahamut>’s user.

Moreover, in terms of strength the opponent this time was in no way comparable to the temporary instructors a few days ago.

On one hand, an Ex-class’s Drag-Knight prominent even in the large country Ymir of the North.

On the other hand, a Drag-Knight who was the user of the Divine Drag-Ride <Aži Dahāka> and the third rank in the tournament of the Capital.

Even if it was a pair with Krulcifer who had the Divine Drag-Ride <Fafnir>, it could be said that it would be fairly tough to fight only with a <Wyvern> against those two people as opponents.

“What, there’s no need to be afraid. Lux was able to defend with his <Wyvern> even against my <Tiamat> as the opponent. Then, other male Drag-Knights whose Machine Dragon aptitude values are low should soon be worn out if you gain time.”

“It will be good if it goes like that––”

Lux somehow guessed the meaning of Krulcifer’s words, too.

In the tournament of the Capital, the battle time is a little short and rules had been established to be advantageous to men.

There were traces of the rules established in the Old Empire era, but even if deducting it<ref>means deducting the rules established since the Old Empire and which were advantageous for men as they couldn’t operate Drag-Rides during a long period of time </ref>, it seemed that Barzeride would handle a Divine Drag-Ride without difficulty.

Therefore, now that the Old Empire was destroyed, he’s called the “Titleholder of the New Kingdom” as a leading figure of the new era.

Lux did not know about <Aži Dahāka>’s Divine Raiment, except its name <Avestā >.

Moreover, it was a duel where he could not aim for a draw this time.

Fighting under such conditions, even Lux also felt somewhat uneasy.

“You don’t get angry, huh.”

As he was lost in such thoughts, Krulcifer beside him suddenly muttered so.

“Eh…?”

“Normally, you will be angry for having been dragged into such a duel. Even though you are not a real lover––”

“No… It’s something I said myself after all.”

Honestly speaking, Even Lux didn’t know why he had decided to accept the duel at that time.

He would probably be scolded by his little sister Airi for that.

“Thank you. I will say so first for the time being.”

But, Lux did not regret anything.

Rather, he thought that he wanted to know more about Krulcifer who thanked him shyly.

“All right! Well then, let’s hurry back at once; I will strengthen Lux’s <Wyvern>. This time for sure, for the specification of attack specialization––”

“Ah, you don’t need to do that…”

As Lux returned a serious look and shook his head,

“Kuh! T-Then… I will equip it with a special hidden function which I had thought about since some time now––”

“You know?”

Philphie who had been tagging along in silence until now muttered with a serious look.

“If we don’t hurry, the curfew will pass.”

“Eeeeeeh!?”

They looked at each other and unintentionally cried out.

They hurriedly ran back, but in the end they did not make it in time.

In the early morning of the following day, the four people received the punishment of cleaning duty.

===Part 4===

That night when Lux and company were hurrying on their way back, a meeting was held.

Sitting on the seats of a round table illuminated by a chandelier were seven men and women dressed in dresses, formal clothes or military uniform.

The three people who sat down at the head of the table were Queen Raffi, the Prime Minister and the vice-commander of an army of the New Kingdom.

The remaining four people were the most prominent Dukes called the Four Great Nobles.

Family heads of prestigious families which governed the territories of the Old Empire for a long time, and held great influence and power even afterwards.

There was a big middle-aged man with a good complexion, a white bearded old man whose eyes became hollow like a skeleton, a gentleman in his prime with well-ordered features and, a long-haired man who put on a dark red overcoat with an ornament of steel.

That room where the New Kingdom’s influential people gathered together was filled with solemn tension.

“I wonder how many years it has been since we were all summoned like this.”

The old man’s hoarse voice first broke the silence.

“Isn’t it since the New Kingdom's establishment? I almost forgot your faces. After all, business is going well in my territory.”

“At any rate. Does this mean that Her Majesty the Queen needs our help?”

Ignoring the middle-aged man who responded with a joke, the man in his prime summarized.

The Queen who was asked calmly nodded and urged the Prime Minister beside her.

“It is the matter of the letter sent to you two months ago. Regarding the Heiburg Republic and its three allied countries.”

“Don’t tell me it’s still the incident due to that black marketer? I heard that not only did he circulate a large quantity of Drag-Rides to the Heiburg Republic, but for some reason, he has also wholesaled suspicious devices (tools) even in this country, but––”

To the old man’s voice, the Prime Minister shook his head and answered.

“It is not about that. It is about the Ragnarok this time.”

Hearing that, the middle-aged man raised his face.

“Ragnarok, huh. I have heard about it several times from the Old Empire era, but to think it really existed.”

Ragnarok.

There are seven Abysses which concealed paranormal power of which it’s said that there exists only one for each of the ruins.

It was said that the legendary class monster whose hugeness and strength were on an entirely different level from a common Abyss erased several towns and villages in the territory eight years ago in the Old Empire era and moreover, destroyed territories of other countries and even small countries themselves.

However, because it was an event which the Old Empire’s administration had kept secret, only a restricted number of persons knew that truth even now.

“I see. So you are trying to say that on top of this, the evidence about the Ragnarok’s existence, that was said to have appeared from the ruins of our country, was collected?”

To the words of the man in his prime, the Prime Minister nodded with a bitter face.

The serious damage which one Ragnarok, released after the Old Empire wrenched the ruins open, once brought upon every place in the world. The responsibility of that was demanded to the New Kingdom several years after the Old Empire was destroyed.

On the occasion of the coup d’état five years ago, one of the government officials who fled into a foreign country spread a document of the Old Empire related to the Ragnarok, and the Heiburg Republic which took that proof had impeached the New Kingdom.

“The Heiburg Republic was originally a major power second to the Old Empire. They have a big influence in the neighboring countries now. If we reject this appeal, let alone the three allied countries, we will make enemies of the whole world, right?”

“Thus we shall discuss a counter-measure–– huh? But, wasn’t the Ragnarok’s subjugation completed seven years ago?”

“It seems that it’s temporarily petrified and is just lying dormant. According to the scout’s reports, the petrifaction of the Ragnarok which is at the Lidneth seashore has begun to melt gradually a few months ago. Therefore––”

“Do you want to say that they want us to engage it once again?”

“The Heiburg Republic demands of us the Ragnarok’s subjugation. However, it’s too dangerous to fight the Ragnarok, which was finally put to sleep after cooperating with other countries even in those days, with only the New Kingdom's army.”

“Even if we make the small number of high level Drag-Knights strike all together, the odds of victory will probably be small. As expected, Divine Drag-Rides’ users have to lead the subjugation unit––”

When they reached that conclusion, silence rose for a while.

They understood even without any words.

That the Ragnarok’s subjugation was accompanied with a high death risk.

And that there was no suitable “Hero” which could settle it in the current New Kingdom.

“––In that case, I will send my son.”

“…Lord Kreutzer!?”

Not having uttered a single word despite being there, the man who remained silent spoke.

That man which wore the ornament of steel on his body and emitted an unusual intimidating air was named Warg Kreutzer.

“My son has a Divine Drag-Ride called <Aži Dahāka> which he obtained one year ago. He’s also skilled at handling it and has enough ability to be ranked third in the tournament of the Capital. I think that he is qualified enough to be the commanding officer, but what do you think? Your Majesty, the Queen Raffi.”

Queen Raffi was cautious (looked out) to Warg Kreutzer who talked with a fearless smile.

Among the Four Great Nobles, certain black rumors did not die out about the Kreutzer House.

Dangerous rumors such as whether this great Noble who possessed a vast territory and was followed by many private soldiers was not originally scheming for a takeover of the Old Empire.

“We cannot afford to expose Her Highness Princess Lizsharte to danger. Please, leave this matter to this subordinate.”

“––Understood.”

Queen Raffi finally nodded to Warg who suggested this while exaggeratedly bowing his head.

At the same time, Warg revealed a smile as if to say that he was waiting for this time.

“However, for this important task where I’m likely to lose not only the Drag-Knights of my territory, but also my son and his Divine Drag-Ride, aside from war funds, soldiers, and Machine Dragons, I think I would also like to have a certain reward.”

“That’s––”

“It’s the full authority on the Atismata New Kingdom army. I would like you to give me the position of General on the occasion when my son Barzeride achieves the mission.”

With eyes full of ambition, Warg said so.

<noinclude>

==References==
<references />

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</noinclude>

Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 2 Episode 2

2017-12-06T10:45:16Z

OmegaWeaponZ: /* Episode 2 – A Messenger of Ymir */

==Episode 2 – A Messenger of Ymir==

===Part 1===

Three days had already passed since Lux became Krulcifer’s “lover”.

In order to handle the “lover role” requested by her, they continued life that looked like it<ref>like lover life, of course</ref> as they did practice together or as a pair as much as possible and had their lunch together in the dining room.

Thanks to that the initial awkwardness somehow disappeared, but.

“Still, I’m envious of Krulcifer-san.”

“But, it’s her who won the contest, so there’s no helping it.”

“Yes. It’s frustrating, but they look good together. Be it appearance or ability––”

One day after school when such voices had begun to be whispered among the female classmates.

“Today after this, I want you to go on a date with me.”

With her usual cool smile, Krulcifer said so.

And it was still in the classroom in which many classmates were still present as the lesson had just ended.

“D-Date!? Or rather, why are you expressly saying it here!?”

“…………”

Being turned a cramped smile by Lisha at a corner of the classroom, Lux confusedly protested.

But, Krulcifer calmly acted flirtatiously and bent her head slightly to one side.

“It just occurred to me, so I said it –– was it bothersome?”

“I-It wasn’t, but…”

“I see, thank you. I’m glad.”

(N-No good –– I was completely sucked in by her pace)

“Kuh, endure it, endure it…”

They came out to the corridor leaving Lisha who grumblingly muttering so in the classroom.

Then, at the moment when there weren’t any signs of other students, Lux began to speak.

“Um, that declaration just now, perhaps was it on purpose?”

“Of course. If we don’t properly make everyone think that it’s the “real thing”, the messenger of the Einvolk House that will come soon will find it suspicious that it’s a fake.”

“…………”

To Krulcifer who smoothly declared, Lux could not say anything.

“But… Even if you don’t go so far––”

Even if it’s said that a messenger will come from the Einvolk House, would he go as far as to doubt Krulcifer’s words and try to collect evidence?

“You will understand those circumstances right away. The date itself is true, so we shall prepare a little.”

While curtly answering Lux’s question, Krulcifer said so in front of the dormitory.

After returning to his room and preparing his outfit, he met with her in front of the school gate ten minutes later.

“First, let’s go buy clothes.”

They left the school premises and walked down the main street of the first block.

Ahead of them after walking for about 30 minutes, was the commercial area for relatively affluent customers even among the Fort Cities.

The noticeable establishments were upper class-oriented high-class hotels, restaurants, tailor’s shops, monasteries and free medical institutions.

Stately mansions built on a large site were standing in a row in a place where Lux had not come by that much for odd jobs.

The Fort City was also an important base for investigating the ruins.

There were many Drag-Knight nobles living in this city, and there were also a lot of examples of even people living in the Capital having built a secondary residence here.

Even now when the system changed after the outbreak of the coup d’état five years ago, such things remained unchanged.

But––

“It’s really interesting.”

Krulcifer walking beside him suddenly muttered.

“Eh…?”

“It’s not that rare a cityscape, right? For you, a former Prince.”

She seemed to have said it as she saw Lux looking around curiously.

“Do you often come to such places, Krulcifer-san?”

“I rarely come.”

Krulcifer’s reply was plain.

“I see. I think that someone like Krulcifer-san is more suited for the atmosphere of such a refined town more than me––”

As Lux looked at her profile while saying such a thing,

“That isn’t the case. After all –– I hate it.”

“Eh…?”

Still looking forward, Krulcifer said clearly.

“I don’t like people such as aristocrats.”

“…………”

After that, the conversation stopped for a while.

(What the hell does she mean by that…?)

Krulcifer was a daughter of an Earl of Ymir.

The reason why she, who was from a prestigious family, hated the same aristocrats.

''I don’t think it’s for something as simple as antipathy to political marriages of convenience.''

“––Over here.”

When Lux thought about such a thing, Krulcifer suddenly stopped.

There was a big tailor shop decorated with a beautiful signboard and carvings there.

“It’s a shop which seems to be quite expensive.”

“Really? I thought that you, former royalty, was used to such things though.”

When Krulcifer said so with a smile, Lux smiled wryly.

“Having dressed in nice clothes in the Imperial Court is a thing of the past. I don’t remember it any longer.”

“Then, it doesn’t seem to be so enjoyable for you, huh. Then, let’s finish this as soon as possible.”

Saying so, Krulcifer entered the shop first.

Lux followed after her.

“…………”

After measuring his body size and choosing clothes, they had the tailor fix those according to his size.

And, one hour later.

“…Wait, was the shopping for my clothes!?”

In the cityscape wrapped in dusk, Lux who came out of the shop unintentionally cried.

“Rest assured. As far as you trying them on, you looked quite good in formal clothes. As expected of a former Prince.”

Krulcifer returned so with a smile as if it was somebody else’s problem.

“Whether you like it or not–– I can’t accept such expensive stuff!”

Lux, who was bought formal clothes and shoes by Krulcifer, hurriedly declined.

They settled with the tailor that the clothes would be completed after three days, but the fees seemed to have been paid in advance.

“You do not need to mind it. It’s in the range of funds that I can use freely. It’s also not a great amount.”

“…………”

Lux had just bought clothes worth the amount of money that he would’ve spent in three months during the time he was doing odd jobs, so he once again realized that she was after all an Ojou-sama<ref>daughter of high class family </ref>.

No, it might simply be that he did not just seem like a former Prince, but––

“We took the trouble to come to town, so shall we have a meal and then go back? I will pay.”

They left the high-class commercial area and came out to a large street.

Probably because of the time period when it was growing dark, there was nobody in the neighborhood and it was dusky.

“U-Um –– as expected, even I can pay…”

No matter how often he was made to go along with only Krulcifer’s plans, Lux also had his pride.

“I kind of like such manly sides on a boy. Though you usually have a face like a girl––”

“T-That has nothing to do with it, right!?”

It had been a long time since he had his appearance spoken about, so Lux’s face turned red.

At that time when the tension somewhat loosened––

“…!? Watch out!”

At the same time as he shouted, Lux jumped towards Krulcifer and hugged her.

Immediately after, something like a whip extended at high speed and wound the empty space.

In other words, the space on the street where Krulcifer was standing until just a while ago.

A passage slightly away from the upper class area.

Lux was familiar with that weapon which extended from the shade of a vacant house.

“A wire tail…! A Drag-Knight, huh!?”

He promptly drew out his <Wyvern>’s Sword Device from his waist.

“Don’t move! If you move, I’ll shoot!”

But, almost at the same time, five Drag-Rides which appeared from the surroundings had set up Breath Guns towards Lux and Krulcifer.

The five people operating the Machine Dragons were men who wound their heads with a cloth.

Their unfamiliar rustic impression totally harked back to thieves.

“There are five <Drakes>, huh. We were careless…”

Krulcifer seeing that raised both her hands so as to surrender.

Lux also reluctantly followed it and put his sword at his feet.

“Remain like that. Don’t call any Machine Dragons. In any case, you can’t escape anymore.”

The <Drake> –– these Machine Dragons called customized general-purpose Machine Dragons, unlike the other two kinds, had unique abilities.

One of them was the power of “camouflage” that they had used just now.

It erases the drive sound and light, and conceals itself by lightly projecting the scenery of the surroundings.

Therefore, they were able to nudge at Lux and Krulcifer’s opening and take the first move in downtown.

“Well then, we’ll tie you, so can you stay quiet? It’ll be uncomfortable, but I will have you endure it.”

The man at the vanguard said so within the darkness.

''Is their purpose kidnapping?''

''They’re probably bandits aiming for Krulcifer, a daughter of an Earl.''

As Lux who guessed so quietly took a deep breath,

“You’d better stop it.”

He spoke like so towards the men.

“What…?”

To Lux’s attitude which, far from begging for his life, showed no signs of being perturbed, the male thief uttered a dubious voice.

“Yes, you’re right, you’d better stop it. If you don’t want to be hurt, that is.”

Similarly, Krulcifer beside him also muttered as to follow.

“Fuhahahaha! This is why the aristocrat people are… You don’t seem to understand reality. Well it’s fine; you guys, catch them quickly–– gugah!?”

The man in the vanguard who began speaking suddenly fell, leaning forward with his Machine Dragon and groaned.

“…Wha!?”

When the other Drag-Knights squared off, Lux led Krulcifer by the hand and began to run.

“W-Wait!?”

The remaining four <Drakes> who saw that moved in a hurry.

When they were going to chase the two people so that they won’t escape into a narrow passage,

“Errr. Will you stop?”

A huge purple Drag-Ride stood in between Lux and the men.

“What…!?”

Divine Drag-Ride <Typhon>.

It was a ground-type Drag-Ride specialized in close range combat that, although both arms weren’t equipped with weapons, overwhelmed the enemy in hand-to-hand combat with claws and fists.

“Good evening. Lu-chan.”

His childhood friend who was the user of that Machine Dragon called out like so to Lux.

“Philphie… You came after all.”

As Lux smiled wryly and replied to it,

“Hey Lux! I’m also here, you know!? Look here, too!”

Lisha wearing the <Chimeric Wyvern> had already knocked down one Drag-Knight.

“Lisha-sama!”

“Why are you two in such a place?”

“N-No… Um, isn’t it just a coincidence? It isn’t really like we were concerned about the relation between you two and followed you or something like that…”

“Ah, I see…”

As Lux turned an indescribable face to Lisha who averted her eyes and blushed, the three Machine Dragons driven by the remaining men moved simultaneously.

“There are only two enemies! Beat them and kidnap them!”

The <Drakes> respectively set up their small-sized blades and attacked <Typhon>.

But,

“Eeih.”

Contrary to the leisurely voice, a quick fist was let out by <Typhon>.

A strong arm probably twice as big as a common Drag-Ride’s.

The <Drake>’s right arm which was holding the blade that was hit with that fist was pulverized with one blow.

“W-Whaaaat…!?”

In front of the man who opened his eyes wide in surprise, <Typhon> made a somersault.

The Drag-Ride, a weapon built up with metal frame, accelerated with swift movement like a wild beast.

And, a kick of the Machine Dragon pierced through the body (of the Drake) which became defenseless as the arms were destroyed.

“Ga…aah!?”

The bandit was sent flying dozen of Mel behind and fainted in agony.

The barrier which was deployed at maximum output was also smashed and the Machine Dragon’s connection was immediately cancelled.

“Uwah…!?”

Lux seeing that strange combat style could not help but cry out.

“Is it your first time? Watching directly how she fights with her <Typhon>.”

Krulcifer who escaped into the shade of an alley with Lux asked so.

“Philphie. So you can do such things…”

Taijutsu attacks using a Drag-Ride.

Then, she caught the blade of another <Drake> with the palm of her Machine’s hand this time and crushed it in an instant. She launched a punch with the other arm almost simultaneously and smashed the armor with one blow.

Philphie who had learned martial arts seemed to be good at close combat.

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v2 0011.jpg|thumb]]

That human bullet attack which made use of the weight and output had the destructive power to easily defeat a general-purpose Machine Dragon even with defense.

Such a flexible and quick carriage (movement) which made it hardly thinkable that she was wearing armor.

Lux had never seen a Drag-Knight use a roundhouse kick from martial arts.

“I-Is she a monster, this girl…!?”

The fifth bandit, whose comrades were defeated in an instant, started escaping using his <Drake>.

When the man turned his back as he escaped to the alley where it would be hard to chase him with <Typhon>’s big frame,

“<Pile Anchor>”

At the same instant that Philphie muttered that, a thick dark gray wire was shot from the armor (shell) of <Typhon>’s both arms.

“Wha!?”

As the metal, which is at the tip of the wire that came flying bit at the opened <Drake> like the jaw of a big snake, the man was pulled back at high speed before Philphie.

“That’s––!?”

“It’s <Typhon>’s special armament. At first glance, it’s a weapon of the capture system like the wire tail, but it seems that it can be emitted from various parts of the armor and can capture an enemy within range.”

At the same time that the <Pile Anchor>, which was shot from the left arm and caught the enemy, pulled him back at high speed, <Typhon> raised its right arm.

When the forceful counterattack, that was released while drawing in the opponent, was about to burst in front of his eyes,

“H-Help––!?”

“I went a little far… I guess?”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>poof*, Philphie cancelled the <Pile Anchor>’s restraint and released the <Drake>.

But, the <Drake> which had been pulled back at high speed toppled sideways by the force of inertia and crashed into the wall. ––It stopped moving.

“Hey, airhead girl. Don’t let your guard down!”

Lisha shouted while restraining the Drag-Knights whose armor were destroyed using the <Chimeric Wyvern>.

“…Huh?”

The moment when Philphie turned her gaze at the Drag-Knight that she had beaten, the man wasn’t in the <Drake>.

When she looked around, the man could be seen running down a back alley as he cancelled the connection.

Escaping after casting aside his Machine Dragon –– no.

Ahead of where the man was running away, a slender woman was standing.

“D-Don’t move! The woman there––!”

Pulling a knife from his waist, the bandit shouted.

He probably wanted to hold her hostage.

“Watch out!”

Lux unintentionally cried out, and was about to run to help her, but––

“There is no need to go help her.”

He was quietly restrained by Krulcifer with a serious look.

“Eh…?”

Meanwhile, when the bandit approached the woman and was going to thrust the knife at her chest,

“It’s really bad, eh. This country’s public order (security)––”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>kin*!

Soon after the woman calmly muttered, the bandit’s knife flew in midair.

“Wha…!?”

“Please do not move. Otherwise, my hand will slip.”

The bandit who fell on his backside on the spot had the tip of a long sword thrust at his throat.

Countless silver lines were running on the surface of the long sword held by the woman.

“A Sword Device…!? That person, who on earth––”

At the same time Lux muttered that, the woman with a cool-headed expression calmly raised her face.

“Long time no see. Miss”

“Eh…?”

Next to the confused Lux, Krulcifer sighed.

“She is an acquaintance of mine. The butler of the Einvolk House, Alterize McClair.”

“Then, perhaps she is––?”

“Yes, she is the Einvolk House’s attendant who came to see how I do.”

“May we change the place? This place is inappropriate to have a talk.”

The woman called Alterize calmly suggested so.

“…………”

After handing over the bandits to the guard soldiers who arrived late, Lux and company followed after Alterize.

===Part 2===

About ten minutes after they walked away from the scene.

They decide to gather in a bar a little near the academy site and to have a light talk.

Although access to bars was not allowed in school regulations, Alterize said that she would take responsibility.

Lux, Krulcifer and Alterize sat on a table for three people, and Lisha and Philphie sat on the table immediately nearby.

The latter two should originally have nothing to do with the matter, but they ended up coming together along due to the course of events.

“First of all, well. It is good above all to see you in good health, Miss. Is what I would like to say, but––”

Alterize glancing at Lux and the others, began to talk so.

The Einvolk House, a noble House of the religious country Ymir and a prestigious family which produced Drag-Knights in large number.

It seemed that she, who served as a butler, was herself an excellent Drag-Knight, and one of the strongest people called Ex-class in the country Ymir.

“There is no need for unnecessary concern just because we are in front of my classmates.”

As Krulcifer curtly said so, Alterize leaked a sigh.

“Well then, straight to the point. Please be a little more careful. Your body belongs to the Einvolk House.”

“Then, being targeted by thieves is also the fate of a prestigious family, so it can’t be helped.”

“…………”

In a tone mixed with sarcasm, Krulcifer returned like so to Alterize’s words which were somewhat disagreeable.

Lisha, who saw it, muttered “What is it? Are they on bad terms?” at the table nearby.

(But certainly, I feel like it’s a little different from a normal master-servant relation…)

Lux who was watching it also had the same impression.

Be it good or bad, it felt like there was no reservation to each other.

“There‘s not much time before the curfew of the girl’s dormitory, so it will help if you make it short. The reason of you coming here is obvious anyway.”

“It is because Miss is insincere like that that I had to come here.”

To Krulcifer’s words, the woman butler returned in a strong tone.

The butler Alterize with a strict character and the somewhat elusive Krulcifer didn’t seem have that good of a relationship.

(Alterize-san’s business which Krulcifer-san says is… after all)

While listening to their exchange, Lux recalled the circumstances until now.

Krulcifer’s mission in which she must find a fiancé during attendance at the academy.

About how he was asked to become her lover in order to deceive the attendant of the Einvolk House.

“By the way––, who is that man?”

Alterize suddenly said as she turned her gaze to Lux.

“He’s my lover. It’s great, isn’t it?”

“……!?”

The moment Krulcifer replied so, the shoulders of Lisha who was sitting nearby twitchily shook and she looked at their table.

“Your lover? That boy is…?”

Alterize asked with a dubious face.

“Yes. He may not be that familiar to you, but he is a Prince of the Old Empire, Lux Acadia. He is my classmate who commutes to the Royal Military Academy as the only male student there. Is there any problem?”

“…………”

“There is a problem. Lux will from now on in various ways–– Mmm…!?”

“I-I will listen to you later, so please be quiet for now.”

Alterize suspiciously stared at Lisha, who interjected from the table nearby, and Lux who held her mouth as to calm her. And after heaving a deep sigh, she muttered.

“I see, that’s really troublesome, the truth is––”

“Well, well––, I was looked down upon, too.”

“……!?”

To the man’s voice uttered suddenly, all the people present gasped in surprise.

The man wearing a red, gorgeous overcoat with treated golden embroidery was standing behind Alterize.

A tall and thin man who let his limbs peep out from under the overcoat.

Although with his golden hair and upright face, he seems to be a handsome man of gentle manners at first glance, but his slightly hypocritical smile and sharp eyes let one feel a somewhat overbearing atmosphere.

A knight with a strong confidence –– or rather, clad in an armor of ego.

If it was someone seeing it for the first time, nine out ten people would have such an impression.

Having appeared before Lux and company was such a man.

“Lord Kreutzer!? Why are you here? I am sure that the dinner was scheduled for tomorrow, but––”

“Yes, it isn’t like I’ve forgotten. Alterize-dono.”

The man called so returned a smile to the surprised Alterize.

“I may not look like this, but I’m an annoying guy about fixed dates, you see. ––But yes, if I dare to speak about my shortcomings, I’m a little bit impatient. I want to see the girl who will become my wife in the future one step earlier.”

*grin*, twisting the edge of his lips, he turned his face to Krulcifer.

As he let his look crawl from her head to toes as if licking, the man satisfactorily nodded.

“Ooh. She’s really a beauty as the rumors say. I may not look like this, but I’ve showed up several times to the social parties of the Capital, but–– I’ve never seen such a beautiful girl. Your bodily build is slightly modest<ref>I think here it refers to her flat chest, lol </ref>, but I look forward to your growth.”

“I am honored that you praise her.”

Replying so was Alterize.

“Alterize. Who is this person?”

As Krulcifer asked so with a cold expression,

“I see. It looks like you had not yet talk this through. Well then, I will give my name. My name is Barzeride Kreutzer.”

“……!?”

The moment when they heard the man’s words, tension ran through Lux and Lisha –– no, throughout the whole bar including the customers around.

“…Don’t tell, one of the four Great Nobles!?”

“Why is the “titleholder of the Kingdom” here––?”

As several people inside the bar realized his identity, they turned their gazes with low voices.

“You mean Kreutzer of that House?”

Alterize nodded at Krulcifer’s question.

“One of the four Great Noble Families with historical lineage which continued to this day since the Old Empire era. Particularly, it is a noble household which produces many knights and Drag-Knights from generation to generation. This gentleman is its heir.”

(If I remember correctly, the Kreutzer House is––)

Lux recalled after a little thought.

It was indeed a well-known noble House as a noble, but at the same time it was famous as the hawks of the Old Empire.

Regarding pedigree, influence and fortune, it was an outstanding House even in the New Kingdom.

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v2 0012.jpg|thumb]]

But, the whole family’s way of thinking virtually inherited the Old Empire’s ideas, and Lux had not heard that many goods rumor about them from the past.

“An heir of the four Great Nobles…? Alterize, don’t tell me you––”

Krulcifer who heard this slightly knitted her brows.

“Yes. While very selfish, I went ahead with the talk to introduce Miss to Lord Kreutzer by the dinner that I had scheduled for tomorrow, and have you exchange an engagement there. But––”

“Why didn’t you inform me, the person concerned, of that?”

As Krulcifer asked in a amazed tone,

“It is because if I do not do at least this much, Miss will give a reason again and run away.”

Alterize calmly replied without being shy.

It looked like although the relation between the two girls was not good, they knew each other’s personality very well.

In short, seeing through the action of Krulcifer of avoiding the engagement by giving a reason one way or another, Alterize seemed to have scheduled to bring the fiancé she personally chose.

Thanks to that, it became quite a chaotic situation.

“I see. But, it’s really a shame. As you see, now I have a man I’m going out with. Isn’t it? Lux-kun.”

“Eh…? Ah, yes. Kind of––”

Lux became confused as the subject was brought forth by Krulcifer.

“Lux…? Ah, I see. That appearance––, so you’re a survivor of the Old Empire’s royalty. This is the first time we exchange words directly like this, eh.”

Barzeride who was quiet until then approached Lux.

After staring at his face for a while, he slowly opened his mouth.

“Hmm… It’s a weak look hardly thinkable of someone from former royalty. As expected of a dog which was let to live by the New Kingdom’s amnesty. ––You’re really worthy to be called the Chore Prince.”

“…………”

A smile and tone including contempt.

As Lux remained calm even when being shown such clear hostility,

“Alterize-dono. Is there really a need to postpone this engagement because of a man of this level?”

Barzeride added so as to incite him.

“Certainly, he is from the former royal family. In such a meaning, he may have a lot of influence in various places, but now he’s just an unsightly fallen Prince. He’s a man only living by receiving others’ leftovers. I judge that he isn’t a man worthy of the lineage of the country Ymir’s prestigious family that you serve, the Einvolk family”

“Certainly, that is––”

The moment when Alterize was pressed and was about to consent,

“Haa. Even if you claim to be from the four Great Nobles, it’s only to this degree after all.”

A girl’s dignified voice suddenly cut off the conversation.

The voice was from Lisha sitting by the nearby table.

“To think that you can’t even see through the worth of the man before you. I’m really glad for having the number of rivals decrease, but could you refrain from such a rude tone? Lord Kreutzer.”

After talking with a proud smile, Lisha scowled at the two people at last.

Though he did not seem to be overwhelmed by it, Barzeride shot back a gaze.

“If I remember correctly, you’re––”

“First Princess of the New Kingdom, Lizsharte Atismata. Lux is the man who is going to become my partner. If you dare to insult him, then I will riposte.”

After Barzeride remained silent for several seconds to Lisha’s sharp words,

“…Kukuku. Hahahahaha!”

He suddenly burst into laughter.

“What’s so funny?”

“What do we have here… so that’s it. It looks the fallen Prince of the Old Empire is quite good at currying girls’ favors. However –– the era from here on will be one of battles/fighting. Powerful people who destroy the appearing Abysses and win against other countries in the fight for ruins are sought above all. And we, the royalty and titled nobility, must excel at the skill in operating Drag-Rides. The power as a Drag-Knight and strength as a leader are sought above else.”

Prefacing so, Barzeride once again turned his face towards Lux.

“Unfortunately, I’m on an entirely different level from this man. It’s a waste of time. Alterize-dono, I would like you to arrange the engagement as soon as possible, even tomorrow would work.”

“Yes. ––Then tomorrow night as scheduled.”

When Alterize was going to settle so,

“Could you wait for a moment?”

Holding back Lisha who was about to complain again, Krulcifer said so.

“Hou. What’s the matter? Do you want to talk with me? My future wife.”

“From here on, power as a Drag-Knight and power as a leader are above else. You said so, right?”

“Yes, the Einvolk House also thinks so. Therefore, Lord Kreutzer who is from the four Great Nobles and the “titleholder of the New Kingdom” is suitable as a fiancé––”

“Is that really so?”

As she interrupted Alterize’s words, Krulcifer revealed a smile.

“What do you mean?”

“If it’s about skill as a Drag-Knight, my lover doesn’t lose, too. Because he is the “Weakest Undefeated” famous at the New Kingdom’s tournament after all.”

“Fuhahahahaha!”

Barzeride who heard that burst into laughter once gain.

“The “Weakest Undefeated”, huh. Now that you mention it, there was also such a shameful nickname, eh. But –– my future wife. Wise as you are, you understand, right? That a coward who only defends himself can’t gain anything.”

“But, in the tournament of the Capital, it isn’t like you also won against him, right?”

“What…?”

“And, could you please stop that way of calling me “my future wife”? You and I are still just strangers.”

“…………”

The expression of Barzeride who heard that suddenly changed into a dangerous one.

“Lord Kreutzer. Please excuse her rudeness––”

When Alterize was hurriedly going to intercede,

“I see. Isn’t the Einvolk House’s daughter quite a capable person. I like you more and more, Krulcifer.”

Distorting his mouth into an arc, Barzeride remained composed.

But, Lux knew.

That behind his expression apparently calm at first glance, a quiet anger burned.

“Well then, let’s see. How about a match between me and that fallen Prince? A duel with Drag-Rides, that is.”

“––––”

At Barzeride’s words, tension ran within the store.

“L- Lord Kreutzer, that’s––”

When Alterize uttered so in surprise,

“Certainly, it looks like you didn’t inform her of the talk of engagement. It’s your fault for not having gotten her consent on this matter. However, there is no way she would consent if you forcibly concluded an engagement here, right? After showing my ability, the marriage would go smoothly.”

Sending a gaze at Krulcifer as if asking, Barzeride said.

His intention of wanting to make this stubborn, yet smart girl yield on this occasion was transparent and visible.

“To the fight this time, there will be no “draw”, but you don’t possibly intend to run away, do you, Fallen Prince?”

“…………”

Being provoked, Lux hesitated to speak.

Thinking about the future, he mustn’t stand out too much.

He understood that well.

But,

“––Understood. I’ll do it.”

After a slight hesitation, Lux nodded.

If he did not accept the duel here, the engagement between Krulcifer and Barzeride would’ve almost been decided.

He could not use <Bahamut>, but he had no choice but to do it.

“No, I cannot afford to cause Lord Kreutzer trouble…”

When Alterize could not consent and was about to interject as such,

“On this occasion, why don’t you also participate in the duel?”

Krulcifer suggested so calmly.

“…What do you mean?”

“It will not look good if I, the person concerned and you, the person in charge who approached with this matter are just spectators. We might as well make it a duel of two vs. two altogether; how is that?”

“W-What are you saying now!? Please stop with the joke! Do you think that Lord Kreutzer would ride on this––”

“It does not fit my nature to just be waiting for the result like a commodity.”

As Krulcifer said so without hesitation,

“Kukuku, I don’t mind.”

Barzeride readily consent with a fearless smile.

“Isn’t it good, Alterize-dono? A fight without grudge is the very purpose of the duel. Besides, I’m a pacifist, but there are often times when I want to go all out. After all in the tournament of the Capital, I instinctively hold back so that there are no injured”

He extended his hand to the hilt of the sheathed Sword Device and swung it with a clank.

Probably, a Divine Drag-Ride was stored in the scabbard with a showy ornament.

“It’s regrettable for tomorrow’s dinner, but we’ll cancel it. Then, let’s say the night three days later. I’ll prepare the place for the duel. On account of the work, I’m staying at the Fort City for a while. Don’t run away.”

When only saying that, Barzeride let his luxurious overcoat flutter and left the bar.

“…………”

A flaccid atmosphere flowed before long and bustle return to inside the bar.

“Phew…”

As Lux whose strain loosened sighed,

“You two, do you know what you have done?”

Alterize frowned with a tone as to admonish them.

“Not only did you reject the engagement, but on top of that –– you also challenged a member of the four Great Nobles to a duel. You carried your joke too far. Lord Kreutzer possesses the Divine Drag-Ride <Aži Dahāka> and is skilled enough to be called “titleholder of the New Kingdom” in the Capital, you know?”

Barzeride boasted of the record of last year’s third rank in the tournament of the Capital.

Lux who had similarly appeared in the tournament also knew that, but––

“If it’s a Divine Drag-Ride, I also have <Fafnir>. There is no need to be so afraid, right?”

Looking at Krulcifer who showed no signs of being perturbed, Alterize anxiously held down her head.

And after several seconds, she raised her face.

“I understand. However, that person’s ability as a Drag-Knight ––and his influence is something clear even in the New Kingdom now. And it looks like I have also spoiled you too much.”

“Spoiled me? You were just afraid of touching the tumor<ref>Just done a literal translation, so it may be an idiom. And if so, then I guess it’d be “you were afraid to touch upon/face the problem” </ref>, right? Same as the people in that House––”

“…………”

At Krulcifer’s smile which mixed sarcasm, Alterize tightened her expression.

As she quietly stood up from her seat, she put some money tickets on the table.

“I will leave it as it is for tonight. I will show no mercy in this fight with you two.”

Saying just that, the woman dressed as a butler left the bar.

(What on earth did she mean by “the people in that House”––?)

Lux wondered whether anything happened between the Einvolk House and Krulcifer in the past.

A strange silence flowed among Lux and the others.

“It’s almost the time of curfew. Let’s already go back for today.”

To Krulcifer’s words emitted before long, Lux and company decided to go back.

===Part 3===

“––Just a while ago, I did something bad to you, Lux-kun.”

Krulcifer muttered so as the four people were on their way back walking to the academy side by side.

At her unusually depressed voice, Lux hurried shook his head.

“No… But more importantly, are you really fine with that?”

The mission of engagement imposed on Krulcifer.

Though he had certainly heard about it, Lux was inwardly surprised at the emotional resistance that did not seem like her who was always calm.

“I see, in other words Krulcifer didn’t want a political marriage of convenience and asked Lux to play the role of her lover, huh. Thank god… I’m now relieved.”

Lisha stroked her chest as she felt relieved and then cocked her head in puzzlement.

“But, that butler –– was it Alterize? For a mere butler, she is impudent, or rather she was a somewhat strange fellow.”

“…………”

Lux also felt it.

Even disregarding the point that it was a strict noble family, he felt like that butler and Krulcifer did not have the ordinary master/servant relation for some reason.

That it was something which was not a mere intimate or bad relationship.

“Don’t mind it. Alterize has been like that since long ago after all. That aside, you saved me by accepting the duel proposed by Lord Kreutzer.”

Krulcifer smiled and looked at Lux walking beside her.

Being stared at by her transparent, beautiful pupils, Lux’s heart could not help pounding.

“M-More importantly, is it all right? A duel with those two…”

“Although I was calm at that time, it’s really troublesome, eh. If you could use that Divine Drag-Ride, there would have been no problem, but––”

The “Black Hero” who destroyed the Old Empire five years ago.

Lux could not afford to let Barzeride and Alterize know that he was <Bahamut>’s user.

Moreover, in terms of strength the opponent this time was in no way comparable to the temporary instructors a few days ago.

On one hand, an Ex-class’s Drag-Knight prominent even in the large country Ymir of the North.

On the other hand, a Drag-Knight who was the user of the Divine Drag-Ride <Aži Dahāka> and the third rank in the tournament of the Capital.

Even if it was a pair with Krulcifer who had the Divine Drag-Ride <Fafnir>, it could be said that it would be fairly tough to fight only with a <Wyvern> against those two people as opponents.

“What, there’s no need to be afraid. Lux was able to defend with his <Wyvern> even against my <Tiamat> as the opponent. Then, other male Drag-Knights whose Machine Dragon aptitude values are low should soon be worn out if you gain time.”

“It will be good if it goes like this––”

Lux somehow guessed the meaning of Krulcifer’s words, too.

In the tournament of the Capital, the battle time is a little short and rules had been established to be advantageous to men.

There were traces of the rules established in the Old Empire era, but even if deducting it<ref>means deducting the rules established since the Old Empire and which were advantageous for men as they couldn’t operate Drag-Rides during a long period of time </ref>, it seemed that Barzeride would handle a Divine Drag-Ride without difficulty.

Therefore, now that the Old Empire was destroyed, he’s called the “titleholder of the New Kingdom” as a leading figure of the new era.

Lux did not know about <Aži Dahāka>’s Divine Raiment, except its name <Avestā >.

Moreover, it was a duel where he could not aim for a draw this time.

Fighting under such conditions, even Lux also felt somewhat uneasy.

“You don’t get angry, huh.”

As he was lost in such thoughts, Krulcifer beside him suddenly muttered so.

“Eh…?”

“Normally, you will be angry for having been dragged into such a duel. Even though you are not a real lover––”

“No… It’s something I said myself after all.”

Honestly speaking, Even Lux didn’t know why he had decided to accept the duel at that time.

He would probably be scolded by his little sister Airi for that.

“Thank you. I will say so first for the time being.”

But, Lux did not regret anything.

Rather, he thought that he wanted to know more about Krulcifer who thanked him shyly.

“All right! Well then, let’s hurry back at once; I will strengthen Lux’s <Wyvern>. This time for sure, for the specification of attack specialization––”

“Ah, you don’t need to do that…”

As Lux returned a serious look and shook his head,

“Kuh! T-Then…, I will equipped it with a special hidden function which I had thought about since some time now––”

“You know?”

Philphie who had been tagging along in silence until now muttered with a serious look.

“If we don’t hurry, the curfew will pass.”

“Eeeeeeh!?”

They looked at each other and unintentionally cried out.

They hurriedly ran back, but in the end they did not make in time.

The early morning of the next day, the four people received the punishment of cleaning duty.

===Part 4===

That night when Lux and company were hurrying on their way back, a meeting was held.

Sitting on the seats of a round table illuminated by a chandelier were seven men and women dressed in dress, formal clothes or military uniform.

The three people who sat down at the head of the table were Queen Raffi, the Prime Minister and the vice-commander of an army of the New Kingdom.

The remaining four people were the most prominent Dukes called the Four Great Nobles.

Family heads of prestigious families which governed the territories of the Old Empire for a long time, and held great influence and power even afterwards.

There was a big middle-aged man with a good complexion, a white bearded old man whose eyes became hollow like a skeleton, a gentleman in his prime with well-ordered features and, a long-haired man who put on a dark red overcoat with an ornament of steel.

That room where the New Kingdom’s influential persons gathered together was filled with solemn tension.

“I wonder how many years it has been since we were all summoned like this.”

The old man’s hoarse voice first broke the silence.

“Isn’t it since the New Kingdom establishment? I almost forgot your faces. After all, business is going well in my territory.”

“At any rate. Does this mean that Her Majesty the Queen needs our help?”

Ignoring the middle-aged man who responded with a joke, the man in his prime summarized.

The Queen who was asked calmly nodded and urged the Prime Minister beside her.

“It is the matter of the letter sent to you two months ago. Regarding the Heiburg Republic and its three allied countries.”

“Don’t tell it’s still the incident due to that black marketer? I heard that not only did he circulated a large quantity of Drag-Rides to the Heiburg Republic, but for some reason, he has also wholesaled suspicious devices (tools) in even this country, but––”

To the old man’s voice, the Prime Minister shook his head and answered.

“It is not about that. It is about the Ragnarok this time.”

Hearing that, the middle-aged man raised his face.

“Ragnarok, huh. I have heard about it several times from the Old Empire era, but to think it really existed.”

Ragnarok.

There are seven Abysses which concealed paranormal power of which it’s said that there exists only one for each of the ruins.

It was said that the legendary class monster whose hugeness and strength were on an entirely different level from a common Abyss erased several towns and villages in the territory eight years ago in the Old Empire era and moreover, destroyed territories of other countries and even small countries themselves.

However, because it was an event which the Old Empire’s administration had kept secret, only a restricted number of persons knew that truth even now.

“I see. So you are trying to say that on top of this, the evidence about the Ragnarok’s existence, that was said to have appeared from the ruins of our country, was collected?”

To the words of the man in his prime, the Prime Minister nodded with a bitter face.

The serious damage which one Ragnarok, released after the Old Empire wrenched the ruins open, once brought upon every place in the world. The responsibility of that was demanded to the New Kingdom several years after the Old Empire was destroyed.

On the occasion of the coup d’état five years ago, one of the government officials who fled into a foreign country spread a document of the Old Empire related to the Ragnarok, and the Heiburg Republic which took that proof had impeached the New Kingdom.

“The Heiburg Republic was originally a major power second to the Old Empire. They have a big influence in the neighboring countries now. If we reject this appeal, let alone the three allied countries, we will make enemies of the whole world, right?”

“Thus we shall discuss a counter-measure–– huh? But, wasn’t the Ragnarok’s subjugation completed seven years ago?”

“It seems that it’s temporarily petrified and is just lying dormant. According to the scout’s reports, the petrifaction of the Ragnarok which is at the Lidneth seashore has begun to melt (loosen?) gradually a few months ago. Therefore––”

“Do you want to say that they want us to engage it once again?”

“The Heiburg Republic demands of us the Ragnarok’s subjugation. However, it’s too dangerous to fight the Ragnarok, which was finally put to sleep after cooperating with other countries even in those days, with only the New Kingdom army.”

“Even if we make the small number of high level Drag-Knights strike all together, the odds of victory will probably be small. As expected, Divine Drag-Rides’ users have to lead the subjugation unit––”

When they reached that conclusion, silence rose for a while.

They understood even without any words.

That the Ragnarok’s subjugation was accompanied with a high death risk.

And that there was no suitable “Hero” which could settle it in the current New Kingdom.

“––In that case, I will send my son.”

“…Lord Kreutzer!?”

Not having uttered a single word despite being there, the man who remained silent spoke.

That man which wore the ornament of steel on his body and emitted an unusual intimidating air was named Warg Kreutzer.

“My son has a Divine Drag-Ride called <Aži Dahāka> which he obtained one year ago. He’s also skilled at handling it and has enough ability to be ranked third in the tournament of the Capital. I think that he is qualified enough to be the commanding officer, but what do you think? Your Majesty the Queen Raffi.”

Queen Raffi was cautious (looked out) to Warg Kreutzer who talked with a fearless smile.

Among the Four Great Nobles, certain black rumors did not die out about the Kreutzer House.

Dangerous rumors such as whether this great Noble who possessed a vast territory and was followed by many private soldiers was not originally scheming for a takeover of the Old Empire.

“We cannot afford to expose Her Highness Princess Lizsharte to danger. Please, leave this matter to this subordinate.”

“––Understood.”

Queen Raffi finally nodded to Warg who suggested this while exaggeratedly bowing his head.

At the same time, Warg revealed a smile as if to say that he was waiting for this time.

“However, for this important task where I’m likely to lose not only the Drag-Knights of my territory, but also my son and his Divine Drag-Ride, aside from war funds, soldiers, and Machine Dragons, I think I would also like to have a certain reward.”

“That’s––”

“It’s the full authority on the Atismata New Kingdom army. I would like you to give me the position of General on the occasion when my son Barzeride achieved the mission.”

With eyes full of ambition, Warg said so.

<noinclude>

==References==
<references />

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</noinclude>

Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 2 Episode 2

2017-12-06T07:01:35Z

OmegaWeaponZ: /* Episode 2 – A Messenger of Ymir */

==Episode 2 – A Messenger of Ymir==

===Part 1===

Three days had already passed since Lux became Krulcifer’s “lover”.

In order to handle the “lover role” requested by her, they continued life that looked like it<ref>like lover life, of course</ref> as they did practice together or as a pair as much as possible and had their lunch together in the dining room.

Thanks to that the initial awkwardness somehow disappeared, but.

“Still, I’m envious of Krulcifer-san.”

“But, it’s her who won the contest, so there’s no helping it.”

“Yes. It’s frustrating, but they look good together. Be it appearance or ability––”

One day after school when such voices had begun to be whispered among the female classmates.

“Today after this, I want you to go on a date with me.”

With her usual cool smile, Krulcifer said so.

And it was still in the classroom in which many classmates were still present as the lesson had just ended.

“D-Date!? Or rather, why are you expressly saying it here!?”

“…………”

Being turned a cramped smile by Lisha at a corner of the classroom, Lux confusedly protested.

But, Krulcifer calmly acted flirtatiously and bent her head slightly to one side.

“It just occurred to me, so I said it –– was it bothersome?”

“I-It wasn’t, but…”

“I see, thank you. I’m glad.”

(N-No good –– I was completely sucked in by her pace)

“Kuh, endure it, endure it…”

They came out to the corridor leaving Lisha who grumblingly muttering so in the classroom.

Then, at the moment when there weren’t any signs of other students, Lux began to speak.

“Um, that declaration just now, perhaps was it on purpose?”

“Of course. If we don’t properly make everyone think that it’s the “real thing”, the messenger of the Einvolk House that will come soon will find it suspicious that it’s a fake.”

“…………”

To Krulcifer who smoothly declared, Lux could not say anything.

“But… Even if you don’t go so far––”

Even if it’s said that a messenger will come from the Einvolk House, would he go as far as to doubt Krulcifer’s words and try to collect evidence?

“You will understand those circumstances right away. The date itself is true, so we shall prepare a little.”

While curtly answering Lux’s question, Krulcifer said so in front of the dormitory.

After returning to his room and preparing his outfit, he met with her in front of the school gate ten minutes later.

“First, let’s go buy clothes.”

They left the school premises and walked down the main street of the first block.

Ahead of them after walking for about 30 minutes, was the commercial area for relatively affluent customers even among the Fort Cities.

The noticeable establishments were upper class-oriented high-class hotels, restaurants, tailor’s shops, monasteries and free medical institutions.

Stately mansions built on a large site were standing in a row in a place where Lux had not come by that much for odd jobs.

The Fort City was also an important base for investigating the ruins.

There were many Drag-Knight nobles living in this city, and there were also a lot of examples of even people living in the Capital having built a secondary residence here.

Even now when the system changed after the outbreak of the coup d’état five years ago, such things remained unchanged.

But––

“It’s really interesting.”

Krulcifer walking beside him suddenly muttered.

“Eh…?”

“It’s not that rare a cityscape, right? For you, a former Prince.”

She seemed to have said it as she saw Lux looking around curiously.

“Do you often come to such places, Krulcifer-san?”

“I rarely come.”

Krulcifer’s reply was plain.

“I see. I think that someone like Krulcifer-san is more suited for the atmosphere of such a refined town more than me––”

As Lux looked at her profile while saying such a thing,

“That isn’t the case. After all –– I hate it.”

“Eh…?”

Still looking forward, Krulcifer said clearly.

“I don’t like people such as aristocrats.”

“…………”

After that, the conversation stopped for a while.

(What the hell does she mean by that…?)

Krulcifer was a daughter of an Earl of Ymir.

The reason why she, who was from a prestigious family, hated the same aristocrats.

''I don’t think it’s for something as simple as antipathy to political marriages of convenience.''

“––Over here.”

When Lux thought about such a thing, Krulcifer suddenly stopped.

There was a big tailor shop decorated with a beautiful signboard and carvings there.

“It’s a shop which seems to be quite expensive.”

“Really? I thought that you, former royalty, was used to such things though.”

When Krulcifer said so with a smile, Lux smiled wryly.

“Having dressed in nice clothes in the Imperial Court is a thing of the past. I don’t remember it any longer.”

“Then, it doesn’t seem to be so enjoyable for you, huh. Then, let’s finish this as soon as possible.”

Saying so, Krulcifer entered the shop first.

Lux followed after her.

“…………”

After measured his body size and choosing clothes, they had the tailor fix those according to his size.

And, one hour later.

“…Wait, was the shopping for my clothes!?”

In the cityscape wrapped in dusk, Lux who came out of the shop unintentionally cried.

“Rest assured. As far as you trying them on, you looked quite good in formal clothes. As expected of a former Prince.”

Krulcifer returned so with a smile as if it was somebody else’s problem.

“Whether you like it or not––, I can’t accept such expensive stuff!”

Lux, who was bought formal clothes and shoes by Krulcifer, hurriedly declined.

They settled with the tailor that the clothes would be completed after three days, but the fees seemed to have been paid in advance.

“You do not need to mind it. It’s in the range of funds that I can use freely. It’s also not a great amount.”

“…………”

Lux had just brought clothes worth the amount of money that he would’ve spent in three months during the time he was doing odd jobs, so he once gain realized that she was after all an Ojou-sama<ref>daughter of high class family </ref>.

No, it might simply be that he did not just seem like a former Prince, but––

“We take the trouble to come to town, so shall we have a meal and then go back? I will pay.”

They left the high-class commercial area and came out to a large street.

Probably because of the time period when it was growing dark, there was nobody in the neighborhood and it was dusky.

“U-Um –– as expected, even I can pay…”

No matter how often he was made to go along with only Krulcifer’s plans, Lux also had his pride.

“I kind of like such manly sides on a boy. Though you usually have a face like a girl––”

“T-That has nothing to do with it, right!?”

It had been a long time since he had his appearance spoken about, so Lux’s face turned red.

At that time when the tension somewhat loosened––,

“…!? Watch out!”

At the same time as he shouted, Lux jumped towards Krulcifer and hugged her.

Immediately after, something like a whip extended at high speed and wound the empty space.

In other words, the space on the street where Krulcifer was standing until just a while ago.

A passage slightly away from the upper class area.

Lux was familiar with that weapon which extended from the shade of a vacant house.

“A wire tail…! A Drag-Knight, huh!?”

He promptly drew out his <Wyvern>’s Sword Device from his waist.

“Don’t move! If you move, I’ll shoot!”

But, almost at the same time, five Drag-Rides which appeared from the surroundings had set up Breath Guns towards Lux and Krulcifer.

The five people operating the Machine Dragons were men who wounded their heads with a cloth.

Their unfamiliar rustic impression totally harked back to thieves.

“There are five <Drakes>, huh. We were careless…”

Krulcifer seeing that raised both her hands as to surrender.

Lux also reluctantly followed it and put his sword at his feet.

“Remain like that. Don’t call any Machine Dragons. In any case, you can’t escape anymore.”

The <Drake> –– these Machine Dragons called customized general-purpose Machine Dragons, unlike the other two kinds, had unique abilities.

One of them was the power of “camouflage” they had used just now.

It erases the drive sound and light, and conceals itself by lightly projecting the scenery of the surroundings.

Therefore, they were able to nudge at Lux and Krulcifer’s opening and take the first move in downtown.

“Well then, we’ll tie you, so can you stay quiet? It’ll be uncomfortable, but I will have you endure it.”

The man at the vanguard said so within the darkness.

''Is their purpose kidnapping?''

''They’re probably bandits aiming for Krulcifer, a daughter of an Earl.''

As Lux who guessed so quietly took a deep breath,

“You’d better stop it.”

He spoke like so towards the men.

“What…?”

To Lux’s attitude which, far from begging for his life, showed no signs of being perturbed, the male thief uttered a dubious voice.

“Yes, you’re right, you’d better stop it. If you don’t want to be hurt, that is.”

Similarly, Krulcifer beside him also muttered as to follow.

“Fuhahahaha! This is why the aristocrat people are… You don’t seem to understand reality. Well it’s fine; you guys, catch them quickly–– gugah!?”

The man in the vanguard who began speaking suddenly fell, leaning forward with his Machine Dragon and groaned.

“…Wha!?”

When the other Drag-Knights squared off, Lux led Krulcifer by the hand and began to run.

“W-Wait!?”

The remaining four <Drakes> who saw that moved in a hurry.

When they were going to chase the two people so that they won’t escape into a narrow passage,

“Errr. Will you stop?”

A huge purple Drag-Ride stood in between Lux and the men.

“What…!?”

Divine Drag-Ride <Typhon>.

It was a ground-type Drag-Ride specialized in close range combat that, although both arms weren’t equipped with weapons, overwhelmed the enemy in hand-to-hand combat with claws and fists.

“Good evening. Lu-chan”

His childhood friend who was the user of that Machine Dragon called out like so to Lux.

“Philphie… You came after all.”

As Lux smiled wryly and replied to it,

“Hey Lux! I’m also here, you know!? Look here, too!”

Lisha wearing the <Chimeric Wyvern> had already knocked down one Drag-Knight.

“Lisha-sama!”

“Why are you two in such a place?”

“N-No… Um, isn’t it just a coincidence? It isn’t really like we were concerned about the relation between you two and followed you or something like that…”

“Ah, I see…”

As Lux turned an indescribable face to Lisha who averted her eyes and blushed, the three Machine Dragons driven by the remaining men Machine Dragon moved simultaneously.

“There are only two enemies! Beat them and kidnap them!”

The <Drakes> respectively set up their small-sized blades and attacked <Typhon>.

But,

“Eeih.”

Contrary to the leisurely voice, a quick fist was let out by <Typhon>.

A strong arm probably twice as big as a common Drag-Ride’s.

The <Drake>’s right arm which was holding the blade that was hit with that fist was pulverized with one blow.

“W-Whaaaat…!?”

In front of the man who opened his eyes wide in surprise, <Typhon> made a somersault.

The Drag-Ride, a weapon built up with metal frame, accelerated with swift movement like a wild beast.

And, a kick of the Machine Dragon pierced through the body (of the Drake) which became defenseless as the arms were destroyed.

“Ga…aah!?”

The bandit was sent flying dozen of Mel behind and fainted in agony.

The barrier which was deployed at maximum output was also smashed and the Machine Dragon’s connection was immediately cancelled.

“Uwah…!?”

Lux seeing that strange combat style could not help but cry out.

“Is it your first time? Watching directly how she fights with her <Typhon>.”

Krulcifer who escaped into the shade of an alley with Lux asked so.

“Philphie. So you can do such things…”

Taijutsu attacks using a Drag-Ride.

Then, she caught the blade of another <Drake> with the palm of her Machine’s hand this time and crushed it in an instant. She launched a punch with the other arm almost simultaneously and smashed the armor with one blow.

Philphie who had learned martial arts seemed to be good at close combat.

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v2 0011.jpg|thumb]]

That human bullet attack which made use of the weight and output had the destructive power to easily defeat a general-purpose Machine Dragon even with defense.

Such a flexible and quick carriage (movement) which made it hardly thinkable that she was wearing armor.

Lux had never seen a Drag-Knight use a roundhouse kick from martial arts.

“I-Is she a monster, this girl…!?”

The fifth bandit, whose comrades were defeated in an instant, started escaping using his <Drake>.

When the man turned his back as he escaped to the alley where it would be hard to chase him with <Typhon>’s big frame,

“<Pile Anchor>”

At the same that Philphie muttered, a thick dark gray wire was shot from the armor (shell) of <Typhon>’s both arms.

“Wha!?”

As the metal, which is at the tip of the wire that came flying bit at the opened <Drake> like the jaw of a big snake, the man was pulled back at high speed before Philphie.

“That’s––!?”

“It’s <Typhon>’s special armament. At first glance, it’s a weapon of the capture system like the wire tail, but it seems that it can be emitted from various parts of the armor and can capture an enemy within range.”

At the same time that the <Pile Anchor>, which was shot from the left arm and caught the enemy, pulled him back at high speed, <Typhon> raised its right arm.

When the forceful counterattack, that was released while drawing in the opponent, was about to burst in front of his eyes,

“H-Help––!?”

“I went a little far … I guess?”

*poof*, Philphie cancelled the <Pile Anchor>’s restraint and released the <Drake>.

But, the <Drake> which had been pulled back at high speed toppled sideways by the force of inertia and crashed into the wall. ––It stopped moving.

“Hey, airhead girl. Don’t let your guard down!”

Lisha shouted while restraining the Drag-Knights whose armor was destroyed using the <Chimeric Wyvern>.

“…Huh?”

The moment when Philphie turned her gaze at the Drag-Knight that she had beaten, the man wasn’t in the <Drake>.

When she looked around, the man could be seen running down a back alley as he cancelled the connection.

Escaping after casting aside his Machine Dragon –– no.

Ahead of where the man was running away, a slender woman was standing.

“D-Don’t move! The woman there––!”

Pulling a knife from his waist, the bandit shouted.

He probably wanted to hold her hostage.

“Watch out!”

Lux unintentionally cried out, and was about to run to help her, but––

“There is no need to go help her.”

He was quietly restrained by Krulcifer with a serious look.

“Eh…?”

Meanwhile, when the bandit approached the woman and was going to thrust the knife at her chest,

“It’s really bad, eh. This country’s public order (security)––”

*kin*!

Soon after the woman calmly muttered, the bandit’s knife flew in midair.

“Wha…!?”

“Please do not move. Otherwise, my hand will slip.”

The bandit who fell on his backside on the spot had the tip of a long sword thrust at his throat.

Countless silver lines were running on the surface of the long sword held by the woman.

“A Sword Device…!? That person, who on earth––”

At the same time Lux that muttered, the woman with a cool-headed expression calmly raised her face.

“Long time no see. Miss”

“Eh…?”

Next to the confused Lux, Krulcifer sighed.

“She is an acquaintance of mine. The butler of the Einvolk House, Alterize McClair.”

“Then, perhaps she is––?”

“Yes, she is the Einvolk House’s attendant who came to see how I do.”

“May we change the place? This place is inappropriate to have a talk.”

The woman called Alterize calmly suggested so.

“…………”

After handing over the bandits to the guard soldiers who arrived late, Lux and company followed after Alterize.

===Part 2===

About ten minutes after they walked away from the scene.

They decide to gather in a bar a little near the academy site and to have a light talk.

Although access to bars was not allowed in school regulations, Alterize said that she would take responsibility.

Lux, Krulcifer and Alterize sat on a table for three people, and Lisha and Philphie sat on the table immediately nearby.

The latter two should originally have nothing to do with the matter, but they ended up coming together along due to the course of events.

“First of all, well. It is good above all to see you in good health, Miss. Is what I would like to say, but––”

Alterize glancing at Lux and the others, began to talk so.

The Einvolk House, a noble House of the religious country Ymir and a prestigious family which produced Drag-Knights in large number.

It seemed that she, who served as a butler, was herself an excellent Drag-Knight, and one of the strongest people called Ex-class in the country Ymir.

“There is no need for unnecessary concern just because we are in front of my classmates.”

As Krulcifer curtly said so, Alterize leaked a sigh.

“Well then, straight to the point. Please be a little more careful. Your body belongs to the Einvolk House.”

“Then, being targeted by thieves is also the fate of a prestigious family, so it can’t be helped.”

“…………”

In a tone mixed with sarcasm, Krulcifer returned like so to Alterize’s words which were somewhat disagreeable.

Lisha, who saw it, muttered “What is it? Are they on bad terms?” at the table nearby.

(But certainly, I feel like it’s a little different from a normal master-servant relation…)

Lux who was watching it also had the same impression.

Be it good or bad, it felt like there was no reservation to each other.

“There‘s not much time before the curfew of the girl’s dormitory, so it will help if you make it short. The reason of you coming here is obvious anyway.”

“It is because Miss is insincere like that that I had to come here.”

To Krulcifer’s words, the woman butler returned in a strong tone.

The butler Alterize with a strict character and the somewhat elusive Krulcifer didn’t seem have that good of a relationship.

(Alterize-san’s business which Krulcifer-san says is… after all)

While listening to their exchange, Lux recalled the circumstances until now.

Krulcifer’s mission in which she must find a fiancé during attendance at the academy.

About how he was asked to become her lover in order to deceive the attendant of the Einvolk House.

“By the way––, who is that man?”

Alterize suddenly said as she turned her gaze to Lux.

“He’s my lover. It’s great, isn’t it?”

“……!?”

The moment Krulcifer replied so, the shoulders of Lisha who was sitting nearby twitchily shook and she looked at their table.

“Your lover? That boy is…?”

Alterize asked with a dubious face.

“Yes. He may not be that familiar to you, but he is a Prince of the Old Empire, Lux Acadia. He is my classmate who commutes to the Royal Military Academy as the only male student there. Is there any problem?”

“…………”

“There is a problem. Lux will from now on in various ways–– Mmm…!?”

“I-I will listen to you later, so please be quiet for now.”

Alterize suspiciously stared at Lisha, who interjected from the table nearby, and Lux who held her mouth as to calm her. And after heaving a deep sigh, she muttered.

“I see, that’s really troublesome, the truth is––”

“Well, well––, I was looked down upon, too.”

“……!?”

To the man’s voice uttered suddenly, all the people present gasped in surprise.

The man wearing a red, gorgeous overcoat with treated golden embroidery was standing behind Alterize.

A tall and thin man who let his limbs peep out from under the overcoat.

Although with his golden hair and upright face, he seems to be a handsome man of gentle manners at first glance, but his slightly hypocritical smile and sharp eyes let one feel a somewhat overbearing atmosphere.

A knight with a strong confidence –– or rather, clad in an armor of ego.

If it was someone seeing it for the first time, nine out ten people would have such an impression.

Having appeared before Lux and company was such a man.

“Lord Kreutzer!? Why are you here? I am sure that the dinner was scheduled for tomorrow, but––”

“Yes, it isn’t like I’ve forgotten. Alterize-dono.”

The man called so returned a smile to the surprised Alterize.

“I may not look like this, but I’m an annoying guy about fixed dates, you see. ––But yes, if I dare to speak about my shortcomings, I’m a little bit impatient. I want to see the girl who will become my wife in the future one step earlier.”

*grin*, twisting the edge of his lips, he turned his face to Krulcifer.

As he let his look crawl from her head to toes as if licking, the man satisfactorily nodded.

“Ooh. She’s really a beauty as the rumors say. I may not look like this, but I’ve showed up several times to the social parties of the Capital, but–– I’ve never seen such a beautiful girl. Your bodily build is slightly modest<ref>I think here it refers to her flat chest, lol </ref>, but I look forward to your growth.”

“I am honored that you praise her.”

Replying so was Alterize.

“Alterize. Who is this person?”

As Krulcifer asked so with a cold expression,

“I see. It looks like you had not yet talk this through. Well then, I will give my name. My name is Barzeride Kreutzer.”

“……!?”

The moment when they heard the man’s words, tension ran through Lux and Lisha –– no, throughout the whole bar including the customers around.

“…Don’t tell, one of the four Great Nobles!?”

“Why is the “titleholder of the Kingdom” here––?”

As several people inside the bar realized his identity, they turned their gazes with low voices.

“You mean Kreutzer of that House?”

Alterize nodded at Krulcifer’s question.

“One of the four Great Noble Families with historical lineage which continued to this day since the Old Empire era. Particularly, it is a noble household which produces many knights and Drag-Knights from generation to generation. This gentleman is its heir.”

(If I remember correctly, the Kreutzer House is––)

Lux recalled after a little thought.

It was indeed a well-known noble House as a noble, but at the same time it was famous as the hawks of the Old Empire.

Regarding pedigree, influence and fortune, it was an outstanding House even in the New Kingdom.

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v2 0012.jpg|thumb]]

But, the whole family’s way of thinking virtually inherited the Old Empire’s ideas, and Lux had not heard that many goods rumor about them from the past.

“An heir of the four Great Nobles…? Alterize, don’t tell me you––”

Krulcifer who heard this slightly knitted her brows.

“Yes. While very selfish, I went ahead with the talk to introduce Miss to Lord Kreutzer by the dinner that I had scheduled for tomorrow, and have you exchange an engagement there. But––”

“Why didn’t you inform me, the person concerned, of that?”

As Krulcifer asked in a amazed tone,

“It is because if I do not do at least this much, Miss will give a reason again and run away.”

Alterize calmly replied without being shy.

It looked like although the relation between the two girls was not good, they knew each other’s personality very well.

In short, seeing through the action of Krulcifer of avoiding the engagement by giving a reason one way or another, Alterize seemed to have scheduled to bring the fiancé she personally chose.

Thanks to that, it became quite a chaotic situation.

“I see. But, it’s really a shame. As you see, now I have a man I’m going out with. Isn’t it? Lux-kun.”

“Eh…? Ah, yes. Kind of––”

Lux became confused as the subject was brought forth by Krulcifer.

“Lux…? Ah, I see. That appearance––, so you’re a survivor of the Old Empire’s royalty. This is the first time we exchange words directly like this, eh.”

Barzeride who was quiet until then approached Lux.

After staring at his face for a while, he slowly opened his mouth.

“Hmm… It’s a weak look hardly thinkable of someone from former royalty. As expected of a dog which was let to live by the New Kingdom’s amnesty. ––You’re really worthy to be called the Chore Prince.”

“…………”

A smile and tone including contempt.

As Lux remained calm even when being shown such clear hostility,

“Alterize-dono. Is there really a need to postpone this engagement because of a man of this level?”

Barzeride added so as to incite him.

“Certainly, he is from the former royal family. In such a meaning, he may have a lot of influence in various places, but now he’s just an unsightly fallen Prince. He’s a man only living by receiving others’ leftovers. I judge that he isn’t a man worthy of the lineage of the country Ymir’s prestigious family that you serve, the Einvolk family”

“Certainly, that is––”

The moment when Alterize was pressed and was about to consent,

“Haa. Even if you claim to be from the four Great Nobles, it’s only to this degree after all.”

A girl’s dignified voice suddenly cut off the conversation.

The voice was from Lisha sitting by the nearby table.

“To think that you can’t even see through the worth of the man before you. I’m really glad for having the number of rivals decrease, but could you refrain from such a rude tone? Lord Kreutzer.”

After talking with a proud smile, Lisha scowled at the two people at last.

Though he did not seem to be overwhelmed by it, Barzeride shot back a gaze.

“If I remember correctly, you’re––”

“First Princess of the New Kingdom, Lizsharte Atismata. Lux is the man who is going to become my partner. If you dare to insult him, then I will riposte.”

After Barzeride remained silent for several seconds to Lisha’s sharp words,

“…Kukuku. Hahahahaha!”

He suddenly burst into laughter.

“What’s so funny?”

“What do we have here… so that’s it. It looks the fallen Prince of the Old Empire is quite good at currying girls’ favors. However –– the era from here on will be one of battles/fighting. Powerful people who destroy the appearing Abysses and win against other countries in the fight for ruins are sought above all. And we, the royalty and titled nobility, must excel at the skill in operating Drag-Rides. The power as a Drag-Knight and strength as a leader are sought above else.”

Prefacing so, Barzeride once again turned his face towards Lux.

“Unfortunately, I’m on an entirely different level from this man. It’s a waste of time. Alterize-dono, I would like you to arrange the engagement as soon as possible, even tomorrow would work.”

“Yes. ––Then tomorrow night as scheduled.”

When Alterize was going to settle so,

“Could you wait for a moment?”

Holding back Lisha who was about to complain again, Krulcifer said so.

“Hou. What’s the matter? Do you want to talk with me? My future wife.”

“From here on, power as a Drag-Knight and power as a leader are above else. You said so, right?”

“Yes, the Einvolk House also thinks so. Therefore, Lord Kreutzer who is from the four Great Nobles and the “titleholder of the New Kingdom” is suitable as a fiancé––”

“Is that really so?”

As she interrupted Alterize’s words, Krulcifer revealed a smile.

“What do you mean?”

“If it’s about skill as a Drag-Knight, my lover doesn’t lose, too. Because he is the “Weakest Undefeated” famous at the New Kingdom’s tournament after all.”

“Fuhahahahaha!”

Barzeride who heard that burst into laughter once gain.

“The “Weakest Undefeated”, huh. Now that you mention it, there was also such a shameful nickname, eh. But –– my future wife. Wise as you are, you understand, right? That a coward who only defends himself can’t gain anything.”

“But, in the tournament of the Capital, it isn’t like you also won against him, right?”

“What…?”

“And, could you please stop that way of calling me “my future wife”? You and I are still just strangers.”

“…………”

The expression of Barzeride who heard that suddenly changed into a dangerous one.

“Lord Kreutzer. Please excuse her rudeness––”

When Alterize was hurriedly going to intercede,

“I see. Isn’t the Einvolk House’s daughter quite a capable person. I like you more and more, Krulcifer.”

Distorting his mouth into an arc, Barzeride remained composed.

But, Lux knew.

That behind his expression apparently calm at first glance, a quiet anger burned.

“Well then, let’s see. How about a match between me and that fallen Prince? A duel with Drag-Rides, that is.”

“––––”

At Barzeride’s words, tension ran within the store.

“L- Lord Kreutzer, that’s––”

When Alterize uttered so in surprise,

“Certainly, it looks like you didn’t inform her of the talk of engagement. It’s your fault for not having gotten her consent on this matter. However, there is no way she would consent if you forcibly concluded an engagement here, right? After showing my ability, the marriage would go smoothly.”

Sending a gaze at Krulcifer as if asking, Barzeride said.

His intention of wanting to make this stubborn, yet smart girl yield on this occasion was transparent and visible.

“To the fight this time, there will be no “draw”, but you don’t possibly intend to run away, do you, Fallen Prince?”

“…………”

Being provoked, Lux hesitated to speak.

Thinking about the future, he mustn’t stand out too much.

He understood that well.

But,

“––Understood. I’ll do it.”

After a slight hesitation, Lux nodded.

If he did not accept the duel here, the engagement between Krulcifer and Barzeride would’ve almost been decided.

He could not use <Bahamut>, but he had no choice but to do it.

“No, I cannot afford to cause Lord Kreutzer trouble…”

When Alterize could not consent and was about to interject as such,

“On this occasion, why don’t you also participate in the duel?”

Krulcifer suggested so calmly.

“…What do you mean?”

“It will not look good if I, the person concerned and you, the person in charge who approached with this matter are just spectators. We might as well make it a duel of two vs. two altogether; how is that?”

“W-What are you saying now!? Please stop with the joke! Do you think that Lord Kreutzer would ride on this––”

“It does not fit my nature to just be waiting for the result like a commodity.”

As Krulcifer said so without hesitation,

“Kukuku, I don’t mind.”

Barzeride readily consent with a fearless smile.

“Isn’t it good, Alterize-dono? A fight without grudge is the very purpose of the duel. Besides, I’m a pacifist, but there are often times when I want to go all out. After all in the tournament of the Capital, I instinctively hold back so that there are no injured”

He extended his hand to the hilt of the sheathed Sword Device and swung it with a clank.

Probably, a Divine Drag-Ride was stored in the scabbard with a showy ornament.

“It’s regrettable for tomorrow’s dinner, but we’ll cancel it. Then, let’s say the night three days later. I’ll prepare the place for the duel. On account of the work, I’m staying at the Fort City for a while. Don’t run away.”

When only saying that, Barzeride let his luxurious overcoat flutter and left the bar.

“…………”

A flaccid atmosphere flowed before long and bustle return to inside the bar.

“Phew…”

As Lux whose strain loosened sighed,

“You two, do you know what you have done?”

Alterize frowned with a tone as to admonish them.

“Not only did you reject the engagement, but on top of that –– you also challenged a member of the four Great Nobles to a duel. You carried your joke too far. Lord Kreutzer possesses the Divine Drag-Ride <Aži Dahāka> and is skilled enough to be called “titleholder of the New Kingdom” in the Capital, you know?”

Barzeride boasted of the record of last year’s third rank in the tournament of the Capital.

Lux who had similarly appeared in the tournament also knew that, but––

“If it’s a Divine Drag-Ride, I also have <Fafnir>. There is no need to be so afraid, right?”

Looking at Krulcifer who showed no signs of being perturbed, Alterize anxiously held down her head.

And after several seconds, she raised her face.

“I understand. However, that person’s ability as a Drag-Knight ––and his influence is something clear even in the New Kingdom now. And it looks like I have also spoiled you too much.”

“Spoiled me? You were just afraid of touching the tumor<ref>Just done a literal translation, so it may be an idiom. And if so, then I guess it’d be “you were afraid to touch upon/face the problem” </ref>, right? Same as the people in that House––”

“…………”

At Krulcifer’s smile which mixed sarcasm, Alterize tightened her expression.

As she quietly stood up from her seat, she put some money tickets on the table.

“I will leave it as it is for tonight. I will show no mercy in this fight with you two.”

Saying just that, the woman dressed as a butler left the bar.

(What on earth did she mean by “the people in that House”––?)

Lux wondered whether anything happened between the Einvolk House and Krulcifer in the past.

A strange silence flowed among Lux and the others.

“It’s almost the time of curfew. Let’s already go back for today.”

To Krulcifer’s words emitted before long, Lux and company decided to go back.

===Part 3===

“––Just a while ago, I did something bad to you, Lux-kun.”

Krulcifer muttered so as the four people were on their way back walking to the academy side by side.

At her unusually depressed voice, Lux hurried shook his head.

“No… But more importantly, are you really fine with that?”

The mission of engagement imposed on Krulcifer.

Though he had certainly heard about it, Lux was inwardly surprised at the emotional resistance that did not seem like her who was always calm.

“I see, in other words Krulcifer didn’t want a political marriage of convenience and asked Lux to play the role of her lover, huh. Thank god… I’m now relieved.”

Lisha stroked her chest as she felt relieved and then cocked her head in puzzlement.

“But, that butler –– was it Alterize? For a mere butler, she is impudent, or rather she was a somewhat strange fellow.”

“…………”

Lux also felt it.

Even disregarding the point that it was a strict noble family, he felt like that butler and Krulcifer did not have the ordinary master/servant relation for some reason.

That it was something which was not a mere intimate or bad relationship.

“Don’t mind it. Alterize has been like that since long ago after all. That aside, you saved me by accepting the duel proposed by Lord Kreutzer.”

Krulcifer smiled and looked at Lux walking beside her.

Being stared at by her transparent, beautiful pupils, Lux’s heart could not help pounding.

“M-More importantly, is it all right? A duel with those two…”

“Although I was calm at that time, it’s really troublesome, eh. If you could use that Divine Drag-Ride, there would have been no problem, but––”

The “Black Hero” who destroyed the Old Empire five years ago.

Lux could not afford to let Barzeride and Alterize know that he was <Bahamut>’s user.

Moreover, in terms of strength the opponent this time was in no way comparable to the temporary instructors a few days ago.

On one hand, an Ex-class’s Drag-Knight prominent even in the large country Ymir of the North.

On the other hand, a Drag-Knight who was the user of the Divine Drag-Ride <Aži Dahāka> and the third rank in the tournament of the Capital.

Even if it was a pair with Krulcifer who had the Divine Drag-Ride <Fafnir>, it could be said that it would be fairly tough to fight only with a <Wyvern> against those two people as opponents.

“What, there’s no need to be afraid. Lux was able to defend with his <Wyvern> even against my <Tiamat> as the opponent. Then, other male Drag-Knights whose Machine Dragon aptitude values are low should soon be worn out if you gain time.”

“It will be good if it goes like this––”

Lux somehow guessed the meaning of Krulcifer’s words, too.

In the tournament of the Capital, the battle time is a little short and rules had been established to be advantageous to men.

There were traces of the rules established in the Old Empire era, but even if deducting it<ref>means deducting the rules established since the Old Empire and which were advantageous for men as they couldn’t operate Drag-Rides during a long period of time </ref>, it seemed that Barzeride would handle a Divine Drag-Ride without difficulty.

Therefore, now that the Old Empire was destroyed, he’s called the “titleholder of the New Kingdom” as a leading figure of the new era.

Lux did not know about <Aži Dahāka>’s Divine Raiment, except its name <Avestā >.

Moreover, it was a duel where he could not aim for a draw this time.

Fighting under such conditions, even Lux also felt somewhat uneasy.

“You don’t get angry, huh.”

As he was lost in such thoughts, Krulcifer beside him suddenly muttered so.

“Eh…?”

“Normally, you will be angry for having been dragged into such a duel. Even though you are not a real lover––”

“No… It’s something I said myself after all.”

Honestly speaking, Even Lux didn’t know why he had decided to accept the duel at that time.

He would probably be scolded by his little sister Airi for that.

“Thank you. I will say so first for the time being.”

But, Lux did not regret anything.

Rather, he thought that he wanted to know more about Krulcifer who thanked him shyly.

“All right! Well then, let’s hurry back at once; I will strengthen Lux’s <Wyvern>. This time for sure, for the specification of attack specialization––”

“Ah, you don’t need to do that…”

As Lux returned a serious look and shook his head,

“Kuh! T-Then…, I will equipped it with a special hidden function which I had thought about since some time now––”

“You know?”

Philphie who had been tagging along in silence until now muttered with a serious look.

“If we don’t hurry, the curfew will pass.”

“Eeeeeeh!?”

They looked at each other and unintentionally cried out.

They hurriedly ran back, but in the end they did not make in time.

The early morning of the next day, the four people received the punishment of cleaning duty.

===Part 4===

That night when Lux and company were hurrying on their way back, a meeting was held.

Sitting on the seats of a round table illuminated by a chandelier were seven men and women dressed in dress, formal clothes or military uniform.

The three people who sat down at the head of the table were Queen Raffi, the Prime Minister and the vice-commander of an army of the New Kingdom.

The remaining four people were the most prominent Dukes called the Four Great Nobles.

Family heads of prestigious families which governed the territories of the Old Empire for a long time, and held great influence and power even afterwards.

There was a big middle-aged man with a good complexion, a white bearded old man whose eyes became hollow like a skeleton, a gentleman in his prime with well-ordered features and, a long-haired man who put on a dark red overcoat with an ornament of steel.

That room where the New Kingdom’s influential persons gathered together was filled with solemn tension.

“I wonder how many years it has been since we were all summoned like this.”

The old man’s hoarse voice first broke the silence.

“Isn’t it since the New Kingdom establishment? I almost forgot your faces. After all, business is going well in my territory.”

“At any rate. Does this mean that Her Majesty the Queen needs our help?”

Ignoring the middle-aged man who responded with a joke, the man in his prime summarized.

The Queen who was asked calmly nodded and urged the Prime Minister beside her.

“It is the matter of the letter sent to you two months ago. Regarding the Heiburg Republic and its three allied countries.”

“Don’t tell it’s still the incident due to that black marketer? I heard that not only did he circulated a large quantity of Drag-Rides to the Heiburg Republic, but for some reason, he has also wholesaled suspicious devices (tools) in even this country, but––”

To the old man’s voice, the Prime Minister shook his head and answered.

“It is not about that. It is about the Ragnarok this time.”

Hearing that, the middle-aged man raised his face.

“Ragnarok, huh. I have heard about it several times from the Old Empire era, but to think it really existed.”

Ragnarok.

There are seven Abysses which concealed paranormal power of which it’s said that there exists only one for each of the ruins.

It was said that the legendary class monster whose hugeness and strength were on an entirely different level from a common Abyss erased several towns and villages in the territory eight years ago in the Old Empire era and moreover, destroyed territories of other countries and even small countries themselves.

However, because it was an event which the Old Empire’s administration had kept secret, only a restricted number of persons knew that truth even now.

“I see. So you are trying to say that on top of this, the evidence about the Ragnarok’s existence, that was said to have appeared from the ruins of our country, was collected?”

To the words of the man in his prime, the Prime Minister nodded with a bitter face.

The serious damage which one Ragnarok, released after the Old Empire wrenched the ruins open, once brought upon every place in the world. The responsibility of that was demanded to the New Kingdom several years after the Old Empire was destroyed.

On the occasion of the coup d’état five years ago, one of the government officials who fled into a foreign country spread a document of the Old Empire related to the Ragnarok, and the Heiburg Republic which took that proof had impeached the New Kingdom.

“The Heiburg Republic was originally a major power second to the Old Empire. They have a big influence in the neighboring countries now. If we reject this appeal, let alone the three allied countries, we will make enemies of the whole world, right?”

“Thus we shall discuss a counter-measure–– huh? But, wasn’t the Ragnarok’s subjugation completed seven years ago?”

“It seems that it’s temporarily petrified and is just lying dormant. According to the scout’s reports, the petrifaction of the Ragnarok which is at the Lidneth seashore has begun to melt (loosen?) gradually a few months ago. Therefore––”

“Do you want to say that they want us to engage it once again?”

“The Heiburg Republic demands of us the Ragnarok’s subjugation. However, it’s too dangerous to fight the Ragnarok, which was finally put to sleep after cooperating with other countries even in those days, with only the New Kingdom army.”

“Even if we make the small number of high level Drag-Knights strike all together, the odds of victory will probably be small. As expected, Divine Drag-Rides’ users have to lead the subjugation unit––”

When they reached that conclusion, silence rose for a while.

They understood even without any words.

That the Ragnarok’s subjugation was accompanied with a high death risk.

And that there was no suitable “Hero” which could settle it in the current New Kingdom.

“––In that case, I will send my son.”

“…Lord Kreutzer!?”

Not having uttered a single word despite being there, the man who remained silent spoke.

That man which wore the ornament of steel on his body and emitted an unusual intimidating air was named Warg Kreutzer.

“My son has a Divine Drag-Ride called <Aži Dahāka> which he obtained one year ago. He’s also skilled at handling it and has enough ability to be ranked third in the tournament of the Capital. I think that he is qualified enough to be the commanding officer, but what do you think? Your Majesty the Queen Raffi.”

Queen Raffi was cautious (looked out) to Warg Kreutzer who talked with a fearless smile.

Among the Four Great Nobles, certain black rumors did not die out about the Kreutzer House.

Dangerous rumors such as whether this great Noble who possessed a vast territory and was followed by many private soldiers was not originally scheming for a takeover of the Old Empire.

“We cannot afford to expose Her Highness Princess Lizsharte to danger. Please, leave this matter to this subordinate.”

“––Understood.”

Queen Raffi finally nodded to Warg who suggested this while exaggeratedly bowing his head.

At the same time, Warg revealed a smile as if to say that he was waiting for this time.

“However, for this important task where I’m likely to lose not only the Drag-Knights of my territory, but also my son and his Divine Drag-Ride, aside from war funds, soldiers, and Machine Dragons, I think I would also like to have a certain reward.”

“That’s––”

“It’s the full authority on the Atismata New Kingdom army. I would like you to give me the position of General on the occasion when my son Barzeride achieved the mission.”

With eyes full of ambition, Warg said so.

<noinclude>

==References==
<references />

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</noinclude>

Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 2 Episode 1

2017-12-05T21:09:55Z

OmegaWeaponZ: /* Episode 1 – Engagement Circumstances of the Daughter of the North */

==Episode 1 – Engagement Circumstances of the Daughter of the North==

===Part 1===

“Haa… Really Nii-san, what on earth are you thinking about?”

In a voice mixed with frustration and anger, Airi heaved a big sigh.

The girl, Lux’s little sister, who had a doll-like beauty, was staring at Lux with reproachful eyes as she stood up before him who was for some reason kneeling on the floor.

“I told you many times not to stand out, right? Because of you, just now I was tormented by my classmates as they asked me “Did your brother find a lover!?”…”

“Yes. I understand your feelings, Airi. But, please let’s leave it as that.”

Nokuto, Airi’s roommate who was beside her, was a calm girl who was also one of the three members of the academy's famous trio called the “Triad”.

Being soothed by her, Airi finally muttered “I think you’ve already reflected on this, Nii-san”.

“I’m really sorry…”

Saying so, Lux stood up with a tired face.

Here was the site of the Royal Military Academy, in one of the girl dormitory’s rooms.

Lux, who finished eating dinner after the end of the “Lux contest”, had been called by his little sister Airi in order to handle a certain request of the academy.

Since he was told that it was an important request, he hurriedly went to Airi’s and Nokuto’s room, but what was awaiting him there was his little sister’s sermon.

“In the first place, why didn’t you come directly to my place? If you did so, we would have settled it between us siblings, and it wouldn’t have become such an uproar.”

Airi seemed quite displeased by the behavior of her big brother who did not seek her help.

There seemed to be not many people in the girl’s dormitory, so it was certainly a blunder that the choice of escaping to Airi’s room did not occurr to him, but––<ref>There is no error on the translation here; it just means that because there were many people in the girl’s dormitory, the idea of venturing there didn’t occur to him. But if he had thought about Airi, he could have taken the risk to go by her and wait that the contest ended</ref>

(If by any chance I was also caught by Airi, it was likely to become troublesome, so…)

If he were to say so, he would have been scolded with “Are you going to doubt a blood relative?”, so he said nothing.

“However, personally, I was surprised. I thought that Krulcifer-san asking Lux-san out was unlikely, considering her character.”

Nokuto calmly spoke of her impression.

But, the shoulders of Airi who heard it suddenly shook.

“So Nii-san, what kind of happy time are you going to spend with her from now on?”

“E-Errr–– basically, it won’t be different from the requests I’ve done so far probably, I guess?”

While trembling to the strangely gentle smile of Airi, Lux said so with a perfunctory look.

To the request of Krulcifer who won the “Lux contest”, the agreement of “becoming her lover” for about one week was established.

However, the content was very vague, so except listening to her request preferentially, he should be able to spend his life as usual.

When Lux finished explaining so to the two girls,

“Hmm. Well, it’s fine. Nii-san is already at that age after all.”

“N-No, it isn’t really me who asked Krulcifer-san this time!”

To Airi who turned away her gaze as she pouted, Lux explained confusedly.

“Yes. I cannot surmise Krulcifer-san’s real intention, but I think it can’t be helped.”

“Is that so?”

Looking at Airi who raised her face to Nokuto’s follow up, Lux was relieved for an instant.

“Yes. Be that as it may, Lux-san certainly seems weak to a girl’s aggressiveness though.”

“Hey!? Even though it was about to be settled with much trouble, why did you say such a thing again!?”

(As expected even this Nokuto girl is a very difficult child to deal with.)

As Lux was once again troubled, Airi lightly cleared her throat and stood up.

“About that, I will have you tell me about this matter in detail some other time. It’s time to go to the place of the request.”

“Ah… t-that’s right.”

Relieved about the fact that this talk was over for the time being, Lux left the room.

“I heard that it’s a request at the school site; but it’s night, so be careful.”

Nokuto said so and saw off Lux and Airi.

When he was outside of the girl’s dormitory with Airi, the neighborhood was already covered with a jet black curtain.

“It is good and all that you enjoy your school life, but please do not forget. About our “plan”––”

As they were now both alone, Airi said so as she remembered.

“Ah… yes. I know.”

He intended to consult with her a little about something, but in the end, he hesitated to talk about it.

“Phew…”

While walking along the lawn within the academy as he followed after Airi, Lux sighed softly.

It was about Krulcifer that he was troubled.

(––What may I do to behave like her lover?)

‘‘I mean, I have never gone out with anyone…’‘

The “true request” which was told by Krulcifer after that lover declaration.

Lux hung his head as he was troubled by that request which was on a whole other level from the odd jobs he had done so far.

===Part 2===

“––I want you to act as my lover.”

About ten minutes after he was asked of that in the waiting room.

Lux who was called to the deserted rooftop of the academy was hearing about the details from Krulcifer.

“Pretend to be Krulcifer-san’s lover…?”

“Yes, that’s right. I want you to play that role for one week starting today.”

“B-But, why should I do such a thing––”

As Lux was perplexed at Krulcifer who said so indifferently, she explained the situation in detail.

Krulcifer was an Earl’s daughter from the large country of the North –– the religious country Ymir, and a foreign student in the academy.

One of the reasons why she came to this New Kingdom to study was because she had an important goal to achieve.

“In short, a political marriage of convenience.”

『During attendance at school, conclude an engagement with a high ranking noble in the New Kingdom. ––Or get married.』

Such instructions had been given to Krulcifer by the Einvolk House which was her home.

Making connections with an influential person holding a strong position in the New Kingdom.

She was enrolled in this academy not only to learn knowledge and technique as a Drag-Knight, but also with such an intention since the beginning.

“That’s––. Such a thing is…”

‘‘Isn’t it too selfish?’’

‘‘No matter how much the Einvolk House is a prestigious noble family, to let Krulcifer go alone to a foreign land and burden her with such a duty…’‘

As Lux unintentionally started to say so,

“As usual, you say something unlike a Prince of the Old Empire.”

Seeing Lux’s expression which showed that he did not consent, Krulcifer chuckled.

“Marriages between nobles are 90% like that. It’s no use even if you mind it.”

She asserted in a curt tone.

“…………”

About that, Krulcifer was right.

A marriage between nobles was basically like that regardless of nationality.

Lux who had been in the Imperial Court as a Prince of the Old Empire before, understood it only too well.

‘‘But still, it’s strange.’‘

“But then, why do you want me to pretend to be your lover?”

“To put it plainly, I want to avoid trouble to the limit. Until I achieve my personal goal––”

“Personal goal…?”

Not answering Lux’s question, Krulcifer continued.

“Several days later, it’s scheduled that a messenger will be dispatched to this Fort City by the Einvolk House which is my home. In order to confirm and report the progress of my engagement––”

In short, it seemed to be about a “lover role” in order to deceive the messenger coming over.

A man who was of noble lineage as well and also had a connection with Krulcifer.

Lux seemed to have been chosen based on the above conditions.

“Therefore, I will have you behave as my lover for one week from today on. So, is it all right?”

“B-But, I –– um, I’ve never gone out with anyone…”

“Oh my? Actually, I don’t have any experience, either.”

“I-I don’t mean that––”

As Lux was flustered,

“Besides, it can’t also be just with anyone, right? You have seen my shameful side––”

Slightly blushing, Krulcifer softly smiled.

“…!?”

Suddenly recalling her figure in underwear in the waiting room, Lux’s face became red.

“If you say that you won’t take responsibility no matter what, then I will tell everyone about your peeping.”

She whispered so with a mischievous tone.

At her tone of voice which tickled his earlobe, Lux gave up immediately.

“U-Um… if you’re fine with me, I’ll do my best.”

“Thank you. I like that honest side of yours.”

To Lux who hung his head, Krulcifer replied with a smile.

“I will be troubled if the fake lover thing was leaked to someone, so until this week passes, we will keep this matter secret. Can you promise that?”

“U-Understood.”

“Good answer. Then –– from today on, you are my lover. Please take of me, Lux-kun.”

“…Yes”

To Krulcifer’s smile, Lux returned an awkward smile.

Thus, the agreement was established.

===Part 3===

The library in the academy was built separately from the school building.

Though he had used it several times due to the academy’s lessons, this was the first time that he went there this late at night.

“Over there, Nii-san.”

Since the front door was already closed, he entered from the back entrance following Airi’s lead.

The space where high, innumerable bookshelves stood in a row and the old-fashion which let one feel history somewhere were of a structure harking back to an ancient labyrinth.

He had the experience of being a librarian due to his odd jobs in the past, so there was no resistance in particular about this atmosphere itself, but––

“Is there really a request here?”

A question concerning the request of the deserted library floated in Lux’s mind.

“Yes, there’s no mistake. It’s a little bit ahead.”

They went through a passage between bookshelves and arrived at a door at the end.

Then, she opened the door with a key different from that she used to open the back entrance.

When they went down the stairs leading to the underground, there was a large stone space there.

“This place is…? Is there such a place in the underground of the library?”

A place which he didn’t even know the existence of let alone entered due to odd jobs.

Over there, not only bookshelves, but also an iron work unit, a furnace for sublimation as well as countless experimental devices lined up.

At the same time, there was also the smell of acrid chemicals.

“Please, keep this place’s existence secret, Nii-san. It’s also a small laboratory after all.”

“Laboratory?”

Though Lux asked back, he thought that it really gave such an impression.

The Drag-Knight’s atelier where Lisha acted as the chief.

If Lisha’s atelier had a structure somewhere reminiscent to a blacksmith’s, this place seemed just like an atelier of an alchemist.

As he followed Airi while holding such an impression,

“I was waiting for both of you.”

Principal Relie Aingram was in front of a small table.

“Good evening, Lux-kun. Did you properly look after Philphie? Or –– have you already attacked<ref>Attack as in make a move on her </ref> her?”

“Really, you…”

Lux replied with an indescribable expression.

By Relie’s arrangement, Lux was staying even now in the same room as Philphie, her little sister, in the girl’s dormitory.

As Lux blushed when recalling it––

“Principal. Why don’t you leave your teasing of Nii-san for another time and begin the talk?”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>cough*, deliberately clearing her throat once, Airi said so.

“Well, that’s also right. Then, I will ask you not to speak about what I’m about to tell you from here on.”

When Relie said so, she placed a small metal box on the table and inserted a key in the lock.

“It’s fairly secure, eh.”

“Yes.”

As Relie opened the box while nodding back, it could be seen.

“Don’t tell me this is––”

What was inside the box was a strange-shaped golden flute.

“Yes, it’s the thing which the former Imperial Guards Knight Squadron Chief Velvet, who attacked this city two weeks ago, held.”

This flute possessed the power to summon and control the mythical beasts –– Abysses which appeared from the ruins.

Lux and the “Knight Squadron” witnessed it and fought with them just the other day.

“By the way, I reported it to the top brass, but I was told by Her Majesty Queen Raffi to have you study it while advancing the analysis here as this place is closer to the ruins.”

“…………”

“It seems that Velvet confessed that he bought this from a foreign merchant. He says that it’s called “horn”. Do you know anything about this, Lux-kun?”

“No. It’s also the first time for me to see it up close like this. But––”

His older brother Fugil of the Old Empire that Lux was after.

Judging from the words “summon the Abysses” that Fugil had said, there was no doubt about the fact that this horn was an important treasure related to the ruins.

“That Velvet didn’t seem to know anything else, but I think that it’s necessary to analyze this item at the same time as the investigation of the ruins.”

Airi added so while opening a thick book –– a document related to the investigation of ruins.

“Then, why having shown this to me––”

“Because I will have you hold onto this.”

Relie calmly said so and closed the box containing the horn.

“Eh…?”

“I haven’t told everyone yet, but –– these past several days, there is a little movement on the continent. So, I will have you, and members of the “Knight Squadron”, head to the investigation of the ruins before long.”

“…………”

More than ten years ago –– the ruins brought Drag-Rides and a number of technologies into the world.

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v2 0010.jpg|thumb]]

In that place which was protected by the existences called the Abyss, many records and treasures are still sleeping.

“Even including the ruins of the Atismata New Kingdom territory, the present situation is that humans have only gotten until the second layer in the ruins, but it is written that to reach the third layer, an existence called a “key” is necessary.”

Airi spoke so with the thick ancient document at hand.

It was known that each country’s civil officials had already explained the existence of a “key” in itself, but its true nature has not been established even now.

“Perhaps –– this horn is the key to enter into the depths of the ruins. Or, it may become something to defend ourselves from the Abysses. Something like that, that also includes the investigation. Therefore, I intend to entrust you with this, Nii-san.”

Lux noticed the intention of Airi who included an implication.

She meant that this horn might become a clue for searching for Fugil.

“…I understand.”

While engraving her words into his heart, Lux received the horn.

“By the way, Principal.”

“Oh, it’s fine if you call me Relie at such times. Otherwise, I don’t mind even if you call me sister-in-law––”

Smiling wryly to Relie who teasingly said so, Lux asked what had been bothering him.

“Relie-san. I’m not yet a member of the “Knight Squadron”. I may not be granted permission to accompany the ruins’ investigation.”

“Don’t worry about it. I will give only you a special permission for accompanying after all. There is also the achievement of having saved Lisha-sama, so I don’t think anyone will be against it.”

“…………”

(She is good as usual when it comes to preparation at such times.)

“However, can I have you to still keep this matter a secret from the other students? It’s a fairly important issue after all.”

“…Yes.”

As he replied with a slight tension, the three of them went up the stairs of the basement.

“Besides, also regarding the ruins’ investigation, I want results for the new layer soon. As a matter of fact, also for that child<ref>I think “child” here refers to her little sister Philphie; Relie thinks that the way to help her sister lies in the ruins investigation </ref>––”

Turning a somewhat distant look into empty space, Relie muttered so.

After having parted from Relie, Lux went out of the library along with Airi.

With no trace of anybody in the neighborhood, a pale moonlight was illuminating the path to the girl’s dormitory.

“It may be only today that I can be with Nii-san in this way. You will have Krulcifer-san from tomorrow on after all.”

“Errr… Airi, I don’t think what you’re saying will happen though…”

To Airi’s words which posed as a joke, Lux replied so while smiling wryly.

“But, please be careful. Especially–– of her.”

“By her… you mean Krulcifer-san? She’s amazing in various ways, but I don’t think she’s a bad person.”

“Maybe. It's just a woman's intuition. It’s somehow bothers me. Not only the fact that she is a foreign student from Ymir, but it’s also as if she is hiding something––”

To Airi’s mutter, Lux walked while looking puzzled.

When they returned to the entrance of the girl’s dormitory, they decided to part ways there.

“Well, Airi. See you later.”

“Yes. Please be careful, too, Nii-san. I have discussed with them for the time being.”

“Eh…?”

“No, it’s nothing, Nii-san.”

Leaving behind a meaningful smile, Airi left.

It was the usual Airi, but Lux noticed her last concern said in a stronger tone.

The obtained horn and ruins’ investigations which aren’t progressing.

Though just to a few people, The “Black Hero’s” real identity was revealed.

The time which had stopped began to move little by little.

===Part 4===

“Hey, Lux-kun. May we eat lunch together?”

“Ah, yes. That’s fine by me, but––”

The next day at lunch break.

When Lux was thinking about the ruins’ investigation, Krulcifer came over to his seat.

Acting as her “lover” for one week.

For Lux who knew of that agreement, this was certainly natural; but as expected when being invited by a beautiful girl like Krulcifer, it makes one’s heart beat fast.

“Ah, so Krulcifer-san wasn’t joking after all.”

“Yes, to think that that girl was so assertive… She’s serious.”

The classroom was astir and the female students raised their voices so unanimously.

(Not good, this conversation attracts attention too much…!)

As Lux confusedly stood up and was about to leave the classroom,

“Hey both of you, wait a minute.”

Lisha suddenly stood in front of Lux and Krulcifer.

The New Kingdom Princess with blonde hair tied to the side and deep crimson pupils.

In this academy, she was given treatment in no way different to that of other students, but as expected the students’ attention gathered.

“What do you want?”

“I have to talk to Lux a little, not you. So, you don’t mind if I also accompany you to the dining room, right?”

“Ah, if it’s only that––”

Before Lux could agree,

“Sorry, but I will have to refuse.”

Krulcifer calmly declared so.

“Wha…!?”

“Today, I want to talk with him, just the two of us. He became my “lover” for one week, so I have at least such a right, haven’t I?”

“Guh…”

Lisha’s face became stiff.

“Well then, excuse us. Princess”

Krulcifer pulled Lux out of the classroom.

“Guh, I’ll remember this!”

While hearing Lisha’s frustrated voice, the two people walked down the corridor.

As the foreign student Krulcifer and the man Lux sat down together on the seats of the dining room, just that was enough to attract attention very much.

(As expected, I’d better pay extra attention to this request…)

Lux slowly ate lunch while thinking about such a thing.

===Part 5===

The afternoon class was a practice of battle form.

They headed to the practice field away from the school building and dormitory, changed into their dress gears and wore Machine Dragons.

“Well then, today, we will mainly focus on the practical skill training for the campus selection battle, which will be held two weeks later.”

When all the members of the class lined up, Instructor Raigree’s dignified voice resounded in the wide practice field.

The ruins where ancient weapons and technology slept were not places where anyone could readily investigate.

The right and opportunity to excavate the ruins were formalized by an international agreement several years ago, and the national tournament results would decide who would have the ruins investigation rights.

Plainly speaking, the country which left the better results in the tournament could acquire more investigation rights.

The off campus tournament was held once every several months.

The campus selection battle in order to choose participants for it was going to begin soon.

Therefore, it seemed that it was scheduled to do training for actual fighting today, but––

“…Today three Drag-Knights have come from the capital’s army as temporary instructors. Everybody, do not miss this opportunity, and properly learn.”

By Instructor Raigree’s introduction, the men entered the practice field.

Men wearing the regular army overcoat on their dress gears.

Their age was probably almost the same as Instructor Raigree, about twenty to thirty years.

The female students leaked whispering voices at the army’s temporary instructor who was a man with a stern face standing at the vanguard of the other two.

“This is the first time. To think that “males” from the capital would be involved in such a lesson––”

“…In the first place, this was not in the schedule, right?”

“There are many people with a somehow cute face. Well, it isn’t to the extent of our Prince.”

“Or rather, isn’t it disgusting? How they stare at us––”

When the female students were embarrassed being fixedly stared at as they were wearing dress gears which tightly fitted to their bodies––

“Hou. As expected, coming here was the right choice.”

The man with a stern face standing at the vanguard smiled wryly as he looked at the embarrassed students.

It appeared that this man was the leader among the three.

“The Royal Military Academy for only female students established not long ago. Indeed, it looks like it’s dependent on the New Kingdom’s permissive system to women and usually does lukewarm training.”

“That is because they are still receiving an education curriculum.”

Instructor Raigree calmly replied.

Judging from her businesslike tone and expression, the visit of these temporary instructors was not originally scheduled, and even Lux could guess the fact that it was not expected.

But then, what was the reason why these men expressly came for?

“No, no, Raigree-dono. We, adults must teach them the severity of battle as early as possible. No matter how high the Machine Dragon aptitude value’s average was judged to be, in the end there is no way that a woman can rival a man, so––”

The muscular man with a rustic impression broadly grinned and said as to pick a fight.

Then, the lean man beside him stepped forward.

“That’s right. If you get carried away because of that level of military exercise in the capital –– two weeks ago, you’ll have difficulty in the future. There is just a handful of strong student Drag-Knights after all. I will also use this opportunity to firmly teach you the severity of a battle.”

To the tone of the sticky man, the students’ expression stiffened.

“But, I would like you to refrain from dangerous behavior. They are still students after all.”

As Instructor Raigree resolutely said so,

“Of course, we will be careful. However –– formal training might be somewhat harsh for these weak girls though.”

In contrast, the men said so unapologetically.

And, within a strange atmosphere slightly different than usual, the practice began.

Beginning from the Machine Dragon’s operation check, they advanced to basic skills practice such as barrier deployment, flight or acceleration and the like, and even extended to shooting by armaments and close range hand-to-hand fighting.

But at this point, it had already become something different from the usual practice.

“Hey, you bastard! With such slow movements, you can’t even become a target on the battlefield!? Are you making fun of me? Huh!?”

“What’s wrong!? Are you already tired? Do you think you can handle a Machine Dragon with this level?!”

“Don’t be naive! Don’t ask anyone! Think by yourself and redo it!”

About ten minutes after the start.

The temporary instructors in question were instructing the female students with quite rough methods.

Even Instructor Raigree who watched it attentively looked like she couldn’t somehow settle down.

“What the hell does this mean…?”

As Lux, who was taking a break, muttered as he watched the situation from the audience seating––

“It seems that there has also been something like this before.”

“Eh––?”

Krulcifer who was behind him before he knew it muttered so calmly.

Both of them were not wearing Machine Dragons now.

Since a Drag-Ride’s continuous use had a great burden on the body, they were divided into several groups in the middle of practice and two short breaks were established for each.

“––May I sit next to you?”

“Ah… yes”

When Lux nodded, Krulcifer quietly sat down beside him.

And, she fixedly stared at the practice field and opened her mouth.

“Those temporary instructors are nobles belonging to the army of the Capital, and it seems that they have wanted to come to this Royal Military Academy since some time now.”

It seemed that Krulcifer, who belonged to the Knight Squadron that was the guerrilla unit of students, had also heard many times about such hidden circumstances.

“But, aren’t there already Instructor Raigree and men instructors in the academy? And yet, why––”

The instructors had already been acknowledged as guides who endorsed the New Kingdom’s ideas.

‘‘And yet, why have they expressly come here?’‘

“To put it plainly, people don’t change so easily.”

With a tone mixed somewhere with resignation, Krulcifer said.

“What do you mean––”

“I’m a foreign student from another country, but I know at least this country’s history.”

History –– in other words, the Old Empire’s government system.

She was probably speaking about the trend and system of androcracy.

“They want to shake the predominance of women. They don’t like the fact that women stepped into the area called Drag-Knight which was the men’s privilege in this country. It’s natural that such people would come over. No, if anything, a person like you may be rare. Former Imperial Prince.”

Krulcifer jokingly said, but Lux did not laugh at it.

Since there was such a long history, it was natural that there were “men” like them.

Rather, although they did not take a conspicuous attitude, there were probably many people who were thinking so inwardly.

(I thought I understood at least this much, but––)

“Besides, this incident this time is surely their revenge.”

“…? What do you mean?”

“You know about the fact that the third-year students had gone for practice to the Capital last month, right? It seems that during that practice, the Academy's strongest third-year student, Celis-senpai had completely crushed the faces of the Drag-Knights over there. With her overwhelming strength.”

“…………”

Celestia Ralgris.

A daughter of a Duke House and the Academy's strongest girl famous for being a man-hater.

It seemed that she was also ostensibly calm, and she had a personality of not needlessly showing off her strength, but she was looked down upon by the men of the army, and had mercilessly beaten her opponents up in the practice.

Therefore, it was more likely that several men of the army in the Capital that had their pride crushed forcibly screwed in and carried out this matter of temporary instructors.

“Isn’t that–– just venting their anger?”

Since they could not hold a candle to Celestia, they used the pretext of instruction to work the other inexperienced female student Drag-Knights hard.

‘‘If that’s true––’’

“Of course. It’s just a rumor, and half is my guess; but such a rumor doesn’t seem to be groundless.”

Saying so, Krulcifer slowly stood up while turning her gaze to the practice field.

“Break time is over. Shall we go, too?”

“Yes…”

Lux and Krulcifer returned to the practice field side by side.

And they resumed training.

===Part 6===

“Kyaaaaaaaaah!?”

It happened when Lux and Krulcifer returned to the practice field and was about to begin training.

One female student wearing a Machine Dragon was shot down in the air and struck the ground.

The present training was a mock battle of combat form, a composition of one-on-one between fellow students, but––

“Hahaha! As expected, it’s only to this level, huh! You aren’t worthy of the glorious reputation of officer cadets.”

A triumphant voice could be heard from the man with a muscular body standing still in mid-air.

Three men came over as temporary instructors.

Under the pretense of “guidance”, they forcibly constrained mock battles with students.

Men should basically be inferior to women in Machine Dragon aptitude value, but they utterly defeated the girls by their many years of experience and exercise performance.

“I would like you to restrain such dangerous behavior!”

Raigree glared at the man in mid-air and tried to remonstrate him in a strong tone.

“Raigree-dono, too, will you stop pampering them? We are only teaching them the severity of battle in this way. If the thought of ‘they are women, so go easy on them’ is rooted, then there will be no future for this country’s military force.”

But the men’s faces, far from reflecting, revealed smiles of mockery.

“Kuh…!”

“U-Um… Sensei. I’m not injured in particular, so––”

The somewhat mature girl, who was just knocked down, got up.

Although she said so, her expression was still depressed.

“Hey, please stop it! What are you temporary instructors doing since some time now?! Launching a surprise attack which we haven’t even learnt in class and continuing to pursue the students who fell down, such a thing–– can’t be called training!”

As a girl with a serious expression who equipped a <Wyrm> said so and stood in the way,

“Hou, as expected of young ladies who grew up spoiled by the New Kingdom system. You seem to want to say that we should care about you because it’s training for battle. Hahahahaha! You’re all to stay for supplementary lessons after school today, I will be affectionate with you plenty enough!”

The man with a stern face laughed loudly and the other men also laughed as they followed.

“Then, I will be your opponent!”

“All right. Come.”

The female student, who spoke sharply, came slashing with her blade head on. However,

“Haa! It’s only that?”

“Eh…!?”

The moment when the <Wyrm>’s blade came slashing, the instructor took distance by skillfully pulling back and aimed at the wrist armor which swung completely.

The blade held by the girl was quickly sent flying and it pierced the ground of the practice field.

“You’ve not enough training. Young lady.”

“P-Please wait a minute! My weapon is––”

When the man was about to swing downward his weapon to the girl who drew back frightened––

<nowiki>*</nowiki>bashing* A Drag-Ride’s arm parried and stopped his hand.

“Ngh…? What is it now?”

Breaking in was Lux wearing his <Wyvern>.

“I’m sorry to interfere with your guidance.”

With a calm expression and tone, he lightly bowed his head first.

“What are you planning, you bastard? In the first place, why is a man here––”

When the man emitted a question, he glared at Lux.

His gaze focused on Lux’s characteristic silver hair and black collar,

“Haa…! I was wondering who it was, but it’s just the Chore Prince of the Old Empire, huh. Why are you in such a place? Were you entrusted with a weeding job?”

He said so as he treated Lux with contempt.

In no way perturbed by this clear insult, Lux returned a calm smile.

“No, due to some circumstances, I now commute here as a student. Setting that aside, could I replace you for instruction? I promise to teach her from now on, so”

“Eh…?”

As Lux told so to the man, the girl with a too serious expression showed a surprised face.

Of course, he did not make such a promise. It was just an excuse he thought of just now.

“What did you say…?”

The man in front of Lux and the other two men turned openly displeased expressions towards Lux.

No, they were glaring at Lux with clear hostility.

Even so, Lux not even daunted, answered with a cool face.

“And –– also all the girls present here. I had a prior engagement to teach them how to operate a Drag-Ride after school, so supplementary lessons won’t be necessary.”

“…!?Don’t get carried away, brat. We’re the instructors from the army! You lowly criminal and fallen Prince!”

To Lux’s indifferent tone, the temporary instructor revealed anger.

The atmosphere of a critical situation drifted and Lux was surrounded by the three men.

“Let’s see––. Then, shall we settle it with a fight between you and us?”

The male temporary instructor with a stern face which seemed to be the leader said so.

“You’ve to show the proof whether you really have enough skill to replace us. If you’ve any complaint, take back your earlier words––”

“I don’t mind.”

Lux readily nodded.

The surrounding female students who were watching the course of events became astir.

The male leader knitted his brows as he got angry at Lux’s reaction,

“But, we have been fighting continuously, so we’re more exhausted than you. Therefore, we will have you attached gyves of weight on your Machine Dragon, but is that still all right with you?”

When Lux nodded at his question, the men smirkingly laughed.

The three men were also people ranked to some extent in the Capital’s tournament.

They knew about the fact that Lux was a Drag-Knight good at defense called the “Weakest Undefeated”.

But, on top of the peculiarity of battles where he does not attack by himself, if you also put the difference between the number of people and a handicap, they estimated that they would easily defeat him.

Beat up those who oppose as an example and make the female students who watched it surrender.

The aim of the man who was dyed with the Old Empire’s ideology was transparent and visible to Lux.

“All right. We will slightly tamper with your Drag-Ride.”

“Certainly.”

The temporary instructors began to attach parts for weights that were in a corner of the practice field to Lux’s <Wyvern>.

Seeing that, Lisha who was on break also ran up.

“Lux, is it all right? If you want, I can fight instead––”

“You’d better stop it. I think that if you who is a princess beat them up, it will be somewhat troublesome––. So this time, let’s leave it to me.”

“But––”

“It’ll be all right. Please, leave it to me.”

While Lux replied so, the attachment of parts for weight was over.

“Kukuku. With this, we’re even. Then, shall we start the match?”

The men laughed and made the female students who were on the practice field step back to the edges (of the field).

Seeing the situation, the female students raised trembling voices.

“Hey, what is this…? No matter how you look at it, it’s unfair!”

“Aren’t the weight parts attached almost to the limit!? Such an airframe–– can’t even properly fly with that weight.”

“Even if it’s Lux-kun, like that––”

They forcibly attached parts for weights to Lux’s <Wyvern> which already had armor with thick weight.

Even someone with little knowledge of Machine Dragon maintenance would judge that it would be impossible to control the overweight.

“It’s something that you approved. You’ll surely have no complaint, won’t you?”

“––I understand”

The three men burst into laughter at Lux’s reply.

“You fool” “This guy doesn’t seem to understand Machine Dragons” “Well it’s fine, we will fully teach him”

And the lean man who drove a <Wyvern> approached Lux.

“Let’s see. Then, I will test mobility which is the basics of a Drag-Ride. Of how many times I can sneak behind him within five minutes––”

Though it was common in all fights, taking the opponent’s back was a basic tactic.

Especially in a fight between fellow <Wyverns> that mainly assumed air battles, it could be said that how many times one could attack the defenseless back that had a weak barrier was the key to victory.

But Lux, on whom weights were attached to the extent that it could be called overweight, was already in a situation of certain defeat.

Then, the muscular man using a <Wyrm> folded his arms and looked down at Lux.

“Then, I guess I’ll test the evasion technique. Let’s test which one of us can fend off more attacks in actual combat.”

Finally, the male leader who operated a <Drake> set up a sniper rifle and laughed.

“Then, I will test attacking. It’s a match about which one can hit more than the other. Oops, there’s probably not much time left for practice, so let’s the three of us test him all at once.”

Stirring voices leaked from the female students in the audience seating.

“People of the army, I would like you to stop this prank.”

Instructor Raigree knitted her brows to the confrontation which could not even be called a decent match, but the men ignored her and turned to Lux.

“Hey, if you grovel on the ground now and apologize, I don’t mind stopping. Ingratiating yourself to people is your specialty, isn't it? Dear Prince.”

“If you’ve already decided the match format, can we begin?”

“What?”

To Lux’s calm words, the lean man revealed an uncanny look.

“Hahaha. Don’t pretend to be tough and show off. The current you can’t even take off from the ground––”

When the lean man showered scornful laughter, the back wings of Lux’s <Wyvern> shone.

It released wind from the jet hole and rose from the ground.

Small cheers leaked out from the female students in the audience seating.

“W-What…?”

The lean man’s eyes were opened wide in shock.

Originally, it should be enough weight to not be able to decently move let alone fly, but Lux calmly performed it.

“Please, give the signal. Instructor.”

“…Is it all right?”

Instructor Raigree asked with a dubious face.

But, seeing Lux nod without hesitation, she sent a signal to the official in charge in the audience seating.

“Mock battle, start!”

Shortly after, the signal of the battle starting was given.

A moment later, the three temporary instructors began to move.

“Haa…! You fool!”

Chasing Lux who flew in a somewhat low altitude, the lean man also flew.

Exactly as his words said “mobility test”, he came aiming at Lux’s back.

Regardless of the fact that they both used <Wyvern>, there was a big difference in speed due to the gyves of weight (handicap).

“Ha, what’s wrong? What’s wrong?! Were you energetic only at the beginning?!”

Although Lux was able to fly, as expected the man, who stuck on the back of Lux who could not gather speed, raised his voice and laughed.

Far from turning around and taking his opponent’s back, it looked like running away by flying straight was the best Lux could do.

The lean man who saw that became more arrogant.

“Fall down unsightly! You fallen Prince!”

The moment when the man who pressed hard on Lux’s back was about to slash with his blade––

“Wha!?”

The <Wyvern> of Lux who had his back turned made a somersault and arrived exactly at the back of the man flying straight on.

As a result, before he knew it the man found himself before the wall surrounding the practice field.

Thus –– in order to avoid a crash, he could not help but suddenly stop (he was compelled to a sudden stop).

“Gah!?”

Without overlooking his defenseless back, Lux’s lightning slash knocked him down.

The lean man, still wearing his <Wyvern>, violently crashed onto the ground and the wall.

“––––”

At the dust which rose up, and the sound, the audience seating of the practice field fell silent.

“That is... no way.”

When Lisha was amazed, Krulcifer beside her also nodded.

“Yes, if you can’t generate enough speed to sneak behind your opponent, you should just let him stick closely on your back and then sneak behind him with a somersault. He seems to have been aiming for this since the beginning.”

It was easy to explain like this, but pulling it off was an extremely difficult task.

The students with the ability level to know that were speechless, and the other students raised shouts of joy.

“Hmm. As expected, my eyes weren’t wrong. All right, I shall make him join the “Knight Squadron” as soon as possible, a-and as for that other request––”

“That’s good and all, but right now, he’s my lover.”

“Ngh…!”

When Krulcifer and Lisha mutually clashed with their gazes,

“Don't get carried away! You brat!”

The muscular man wearing the <Wyrm> raised an angry voice and set up his cannon.

Due to the load of weight parts, the mobility of Lux’s <Wyvern> was extremely reduced.

Furthermore, since flight took up energy, he should not be able to fully stretch a barrier.

By focusing all the energy in a single blow of the main armament, he could certainly make Lux unable to continue fighting.

The man who planned so fired the cannon aiming at Lux.

“...!”

But, Lux deflected the main armament’s shooting from point-blank range with the point of his blade clad in energy, and evaded it.

The man changed his aim and continued shooting a second, and then a third time, but the result was exactly the same.

“W-Why?! How can you apply your sword so accurately and deflect the attacks?”

“It’s because your aiming was relatively simple.”

As Lux answered indifferently, the muscular man became speechless.

“It’s basic to aim for the center of a Machine Dragon if you only think about blowing away your opponent, and it seems that you’ve also been doing so all the time even in the tournament of the Capital, but––. Thanks to that, I was able to minimize the barrier and use energy in the blade.”

“Wha…!?”

While the muscular man was flustered, the male leader wearing the <Drake> ground his teeth with his sniper rifle still set up.

He was 300 Mel away from one edge of the practice field where Lux fought.

From that safety zone where he could never receive the opponent’s counterattack, he intended to one-sidedly snipe at Lux whose attention was attracted by his two comrades, but––

“What the hell is happening––?”

In a state of overweight where it was originally impossible to operate, Lux had conducted himself more than equally against three machines of the Capital’s army as opponents.

The <Wyvern> of the lean man was flown by Lux as his back was taken by Lux, and the <Wyrm>’s cannon was altogether flipped by Lux’s blade, too.

And, although he aimed at Lux with his sniper rifle, his attacks were all evaded by movements which, while in low speed, did not let him focus his aim; and not even one of his attacks hit.

To that too much of an unreal spectacle, he felt irritation and shivered.

The men intended to torment (bully) Lux who defied them.

“But –– like this, it’s as if…!”

The Drag-Knights of the army, even though there were three, were led around by the nose by the officer cadet Lux who bore a tremendous handicap.

“Aren’t we the ones who have been humiliated…?!”

That humiliation caused the man to make a certain choice (option).

===Part 7===

“Gee, it’s fascinating as usual, eh. Lux-cchi’s movements––”

Tillfarr of the Triad, who was the person in charge of deploying a barrier before the audience seating muttered so while watching the fight.

While the other female students raised cheers, Tillfarr, Lux’s classmate who was also a member of the guerrilla unit, “Knight Squadron”, was analyzing the progress of the battle relatively calmly.

“Why was Lux-cchi able to take the back of the opponent’s <Wyvern> so easily? Even though his speed should have been far inferior due to the overweight––”

“It is because his flying method (technique) is quite special.”

To Tillfarr’s mutter, Krulcifer who was directly behind her in the audience seating answered so.

“Eh? …What do you mean by that?”

“Normally, when one wants to sneak behind his opponent in a battle between fellow flying type Machine Dragons, he has to stick on the opponent’s back by adjusting up and down the propulsion output. However in Lux’s case, he pursues the enemy by skillfully interlacing ascent and descent while adjusting the distance after having predicted his opponent’s flight trajectory.”

If he took a rising trajectory while advancing, he would become temporarily slower than his opponent; and then by descending while being subjected to the influence of the gravity, he could approach the opponents more quickly.

“As such, it’s a quite advanced technique, but you can’t help but say that pulling it off in that overweight state is nothing short of a miracle.”

“At this rate, Lux’s victory is determined. That evil trio. It’s your reward for having underestimated my favorite (loved one?).”

As she was pleased with this situation, Lisha contentedly folded her arms.

“It’s amazing, Lux-kun.”

“He is much stronger than the Drag-Knights of the army!”

The female students’ voices began to leak so, and the outcome was certainly determined.

But––

“No. I am afraid there is still one concern.”

Krulcifer stared at the practice field with calm eyes and drew out the Sword Device from the sheath at her waist.

It was not her personal Divine Drag-Ride <Fafnir>’s, but a <Wyvern>’s for practice.

“Hey? What do you intend to do?”

To the question of Lisha who looked puzzled, Krulcifer answered with her usual smile.

“A little help. To my –– lover, that is.”

===Part 8===

Only several minutes since the start of the mock battle.

One of the three temporary instructors, the <Drake> with the attack role could not catch the <Wyvern> of Lux who was flying skillfully.

But, covering his two comrades which were exhausted, the male leader made a certain resolution.

『Your getting carried away ends here. Fool! 』

“…!”

When Lux noticed it, the man said.

He spoke narrowing down the dragon voice which was the communication function between fellow Machine Dragons only to Lux.

『Do you understand? Don’t dodge it.』

With a smile filled with dark emotions, the man said so.

“…?”

While cocking his head in puzzlement, Lux set up his sword in mid-air and braced himself.

At that moment––

<nowiki>*</nowiki>paaaang*!

“Kyaaaaaah!”

The atmosphere of the practice field burst, and the light bullets shot by the sniper rifle reached the audience seating behind Lux.

“Uah…!”

The student who was in charge of widely stretching the barrier in the audience seating –– Tillfarr, one of the Triad, received a direct hit and lost her balance.

The female students of the audience seating that were relieved at Lux’s odds held their breath in tension.

“Oops, sorry. It doesn’t hit you easily, so I anticipated your next movement; but I ended up missing.”

Unlike until a while ago when Lux was moving continuously, he was now static in mid-air.

There was no way that a Drag-Knight of the army would miss in these 300 Mel which was the distance of the rifle’s range.

(He aimed not at me, but at everyone behind me––)

『When I said not to dodge, it also includes not to defend yourself. The next time, we’ll attack you with the three of us. If you try to dodge again––』

The male leader grinned, and at the same time, his two comrades who were heavily breathing also set up their cannons. The three men wanted to defeat Lux by shooting simultaneously at one point.

If he were to either dodge or defend against it, they would probably intend on crashing their simultaneous attacks on the female students of the audience seating behind him.

If the student in charge of the barrier was to receive the three men’s simultaneous attacks, she wouldn’t be able to defend against them.

“I understand.”

With a tone of resignation, Lux, still floating, undid his stance.

And when he was about to prepare himself, *pang*, the air burst.

“Wha!?”

“Eh––?”

Krulcifer wearing a <Wyvern> went down to the stage of the practice field. As she fired only one shot towards the blue sky, she set up her rifle again and fearlessly laughed.

At the same time, the bell rang and the mock battle ended.

“It’s a shame –– but it looks like it’s time-out. The match is over.”

“D-Don’t joke with us!?”

The men who were thinking that they were about to defeat Lux unanimously raised flustered voices.

“A little more and it would have been our victory! Letting it end like this without settling it is––”

“Is that so? In that case, what about having a match with me next?”

“Wha…!?”

The men were flustered at the sudden challenge from the girl.

“It’s clear that you weren’t able to knock him down, but it isn’t like I don’t understand your feelings of wanting to settle it by all means. Therefore, I will be your opponent. This time –– let’s do a battle of sniping at each other.”

“Y-You little girl––!?”

“A match of only a minute, the condition will remain a three-to-one fight. If you’re fine with that, then let’s begin.”

To the smile of Krulcifer as if seeing through all, the temporary instructors revealed irritation.

It would have gotten nowhere if they continued being led around by the nose by Lux like this.

As each of them held their weapons, they rushed onto Krulcifer.

“Krulcifer-san!”

Lux called out to her in panic, but Krulcifer returned only a smile, quickly set up the rifle in her hand and shot.

“Ough…!?”

“What…!”

A dreadful quick shot, whose alignment is determined almost instantly in one stroke, in addition, regardless of firing in three directions, the abnormal speed and precision sent the armaments in the opponents' hands flying.

Moreover, when she shot the confused opponents’ feet and broke their stance, she shot at the Force Core from the slight opening in the barrier.

Being accurately struck on the weak point, the three men’s Machine Dragons stopped their function.

“N-No way… Impossible!?”

Although the opponents were also caught off guard, the men of the army were at a loss for words at that skill which sniped at the three moving Machine Dragons in a flash from a position at the very limit of the range.

“It looks like you also have no qualifications to teach attack techniques. With that said, should they be in such a place? Sensei.”

“Yes, you’re right. This match is Lux Acadia’s victory.”

At the same time as Instructor Raigree gave the judgment, the audience seating was wrapped in cheers.

“And one more thing–– you temporary instructors will let me hear about your story later. It’s a big problem for soldiers of the New Kingdom to purposely aim at students in the audience seating. You have no qualifications to act as instructors.”

“Guh…!”

The three temporary instructors who were beaten left the practice field while grinding their teeth.

With this–– they would not get close to the academy for a while.

As Lux who heaved a sigh of relief got down to the ground, Instructor Raigree who drove out the temporary instructors came before him.

“Lux Acadia. I shall express my thanks this time, but do not act rashly all by yourself.”

In a calm tone with no anger, Instructor Raigree said.

“Yes.”

As Lux cancelled his armor while answering, he approached Krulcifer.

“Was it unnecessary help?”

“No… you’ve been a big help.”

To the words of Krulcifer who revealed a smile, Lux returned so.

“You had predicted up to the fact that they would aim at the girls in the audience seating after all. If Krulcifer-san hadn’t been there––”

“At that time –– you would have stood out more and more.”

As though she saw through it all, Krulcifer muttered.

“Don’t worry about it. Half of the reason was because I want you to know my ability, so I only poked my nose into this.”

“Then, what about the other half––?”

“Because I didn’t want you to be stolen by everyone –– what if I said that?”

Saying so, Krulcifer turned a meaningful look sideways.

There, their classmates who had been watching the mock battle until now were closing in.

“You did it! I feel good thanks to you! Lux-kun.”

“Hey, hey. Like you said a while ago, you’ll teach us after school, right? Sensei.”

“That’s right. By all means, I would like you to properly instruct us.”

Lux was surrounded by the girls released from the violent temporary instructors, and had smiles of relief and joy.

“E-Errr… Um, saying that I will teach was a figure of speech, um––”

Of course, it was an excuse to resist the temporary instructors.

The girls should also understand that, but still they wanted to say so.

Thus, as Lux was troubled as to what to do––

“I’m sorry. But, I already have a plan with him today. It’s me who has won the contest, so I will have you let me speak out my selfishness this time.”

As Krulcifer said so, she entwined her arm to Lux’s.

“Wait, Krulcifer-san!?”

The swelling of the girl’s chest lightly touching him, Lux panicked.

It was softer than expected even from the dress gear.

“Kyaaaaah”, his classmates who saw that raised their voices further.

“…………”

At the audience seating of the practice field drifted the “case is closed” atmosphere.

Lisha, still wearing the Divine Drag-Ride <Tiamat> was gazing at Krulcifer and company on the practice field.

“I-I was completely late…”

Lisha also moved a moment later than Krulcifer, but she saw through the fact that the student in charge of stretching the barrier was likely to be attacked and summoned <Tiamat>, but…

“It’s strange… even though I was supposed to help Lux at this place––”

It had been settled in no time with Lisha not forcing her way through.

Tillfarr who was beside her smiled wryly as she saw Lisha’s whole body tremble.

“W…Well, it can’t be helped. Lisha-sama has also saved everyone properly, so I’m grateful to you.”

Patting the armor which Lisha wore, Tillfarr gave words of thanks.

“It’s bad, it’s bad… At this rate, my partner will be––”

While grumblingly muttering, Lisha cancelled her connection and stood on the practice field.

“Hey, Tillfarr. You said that you were grateful to me, right?”

“Eh…!? Well, kind of…”

“Then, let’s begin a strategy meeting! Let’s think of a way to take back my partner!”

As Lisha declared so, she found Philphie who was standing nearby and approached her.

“I will also have you cooperate, airhead girl. There are a lot of things I want to ask you about Lux.”

“I don’t mind.”

Philphie seemed not that much interested, but did she think of something  (but then she thought of something), she agreed by nodding.

“Then, we will begin today after school. You will gather at my atelier.”

Lisha decided so and ended the talk.

“I don’t really think that Lu-chan has forgotten. About the two of us.”

On the side, Philphie muttered in a subdued voice.

===Part 9===
“Phew, I’m tired today, too…”

The night of that day too, after finishing odd jobs such as the arrangement of bookshelves in the library, the care of the yard as well as the girl's dormitory bath cleaning, Lux was heading to the dining room.

The request of being Krulcifer’s “lover” for one week was given priority, but he felt awkward to completely decline other odd jobs, so in the end, he ended up working.

The debt which Lux and Airi who were the survivors of the Old Empire were burdened with in exchange for release on parole could hardly be paid by one person, but they must return it even if little by little.

“But like this, the rest is only my personal business…”

When he arrived at the dining room where there was no one, he spread the several sheets of papers and textbooks in his hands and began to study, but…

“N-Ngh…”

Probably because of the fatigue of odd jobs, his eyelids immediately got heavy.

His eyes were closed when he noticed.

………………

“Uuh…”

Lux woke up to the fragrance of vivid black tea.

Before him, there were a porcelain teapot with a flower pattern and a beautiful girl in uniform.

“Did you wake up? You will catch a cold if you are sleeping in such a place.”

“Yes… Wait, Krulcifer!? Why are you here––?”

Lux confusedly turned his gaze at the surroundings.

When he looked at the big clock of the dining room, he seemed to have dozed for about just ten minutes.

“Oh my? I am your lover. It won’t be strange even if I’m staring at your cute sleeping face, right?”

“I-I don’t mean that––”

As Lux was flustered with a red face, Krulcifer poured black tea into a teacup.

And she held out the cup to Lux with her usual cool smile.

“I called the manager and I had him give me an exception to use the fire.”

“T-Thank you…”

As he drank the tea, a nice fragrance came into his nose, and a faint bitterness got rid of his sleepiness.

A little vitality returned to his exhausted body.

“It’s just by coincidence that I found you. I had wanted at least something to talk about with you when we meet though.

“Ah, is that so?”

“More importantly, what are you also doing in such a place? I don’t intend to interfere with your odd jobs, but I think that homework should be done by the person himself.”

To the words of Krulcifer which he did not know whether she was joking or serious, Lux smiled wryly and answered.

“No, this is my personal self-study. Um –– I’m still behind everyone on most subjects, so…”

In his tender age, Lux was taught basic manners and study from an educational staff.

But, being expelled from the Imperial Court and moreover in the five years of life doing odd jobs after the coup d’état, if anything, there were many practical things which he learnt and he had not that many opportunities to touch (experience) study.

Here, there were not only matters related to Machine Dragons, but also classes of education and study in order to become a military officer or civil official, so he thought that he wanted to study properly.

When Lux talked about it to Krulcifer,

“I see… Then, shall we study together for only 30 minutes from now? Since it will be inefficient with a tired head even if you overdo it, let’s concentrate just a little.”

She calmly said and sat opposite to Lux.

“I roughly know the parts you aren’t very good at. So, you should catch up by simply memorizing little by little the subjects where you can pack knowledge in your spare moments. For now, let’s focus on the premise parts in order to make it easier to understand the lesson.”

“Perhaps –– will you teach me?”

“Are you dissatisfied with me? I may look like this, but if it is only the results of tests, I’m the top of the second-year students.”

To Krulcifer who smiled proudly, Lux hurriedly shook his head.

(Or rather, even though Krulcifer-san is a foreign student, to think she is the top of the second-year…)

While being dumbfounded at her excellence, he continued to study through Krulcifer’s guidance.

She splendidly resolved the places such arithmetic, geometry, and alchemy which Lux had trouble with and helped him understand them.

When the tea filling the pot was almost emptied and they took a short break,

“With this, has it started to sink in somewhat? It seems that you are unexpectedly catching on quickly, so if I teach you several times again, I think that there won’t be any place where you will have troubles at the lectures.”

“…Ah, yes. Thank you for today Krulcifer-san!”

As Lux turned a smile of relief and thanked her,

“This much is not a big deal.”

Was she embarrassed, she slightly averted her eyes from Lux and answered so.

“No, that’s not right. Even in the fight at the time of today’s practice, you came to help me––”

He saw through the ability of the men of the army, but the last threat was a miscalculation.

‘‘Without Krulcifer’s quick wit, I would’ve had to take a risk.’‘

When Lux once again thanked her as he thought so,

“About that, there is no need for you to thank me.”

Krulcifer plainly said with a serious look.

“I am a calculating woman. That is something I did for me. If you were to injure yourself and fall down, it would have impeded that “lover role”, right? So –– you shouldn’t mind it.”

“But––”

“More importantly why did you do such a thing, too?”

“Eh…?”

To Krulcifer’s sudden question, Lux cocked his head in puzzlement.

“You went to save the involved (bullied) girl in the practice field. As a result, after that, the party of the third-year students, those students who advocated the question of your admission, who heard the story seemed to have revoked their complaint which they were going to say to the Principal. But, it’s not as if you did something like that by such a calculation, right?”

“Well, I guess––”

Lux was at a loss on how he should answer.

Frankly speaking, there was not a deep reason this time.

He had just done it reflexively.

But, if there was something which could describe such a behavioral principle of Lux––

“…………”

Past memories were revived in Lux’s mind.

When he hesitated for an instant to speak of it,

“Oh? What are you doing at such a time, Lux?”

With a surprised voice, three girls appeared in the dining room.

“Huh? Everyone––”

There were Lisha, Philphie and Tillfarr of the Triad.

They were classmates, so it was not strange; but Lux thought that it was an unexpected combination.

Regarding Philphie, she was dozing off while holding a pillow under her arms; it clearly brought the feeling that she was forcibly brought along.

“To be together like this until this late hour. Not bad, you two.”

When Tillfarr said so with a mischievous smile, Lisha beside her reacted twitchily.

As she silently went before Krulcifer, she called out to her with an impatient expression.

“Hey Krulcifer. Just because you became Lux’s, um –– l-lover by your request, don’t do strange things as you please.”

“Oh my? Strange things? Hardly. As you see, we were just studying peacefully.”

Krulcifer entwined her arm on Lux’s while lightly eluding.

“Wai-, Krulcifer-san!?”

To the nice fragrance which softly drifted and the softness of her body which could be felt even over her uniform, Lux’s heart unintentionally throbbed.

Lisha who saw that was further upset with teary eyes.

“W-What are you doing right after what you said!? Go away! We’re within the academy here!”

“I see; it can’t be helped.”

Unexpectedly, Krulcifer obediently parted from Lux.

(Honestly, even I can’t endure it, but…!)

It was certainly for the acting to the bitter end, but the stimulation was too strong for Lux.

“With that said, it’s already late, so let’s call it a day! Lead a regulate life.”

“I understand. See you tomorrow. Lux-kun.”

When Krulcifer was about to leave so, Lisha raised her voice.

“Krulcifer, I’ll tell you just in case. But I’ve already linked arms with Lux on a date. So don’t think you can easily exceed that lead!”

“…………”

At that proud declaration, the members who were present there stiffened silently.

“Fufu. It looks like you’ve lost your voice. But, it can’t be helped. After all, the relation between Lux and I has already advanced till there.”

To Lisha who crossed her arms and proudly nodded, Krulcifer whispered into Tillfarr’s ear.

“I’m not that knowledgeable about the view of love in this country, but is linking arms such a great thing?”

“No, Lisha-sama probably doesn’t know about these things at all––”

“…Um, Lisha-sama”

Lux who became anxious asked to Lisha’s side just in case.

“Errr, do you know what a kiss is?”

“Wha!? D-Don’t make a fool of me!? Of course, I know it! U-Um –– it’s something you have to do when you get married… It’s something necessary when making children in the future…”

“…………”

To Lisha who blushed and hesitated, all the remaining people became silent.

“Why did you leave things be until it became like this…?’’

“W-Well, Lisha-sama was only interested in Drag-Rides, so…”

While Krulcifer and Tillfarr whispered at each other with expressions showing that they did not know what to say,

“I have kissed Lu-chan long ago, though––”

“Hey, Phi-chan! Don’t say that now––!”

Hurriedly holding the mouth of Philphie who muttered in a subdued voice, Lux who also got tired returned to the room.

It seemed that there would be more ups and downs during his lover life with Krulcifer.

<noinclude>

==References==
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</noinclude>

Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 2 Prologue

2017-12-05T11:56:21Z

OmegaWeaponZ: /* Part 2 */

==Prologue – Lux Contest==

===Part 1===

“Haa…Haa…!”

Lux was running in the school building on a bright day after school.

As if being chased by an invisible predator.

Or, he was gasping for breath as if running down an endlessly steep slope.

Now everyone else was the enemy.

In an overwhelmingly disadvantageous situation, Lux kept running.

He ran out of the Principal’s room, passed through the familiar corridor and went up the stairs.

''Isn’t there any good hiding place somewhere?''

Though he thought so in the corner of his head, he immediately realized that there was no place where he could feel at ease.

Therefore, Lux could not help but keep running.

“Phew… I somehow managed to get away for the time being, I guess––”

The corridor of the school building's third floor where the neatly tended green courtyard could be seen from the window.

When there was finally no one around, Lux heaved a sigh of relief and stopped.

At that moment,

“Oh! Found you!”

The female students who appeared from the corner of the corridor shouted as they saw Lux.

“Over here! Everyone, come help catch him!”

“Wait!? It’ll be bad if you call even the third years! Otherwise, they’ll monopolize him!”

Immediately after, several female students appeared one after another before him.

“Wai…!?”

What’s more, their hands were holding various tools.

Staffs for self-defense and ropes for arrest.

Furthermore, they had even prepared up to a huge catching net, handcuffs and even a collar.

(What the hell do they intend to do to me after catching me…!?)

He could not help but think so.

“Fufufu. We finally cornered you. Just let us catch you without resisting.”

“Right, right. You’re usually monopolized by the Princess and company after all. You should occasionally become our toy… not that. You have to do decent odd jobs––”

“You, you’re drooling…?”

To the mutter of the girl who held the collar, the girl beside her retorted.

As Lux reflexively stepped back, before he was aware of it, other female students made a wall even behind him.

“Oops!?”

He was completely caught in a pincer attack.

“You have nowhere to escape. Give up.”

The large number of girls smiled as they were convinced of their victory.

Afterwards, it was no longer the outcome between Lux and the girls.

But, a fight between girls to know who would get the reward from the victory.

With the momentary opening that this state of war brought, Lux immediately put his hand on the side of a window.

“W-Wait a minute!? This is the third floor, you know!?”

The eyes of the female students who had cornered him stared in surprise.

“I’m sorry. I’m a bit scared about what you’ll do to me if I’m caught.”

Immediately afterwards, Lux jumped down to the outside of the school building through the open window.

“Aah!?”

Small screams rose from the female students who were there.

Lux kicked the outer wall in the middle of the fall, seized a branch of the tree on the other side in an instant, and landed after reducing the impact of the fall.

“Kuh…!? I-I guess the third floor was reckless indeed…”

Although he considerably reduced the impact of the fall, even so numbness ran throughout his body from the bottom of both his legs.

“But well, with this, I’ve considerably bought time––”

As Lux heaved a sigh of relief as such,

“He’s there! Over here!”

The female students who heard the commotion further gathered from here and there.

“There are more people than before!? You’ve no mercy at all!? Even though my legs hurt from having just jumped down!”

While resuming his escape in panic, Lux was thinking in the corner of his head.

(W-Why do I have to go through this––!)

To know the cause of this festival, we must go back several minutes ago––

===Part 2===

“Lux-kun. How do you spend your school life?”

One day after school in May.

It was Principal Relie Aingram who called Lux to her room.

The Royal Military Academy of Drag-Knights existing in the first district of the Fort City, Cross Feed.

It was an academy of noble girls that raised female Drag-Knights who had not been trained due to the system of excess androcracy of the Old Empire.

It was about only two weeks since Lux, who was a Prince of the Old Empire, was admitted into the academy taking advantage of a certain incident.

An exceptional admission made by the New Kingdom Princess Lizsharte’s strong demand, and the consent of the head of the academy, Relie.

Lux, whose existence was accepted as the only male student at present in anticipation of a future coeducation, probably had troubles and problems in the field of cohabitation.

Hence, Relie called him like this to ask about it.

“I think I’m somehow doing well. I didn’t know what to do in the beginning though.”

Lux’s answer was what he really thought.

Princess Lizsharte and most of the female students of this academy that originally had a hostile relationship with Lux treated him kindly now.

Even among the third-year students who came back from the practice in the Capital. While being surprised at Lux’s presence, there was no one who raised an objection to Lux’s admission after being told stories about the fact that he evenly matched Lisha in a duel, and that he protected the students from the Abyss attack.

It seemed that they were watching the situation for the time being.

“Well, it might be thanks to the fact that Celis-san’s return was delayed.”

Relie said so at last with a bitter smile.

Celestia Ralgris, the top of the third-year students, the strongest of the academy and the daughter of a renowned Duke House.

She, who was from one of the four Great Nobles and seemed to be famous for being a man-hater, was left in the Capital for a little while for the subjugation of insurgents discovered over there.

Therefore, Lux was able to lead a peaceful school life for now, but––

“But you know, Lux-kun. Many students’ complaints towards you have now gathered at my place.”

“Eh…?”

Relie suddenly sighed with a troubled expression.

''Did I do something wrong?''

Or were there after all objections among the third-year students regarding Lux’s enrollment––

When such an uneasiness crossed Lux’s chest,

“Ta-da! Yes, this!”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Bang*

With a smile all over her face, Relie slapped a thick bunch of paper onto the desk.

There were probably more than 100 sheets.

“Errr… Could it be that these are––”

The criminal Lux, who was a Prince of the Old Empire signed a certain contract at the same time with an acquittal as the amnesty by the New Kingdom.

The obligation in which he must undertake odd jobs from anyone of the nation, and do work as a “Chore Prince”.

That work was currently performed in the form of “handling the requests of this academy's staff including student's”, but––

“These are odd jobs requests to you. There are too many, eh… Therefore, it was decided that you would handle them by choosing requests you consider high priority. But, if they pile up this much…”

“…………”

As Lux stiffened with an indescribable expression, Relie showed a mischievous smile.

''I-I’ve a bad feeling…''

From his past experiences, Relie making this face, was always thinking about nothing good.

“B-But, it can’t be helped––”

When Lux tried to explain in a hurry, shouts from female students could be heard somewhere.

“…………?”

The source of the voices seemed to be from the classrooms in the school building and the school premises, but––

“I know that. That’s why I’m now explaining it to the students. The event that I planned –– the “Lux-kun contest”, that is.”

“…Huh?”

As Lux looked puzzled to these words, Relie spread one red request form on the desk.

“An event of canceling dissatisfaction of students whose requests aren't received by you. “A special request form, whose request is able to have priority over Lux-kun for only one week” –– in other words, the girl who snatches this away from you within a time limit can monopolize you for one week.”

“I-It’s a joke, isn’t it!? Don’t tell me you seriously––”

Lux’s face unintentionally became stiff.

Relie, not answering his question, showed a smile all over her face.

“The game’s time is one hour from now. I leave this request form to you; so you won’t have to hear orders from anyone if you manage to hold onto it until the time limit. Ah, you are all prohibited from using Drag-Rides, so you must not let the young ladies hurt themselves as much as possible, okay?”

“P-Please, wait a minute!? To suddenly say that––”

''No matter how you put it, it’s unreasonable.''

When Lux was going to rebut so, a sound like that of the ground rumbling could be heard outside of the Principal's room.

“Oh my? Everybody seems to have come over at once. If you don’t run away quickly, you’ll be caught immediately.”

“What are you thinking, really!”

The next moment, Lux jumped out of the Principal's room and began to run.

Soon after, shouts arose from female students who were going up the stairs of the school building.

Thus, the “Lux contest” which was Principal Relie’s plan started.

===Part 3===

And, after having run around the school premises from place to place for about 40 minutes from the start, he was at last cornered in the corridor of the school building and he jumped off outside––

In addition, Lux avoided the female students who gathered there and fled.

Since it seemed to be a violation of the rules to leave the school premises, danger always remained.

“Haa… haa…!”

It was good that he somehow escaped from the predicament, but as expected he was out of breath.

Even though he had stamina thanks to the fact that he had been handling odd jobs since a long time ago, it was unbearable when being targeted by the female students in the academy.

There was also the option where he could let himself be caught and hand over the request form, but as far as he could see the girls were in a festive mood, it looked like he would be made to do a ridiculous request and he felt like it was bad.

“…!? That’s––”

Lux who found a familiar girl promptly hid behind a weedy thicket.

“…Fufu”

When she lightly winked as she caught a glimpse of Lux who was hiding, she went into a building different from the school building.

(That place is––)

“…………”

Lux understanding that the girl’s wink was a signal to him began to walk slowly as he slipped through the surrounding stares.

And he ran into the big building where she entered.

A large stone-built space where the smell of metal and oil drifted.

In front of the central work unit, a small-sized girl wearing a white gown was sitting with a smile.

“Yo.”

The chief of the building greeted as she raised one hand.

Lizsharte Atismata.

The girl, who was the New Kingdom Princess and a genius engineer of Drag-Rides, looked at Lux who entered and showed a sweet smile.

“Errr… um”

“Don’t be so scared. You want help, right? You can hide here for a while if you want.”

Lisha said so and once again moved her gaze to the work unit.

“T-Thank you. Then, I will accept your offer.”

While heaving a sigh of relief, Lux sat down on the nearby sofa.

Other unrelated students couldn't enter the Machine Dragon development atelier without the permission of Lisha who was the chief.

In other words, it was the safest place now in the school premises where the “Lux contest” was held.

As long as Lisha herself did not set up something––

(Well, I don’ think that Lisha-sama whom I’m usually with a lot would participate in this contest, but––)

Thinking so, Lux suddenly relaxed his whole body and slightly leaned down.

“Are you making something again?”

A disassembled green Drag-Ride was put on the work unit before Lisha.

“Ah, this is a new experiment.”

For a small-sized body, Lisha who greatly stuck out her chest replied so.

“…An experiment?”

“Yes. Shall I show you a little?”

As Lisha suddenly smiled, she picked up a Sword Device on her side.

At that moment, the silver line which ran through the surface of the sword blade shone with a pale light.

“Capture him! <Arms Wyrm>!”

“Eh…?”

Gashii!

The moment when Lux cocked his head in puzzlement, the Drag-Ride which was on the work unit changed into the shape of a huge arm and grappled hold of his body.

As Lux stared in wonder at the unexpected occurrence,

“Fufu. You fell for it, Chore Prince. As expected, you’re too soft-hearted.”

Like a child whose trick succeeded, Lisha turned an innocent smile.

And with a finger, she morosely poked at the waist of Lux who was raised in the air.

“W-What is this!? This Machine Dragon –– or rather do you possibly intend to catch me…!?”

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v2 0009.jpg|thumb]]

“Well, yes. It didn’t feel like I could catch you by squarely running after you. I used a technique still under study where I can operate a Drag-Ride to some extent without equipping it.”

“Wasn’t the use of Drag-Rides prohibited in the rules of this event?”

“Yes. Like I said, I’m not wearing it, look.”

(T-That’s plainly cheating…!)

Lux wondered whether that was the way of thinking of a Princess, but now that he was captured by the Drag-Ride like this, there was no helping it.

“Or rather, even if you don’t participate in something like the “contest”, haven’t I properly received Lisha-sama’s requests until now!?”

As Lux said so, trying to persuade her,

“I-It isn’t really like that. I may not look like it, but e-even I’m usually holding back myself… Besides, there are also things to consider in the future, and I can’t hand you to other people––”

Lisha who blushed bashfully twined the fingers of both her hands and muttered so.

“W-With that said, resign yourself. Even if it’s you, you can’t escape from a Machine Dragon’s restraint without equipment.”

Lisha thrust her hands into Lux’s clothes and began to touch them as she looked for the red request form.

“Let’s see. That request thing, where is it––”

“H-Hey, please stop…!? I surrender!”

To the touch of her small smooth hands stroking within his clothes, Lux began to feel strange, but, he somehow endured it and spoke.

“The request is in my coat which is held by the Machine Dragon’s hand, so––”

“I see. All right, I understand.”

Lisha raised the Sword Device and made a mind operation by thought.

The moment when the restraint of the <Armed Wyrm> grasping Lux’s body loosened,

“I’m sorry. Lisha-sama––”

“…Wha!?”

Lux slipped through the Machine Dragon’s hand by using that slight opening.

He kicked the stone-paved floor at the same time as the landing, flew and quickly went out of the atelier.

“Thats sly, Lux! Waiiiit!”

“We’re even!”

Lux ran as to shake off Lisha chasing him with teary eyes.

As he shook off the chase of the female students who were outside, and somehow hid between the bush of plants and the wall of the Machine Dragon Hangar,

“…Ah, it’s Lu-chan.”

“Uwah!?”

A young girl was standing on the side of the brick wall.

“What the, Philphie!? Why are you here––?”

Lux’s childhood friend who always had a fluffy, loose atmosphere, Philphie Aingram.

The impressive girl with pink hair and a big chest was chewing a snack-like rusk.

As Lux unintentionally halted at this meeting in an unexpected place,

“It’s Phi-chan, right?”

While expressionless, she said so in a voice mixed with a slightly sullen nuance.

Among his close friends, she asked for a relationship where they called each other by their nicknames.

It was less objectionable now since there wasn't the public eye, but it was pretty embarrassing because he was coerced even in the classroom

“S-Sorry… But, Phi-chan. Why on earth are you in such a place––?”

Since Philphie had for better or worse an easy-going character, it was hard to think that she would participate in this event.

When Lux asked so as he was puzzled,

“It’s for cake. *gulp*…”

“…Yes?”

Swallowing the rusk which was in her hand, Philphie said something which he did not understand well.

“It’s because Onee-chan said that she would give me cake if I caught Lu-chan.”

“W-What is that person thinking…!?”

Lux was bewildered at Philphie’s mutter.

''Going as far as to incite her own little sister; is she really the Principal?''

(…No, Even Philphie who is lured by one cake is also to blame though.)

“With that said, I’m coming.”

Philphie took a stance with unhurried movements.

In the Royal Military Academy, one learnt not only handling as a Drag-Knight, but also taijutsu and fencing for self-defense.

Lux had never properly seen Philphie fight, but––

(Philphie is a girl and she seems not very good at exercise, so I can probably dodge with my legs.)

Thinking so, Lux planned to breakthrough head on.

Since he would be found by other students if he dodged her too greatly, he planned to forcibly go through Philphie’s side.

“Phi-chan. It’s dangerous, so be careful.”

“Yes. Understood.”

As he urged her so, Lux started running.

When he was going to slip through Philphie’s flank as he kicked the hard ground and changed the trajectory––

“I’ll be careful not to hurt you.”

“Eh––?”

She whispered in a subdued voice close to his ears and Lux noticed for the first time.

About the fact that Philphie was bending his joints behind him to the extreme, as she grasped Lux's wrist when he tried to run through her.

Furthermore, she quickly took his remaining arm with her other hand and entangled one of her legs around Lux’s legs.

Lux’s movement was completely sealed in an instant.

(W-what was that? That movement just now––!?)

Philphie’s movement was by no means fast.

Rather, it was a movement which could be said to be loose, and yet Lux could not avoid it at all.

Fluent movements without any waste at all, like a feather fluttering about in running water or in midair.

With her beautiful taijutsu, she easily caught Lux.

“Kuh…!? ––Or rather, I can’t move at all!?”

Since his childhood friend was the opponent, he intended to not act violently as much as possible from the start.

But, as he put all his energy to undo the restraint with brute force, Lux was not able to move an inch.

“Just for a note, it’s been about seven years, since I learned martial arts a little.”

In a serene tone, Philphie whispered.

“I-Is that so!?”

Lux was surprised at the revelation of the unexpected fact.

''However, aside from her refined taijutsu, is this superhuman strength a talent?''

Even though he did not feel that she put in that much power, he could not move at all.

Like the power difference between an adult and a child.

“Thank god. Like this, I can also eat the cake together with Lu-chan.”

Holding Lux’s body as such, Philphie smiled slightly joyfully.

The swelling of Philphie’s chest pressing from behind was squashed with a sweet sensation.

(A-As expected, Philphie’s are pretty big…!)

Towards the feel of those two with elasticity, whose contents were plumply jam-packed, Lux felt his heartbeat speeding up.

In a sense, at this rate it was a situation where it seemed like it would become painful indefinitely, but––

“Ah, the request…”

At that instant, a red request form fell to the floor from Lux’s chest.

When Philphie stretched out her hand to pick it up at once––

“Ah…”

Rapidly removing the restraint, Lux succeeded in escaping.

“Sorry. Philphie!”

As he quickly collected the request with that momentum, Lux ran through the shadow of the Machine Dragon Hangar.

“Haa, haa… It’s becoming gradually hard...!”

Although he somehow managed to escape from Philphie, Lux’s stamina was already at his limit.

While hiding from the female students still looking for him, he headed to the waiting room of the practice field.

(Wait –– if it’s now when lessons are over, there should be no one here!)

Lux thought so and crept into the waiting room.

As expected, there was no one in that wide space.

“…All right”

So as not to be found, he moved to the other side of the compartment for changing clothes just in case.

“Haa…!”

As he hid himself sitting on the wooden floor, Lux heaved a long sigh.

''Another 10 minutes like this and the game will be over.''

When Lux thought so, the sound of the door opening could be heard.

“––––”

Lux promptly stopped his breath and erased his presence.

He wondered whether it was some kind of mistake that a female student came here now, but––

“Haa, it became really unpleasant, eh. Even though now is a rare chance to catch Lux-kun––”

“Ahaha. Well, it can’t be helped; the Drag-Ride’s repair is over, so I have to properly test it––”

Judging from the voices, there were about five or six people who came over.

They seemed to be female students who were members of the academy guerilla squad, the “Knight Squadron”.

It looked like the Machine Dragons’ test run which was not scheduled would be rapidly carried out.

(W-What to do? at this rate––)

Unfortunately, since the door and windows were far from the back of the compartment, there was no way to go out without exposing himself before the girls.

(Even if I hide here, they should come to this side of the compartment after changing into the Dress Gear. So, I should already stop hiding––)

The moment when Lux resolved himself so,

The sound of the rustling of clothes could be heard.

(Eh…? Eeeeeeeeh…!?)

“Oh my, that underwear is pretty. In which store did you buy it? I’m envious, eh.”

“D-Don’t look at me too much… It’s embarrassing––”

“What are you talking about? Even though you have such a splendid thing unlike me.”

To the girls’ innocent voices, Lux’s heart throbbed.

''Don’t tell me it’s the ones I think it is––''

Lux stealthily peeped on the other side from the shadow of the compartment.

“…!?”

There was a heaven-like sight there.

There were familiar female students of the “Knight Squadron” and probably unfamiliar third-year members.

All of them took off their uniforms and were joking with each other in their underwear.

(…W-What is it!? Why are they already getting dressed up!?)

When Lux’s head was about to become blank, he finally understood the reason.

In this academy where there were basically only female students, those expressly changing their clothes behind the compartment were few.

Moreover, Lux who was the only male student had not officially joined the “Knight Squadron” yet.

Now when only the members of the “Knight Squadron” used the waiting room after school, it was inevitable that it became so.

(W-What to do…!? I can’t go out from here…!)

If there is any student who comes to this side of the compartment on a whim––

“––Speaking of which, that boy from the rumor. Was he called Lux Acadia? Is it really all right to let him attend this academy?”

He suddenly heard such a voice of a female student who seemed to be a third-year student.

Though there was no anger or displeasure, her tone of voice was tinged with caution.

They received tyranny and discrimination from the Old Empire only just five years ago, so for a third-year student who did not know Lux well, they were reasonable words, but––

“Hmm. When trying to speak to him, he’s a really humble and good person. Also as a Drag-Knight, he’s pretty amazing––”

“Yes, besides precisely because he is a former Prince, he also has a cute face––”

“Hmm. But, isn’t there any worry of him being a pervert and a peeping tom? Like he looked at you with indecent eyes. After all –– most of the “men” are such creatures, right?”

To the words praising Lux, the voice of another girl who seemed to be a third-year student rebutted.

But,

“No, there is no such thing in the Lux-kun's case! I don’t think that he will do such cowardly things!”

“Yes––. We, who have seen his way of fighting, trust him.”

He was very happy that the second-year student members supported him, but

(Wait, it becomes more and more a situation where I can’t afford to be found…!)

When, although unexpected, Lux harbored feelings of guilt about the fact that he had seen them in their underwear,

“Ah, Krulcifer-san. Good morning.”

To the bright voice emitted by a female student who was changing her clothes, Lux’s body froze in surprise.

Krulcifer Einvolk.

A foreign student of the academy and the daughter of an earl of Ymir, a large and religious country to the North.

A mysterious girl with perfect beauty and ability.

Lux panicked even more since even a girl who was his classmate came.

(This is bad! I have to get out of here as soon as possible by any means––)

However, not eventually coming up with any way to evade well, time passed.

“Speaking of which, Krulcifer-san. The Drag-Ride’s guidebook. Do you know where it is? If I remember correctly, I think that I had put many volumes in this room, but––”

“Yes… The book would get damaged if exposed to sunlight, so I think I put it here––”

Soon after this voice could be heard,

“––Eh?”

“Ah…!?”

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v2 0002.jpg|thumb]]

The eyes of the girl who came to the other side of the compartment and Lux’s met.

It was Krulcifer who had already taken off the top and bottom of her uniform, and was in her underwear.

“…!?”

For a moment, Krulcifer looked at Lux with a surprised face.

The cheeks of the usually composed girl slightly reddened in embarrassment.

Similarly, Lux averted his eyes from her while confused to the point that he could not even utter his voice.

A slender body without any waste at all.

However, a bodily build with a chest and hips which let one feel a feminine freshness.

Bewitching snow-like skin and a sweet fragrance of perfume slightly drifting.

Krulcifer’s appearance in her underwear that he saw for the first time was preposterously attractive and beautiful.

But,

(––It’s over)

Immediately after, Lux’s face quickly turned pale.

At this rate, Lux would be handed over as a peeping tom and expelled from the academy.

Inside a cage as a criminal who betrayed the girls’ trusts––

“Krulcifer-san. What’s wrong? Is something the matter?”

When such despair floated across his mind, he heard the voice of a female student from the other side of the compartment.

Lux promptly hung his head as he prepared himself for the worst, but––

“––It’s nothing. I found the guidebook.”

Krulcifer returned her usually refreshing expression and walked to Lux’s side.

And when she picked up the book put nearby, she returned to the other side of the compartment as if nothing happened.

(Eh…?)

“I will quit today’s training after all. I remembered that <Fafnir>’s maintenance wasn't over yet, so––”

“Is that so? Then, we’re going.”

After Krulcifer said so, the presences disappeared from the waiting room with lively voices.

The other female students, who were inside, seemed to have gone to the practice field.

“Um––”

As Lux timidly let his face peek from the compartment,

“It’s all right now. Cute peeping tom.”

Krulcifer had put back on her uniform and was reading a book before the table.

Making a small smile on her mouth, she sent a fleeting glance at Lux.

From that gesture, Lux was able to grasp her intention.

“…Um, thank you.”

As Lux thanked her for having helped him,

“If you are so pleased, then it was worth it that I have also felt embarrassed.”

Being said so in a teasing tone, Lux’s face turned red.

“I didn’t say thank you in that sense, um––”

“Oh my! Didn’t you have any interest in my naked body? Considering that, you seemed to be looking fairly thoroughly though.”

Krulcifer coiled herself with a sweet voice as to feel even composure.

(S-She noticed my eyes…!?)

“ah, uh… errr –– I’m sorry.”

As Lux, not being able to endure it, apologized, Krulcifer suddenly returned a serious face,

“It looks like I pushed the teasing a little too far. It’s a bad habit of mine.”

As to let Lux calm down, she softly put her index finger at the seat next to her.

It was a signal to ask him to sit beside her.

“Errr, do you forgive me?”

“Yes, I intend to do so, but–– I wonder why; but when I’m looking at you, I want to tease you so badly. There is no malice, so it will save me if you don’t let it bother you.”

“…………”

Krulcifer’s words which were muttered with a smile were probably her true intentions.

However,

(It’s quite bad for my heart…)

While having mixed feelings, Lux sat down next to her.

“––But, you should be a little more careful. You’re at present the only boy in this academy after all.”

“I’m reflecting on it…”

Seeing Lux hanging his head, Krulcifer happily muttered “Then, it’s fine”.

Then, she closed the book she was reading and turned her gaze to Lux beside her.

“Since it’s a rare opportunity, why don’t you rest a little? I also happen to have something I want to ask you.”

“Ah, but I’m––. Now is, um…”

“It seems that the bell to inform of the end of the event called your contest rang a while ago.”

“Eh…?”

As he was said so and looked at the clock of the waiting room, it was certainly past the end time.

Since he had been in panic, Lux might have failed to hear the bell ring for the signal of the end.

“At last, it’s over… Haaa…!”

When Lux lay down on the desk, Krulcifer chuckled.

“Haven’t you lost that request? It wouldn’t be a laughing matter if it was inadvertently taken.”

“Ah, that’s also true. I’ll check whether I properly have it––”

To confirm it, Lux took out the special request from his pocket and put it on the table.

The request on which a blank space, where the winner who became a client would write, remained safe without being taken by anyone.

“Really, thank you very much. Krulcifer-san”

“Is that so? I don’t think that you really need to thank me. After all––”

Krulcifer’s smile was returned to the relieved Lux. At that time,

“Eh?”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Bang*! The waiting room’s door opened vigorously.

“I found you at last, Lux! Now, quickly hand that request to me––!”

When looking, including Lisha at the vanguard, a great number of female students had gathered at the entrance.

(Huh? It should have been over; and yet why––?)

Soon after Lux cocked his head in puzzlement,

“It’s the end time! The female student who has the red request now gets the privilege to do as she pleases to Lux-kun for one week!”

The voice of the female student in charge of the event could be heard along with the high-pitched sound of the bell.

“Eeeeeh…!? What on earth does this mean––”

“That’s why I told you, right? That you should be a little more careful.”

The moment when Lux looked back, the answer was there.

Krulcifer who had the red request of the “Lux contest” was smiling calmly.

The moment they saw it, the large number of students raised high-pitched screams “kyaaaaah!”.

“W-Why…!? But, the time of the clock has already––”

“You just tamper a little with the needles, then it’s over.”

He was said so without hesitation with Krulcifer’s serious look.

“…………”

(I-I was completely tricked…!)

As the fatigue until now assailed at a stretch, Lux sank down to the floor as such.

He was thinking that Krulcifer had no interest in such things…

Krulcifer’s victory was declared by the person in charge after she filled out the red request.

“With that said, I will have you listen to what I say for one week. I'll count on you.”

“Ah… please treat me well.”

With a countenance as if his soul came out, Lux somehow answered.

Immediately after, the surrounding female students got excited and showed various reactions such as “Congratulations!”, “As expected of you”, “To think that even Krulcifer-san was aiming for him––”

While the cheers of the female students surrounded the two of them, Krulcifer turned around to Lux.

“By the way, Lux-kun. May I make a request at once?”

“Ah, yes… If it is something that I can do––”

As Lux stood up, he replied so with a half negligent state of mind.

Then, Krulcifer showed a graceful smile and softly let a finger crawl over Lux’s chest.

“I want you to become my lover for one week from now. That is my request.”

“––Eh?”

It was not only Lux, the person concerned, who stiffened.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>shiiii*……

The atmosphere of the waiting room fell silent; after several seconds, it became a big commotion again and exploded.

“Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!”

Soon after high-pitched screams resounded, the female students who happened to be present raised their voices unanimously.

“It’s amazing! Even such a request can be done, eh” “What should we do? With Krulcifer-san as an opponent, it doesn’t seem like we can win––” “Wait. If you think conversely, can’t it be said that it was an unprecedented?” “Yes, let’s hope for a next contest!”

While such words flew about among the girls,

“––That being said, please take care of me.”

As she whispered so to the panicked Lux, Krulcifer left the waiting room.

“Eh… wait!? Krulcifer-san?”

“Hey, Lux!? What is the meaning of this?! Even though you already have me––”

For some reason, Lisha flared up at him with teary eyes, but honestly, Lux did not understand it either.

“Errr… I don’t understand, either.”

While defending himself as he was troubled, Lux was thinking in the corner of his head.

(…What did she mean by that?)

『––I’ll give you the details later.』

Krulcifer’s last words which she had said when leaving remained in Lux’s ears for a while.<noinclude>
{{SimpleNav|f=Episode 1}}
</noinclude>

Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 2 Prologue

2017-12-04T22:19:23Z

OmegaWeaponZ: /* Part 2 */

==Prologue – Lux Contest==

===Part 1===

“Haa…Haa…!”

Lux was running in the school building on a bright day after school.

As if being chased by an invisible predator.

Or, he was gasping for breath as if running down an endlessly steep slope.

Now everyone else was the enemy.

In an overwhelmingly disadvantageous situation, Lux kept running.

He ran out of the Principal’s room, passed through the familiar corridor and went up the stairs.

''Isn’t there any good hiding place somewhere?''

Though he thought so in the corner of his head, he immediately realized that there was no place where he could feel at ease.

Therefore, Lux could not help but keep running.

“Phew… I somehow managed to get away for the time being, I guess––”

The corridor of the school building's third floor where the neatly tended green courtyard could be seen from the window.

When there was finally no one around, Lux heaved a sigh of relief and stopped.

At that moment,

“Oh! Found you!”

The female students who appeared from the corner of the corridor shouted as they saw Lux.

“Over here! Everyone, come help catch him!”

“Wait!? It’ll be bad if you call even the third years! Otherwise, they’ll monopolize him!”

Immediately after, several female students appeared one after another before him.

“Wai…!?”

What’s more, their hands were holding various tools.

Staffs for self-defense and ropes for arrest.

Furthermore, they had even prepared up to a huge catching net, handcuffs and even a collar.

(What the hell do they intend to do to me after catching me…!?)

He could not help but think so.

“Fufufu. We finally cornered you. Just let us catch you without resisting.”

“Right, right. You’re usually monopolized by the Princess and company after all. You should occasionally become our toy… not that. You have to do decent odd jobs––”

“You, you’re drooling…?”

To the mutter of the girl who held the collar, the girl beside her retorted.

As Lux reflexively stepped back, before he was aware of it, other female students made a wall even behind him.

“Oops!?”

He was completely caught in a pincer attack.

“You have nowhere to escape. Give up.”

The large number of girls smiled as they were convinced of their victory.

Afterwards, it was no longer the outcome between Lux and the girls.

But, a fight between girls to know who would get the reward from the victory.

With the momentary opening that this state of war brought, Lux immediately put his hand on the side of a window.

“W-Wait a minute!? This is the third floor, you know!?”

The eyes of the female students who had cornered him stared in surprise.

“I’m sorry. I’m a bit scared about what you’ll do to me if I’m caught.”

Immediately afterwards, Lux jumped down to the outside of the school building through the open window.

“Aah!?”

Small screams rose from the female students who were there.

Lux kicked the outer wall in the middle of the fall, seized a branch of the tree on the other side in an instant, and landed after reducing the impact of the fall.

“Kuh…!? I-I guess the third floor was reckless indeed…”

Although he considerably reduced the impact of the fall, even so numbness ran throughout his body from the bottom of both his legs.

“But well, with this, I’ve considerably bought time––”

As Lux heaved a sigh of relief as such,

“He’s there! Over here!”

The female students who heard the commotion further gathered from here and there.

“There are more people than before!? You’ve no mercy at all!? Even though my legs hurt from having just jumped down!”

While resuming his escape in panic, Lux was thinking in the corner of his head.

(W-Why do I have to go through this––!)

To know the cause of this festival, we must go back several minutes ago––

===Part 2===

“Lux-kun. How do you spend your school life?”

One day after school in May.

It was Principal Relie Aingram who called Lux to her room.

The Royal Military Academy of Drag-Knights existing in the first district of the Fort City, Cross Feed.

It was an academy of noble girls that raised female Drag-Knights who had not been trained due to the system of excess androcracy of the Old Empire.

It was about only two weeks since Lux, who was a Prince of the Old Empire, was admitted into the academy taking advantage of a certain incident.

An exceptional admission made by the New Kingdom Princess Lizsharte’s strong demand, and the consent of the head of the academy, Relie.

Lux, whose existence was accepted as the only male student at present in anticipation of a future coeducation, probably had troubles and problems in the field of cohabitation.

Hence, Relie called him like this to ask about it.

“I think I’m somehow doing well. I didn’t know what to do in the beginning though.”

Lux’s answer was what he really thought.

Princess Lizsharte and most of the female students of this academy that originally had a hostile relationship with Lux treated him kindly now.

Even among the third-year students who came back from the practice in the Capital. While being surprised at Lux’s presence, there was no one who raised an objection to Lux’s admission after being told stories about the fact that he evenly matched Lisha in a duel, and that he protected the students from the Abyss attack.

It seemed that they were watching the situation for the time being.

“Well, it might be thanks to the fact that Celis-san’s return was delayed.”

Relie said so at last with a bitter smile.

Celestia Ralgris, the top of the third-year students, the strongest of the academy and the daughter of a renowned Duke House.

She, who was from one of the four Great Nobles and seemed to be famous for being a man-hater, was left in the Capital for a little while for the subjugation of insurgents discovered over there.

Therefore, Lux was able to lead a peaceful school life for now, but––

“But you know, Lux-kun. Many students’ complaints towards you have gathered now at my place.”

“Eh…?”

Relie suddenly sighed with a troubled expression.

''Did I do something wrong?''

Or were there after all objections among the third-year students regarding Lux’s enrollment––

When such an uneasiness crossed Lux’s chest,

“Ta-da! Yes, this!”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Bang*

With a smile all over her face, Relie slapped a thick bunch of paper onto the desk.

There were probably more than 100 sheets.

“Errr… Could it be that these are––”

The criminal Lux, who was a Prince of the Old Empire signed a certain contract at the same time with an acquittal as the amnesty by the New Kingdom.

The obligation in which he must undertake odd jobs from anyone of the nation, and do work as a “Chore Prince”.

That work was currently performed in the form of “handling the requests of this academy's staff including student's”, but––

“These are odd jobs requests to you. There are too many, eh… Therefore, it was decided that you would handle them by choosing requests you consider high priority. But, if they pile up this much…”

“…………”

As Lux stiffened with an indescribable expression, Relie showed a mischievous smile.

''I-I’ve a bad feeling…''

From his past experiences, Relie making this face, was always thinking about nothing good.

“B-But, it can’t be helped––”

When Lux tried to explain in a hurry, shouts from female students could be heard somewhere.

“…………?”

The source of the voices seemed to be from the classrooms in the school building and the school premises, but––

“I know that. That’s why I’m now explaining it to the students. The event that I planned –– the “Lux-kun contest”, that is.”

“…Huh?”

As Lux looked puzzled to these words, Relie spread one red request form on the desk.

“An event of canceling dissatisfaction of students whose requests aren't received by you. “A special request form, whose request is able to have priority over Lux-kun for only one week” –– in other words, the girl who snatches this away from you within a time limit can monopolize you for one week.”

“I-It’s a joke, isn’t it!? Don’t tell me you seriously––”

Lux’s face unintentionally became stiff.

Relie, not answering his question, showed a smile all over her face.

“The game’s time is one hour from now. I leave this request form to you; so you won’t have to hear orders from anyone if you manage to hold on until the time limit. Ah, you are all prohibited from using Drag-Rides, so you must not let the young ladies hurt themselves as much as possible, okay?”

“P-Please, wait a minute!? To suddenly say that––”

''No matter how you put it, it’s unreasonable.''

When Lux was going to rebut so, a sound like that of the ground rumbling could be heard outside of the Principal room.

“Oh my? Everybody seemed to have come over at once. If you don’t run away quickly, you’ll be caught immediately.”

“What are you thinking, really!”

The next moment, Lux jumped out of the Principal's room and began to run.

Soon after, shouts arose from female students who were going up the stairs of the school building.

Thus, the “Lux contest” which was Principal Relie’s plan started.

===Part 3===

And, after having run around the school premises from place to place for about 40 minutes from the start, he was at last cornered in the corridor of the school building and he jumped off outside––

In addition, Lux avoided the female students who gathered there and fled.

Since it seemed to be a violation of the rules to leave the school premises, danger always remained.

“Haa…, haa…!”

It was good that he somehow escaped from the predicament, but as expected he was out of breath.

Even though he had stamina thanks to the fact that he had been handling odd jobs since a long time ago, it was unbearable when being targeted by the female students in the academy.

There was also the option where he could let himself be caught and hand over the request form, but as far as he could see the girls were in a festive mood, it looked like he would be made to do a ridiculous request and he felt like it was bad.

“…!? That’s––”

Lux who found a familiar girl promptly hid behind a weedy thicket.

“…Fufu”

When she lightly winked as she caught a glimpse of Lux who was hiding, she went into a building different from the school building.

(That place is––)

“…………”

Lux understanding that the girl’s wink was a signal to him began to walk slowly as he slipped through the surrounding stares.

And he ran into the big building where she entered.

A large stone-built space where the smell of metal and oil drifted.

In front of the central work unit, a small-sized girl wearing a white gown was sitting with a smile.

“Yo.”

The chief of the building greeted as she raised one hand.

Lizsharte Atismata.

The girl, who was the New Kingdom Princess and a genius engineer of Drag-Rides, looked at Lux who entered and showed a sweet smile.

“Errr…, um”

“Don’t be so scared. You want help, right? You can hide here for a while if you want.”

Lisha said so and once again moved her look to the work unit.

“T-Thank you. Then, I will accept your offer.”

While heaving a sigh of relief, Lux sat down on the nearby sofa.

Other unrelated students couldn't enter the Machine Dragon development atelier without the permission of Lisha who was the chief.

In other words, it was the safest place now in the school premises where the “Lux contest” was held.

As long as Lisha herself did not set up something––

(Well, I don’ think that Lisha-sama whom I’m usually with a lot would participate in this contest, but––)

Thinking so, Lux suddenly relaxed his whole body and slightly leaned down.

“Are you making something again?”

A disassembled green Drag-Ride was put on the work unit before Lisha.

“Ah, this is a new experiment.”

For a small-sized body, Lisha who greatly stuck out her chest replied so.

“…An experiment?”

“Yes. Shall I show you a little?”

As Lisha suddenly smiled, she picked up a Sword Device on her side.

At that moment, the silver line which ran through the surface of the sword blade shone with a pale light.

“Capture him! <Arms Wyrm>!”

“Eh…?”

Gashii!

The moment when Lux cocked his head in puzzlement, the Drag-Ride which was on the work unit changed into the shape of a huge arm and grappled hold his body.

As Lux stared in wonder at the unexpected occurrence,

“Fufu. You fell for it, Chore Prince. As expected, you’re too soft-hearted.”

Like a child whose trick succeeded, Lisha turned an innocent smile.

And with a finger, she morosely poked at the waist of Lux who was raised in the air.

“W-What is this!? This Machine Dragon –– or rather do you possibly intend to catch me…!?”

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v2 0009.jpg|thumb]]

“Well, yes. It didn’t feel like I could catch you by squarely running after you. I used a technique still under study where I can operate a Drag-Ride to some extent without equipping it.”

“Wasn’t the use of Drag-Rides prohibited in the rules of this time?”

“Yes. Like I said, I’m not wearing it, look.”

(T-That’s plainly cheating…!)

Lux wondered whether that was the way of thinking of a Princess, but now that he was captured by the Drag-Ride like this, there was no helping it.

“Or rather, even if you don’t participate in something like the “contest”, haven’t I properly received Lisha-sama’s requests until now!?”

As Lux said so, trying to persuade her,

“I-It isn’t really like that. I may not look like this, but e-even I’m usually holding back myself… Besides, there are also things to consider in the future, and I can’t hand you to other people––”

Lisha who blushed bashfully twined the fingers of both her hands and muttered so.

“W-With that said, resign yourself. Even if it’s you, you can’t escape from a Machine Dragon’s restraint without equipment.”

Lisha thrust her hands into Lux’s clothes and began to touch them as she looked for the red request form.

“Let’s see. That request thing, where is it––”

“H-Hey, please stop…!? I surrender!”

To the touch of her small smooth hands stroking within his clothes, Lux began to feel strange, but, he somehow endured it and spoke.

“The request is in my coat which is held by the Machine Dragon’s hand, so––”

“I see. All right, I understand.”

Lisha raised the Sword Device and made a mind operation by thought.

The moment when the restraint of the <Armed Wyrm> grasping Lux’s body loosened,

“I’m sorry. Lisha-sama––”

“…Wha!?”

Lux slipped through the Machine Dragon’s hand by using that slight opening.

He kicked the stone-paved floor at the same time as the landing, flew and quickly went out of the atelier.

“Thats sly, Lux! Waiiiit!”

“We’re even!”

Lux ran as to shake off Lisha chasing him with teary eyes.

As he shook off the chase of the female students who were outside, and somehow hid between the bush of plants and the wall of the Machine Dragon Hangar,

“…Ah, it’s Lu-chan.”

“Uwah!?”

A young girl was standing on the side of the brick wall.

“What the, Philphie!? Why are you here––?”

Lux’s childhood friend who always had a fluffy, loose atmosphere, Philphie Aingram.

The impressive girl with pink hair and a big chest was chewing a snack-like rusk.

As Lux unintentionally halted at this meeting in an unexpected place,

“It’s Phi-chan, right?”

While expressionless, she said so in a voice mixed with a slightly sullen nuance.

Among his close friends, she asked for a relationship where they called each other by their nicknames.

It was less objectionable now since there wasn't the public eye, but it was pretty embarrassing because he was coerced even in the classroom

“S-Sorry… But, Phi-chan. Why on earth are you in such a place––?”

Since Philphie had for better or worse an easy-going character, it was hard to think that she would participate in this event.

When Lux asked so as he was puzzled,

“It’s for cake. *gulp*…”

“…Yes?”

Swallowing the rusk which was in her hand, Philphie said something which he did not understand well.

“It’s because Onee-chan said that she would give me cake if I caught Lu-chan.”

“W-What is that person thinking…!?”

Lux was bewildered at Philphie’s mutter.

''Going as far as to incite her own little sister; is she really the Principal?''

(…No, Even Philphie who is lured by one cake is also to blame though.)

“With that said, I’m coming.”

Philphie took a stance with unhurried movements.

In the Royal Military Academy, one learnt not only handling as a Drag-Knight, but also taijutsu and fencing for self-defense.

Lux had never properly seen Philphie fight, but––

(Philphie is a girl and she seems not very good at exercise, so I can probably dodge with my legs.)

Thinking so, Lux planned to breakthrough head on.

Since he would be found by other students if he dodged her too greatly, he planned to forcibly go through Philphie’s side.

“Phi-chan. It’s dangerous, so be careful.”

“Yes. Understood.”

As he urged her so, Lux started running.

When he was going to slip through Philphie’s flank as he kicked the hard ground and changed the trajectory––

“I’ll be careful not to hurt you.”

“Eh––?”

She whispered in a subdued voice close to his ears and Lux noticed for the first time.

About the fact that Philphie was bending his joints behind him to the extreme, as she grasped Lux's wrist when he tried to run through her.

Furthermore, she quickly took his remaining arm with her other hand and entangled one of her leg around Lux’s legs.

Lux’s movement was completely sealed in an instant.

(W-what was that? That movement just now––!?)

Philphie’s movement was by no means fast.

Rather, it was a movement which could be said to be loose, and yet Lux could not avoid it at all.

Fluent movements without any waste at all, like a feather fluttering about in running water or midair.

With her beautiful taijutsu, she easily caught Lux.

“Kuh…!? ––Or rather, I can’t move at all!?”

Since his childhood friend was the opponent, he intended to not act violently as much as possible from the start.

But, as he put all his energy to undo the restraint with brute force, Lux was not able to move an inch.

“Just for a note, it’s been about seven years, since I learned martial arts a little.”

In a serene tone, Philphie whispered.

“I-Is that so!?”

Lux was surprised at the revelation of the unexpected fact.

''However, aside from her refined taijutsu, is this superhuman strength a talent?''

Even though he did not feel that she did not put that much power, he could not move at all.

Like the power difference between an adult and a child.

“Thank god. Like this, I can also eat the cake together with Lu-chan.”

Holding Lux’s body as such, Philphie smiled slightly joyfully.

The swelling of Philphie’s chest pressing from behind was squashed with a sweet sensation.

(A-As expected, Philphie’s are pretty big…!)

Towards the feel of those two with elasticity, whose contents were plumply jam-packed, Lux felt his heartbeat speeding up.

In a sense, at this rate it was a situation where it seemed like it would become painful indefinitely, but––

“Ah, the request…”

At that instant, a red request felt to the floor from Lux’s chest.

When Philphie stretched out her hand to pick it up at once––

“Ah…”

Rapidly removing the restraint, Lux succeeded in escaping.

“Sorry. Philphie!”

As he quickly collected the request with the momentum, Lux ran through the shadow of the Machine Dragon Hangar.

“Haa, haa… It’s becoming gradually hard..!”

Although he somehow managed to escape from Philphie, Lux’s stamina was already at his limit.

While hiding from the female students still looking for him, he headed to the waiting room of the practice field.

(Wait –– if it’s now when lessons are over, there should be no one!)

Lux thought so and crept in the waiting room.

As expected, there was no one in that wide space.

“…All right”

So as not to be found, he moved to the other side of the compartment for changing clothes just in case.

“Haa…!”

As he hid himself sitting on the wooden floor, Lux heaved a long sigh.

''Another 10 minutes like this and the game will be over.''

When Lux thought so, the sound of the door opening could be heard.

“––––”

Lux promptly stopped his breath and erased his presence.

He wondered whether it was some kind of mistake that a female student came here now, but––,

“Haa, it became really unpleasant, eh. Even though now is a rare chance to catch Lux-kun––”

“Ahaha. Well, it can’t be helped; the Drag-Ride’s repair is over, so I have to properly to test it––”

Judging from the voices, there were about five or six people who came over.

They seemed to be female students who were members of the academy guerilla squad, the “Knight Squadron”.

It looked like the Machine Dragons’ test run which was not scheduled would be rapidly carried out.

(W-What to do? at this rate––)

Unfortunately, since the door and windows were far from the back of the compartment, there was no way to go out without exposing himself before the girls.

(Even if I hide here, they should come to this side of the compartment after changing into the Dress Gear. So, I should already stop hiding––)

The moment when Lux resolved himself so,

The sound of the rustling of clothes could be heard.

(Eh…? Eeeeeeeeh…!?)

“Oh my, that underwear is pretty. In which store did you buy it? I’m envious, eh.”

“D-Don’t look at me too much… It’s embarrassing––”

“What are you talking about? Even though you have such a splendid thing unlike me.”

To the girls’ innocent voices, Lux’s heart throbbed.

''Don’t tell me it’s the ones I think it is––''

Lux stealthily peeped on the other side from the shadow of the compartment.

“…!?”

There was a heaven-like sight there.

There were familiar female students of the “Knight Squadron” and probably unfamiliar third-year members.

All of them took off their uniforms and were joking with each other in underwear.

(…W-What is it!? Why are they already getting dressed up!?)

When Lux’s head was about to become blank, he finally understood the reason.

In this academy where there were basically only female students, those expressly changing their clothes behind the compartment were few.

Moreover, Lux who was the only male student had not officially joined the “Knight Squadron” yet.

Now when only the members of the “Knight Squadron” use the waiting room after school, it was inevitable that it became so.

(W-What to do…!? I can’t go out from here…!)

If there is any student who comes on this side of the compartment on a whim––

“––Speaking of which, that boy of the rumor. Was he called Lux Acadia? Is it really all right to let him attend this academy?”

He suddenly heard such a voice of a female student who seemed to be a third-year student.

Though there was no anger or displeasure, her tone of voice was tinged with caution.

They received tyranny and discrimination from the Old Empire just only five years ago, so for a third-year student who did not know Lux well, they were reasonable words, but––

“Hmm. When trying to speak to him, he’s a really humble and good person. Also as a Drag-Knight, he’s pretty amazing––”

“Yes, besides precisely because he is a former Prince, he also has a cute face––”

“Hmm. But, isn’t there any worry of him being a pervert and peeping tom? Like he looked at you with indecent eyes. After all –– most of the “men” are such creatures, right?”

To the words praising Lux, the voice of another girl who seemed to be a third-year student rebutted.

But,

“No, there is no such thing in the Lux-kun's case! I don’t think that he will do such cowardly things!”

“Yes––. We, who have seen his way of fighting, trust him.”

He was very happy that the second-year student members supported him, but

(Wait, it becomes more and more a situation where I can’t afford to be found…!)

When, although unexpected, Lux harbored feelings of guilt about the fact that he had seen them in their underwear,

“Ah, Krulcifer-san. Good morning.”

To a bright voice emitted by a female student who was changing her clothes, Lux’s body froze in surprise.

Krulcifer Einvolk.

A foreign student of the academy and daughter of an earl of Ymir, a large and religious country of the North.

A mysterious girl with perfect beauty and ability.

Lux panicked even more since even a girl who was his classmate came.

(This is bad! I have to get out of here as soon as possible by any means––)

However, not eventually coming up with any way to evade well, time passed.

“Speaking of which, Krulcifer-san. The Drag-Ride’s guidebook. Do you know where it is? If I remember correctly, I think that I had put many volumes in this room, but––”

“Yes… The book would get damaged if exposed to sunlight, so I think I put it here––”

Soon after this voice could be heard,

“––Eh?”

“Ah…!?”

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v2 0002.jpg|thumb]]

The eyes of the girl who came to the other side of the compartment and Lux’s met.

It was Krulcifer who had already taken off the top and bottom of her uniform, and was in underwear.

“…!?”

For a moment, Krulcifer looked at Lux with a surprised face.

The cheeks of the usually composed girl slightly reddened in embarrassment.

Similarly, Lux averted his eyes from her while confused to the point that he could not even utter his voice.

A slender body without any waste at all.

However, a bodily build with a chest and hips which let one feel a feminine freshness.

Bewitching snow-like skin and a sweet fragrance of perfume slightly drifting.

Krulcifer’s appearance in underwear that he saw for the first time was preposterously attractive and beautiful.

But,

(––It’s over)

Immediately after, Lux’s face quickly turned pale.

At this rate, Lux would be handed over as a peeping tom and expelled from the academy.

Inside a cage as a criminal who betrayed the girls’ trust––

“Krulcifer-san. What’s wrong? Is something the matter?”

When such despair floated across his mind, he heard the voice of a female student from the other side of the compartment.

Lux promptly hung his head as he prepared himself for the worst, but––

“––It’s nothing. I found the guidebook.”

Krulcifer returned her usually refreshing expression and walked to Lux’s side.

And when she picked up the book put nearby, she returned to the other side of the compartment as if nothing happened.

(Eh…?)

“I will quit today’s training after all. I remembered that <Fafnir>’s maintenance wasn't over yet, so––”

“Is that so? Then, we’re going.”

After Krulcifer said so, the presences disappeared from the waiting room with lively voices.

The other female students, who were inside, seemed to have gone to the practice field.

“Um––”

As Lux timidly let his face peek from the compartment,

“It’s all right now. Cute peeping tom.”

Krulcifer had put back on her uniform and was reading a book before the table.

Making a small smile on her mouth, she sent a fleeting glance at Lux.

From that gesture, Lux was able to grasp her intention.

“…Um, thank you.”

As Lux thanked her for having helped him,

“If you are so pleased, then it was worth it that I have also felt embarrassed.”

Being said so in a teasing tone, Lux’s face turned red.

“I didn’t say thank you in that sense, um––”

“Oh my! Didn’t you have any interest in my naked body? Considering that, you seemed to be fairly looking thoroughly though.”

Krulcifer coiled herself with sweet voice as to feel even composure.

(S-She noticed my eyes…!?)

“ah, uh…, errr –– I’m sorry.”

As Lux, not being able to endure it, apologized, Krulcifer suddenly returned a serious face,

“It looks like I pushed the teasing a little far. It’s a bad habit of mine.”

As to let Lux calm down, she softly put her index finger at the seat next to her.

It was a signal to ask him to sit beside her.

“Errr, do you forgive me?”

“Yes, I intend to do so, but–– I wonder why; but when I’m looking at you, I want to tease you so badly. There is no malice, so it will save me if you don’t let it bother you.”

“…………”

Krulcifer’s words which were muttered with a smile were probably her true intentions.

However,

(It’s quite bad for my heart…)

While having mixed feelings, Lux sat down next to her.

“––But, you should be a little more careful. You’re at present the only boy in this academy after all.”

“I’m reflecting (on it)…”

Seeing Lux hanging his head, Krulcifer happily muttered “then, it’s fine”.

Then, she closed the book she was reading and turned her gaze to Lux beside her.

“Since it’s a rare opportunity, why don’t you rest a little? I also happen to have something I want to ask you.”

“Ah, but I’m––. Now is, um…”

“It seems that the bell to inform of the end of the event called your contest rang a while ago.”

“Eh…?”

As he was said so and looked at the clock of the waiting room, it was certainly past the end time.

Since he had been in panic, Lux might have failed to hear the bell ring for the signal of the end.

“At last, it’s over… Haaa…!”

When Lux lay down on the desk, Krulcifer chuckled.

“Haven’t you lost that request? It wouldn’t a laughable matter if it was inadvertently taken.”

“Ah, that’s also true. I’ll check whether I properly have it––”

To confirm it, Lux took out the special request from his pocket and put it on the table.

The request in which a blank space, where the winner who became a client would write, remained was safe without being taken by anyone.

“Really, thank you very much. Krulcifer-san”

“Is that so? I don’t think that you really need to thank me. After all––”

Krulcifer’s smile was returned to the relieved Lux. At that time,

“Eh?”

*Bang*! The waiting room’s door opened vigorously.

“I found you at last, Lux! Now, quickly hand that request to me––!”

When looking, including Lisha at the vanguard, a great number of female students had gathered at the entrance.

(Huh? It should have been over; and yet why––?)

Soon after Lux cocked his head in puzzlement,

“It’s the end time! The female student who has the red request now gets the privilege to do as she pleases to Lux-kun for one week!”

The voice of the female student in charge of the event could be heard along with the high-pitched sound of the bell.

“Eeeeeh…!? What on earth does this mean––”

“That’s why I told you, right? That you should be a little more careful.”

The moment when Lux looked back, the answer was there.

Krulcifer who had the red request of the “Lux contest” was smiling calmly.

The moment they saw it, the large number of students raised high-pitched screams “kyaaaaah!”.

“W-Why…!? But, the time of the clock has already––”

“You just tamper a little with the needles, then it’s over.”

He was said so without hesitation with Krulcifer’s serious look.

“…………”

(I-I was completely tricked…!)

As the fatigue until now assailed at a stretch, Lux sank down to the floor as such.

He was thinking that Krulcifer had no interest in such things…

Krulcifer’s victory was declared by the person in charge after she filled out the red request.

“With that said, I will have you listen to what I say for one week. I'll count on you.”

“Ah…, please treat me well.”

With a countenance as if his soul came out, Lux somehow answered.

Immediately after, the surrounding female students got excited and showed various reactions such as “congratulations!”, “as expected of you”, “to think that even Krulcifer-san was aiming for him––”

While the cheers of the female students surrounded the two of them, Krulcifer turned around to Lux.

“By the way, Lux-kun. May I make a request at once?”

“Ah, yes… If it is something that I can do––”

As Lux stood up, he replied so with a half negligent state of mind.

Then, Krulcifer showed a graceful smile and softly let a finger crawl over Lux’s chest.

“I want you to become my lover for one week from now. That is my request.”

“––Eh?”

It was not only Lux, the person concerned who stiffened.

*shiiii*……

The atmosphere of the waiting room fell silent; after several seconds, it became a big commotion again and exploded.

“Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!”

Soon after high-pitched screams resounded, the female students who happened to be present raised their voices unanimously.

“It’s amazing! Even such a request can be done, eh” “What should we do? With Krulcifer-san as opponent, it doesn’t seem like we can win––” “Wait. If you think conversely, can’t it be said that it was an unprecedented?” “Yes, let’s hope for a next contest!”

While such words flew about among the girls,

“––That being said, please take care of me.”

As she whispered so to the panicked Lux, Krulcifer left the waiting room.

“Eh…, wait!? Krulcifer-san?”

“Hey, Lux!? What is the meaning of this?! Even though you already have me––”

For some reason, Lisha flared up at him with teary eyes, but honestly, Lux did not understand it either.

“Errr…, I don’t understand, either.”

While defending himself as he was troubled, Lux was thinking in the corner of his head.

(…What did she mean by that?)

『––I’ll give you the details later.』

Krulcifer’s last words which she had said when leaving remained in Lux’s ears for a while.

<noinclude>

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</noinclude>

Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 2 Prologue

2017-12-04T21:32:12Z

OmegaWeaponZ: /* Prologue – Lux Contest */

==Prologue – Lux Contest==

===Part 1===

“Haa…Haa…!”

Lux was running in the school building on a bright day after school.

As if being chased by an invisible predator.

Or, he was gasping for breath as if running down an endlessly steep slope.

Now everyone else was the enemy.

In an overwhelmingly disadvantageous situation, Lux kept running.

He ran out of the Principal’s room, passed through the familiar corridor and went up the stairs.

''Isn’t there any good hiding place somewhere?''

Though he thought so in the corner of his head, he immediately realized that there was no place where he could feel at ease.

Therefore, Lux could not help but keep running.

“Phew… I somehow managed to get away for the time being, I guess––”

The corridor of the school building's third floor where the neatly tended green courtyard could be seen from the window.

When there was finally no one around, Lux heaved a sigh of relief and stopped.

At that moment,

“Oh! Found you!”

The female students who appeared from the corner of the corridor shouted as they saw Lux.

“Over here! Everyone, come help catch him!”

“Wait!? It’ll be bad if you call even the third years! Otherwise, they’ll monopolize him!”

Immediately after, several female students appeared one after another before him.

“Wai…!?”

What’s more, their hands were holding various tools.

Staffs for self-defense and ropes for arrest.

Furthermore, they had even prepared up to a huge catching net, handcuffs and even a collar.

(What the hell do they intend to do to me after catching me…!?)

He could not help but think so.

“Fufufu. We finally cornered you. Just let us catch you without resisting.”

“Right, right. You’re usually monopolized by the Princess and company after all. You should occasionally become our toy… not that. You have to do decent odd jobs––”

“You, you’re drooling…?”

To the mutter of the girl who held the collar, the girl beside her retorted.

As Lux reflexively stepped back, before he was aware of it, other female students made a wall even behind him.

“Oops!?”

He was completely caught in a pincer attack.

“You have nowhere to escape. Give up.”

The large number of girls smiled as they were convinced of their victory.

Afterwards, it was no longer the outcome between Lux and the girls.

But, a fight between girls to know who would get the reward from the victory.

With the momentary opening that this state of war brought, Lux immediately put his hand on the side of a window.

“W-Wait a minute!? This is the third floor, you know!?”

The eyes of the female students who had cornered him stared in surprise.

“I’m sorry. I’m a bit scared about what you’ll do to me if I’m caught.”

Immediately afterwards, Lux jumped down to the outside of the school building through the open window.

“Aah!?”

Small screams rose from the female students who were there.

Lux kicked the outer wall in the middle of the fall, seized a branch of the tree on the other side in an instant, and landed after reducing the impact of the fall.

“Kuh…!? I-I guess the third floor was reckless indeed…”

Although he considerably reduced the impact of the fall, even so numbness ran throughout his body from the bottom of both his legs.

“But well, with this, I’ve considerably bought time––”

As Lux heaved a sigh of relief as such,

“He’s there! Over here!”

The female students who heard the commotion further gathered from here and there.

“There are more people than before!? You’ve no mercy at all!? Even though my legs hurt from having just jumped down!”

While resuming his escape in panic, Lux was thinking in the corner of his head.

(W-Why do I have to go through this––!)

To know the cause of this festival, we must go back several minutes ago––

===Part 2===

“Lux-kun. How do you spend your school life?”

One day after school in May.

It was Principal Relie Aingram who called Lux to her room.

The Royal Military Academy of Drag-Knights existing in the first district of the Fort City, Cross Feed.

It was an academy of noble girls that raised female Drag-Knights who had not been trained due to the system of excess androcracy of the Old Empire.

It was about only two weeks since Lux, who was a Prince of the Old Empire, was admitted into the academy taking advantage of a certain incident.

An exceptional admission made by the New Kingdom's Princess Lizsharte’s strong demand, and the consent of the head of the academy, Relie.

Lux, whose existence was accepted as the only male student at present in anticipation of a future coeducation, probably had troubles and problems in the field of cohabitation.

Hence, Relie called him like this to ask about it.

“I think I’m somehow doing well. I didn’t know what to do in the beginning though.”

Lux’s answer was what he really thought.

Princess Lizsharte and most of the female students of this academy that originally had a hostile relationship with Lux treated him kindly now.

Even among the third-year students who came back from the practice in the Capital. While being surprised at Lux’s presence, there was no one who raised an objection to Lux’s admission after being told stories about the fact that he evenly matched Lisha in a duel, and that he protected the students from the Abyss attack.

It seemed that they were watching the situation for the time being.

“Well, it might be thanks to the fact that Celis-san’s return was delayed.”

Relie said so at last with a bitter smile.

Celestia Ralgris, the top of the third-year students, the strongest of the academy and the daughter of a renowned Duke House.

She, who was from one of the four Great Nobles and seemed to be famous for being a man-hater, was left in the Capital for a little while for the subjugation of insurgents discovered over there.

Therefore, Lux was able to lead a peaceful school life for now, but––

“But you know, Lux-kun. Many students’ complaints towards you have gathered now at my place.”

“Eh…?”

Relie suddenly sighed with a troubled expression.

''Did I do something wrong?''

Or were there after all objections among the third-year students regarding Lux’s enrollment––

When such an uneasiness crossed Lux’s chest,

“Ta-da! Yes, this!”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Bang*

With a smile all over her face, Relie slapped a thick bunch of paper onto the desk.

There were probably more than 100 sheets.

“Errr… Could it be that these are––”

The criminal Lux, who was a Prince of the Old Empire signed a certain contract at the same time with an acquittal as the amnesty by the New Kingdom.

The obligation in which he must undertake odd jobs from anyone of the nation, and do work as a “Chore Prince”.

That work was currently performed in the form of “handling the requests of this academy's staff including student's”, but––

“These are odd jobs requests to you. There are too many, eh… Therefore, it was decided that you would handle them by choosing requests you consider high priority. But, if they pile up this much…”

“…………”

As Lux stiffened with an indescribable expression, Relie showed a mischievous smile.

''I-I’ve a bad feeling…''

From his past experiences, Relie making this face, was always thinking about nothing good.

“B-But, it can’t be helped––”

When Lux tried to explain in a hurry, shouts from female students could be heard somewhere.

“…………?”

The source of the voices seemed to be from the classrooms in the school building and the school premises, but––

“I know that. That’s why I’m now explaining it to the students. The event that I planned –– the “Lux-kun contest”, that is.”

“…Huh?”

As Lux looked puzzled to these words, Relie spread one red request form on the desk.

“An event of canceling dissatisfaction of students whose requests aren't received by you. “A special request form, whose request is able to have priority over Lux-kun for only one week” –– in other words, the girl who snatches this away from you within a time limit can monopolize you for one week.”

“I-It’s a joke, isn’t it!? Don’t tell me you seriously––”

Lux’s face unintentionally became stiff.

Relie, not answering his question, showed a smile all over her face.

“The game’s time is one hour from now. I leave this request form to you; so you won’t have to hear orders from anyone if you manage to hold on until the time limit. Ah, you are all prohibited from using Drag-Rides, so you must not let the young ladies hurt themselves as much as possible, okay?”

“P-Please, wait a minute!? To suddenly say that––”

''No matter how you put it, it’s unreasonable.''

When Lux was going to rebut so, a sound like that of the ground rumbling could be heard outside of the Principal room.

“Oh my? Everybody seemed to have come over at once. If you don’t run away quickly, you’ll be caught immediately.”

“What are you thinking, really!”

The next moment, Lux jumped out of the Principal's room and began to run.

Soon after, shouts arose from female students who were going up the stairs of the school building.

Thus, the “Lux contest” which was Principal Relie’s plan started.

===Part 3===

And, after having run around the school premises from place to place for about 40 minutes from the start, he was at last cornered in the corridor of the school building and he jumped off outside––

In addition, Lux avoided the female students who gathered there and fled.

Since it seemed to be a violation of the rules to leave the school premises, danger always remained.

“Haa…, haa…!”

It was good that he somehow escaped from the predicament, but as expected he was out of breath.

Even though he had stamina thanks to the fact that he had been handling odd jobs since a long time ago, it was unbearable when being targeted by the female students in the academy.

There was also the option where he could let himself be caught and hand over the request form, but as far as he could see the girls were in a festive mood, it looked like he would be made to do a ridiculous request and he felt like it was bad.

“…!? That’s––”

Lux who found a familiar girl promptly hid behind a weedy thicket.

“…Fufu”

When she lightly winked as she caught a glimpse of Lux who was hiding, she went into a building different from the school building.

(That place is––)

“…………”

Lux understanding that the girl’s wink was a signal to him began to walk slowly as he slipped through the surrounding stares.

And he ran into the big building where she entered.

A large stone-built space where the smell of metal and oil drifted.

In front of the central work unit, a small-sized girl wearing a white gown was sitting with a smile.

“Yo.”

The chief of the building greeted as she raised one hand.

Lizsharte Atismata.

The girl, who was the New Kingdom Princess and a genius engineer of Drag-Rides, looked at Lux who entered and showed a sweet smile.

“Errr…, um”

“Don’t be so scared. You want help, right? You can hide here for a while if you want.”

Lisha said so and once again moved her look to the work unit.

“T-Thank you. Then, I will accept your offer.”

While heaving a sigh of relief, Lux sat down on the nearby sofa.

Other unrelated students couldn't enter the Machine Dragon development atelier without the permission of Lisha who was the chief.

In other words, it was the safest place now in the school premises where the “Lux contest” was held.

As long as Lisha herself did not set up something––

(Well, I don’ think that Lisha-sama whom I’m usually with a lot would participate in this contest, but––)

Thinking so, Lux suddenly relaxed his whole body and slightly leaned down.

“Are you making something again?”

A disassembled green Drag-Ride was put on the work unit before Lisha.

“Ah, this is a new experiment.”

For a small-sized body, Lisha who greatly stuck out her chest replied so.

“…An experiment?”

“Yes. Shall I show you a little?”

As Lisha suddenly smiled, she picked up a Sword Device on her side.

At that moment, the silver line which ran through the surface of the sword blade shone with a pale light.

“Capture him! <Arms Wyrm>!”

“Eh…?”

Gashii!

The moment when Lux cocked his head in puzzlement, the Drag-Ride which was on the work unit changed into the shape of a huge arm and grappled hold his body.

As Lux stared in wonder at the unexpected occurrence,

“Fufu. You fell for it, Chore Prince. As expected, you’re too soft-hearted.”

Like a child whose trick succeeded, Lisha turned an innocent smile.

And with a finger, she morosely poked at the waist of Lux who was raised in the air.

“W-What is this!? This Machine Dragon –– or rather do you possibly intend to catch me…!?”

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v2 0009.jpg|thumb]]

“Well, yes. It didn’t feel like I could catch you by squarely running after you. I used a technique still under study where I can operate a Drag-Ride to some extent without equipping it.”

“Wasn’t the use of Drag-Rides prohibited in the rules of this time?”

“Yes. Like I said, I’m not wearing it, look.”

(T-That’s plainly cheating…!)

Lux wondered whether that was the way of thinking of a Princess, but now that he was captured by the Drag-Ride like this, there was no helping it.

“Or rather, even if you don’t participate in something like the “contest”, haven’t I properly received Lisha-sama’s requests until now!?”

As Lux said so, trying to persuade her,

“I-It isn’t really like that. I may not look like this, but e-even I’m usually holding back myself… Besides, there are also things to consider in the future, and I can’t hand you to other people––”

Lisha who blushed bashfully twined the fingers of both her hands and muttered so.

“W-With that said, resign yourself. Even if it’s you, you can’t escape from a Machine Dragon’s restraint without equipment.”

Lisha thrust her hands into Lux’s clothes and began to touch them as she looked for the red request form.

“Let’s see. That request thing, where is it––”

“H-Hey, please stop…!? I surrender!”

To the touch of her small smooth hands stroking within his clothes, Lux began to feel strange, but, he somehow endured it and spoke.

“The request is in my coat which is held by the Machine Dragon’s hand, so––”

“I see. All right, I understand.”

Lisha raised the Sword Device and made a mind operation by thought.

The moment when the restraint of the <Armed Wyrm> grasping Lux’s body loosened,

“I’m sorry. Lisha-sama––”

“…Wha!?”

Lux slipped through the Machine Dragon’s hand by using that slight opening.

He kicked the stone-paved floor at the same time as the landing, flew and quickly went out of the atelier.

“Thats sly, Lux! Waiiiit!”

“We’re even!”

Lux ran as to shake off Lisha chasing him with teary eyes.

As he shook off the chase of the female students who were outside, and somehow hid between the bush of plants and the wall of the Machine Dragon Hangar,

“…Ah, it’s Lu-chan.”

“Uwah!?”

A young girl was standing on the side of the brick wall.

“What the, Philphie!? Why are you here––?”

Lux’s childhood friend who always had a fluffy, loose atmosphere, Philphie Aingram.

The impressive girl with pink hair and a big chest was chewing a snack-like rusk.

As Lux unintentionally halted at this meeting in an unexpected place,

“It’s Phi-chan, right?”

While expressionless, she said so in a voice mixed with a slightly sullen nuance.

Among his close friends, she asked for a relationship where they called each other by their nicknames.

It was less objectionable now since there wasn't the public eye, but it was pretty embarrassing because he was coerced even in the classroom

“S-Sorry… But, Phi-chan. Why on earth are you in such a place––?”

Since Philphie had for better or worse an easy-going character, it was hard to think that she would participate in this event.

When Lux asked so as he was puzzled,

“It’s for cake. *gulp*…”

“…Yes?”

Swallowing the rusk which was in her hand, Philphie said something which he did not understand well.

“It’s because Onee-chan said that she would give me cake if I caught Lu-chan.”

“W-What is that person thinking…!?”

Lux was bewildered at Philphie’s mutter.

''Going as far as to incite her own little sister; is she really the Principal?''

(…No, Even Philphie who is lured by one cake is also to blame though.)

“With that said, I’m coming.”

Philphie took a stance with unhurried movements.

In the Royal Military Academy, one learnt not only handling as a Drag-Knight, but also taijutsu and fencing for self-defense.

Lux had never properly seen Philphie fight, but––

(Philphie is a girl and she seems not very good at exercise, so I can probably dodge with my legs.)

Thinking so, Lux planned to breakthrough head on.

Since he would be found by other students if he dodged her too greatly, he planned to forcibly go through Philphie’s side.

“Phi-chan. It’s dangerous, so be careful.”

“Yes. Understood.”

As he urged her so, Lux started running.

When he was going to slip through Philphie’s flank as he kicked the hard ground and changed the trajectory––

“I’ll be careful not to hurt you.”

“Eh––?”

She whispered in a subdued voice close to his ears and Lux noticed for the first time.

About the fact that Philphie was bending his joints behind him to the extreme, as she grasped Lux's wrist when he tried to run through her.

Furthermore, she quickly took his remaining arm with her other hand and entangled one of her leg around Lux’s legs.

Lux’s movement was completely sealed in an instant.

(W-what was that? That movement just now––!?)

Philphie’s movement was by no means fast.

Rather, it was a movement which could be said to be loose, and yet Lux could not avoid it at all.

Fluent movements without any waste at all, like a feather fluttering about in running water or midair.

With her beautiful taijutsu, she easily caught Lux.

“Kuh…!? ––Or rather, I can’t move at all!?”

Since his childhood friend was the opponent, he intended to not act violently as much as possible from the start.

But, as he put all his energy to undo the restraint with brute force, Lux was not able to move an inch.

“Just for a note, it’s been about seven years, since I learned martial arts a little.”

In a serene tone, Philphie whispered.

“I-Is that so!?”

Lux was surprised at the revelation of the unexpected fact.

''However, aside from her refined taijutsu, is this superhuman strength a talent?''

Even though he did not feel that she did not put that much power, he could not move at all.

Like the power difference between an adult and a child.

“Thank god. Like this, I can also eat the cake together with Lu-chan.”

Holding Lux’s body as such, Philphie smiled slightly joyfully.

The swelling of Philphie’s chest pressing from behind was squashed with a sweet sensation.

(A-As expected, Philphie’s are pretty big…!)

Towards the feel of those two with elasticity, whose contents were plumply jam-packed, Lux felt his heartbeat speeding up.

In a sense, at this rate it was a situation where it seemed like it would become painful indefinitely, but––

“Ah, the request…”

At that instant, a red request felt to the floor from Lux’s chest.

When Philphie stretched out her hand to pick it up at once––

“Ah…”

Rapidly removing the restraint, Lux succeeded in escaping.

“Sorry. Philphie!”

As he quickly collected the request with the momentum, Lux ran through the shadow of the Machine Dragon Hangar.

“Haa, haa… It’s becoming gradually hard..!”

Although he somehow managed to escape from Philphie, Lux’s stamina was already at his limit.

While hiding from the female students still looking for him, he headed to the waiting room of the practice field.

(Wait –– if it’s now when lessons are over, there should be no one!)

Lux thought so and crept in the waiting room.

As expected, there was no one in that wide space.

“…All right”

So as not to be found, he moved to the other side of the compartment for changing clothes just in case.

“Haa…!”

As he hid himself sitting on the wooden floor, Lux heaved a long sigh.

''Another 10 minutes like this and the game will be over.''

When Lux thought so, the sound of the door opening could be heard.

“––––”

Lux promptly stopped his breath and erased his presence.

He wondered whether it was some kind of mistake that a female student came here now, but––,

“Haa, it became really unpleasant, eh. Even though now is a rare chance to catch Lux-kun––”

“Ahaha. Well, it can’t be helped; the Drag-Ride’s repair is over, so I have to properly to test it––”

Judging from the voices, there were about five or six people who came over.

They seemed to be female students who were members of the academy guerilla squad, the “Knight Squadron”.

It looked like the Machine Dragons’ test run which was not scheduled would be rapidly carried out.

(W-What to do? at this rate––)

Unfortunately, since the door and windows were far from the back of the compartment, there was no way to go out without exposing himself before the girls.

(Even if I hide here, they should come to this side of the compartment after changing into the Dress Gear. So, I should already stop hiding––)

The moment when Lux resolved himself so,

The sound of the rustling of clothes could be heard.

(Eh…? Eeeeeeeeh…!?)

“Oh my, that underwear is pretty. In which store did you buy it? I’m envious, eh.”

“D-Don’t look at me too much… It’s embarrassing––”

“What are you talking about? Even though you have such a splendid thing unlike me.”

To the girls’ innocent voices, Lux’s heart throbbed.

''Don’t tell me it’s the ones I think it is––''

Lux stealthily peeped on the other side from the shadow of the compartment.

“…!?”

There was a heaven-like sight there.

There were familiar female students of the “Knight Squadron” and probably unfamiliar third-year members.

All of them took off their uniforms and were joking with each other in underwear.

(…W-What is it!? Why are they already getting dressed up!?)

When Lux’s head was about to become blank, he finally understood the reason.

In this academy where there were basically only female students, those expressly changing their clothes behind the compartment were few.

Moreover, Lux who was the only male student had not officially joined the “Knight Squadron” yet.

Now when only the members of the “Knight Squadron” use the waiting room after school, it was inevitable that it became so.

(W-What to do…!? I can’t go out from here…!)

If there is any student who comes on this side of the compartment on a whim––

“––Speaking of which, that boy of the rumor. Was he called Lux Acadia? Is it really all right to let him attend this academy?”

He suddenly heard such a voice of a female student who seemed to be a third-year student.

Though there was no anger or displeasure, her tone of voice was tinged with caution.

They received tyranny and discrimination from the Old Empire just only five years ago, so for a third-year student who did not know Lux well, they were reasonable words, but––

“Hmm. When trying to speak to him, he’s a really humble and good person. Also as a Drag-Knight, he’s pretty amazing––”

“Yes, besides precisely because he is a former Prince, he also has a cute face––”

“Hmm. But, isn’t there any worry of him being a pervert and peeping tom? Like he looked at you with indecent eyes. After all –– most of the “men” are such creatures, right?”

To the words praising Lux, the voice of another girl who seemed to be a third-year student rebutted.

But,

“No, there is no such thing in the Lux-kun's case! I don’t think that he will do such cowardly things!”

“Yes––. We, who have seen his way of fighting, trust him.”

He was very happy that the second-year student members supported him, but

(Wait, it becomes more and more a situation where I can’t afford to be found…!)

When, although unexpected, Lux harbored feelings of guilt about the fact that he had seen them in their underwear,

“Ah, Krulcifer-san. Good morning.”

To a bright voice emitted by a female student who was changing her clothes, Lux’s body froze in surprise.

Krulcifer Einvolk.

A foreign student of the academy and daughter of an earl of Ymir, a large and religious country of the North.

A mysterious girl with perfect beauty and ability.

Lux panicked even more since even a girl who was his classmate came.

(This is bad! I have to get out of here as soon as possible by any means––)

However, not eventually coming up with any way to evade well, time passed.

“Speaking of which, Krulcifer-san. The Drag-Ride’s guidebook. Do you know where it is? If I remember correctly, I think that I had put many volumes in this room, but––”

“Yes… The book would get damaged if exposed to sunlight, so I think I put it here––”

Soon after this voice could be heard,

“––Eh?”

“Ah…!?”

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v2 0002.jpg|thumb]]

The eyes of the girl who came to the other side of the compartment and Lux’s met.

It was Krulcifer who had already taken off the top and bottom of her uniform, and was in underwear.

“…!?”

For a moment, Krulcifer looked at Lux with a surprised face.

The cheeks of the usually composed girl slightly reddened in embarrassment.

Similarly, Lux averted his eyes from her while confused to the point that he could not even utter his voice.

A slender body without any waste at all.

However, a bodily build with a chest and hips which let one feel a feminine freshness.

Bewitching snow-like skin and a sweet fragrance of perfume slightly drifting.

Krulcifer’s appearance in underwear that he saw for the first time was preposterously attractive and beautiful.

But,

(––It’s over)

Immediately after, Lux’s face quickly turned pale.

At this rate, Lux would be handed over as a peeping tom and expelled from the academy.

Inside a cage as a criminal who betrayed the girls’ trust––

“Krulcifer-san. What’s wrong? Is something the matter?”

When such despair floated across his mind, he heard the voice of a female student from the other side of the compartment.

Lux promptly hung his head as he prepared himself for the worst, but––

“––It’s nothing. I found the guidebook.”

Krulcifer returned her usually refreshing expression and walked to Lux’s side.

And when she picked up the book put nearby, she returned to the other side of the compartment as if nothing happened.

(Eh…?)

“I will quit today’s training after all. I remembered that <Fafnir>’s maintenance wasn't over yet, so––”

“Is that so? Then, we’re going.”

After Krulcifer said so, the presences disappeared from the waiting room with lively voices.

The other female students, who were inside, seemed to have gone to the practice field.

“Um––”

As Lux timidly let his face peek from the compartment,

“It’s all right now. Cute peeping tom.”

Krulcifer had put back on her uniform and was reading a book before the table.

Making a small smile on her mouth, she sent a fleeting glance at Lux.

From that gesture, Lux was able to grasp her intention.

“…Um, thank you.”

As Lux thanked her for having helped him,

“If you are so pleased, then it was worth it that I have also felt embarrassed.”

Being said so in a teasing tone, Lux’s face turned red.

“I didn’t say thank you in that sense, um––”

“Oh my! Didn’t you have any interest in my naked body? Considering that, you seemed to be fairly looking thoroughly though.”

Krulcifer coiled herself with sweet voice as to feel even composure.

(S-She noticed my eyes…!?)

“ah, uh…, errr –– I’m sorry.”

As Lux, not being able to endure it, apologized, Krulcifer suddenly returned a serious face,

“It looks like I pushed the teasing a little far. It’s a bad habit of mine.”

As to let Lux calm down, she softly put her index finger at the seat next to her.

It was a signal to ask him to sit beside her.

“Errr, do you forgive me?”

“Yes, I intend to do so, but–– I wonder why; but when I’m looking at you, I want to tease you so badly. There is no malice, so it will save me if you don’t let it bother you.”

“…………”

Krulcifer’s words which were muttered with a smile were probably her true intentions.

However,

(It’s quite bad for my heart…)

While having mixed feelings, Lux sat down next to her.

“––But, you should be a little more careful. You’re at present the only boy in this academy after all.”

“I’m reflecting (on it)…”

Seeing Lux hanging his head, Krulcifer happily muttered “then, it’s fine”.

Then, she closed the book she was reading and turned her gaze to Lux beside her.

“Since it’s a rare opportunity, why don’t you rest a little? I also happen to have something I want to ask you.”

“Ah, but I’m––. Now is, um…”

“It seems that the bell to inform of the end of the event called your contest rang a while ago.”

“Eh…?”

As he was said so and looked at the clock of the waiting room, it was certainly past the end time.

Since he had been in panic, Lux might have failed to hear the bell ring for the signal of the end.

“At last, it’s over… Haaa…!”

When Lux lay down on the desk, Krulcifer chuckled.

“Haven’t you lost that request? It wouldn’t a laughable matter if it was inadvertently taken.”

“Ah, that’s also true. I’ll check whether I properly have it––”

To confirm it, Lux took out the special request from his pocket and put it on the table.

The request in which a blank space, where the winner who became a client would write, remained was safe without being taken by anyone.

“Really, thank you very much. Krulcifer-san”

“Is that so? I don’t think that you really need to thank me. After all––”

Krulcifer’s smile was returned to the relieved Lux. At that time,

“Eh?”

*Bang*! The waiting room’s door opened vigorously.

“I found you at last, Lux! Now, quickly hand that request to me––!”

When looking, including Lisha at the vanguard, a great number of female students had gathered at the entrance.

(Huh? It should have been over; and yet why––?)

Soon after Lux cocked his head in puzzlement,

“It’s the end time! The female student who has the red request now gets the privilege to do as she pleases to Lux-kun for one week!”

The voice of the female student in charge of the event could be heard along with the high-pitched sound of the bell.

“Eeeeeh…!? What on earth does this mean––”

“That’s why I told you, right? That you should be a little more careful.”

The moment when Lux looked back, the answer was there.

Krulcifer who had the red request of the “Lux contest” was smiling calmly.

The moment they saw it, the large number of students raised high-pitched screams “kyaaaaah!”.

“W-Why…!? But, the time of the clock has already––”

“You just tamper a little with the needles, then it’s over.”

He was said so without hesitation with Krulcifer’s serious look.

“…………”

(I-I was completely tricked…!)

As the fatigue until now assailed at a stretch, Lux sank down to the floor as such.

He was thinking that Krulcifer had no interest in such things…

Krulcifer’s victory was declared by the person in charge after she filled out the red request.

“With that said, I will have you listen to what I say for one week. I'll count on you.”

“Ah…, please treat me well.”

With a countenance as if his soul came out, Lux somehow answered.

Immediately after, the surrounding female students got excited and showed various reactions such as “congratulations!”, “as expected of you”, “to think that even Krulcifer-san was aiming for him––”

While the cheers of the female students surrounded the two of them, Krulcifer turned around to Lux.

“By the way, Lux-kun. May I make a request at once?”

“Ah, yes… If it is something that I can do––”

As Lux stood up, he replied so with a half negligent state of mind.

Then, Krulcifer showed a graceful smile and softly let a finger crawl over Lux’s chest.

“I want you to become my lover for one week from now. That is my request.”

“––Eh?”

It was not only Lux, the person concerned who stiffened.

*shiiii*……

The atmosphere of the waiting room fell silent; after several seconds, it became a big commotion again and exploded.

“Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!”

Soon after high-pitched screams resounded, the female students who happened to be present raised their voices unanimously.

“It’s amazing! Even such a request can be done, eh” “What should we do? With Krulcifer-san as opponent, it doesn’t seem like we can win––” “Wait. If you think conversely, can’t it be said that it was an unprecedented?” “Yes, let’s hope for a next contest!”

While such words flew about among the girls,

“––That being said, please take care of me.”

As she whispered so to the panicked Lux, Krulcifer left the waiting room.

“Eh…, wait!? Krulcifer-san?”

“Hey, Lux!? What is the meaning of this?! Even though you already have me––”

For some reason, Lisha flared up at him with teary eyes, but honestly, Lux did not understand it either.

“Errr…, I don’t understand, either.”

While defending himself as he was troubled, Lux was thinking in the corner of his head.

(…What did she mean by that?)

『––I’ll give you the details later.』

Krulcifer’s last words which she had said when leaving remained in Lux’s ears for a while.

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Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 1 Epilogue

2017-12-03T22:21:12Z

OmegaWeaponZ: /* Epilogue – Where The Prince belongs */

==Epilogue – Where The Prince belongs==

===Part 1===

“N, Ngh…”

With a small groan, Lux opened his eyelids.

He first saw a relatively new wooden ceiling, and the fragrance of flowers, medicinal herbs, and faint alcohol tickled his nose.

“…!? You woke up!? Thank god…! Nii-san!”

The smile of the girl who embraced him was reflected in Lux’s thinly opened eyes.

“This place––?”

As he somehow spoke while blushing, Airi hurriedly parted from Lux and after clearing her throat once, she quickly made a settled expression and straightened up her back.

“Um –– so, you finally woke up, Nii-san?”

“Airi? Ugh…!”

Trying to get to his little sister’s voice, Lux knitted his brows at the dull pain running throughout his body.

Airi dressed in her uniform who saw that, sighed once on the chair in front of the bed.

“You reap what you sow. After continuously using <Bahamut>’s Divine Raiment that much, it’s obvious, right? It’s better than you sleeping for one week as in the old days though.”

“…Perhaps, are you angry?”

As Lux laughed so awkwardly,

“Don’t you understand if I don’t say anything?”

She returned a grin.

<Bahamut>’s Divine Raiment required a very intense consumption from the user.

Even for Lux, who had a Machine Dragon aptitude which far exceeded an ordinary woman’s while being a man, it was a considerable burden.

Because of that, Lux who had almost died before made a promise to Airi not to use it directly until <Bahamut>’s operation time limit including the Divine Raiment was accurately clarified.

It was also the reason why Airi, as a student of civil official aspiration, was deciphering ancient documents of ruins involved with Machine Dragons.

And if by any chance, Lux’s talent and the fact that he was the “Black Hero” were known, Airi feared that he would be regarded as dangerous by various organizations including both inside and outside of the country, and would be targeted.

That’s why she had tried to stop him.

Until Lux defeated “a certain man” whom he was chasing, in another sense, she had tried to stop his habit of exposing himself to danger––

He knew that Airi was worried about him.

So, when he tried to apologize,

“Nii-san is–– a big idiot.”

Airi said so and embraced Lux, burying her face in his chest.

“…Five years ago. When Nii-san fell and did not wake up, do you know how much I was worried every day…?”

Airi who had a usually settled attitude said as her voice got cloudy.

“Certainly, I’m a big idiot”, Lux smiled wryly.

“I’m sorry for making you worried, Airi.”

After patting his little sister’s head for a while until she settled down,

“Speaking of which… is everyone safe?”

“…………”

The moment when she heard Lux’s words, Airi parted from Lux and turned scornful eyes towards him as she was amazed.

She seemed to be somehow dissatisfied.

“Ask that to them. I’m leaving already. Well then Nii-san, take care of yourself.”

“Yes, later then.”

Airi stood up and quietly left the medical office.

She passed by three girls who entered the room.

“Hi, it’s good to see that you look fine, Lux-kun.”

“Oh! I’m glad you woke up! How is it, Lux-cchi? Do you remember me?”

“Yes. It seems that it’s just fatigue, so I think it’s all right.”

They were Sharis, Tillfarr, and Nokuto of the Triad.

Each of them held fruits, flowers, and a silver work of charm, putting them on Lux’s bedside.

“…Thank you”

To the fact that there were people who would do that much for him, he was unintentionally moved to tears.

“Fufu. You seemed to be so moved that you don’t know what to say. But, you shouldn’t mind it, Lux-kun.”

“That’s right. You know, Lux-cchi. When a young lady gives you a present, the way to return it is with a bigger one. Let’s say that it’s courtesy in the current New Kingdom.”

“Yes. All of us expected it, so.”

“….Ah, what to say, I will do my best.”

To the three girls’ smiles, Lux returned a complex smile.

“It will be bad to stay too long in a place of convalescence. We will excuse ourselves to leave early.”

(In that case, I also wanted you not to put the pressure of presents on me…)

As he swallowed such words and saw off the Triad, two girls entered next.

“You seem to be more all right then I thought.”

“Good morning, Lu-chan.”

A slender girl with a cool impression, and a girl with a big chest giving off a fluffy feeling.

Krulcifer Einvolk and Philphie Aingram.

“Well, there are a lot of things which I want to thoroughly talk with you about, but––”

Krulcifer cast down her eyes and showed a thoughtful face for a short while.

Realizing that it was about the “Black Hero”, Lux was startled.

“Still, you’ve quite a disadvantageous character.”

Krulcifer said in a teasing tone.

“If you didn’t request my cooperation, I wouldn’t have known your secret. Why?”

He asked Krulcifer to protect Lisha and the “Knight Squadron”.

In order to stop the enemy’s attack in case he tried to aim not at Lux, but at Lisha and the “Knight Squadron” in the rear.

This time, Lux ended up defeating all the enemies as a result, but it seemed that Krulcifer had cleaned up afterwards in various ways, such as capturing those rebels whose Machine Dragons were destroyed after all was settled, and handing them over to the guards of the Fort City.

“It’s because I thought that it was the only way.”

Lux honestly answered back.

He would have done everything he could to save Lisha.

Therefore, so that he could fight without constraint, the cooperation of a talented person was indispensable.

“That’s all good, but you should be careful. For some reason, you seem to be full of openings even though you are that strong.”

“Eh––?”

Lux was shaken by Krulcifer’s mischievous voice.

“I am not a cruel woman so as to continue this in front of a convalescent person. We will talk slowly and carefully sometime soon again.”

“Ah, um, gently…”

As Lux somehow managed to return only that to Krulcifer whose smile contained an implication,

“…Philphie?”

“…………”

Philphie silently approached Lux and clang her front on his.

“Uwah!?”

Approaching her lovely face at a distance enough to be able to kiss, Lux confusedly bent backward.

Even so, Philphie showed no signs of minding it in particular.

“Yes. You don’t have a fever, so it’s all right, I guess.”

She muttered so as she nibbled a doughnut at hand.

“Welcome back, Lu-chan.”

Philphie who seemed to be emotionless at first glance revealed a small smile.

“…Ah, yes. I’m back, Phi-chan.”

As Lux who had become slightly embarrassed blushed, Philphie suddenly left his side and went out.

“Well then, see you later.”

“Eh? Yes…”

“You’ve quite a pretty childhood friend.”

“P-Please, don’t tease me!”

Krulcifer also chuckled and left the medical home.

As Lux whose heart was still beating fast got up, several more classmates and “Knight Squadron” members visited the medical home.

“Ah, so you were safe! You’ve a strong bad luck, eh.”

“It seems that you’ve protected Lizsharte-sama. You’ve my thanks.”

“Next time, you should learn how to attack. Though you won’t be as good as that, legendary –– “Black Hero”.”

Hearing the talk of several female students, Lux guessed that his identity was not exposed.

Lisha of course, but also Krulcifer and Nokuto seemed to exercise tact.

“…Phew”

After all the visitors left, the woman who was the doctor of the medical office came by at last.

After first asking several questions to the awakened Lux, then taking a light examination,

“I have a message from Principal Relie. She wants you to come to the principal room after you settle down. That there’s something important concerning your treatment––”

“…Understood.”

Lux sighed once after leaving the medical room.

As expected, the important matter should have already been known by Principal Relie, too.

Now that the “Black Hero”’s identity, though to only several people, was exposed, Lux could not remain here.

Originally, the story that a person of the Empire took part in the coup d’état must not come to light.

If a member of the Old Empire’s imperial family destroyed the Empire, it would be recognized by the citizens and feudal lords that it was not a revolution, but a fight for hegemony in the Empire or just an act, and the unifying force of the new Kingdom would weaken.

Therefore, even if the rumor that the “Black Hero” was there arose, it would be bad that Lux, the Prince who was that proof remained.

“Besides, it was a temporary enrollment to begin with…”

It was surely about that kind of talk.

(…It’s finally a good bye, I guess.)

With a slightly deep emotion in his chest, Lux decided to head to a certain place.

===Part 2===

The Drag-Ride’s workshop smelled of metal and oil as usual.

Thinking about it, even though I came to the academy to do the work of a Dragon machine mechanic apprentice, I didn’t do anything in the end, thought Lux with a wry smile.

<Bahamut>’s storage location was not in the hangar of ordinary Machine Dragons.

It was quietly sleeping in a secret place called the top-secret hangar N° 0 which was in the basement of the Capital.

The Coup d’état’s last day five years ago.

After having lost consciousness in the audience room, Lux was picked up by Lisha’s aunt who later became the New Kingdom's Queen.

When he woke up, Fugil had suddenly disappeared, and his whereabouts were unknown.

Probably because of the collapse of the imperial castle, not only <Bahamut> was not taken to Lux, but he also miraculously regained consciousness.

The revolution succeeded, but Lux regarded Fugil, who intentionally led the Empire to collapse, as dangerous and afterwards he decided to chase him.

As the chore Prince of the New Kingdom.

And, in order to stack training so as to be able to freely use <Bahamut> whose burden was too big while wandering––

There was the danger of being assassinated as a Prince of the Old Empire, so he could not stay in the same place.

“But, I feel like I've been here for quite a long time…”

He was happy for attending the Drag-Knight’s academy, and for also being able to meet friends of the same age for the first time ––or at least people whom he could call so.

It was a little regrettable that she did not come for a visit, but he wanted to greet the person to whom he was the most indebted to last, and thus came here.

“Hey! Isn’t it Lux?! Is your injury already all right?”

As he was thinking about such a thing, a girl who was sitting before the work unit for Drag-Rides looked back at Lux with a smile.

A slightly dirty white gown put on top of her uniform.

Lisha’s figure which did not seem Princess-like as usual was there.

It looked like she was still working hard in the research of the strongest Drag-Knight in this workshop.

Until very recently, I was thinking that she was acting like a Princess, but now –– I feel very relieved.

Lux also thought that it was sad after all that he could not see her anymore.

“Lizsharte-sama. Thank you for what you’ve done until now.”

“Fufu. I’m moving for myself. So, there is no reason for you to thank me. More importantly, I want you to test something next time. I found an interesting equipment.”

“Then, give me a request again then. I will come soon at anytime.”

However –– I must already leave the academy though.

Thinking so, Lux was about to leave the workshop, but he suddenly remembered his purpose.

“Ah, speaking of which, it’s about my <Wyvern>, but––”

It should have been greatly damaged by that fight, but he wondered how he would take it back.

Since Lux had only <Bahamut>’s Sword Device at hand, the other one should probably be under repair, but––

“Ah, before that, look at this. Because you’re a special person, you mustn’t show it to other students, but –– you’re the owner.”

“Eh…?”

Suddenly, Lisha opened the garage storing Machine Dragons in the back of the room.

There––, there was a huge jet-black Machine Dragon.

It was Lux’s Divine Drag-Ride <Bahamut>.

“Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeh!? ––Why!?”

He unintentionally cried out.

“Now, I am repairing the very old scratches. Divine Drag-Ride repair is difficult, but I can’t let anyone help me for only this much, either. After all–– it’s an important secret in which only a restricted number of people know that this machine will be put in the academy.”

“I'll go see the Principal a little!”

When Lisha was going to talk again, Lux had already started running.

===Part 3===

Running up by skipping 2 steps at once while running up the stairs of the school building, he headed to the principal's room.

“What is the meaning of this, Relie-san!?”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>paff*

When he pushed the large door open with both his hands,

“Congratulations on your official admission! Lux-kun!”

With small cheers, thunderous applause arose.

In the wide principal room, other than Relie Aingram, girls whom Lux was familiar with.

Krulcifer, Philphie, Airi, and other classmates had gathered.

“Eh…?”

Lux who thought that there would surely be only the Principal, stiffened as he was taken by surprise.

And, a last person, a girl in uniform entered.

“Lizsharte, sama?”

“Ahem. Well then, instead of the Principal, allow me to carry out the greeting. Chore Prince Lux Acadia. I, the New Kingdom Princess, shall grant life to you, a criminal.”

Lisha changed her way of speaking, said so and walked before Lux.

One Sword Device stored in a brand-new sheath in her hand.

“Thanks to your cooperation –– I was saved. You were able to protect not only this Fort City, but also our country. I admit that there is clear power and justice in yourself and extol you.”

Declaring so, Lisha softly smiled.

“Therefore, here is an order from me. You stay here. As our chore Prince, as the first male student, become our power. We shall admit you who should not originally be allowed here. There is no objection, Hero.”

“Errr…”

A silence as if time stopped.

When Lux raised his face as he was embarrassed, Principal Relie smiled wryly.

“If you’re like that, then you’ll have trouble handling girls from now on, Lux-kun.”

She just said that.

So, this is what she meant by “there’s something important concerning your treatment”.

“Therefore, how to put it. The sword of the <Wyvern> is still in the middle of repair, but–– Will you receive it? My sword.”

While her cheeks were dyed red and she slightly averted her eyes, Lisha held out the sword.

The moment he saw it, Lux suddenly leaked a breath and kneeled down.

“As you command, my Princess”

Immediately after Lux received the sword, cheers arose from the surroundings.

Hung by Lisha’s smile, Lux also smiled wryly.

Thus, Lux Acadia got a place where he belonged for the first time in the New Kingdom.

As the Prince of girls whom he should protect.

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Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 1 Episode 7

2017-12-03T21:31:21Z

OmegaWeaponZ: /* Episode 7 - The Weakest Drag-Knight */

==Episode 7 - The Weakest Drag-Knight==

===Part 1===

In the fort city of the country of morning glow, the bell’s sound which conveyed caution and Machine Dragons' roaring were resounding.

Several Drag-Knights were flying all over the town in order to inform of the Abyss's attack.

In the school, the emergency meeting which gathered the instructors and top brass of the city was held immediately.

Meanwhile, Lux and the officer cadets received orders to wear their Dress Gear and stand by, they had gathered in the Machine Dragon Hangar.

Fort City Cross Feed, the Fourth Machine Dragon Hangar.

That building which was located in the school premises was wide in itself; it was a shelter with bulky stone walls as well as a depository of Drag-Rides before transfer.

It was said in case of emergency, that this place was the waiting place and could also become an evacuation site.

“Well then, as everyone gathered, I shall notify you, ladies and gentlemen officer cadets.”

The reason for the alarm bell was due to the appearance of the Abyss.

According to the report of Drag-Knight scouts, the kind was a large-sized one.

The place of emergence was estimated to be the ruins in the south west, and the appearance time was late at night.

There was talk about the fact that between the Fort City and the ruins, three strongholds existed, but the security network around the ruins and the first stronghold were already broken through, and the situation was urgent.

“Currently, we are being stationed in the second and third strongholds and several Drag-Knights of the district defense unit are heading to the subjugation. But, the enemy is a large-sized one. In preparation for the possibility that it breaks through and damage extends to the Fort City, we will also form an interception unit and prepare for battle. Get ready and stay on alert while waiting for orders.”

In an unusually serious voice, instructor Raigree explained so and ended the talk.

There was the explanation that a reinforcement demand had already been sent to the Capital.

Some female students sighed in relief after hearing that, but––

“They really are a bunch of peace idiots, eh. The young ladies of this academy.”

“Eh...?”

To the mutter of Krulcifer who was standing alongside the wall of the hangar, Lux unintentionally asked back.

“They shouldn’t expect reinforcements from the Capital so easily.”

“What do you mean? Everyone who is here are officer cadets, right? Unless the Drag-Knights of the army from the Capital come––”

“Your voice is too loud, Lux-kun.”

Sharis who came around suddenly put her index finger on his mouth and smiled wryly.

“Just to note, you’re a former Prince and a Drag-Knight. I thought you knew the circumstances on that point about this country's military situation.”

“To put it simply, there is a lack of manpower. That’s the practical problem.”

Tillfarr who was on the side supplemented so while shrugging her shoulders.

“Yes. Even you should know that this isn’t an ordinary city.”

And as Nokuto added, she slowly walked towards the door going outside.

“Where do you intend to go?”

“We are of the “Knight Squadron”. So we should proactively take the initiative in case of emergency. Those living in this place certainly have some benefits; but there are always ups and downs.”

Now that the Drag-Knights of the army were almost all out, there was military power which could oppose the Abyss.

Sharis returned a smile and the three girls went out as such.

They would probably wear their Machine Dragons in the practice field and head to the subjugation of the Abyss.

“Well then, Lux. I’m going.”

Coming to pat his shoulder with her hand was Lisha wearing a Dress Gear.

The attack of a large-sized Abyss.

In spite of the tense situation, Lisha’s expression showed no signs of tension.

“Please, be careful.”

“I’ll be all right. I’m strong after all. However, it’s regrettable that you can’t accompany me. Even though I intended to use this opportunity to teach you how to attack.”

Lisha showed a smile as if her depression from yesterday had never existed.

''She should be all right at this rate.''

Lux felt relieved and saw off Lisha.

Upon close inspection, from within the hangar, most of the members of the “Knight Squadron” were not there.

Only Philphie who could use a Divine Drag-Ride seemed to remain for the defense of the Fort City, almost all the others seemed to have sortied for the Abyss subjugation.

Lux was at a loose end since familiar faces temporarily disappeared.

As he turned his gaze to the vicinity, the face of Krulcifer who was leaning her back on the wall could be seen.

“Krulcifer-san, even though you’re of the “Knight Squadron”, you didn't go for the subjugation?”

As Lux stepped up and asked so,

“For overseas students from foreign countries like me, an original battle standard is established by the school regulations.”

She plainly answered with her expression which did not change at all.

“I have no obligation to be involved in a direct battle with the Abyss. Otherwise, I can at least cooperate with other forms of support, such as information transfer and goods supply beyond the scope of danger to my life. I can help if I want, but a complain will come from my country, so I don’t intend to do so.”

Krulcifer was an overseas student from Ymir, a large country in the north.

If learning the technology and knowledge of Machine Dragons was the purpose, to take the initiative, and fight in the crisis of other countries and lose their life would be the most unreasonable.

In other words, it meant that the “Knight Squadron” led by Lisha would be exposed to danger.

“............”

As Lux was at a loss for words to that fact,

“You don’t really need to worry about it.”

“Eh...?”

“We aren’t people who should fight now. It’s natural that even such situation happen. You’re a general student who hasn’t even joined the “Knight Squadron”. So, there's no need to be concerned about being unable to fight. You should just obey the directives of the instructor.”

“............”

Lux could not answer anything.

“Nii-san. You mustn’t go.”

As Lux was separated from the crowd, Airi came over in front of him.

“With that <Wyvern>, you can’t attack and you can’t use the other sword. There is nothing that your current self can do, Nii-san. If it’s Lisha-sama and the “Knight Squadron” who are there, they can defeat even a large-sized Abyss. So––”

“I know. I know, but…”

Lux spoke ambiguously while nodding.

The military power of the “Knight Squadron” was reduced to half, by the fact that the third-year students who accounted for half the number of the members, had gone to the Capital for practice.

Even so, about ten Drag-Knights were strength enough to be able to find a chance of victory against a large-sized Abyss.

But, something seemed awry.

He remembered that the Abyss which attacked them at the time of the duel with Lisha a few days ago.

For the Abyss whose appearance rate was always low, two had appeared in this short period of time.

When Lux had guarded the ruins of the frontier before as an odd job, the Abyss appeared only once a month.

Of course, there was also the possibility of coincidence, but––

“Is there anything bothering you? From now, I plan to only see the situation from a distant position, but––”

“No…”

“Then, I’m going.”

“Please, be careful.”

As Krulcifer got up to leave, Lux began to walk slowly in the hangar. In order to look for unknown questions and answers.

===Part 2===

A very spacious wasteland about 3km away from the Fort City.

At one time, it was covered with a carpet of grasslands and there were several villages and settlements, but due to the influence of ruins and the Abyss which appeared more than ten years ago, all these were destroyed and there was only abandoned wreckage.

The first stronghold which was the closest to the ruins, and the second stronghold had already been broken through.

It was said that the guard troops of the Kingdom army that could fight, was in the middle of gathering neighbouring soldiers and reorganizing.

Stopping the Abyss heading to the Fort City would depend on the “Knight Squadron”’s activity.

“Is this thing –– that Abyss?”

From the ground and the sky about 200 miles away from the target, about ten members of the “Knight Squadron” confirmed the Abyss.

It had no legs. From its trapezoidal large build like jelly, two arms like spires stretched left and right, and two purple spheres like eyeballs were floating inside the body close to the top of the head.

It was just that much a creature.

A Slime type said to have almost no intelligence.

However, that Abyss, a large-sized one as the report said, boasted of an extraordinary large build which could swallow a castle.

In the inner part of its translucent body, a slightly dark red sphere –– the thing called the core could be seen.

And the frightening thing was that castle like large build was moving.

It looked like the speed of the degree which a child runs at, but considering its huge size, it was too fast.

The question now was how they should conquer it––

“Okay, I will fire.”

Lisha who was left the command suddenly set up her Breath Gun with a smile.

It loaded energy from the Force Core to the cannon.

The main weapon of the <Chimeric Wyvern> took aim at the Abyss’ core.

“Are you going to shoot all of a sudden!?”

One member of the “Knight Squadron” that was behind her shouted so as she was frightened.

“It won’t begin unless I try, right? Here I go!”

Lisha, showing no signs of being scared pulled the trigger of the cannon.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>boom*, the huge light pillar which was released hit the slime’s abdomen.

“Goboh… Gubaaah!”

Immediately after, the shock dashed across the Abyss’ body surface.

And *splash*, its mucus scattered.

“…!?”

Since they took enough distance, the mucus did not reach the “Knight Squadron”.

But, the mucus which scattered to the ground fell onto the grass and melted it in no time.

The third-year student Sharis who saw that called out to the whole “Knight Squadron” using dragon voice.

『If you touch its body, you’ll turn out like that. It looks like we can't count on the Machine Dragon's barrier that much.』

『Yes. It would be best for us to avoid close combat. I think we should all prepare our shooting armaments. Lizsharte-sama.』

Nokuto asked for instructions.

But, before Lisha could answer,

“Hey!? More importantly, look at that!?”

Tillfarr in a panicked voice pointed at one point with the blade in her hand.

There, a shadow––,

“Gopoh, Gopopopoh…”

Without caring about Lisha’s bombardment, the Abyss continued its advance.

No, it reacted to the attack and increased its movement speed.

Climbing over the third stronghold which was before it, it was imminently approaching the last defense point –– the rampart of the Fort City second block.

“The bombardment didn’t work…?”

Among the general-purpose Machine Dragons that posseses a Breath Gun, the <Chimeric Wyvern> used one which had the highest power.

However, the bombardment only flipped a part of the body surface it didn't touch the core at all.

Even the holes pierced on its body were filled by the surrounding body fluids, and it regenerated in less than ten seconds.

“Tch… It looks like that big thing’s body is made of a troublesome mucus. It seems to scatter the Breath Gun’s power by conveying the impact and heat to the whole surrounding body fluids”

Lisha, though subtly clicking her tongue, kept her calm.

“So, what’s the strategy? Commander.”

To the question of Sharis who was staying in the air nearby, Lisha snorted,

『It’s obvious. Simultaneous shootings while aiming at the core. Everyone, take a distance of 200 miles and load to the maximum. The power will fall if you’re too far. I’ll do the countdown. Understood?』

As she also called out to the “Knight Squadron” above ground using the dragon voice, Lisha let the energy fill her own cannon.

(With this, we can surely defeat it. It’s our win.)

Lisha was convinced of her victory.

A concentrated fire (barrage) released by a dozen Drag-Knights.

Based on the previous bombardment, as long as she confirmed the situation of the body fluids scattering, this power should be able to go through.

“I'll begin the countdown. We all shoot at zero… 5, 4, 3…”

Following Lisha’s orders, all the machines set up their cannons loaded to the maximum.

––Iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!

“2, 1, sho––”

At that time. The strange sound of a flute resounded from somewhere in the neighbourhood.

(Where is this sound? From the rear of the Abyss––)

When Lizsharte thought so in the corner of her head, the shock of the salvo shook the atmosphere.

At the same time, something unusual occurred to the Abyss before their eyes.

“What…!?”

The dark red core inside the body that they were aiming at.

It suddenly swelled like foam filled with wreckage.

“Goaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!”

Immediately after, before the bombardment hit, the Abyss burst itself.

The explosion of the core.

High heat and impact which far exceeded expectations painted out the field of vision and surged.

『Deploy a barrier! Also use the Machine Dragon roar!』

Lisha’s shout was drowned out by a roaring sound and disappeared.

===Part 3===

“Huh…?”

As Lux was aimlessly walking inside the Machine Dragon hangar, on the other side of an opened door there was a staircase leading to the basement.

“There was such a place, huh…?”

Lux’s feet naturally headed to the basement.

As he quietly opened the door within reach, there –– Philphie was there.

His childhood friend who was a user of a Divine Drag-Ride was sitting on a small chair, absent minded as usual.

“…Philphie?”

She was a girl with an usually mysterious impression, but Lux felt a strange presence and called out to her.

“…………”

But –– there was no response.

Something was strange.

As if she did not hear Lux’s voice since the beginning.

“I can hear, a sound.”

However, staring at one point of the wall as such, Philphie said.

“A sound?”

When Lux asked so,

“A sound.”

Philphie muttered as she repeated.

Lux’s ears could not hear anything.

But,

“I can hear the sound of a flute… from the other side.”

“…!?”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>badump*

To her words spat out absent mindedly, Lux’s heart bounced.

『After all, if you were done in without being able to properly defeat the army, I would have had no choice but to call the Abyss using the "flute".』

The tone of the flute.

The Abyss’ sudden attack during the duel with Lisha.

The timing of the third-year students of the “Knight Squadron” being away.

All the gears were linked; one answer was born.

“Don’t tell me––”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Dooong*

Suddenly, a vibration like the ground rumbling shook the hangar.

“…I’ll go check out the situation, Philphie.”

“Yes. Please, Lu-chan.”
With only her voice, Philphie saw off Lux who left the basement with a serious face.

“Go help, in my stead––”

She muttered so at the end with a hollow expression.

===Part 4===

The military unit “Knight Squadron” which was fighting the Abyss fell into a partially destroyed state.

“Ku, aah…!”

“U…ku, ah…!”

With the sound of acid burning, several Machine Dragons’ armors melted.

There were also many members who switched from cannon or blade, which they had in hand, to a shield; their armaments had already become unusable.

Even the Drag-Knights who were flying were blown away due to the shock of the explosion, and all of them were dropped on the ground.

“…Kuh! To all machines of the “Knight Squadron” platoon, evacuate! We will rebuild our posture once again. Those who can’t use any weapons, step back for the moment!”

The failure of the planned attack.

And knitting her brows at the reality of there being great damage, Lisha groaned.

“We can still fully fight! Don’t panic!”

Calling out so to her comrades, she tried to raise their willpower.

But,

『Hou, you’ve really gotten used to acting like a Princess, eh, Lizsharte.』

“…!?”

Suddenly, through dragon voice from somewhere –– a man’s voice which became hoarse could be heard.

It was not a member of the “Knight Squadron”.

It was a Drag-Knight attached to the defense corps of the New Kingdom army that had chased after the Abyss which broke through the strongholds.

A man wearing a gray Machine Dragon and standing still in the sky, at the rear of the Abyss which charged, could be seen.

『But you know? You aren’t of such caliber.』

“You bastard, what are you saying––…!?”

Immediately after her words, a flash bombardment was released by that Drag-Knight towards Lisha.

『Commander!』

『Princess!』

The screams of the Knight Squadron echoed in the dragon voice communication.

“Kuh…!”

It was at a timing where she was completely taken back, but Lisha barely evaded a direct hit.

But, the bombardment which grazed broke the armor and she fell over sideways on the ground with the <Chimeric Wyvern>.

『Uh… Kuh! What the hell are you trying do…!? Captain of the guard corps deployed from the Royal Capital––』

Lisha glared at the Drag-Knight standing still in the sky and shouted so.

In response, the man in his prime, serenely,

『You are mistaken.』

Declared so as if ridiculing her.

『It's from the Imperial Capital<ref>it’s the same Capital as the royal Capital, except since there are the rebel troops of the Old Empire, he doesn’t call it “Royal” Capital, but “Imperial” Capital</ref> that I came, Your Highness Princess Lizsharte. Acadia Empire, Imperial Guards Knight Squadron Chief, Velvet Barth is my name.』

『…!?』

To the polite voice heard through the dragon voice, all of the “Knight Squadron” members present gasped in surprise.

After the Old Empire was destroyed by the coup d’état.

The Drag-Knights survivors which were on the Empire side were once put in jail as war criminals.

However, those who pledged allegiance to the New Kingdom and were proven of their innocence once again became officers as the New Kingdom’s Drag-Knights, but––

Hearing the lines “I came from the Imperial capital”, Lisha guessed the man’s identity.

An enemy of this country.

The rebel army which was scheming the restoration of the Old Empire, and the man who carried that will in his body.

“So you betrayed the New Kingdom? And you even went as far as to expressly pull an Abyss from the ruins––”

『Do not say a disgraceful thing like betraying. I got back on the right track. I obtained power.』

The voice of a man who was elated with success could be heard in the head through the dragon voice.

『Did you think that you could beat me with one surprise attack? Your arrogance will cause your loss, Velvet.』

Being shot on the flight device, Lisha calmly set up.

Velvet who also saw that had a composed expression.

『I can win. After all, luring you out like this was also to create a chance for victory.』

The gray Drag-Ride got down from the sky.

Strengthened Flight Type Machine Dragon <EX Wyvern> where there was the Old Empire’s army symbol on the coating.

The guard squad commander, Velvet picked up a small golden flute in front of the Abyss which fell in the mud.

『Now, hatch out. Eggs.』

And, he put his mouth on the flute with a cruel smile.

A never heard before harsh dissonance resounded on the rough earth.

Just after.

On the surface of the Abyss which had exploded and crumbled down in the mud, countless oil slicks bubblingly floated.

The small bubbles pimply increased in size at a high speed and popped off all at once.

“That is––!?”

The members of the “Knight Squadron” stared wide-eyed in surprise.

What came out were birdmen of black metal.

A herd of Gargoyles like the one which attacked the academy a few days ago.

They were born from the Abyss’ body.

『O-Ohé, ohé…』

『Such a number…! Even though we have never fought more than two Abysses at the same time…』

『What do we do… I haven’t heard about this––』

『In the first place, to think that the garrison in the army were enemies…』

Multiple voices overlapped on the dragon voice’s line.

Giant bubbles of despair were born and burst.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>puff*

<nowiki>*</nowiki>puff* *puff*

<nowiki>*</nowiki>puff* *puff* *puff* *puff*

Black metal wings gradually covered the sky of the morning glow from which the day began to rise.

There were about 30 Gargoyle Type Abysses.

An enemy force of more than about 120 machines in terms of full-fledged Drag-Knights was born in that place.

“––Awaken, Founding Ancestor. King of the Dragon Gods that is an Army in itself. <Tiamat>!”

Lisha cancelled the connection to the damaged <Chimeric Wyvern> and wore her Divine Drag-Ride <Tiamat>.

However,

『Lisha-sama! Please, prepare for withdrawal! A fight with this level of military power is dangerous!』

One member of the Knight Squadron shouted so through the dragon voice communication, but Lisha gave her head a small shake.

『Sorry, but it seems to be impossible. The enemy has wings. Even if we run away into the Fort City, they will fly over the wall. We have no choice but to fight them here.』

『B-But––. We will gain time, so at least Lisha-sama must escape! You who is the Princess cannot die here. Also for the sake of the people of the New Kingdom which finally obtained peace.』

Moreover, another member shouted so as to urge her.

But––

『Do you mean–– surviving is also a Princess’ duty?』

Lisha’s wry smile came back through the dragon voice.

『Then, I’m not fit to be a Princess after all.』

With these lines, she lonely turned around.

『It’s bothersome, I’m not good at it. At surviving by sacrificing someone, extolling someone’s death as heroic, doing at least one speech to the citizens who survived and being exposed to applause.』

『…………』

『That’s why I will fight. It’s surely the mission which I can do as a Princess.』

As soon as she asserted this, Lisha’s <Tiamat> flew.

『Tell all the Knight Squadron’s members, from here on we will engage the enemy. Those unable to fight as well as the injured should take shelter within the walls. The members who can fight, cover me. Go down a little to not be hit by the <{{furigana|Airborne Fortress|Legion}}>.』

『Lizsharte-sama…』

Even the “Knight Squadron”’s members who felt her resolution in her tone regained their calm naturally.

『Nokuto. You return to the Fort City, explain about this situation to the academy and ask for orders; can you do it?』

『Yes. Roger.』

Immediately after her answer, Nokuto’s <Drake> glided towards Cross Feed.

At the same time, the members of the “Knight Squadron” set up their remaining armaments all at once.

“Now, let’s play. Traitors.”

Wielding her Sword Device, Lisha summoned her auxiliary armaments.

Twelve more <{{furigana|Airborne Fortress|Legion}}> and the ultra-fired gun <{{furigana|Seven-Headed Dragon|Seventh Heads}}>.

“That’s quite a foolish mouth you have, Princess.”

The defense squad Commander Velvet twisted his mouth in an arc, and once again pushed his lips to the flute.

===Part 5===

“––That’s all, but I will confirm by sight from a long distance, the current war situation that I heard through dragon voice from Nokuto-san.”

The students staying on standby fell silent to the fact which Krulcifer brought back with the speed of her Divine Drag-Ride <Fafnir>.

“Withdraw from Cross Feed? Or fight back? It is necessary to decide this. The enemy is already closing in right now after all.”

“Understood. I thank you for your cooperation. Krulcifer.”

At the same time as instructor Raigree answered, a heavy silence filled the Machine Dragon Hangar.

Having brought the Abysses was a man of the rebel army, who was the defense squad commander and somebody that inherited the will of the Old Empire.

The biggest military power of the Fort City at present, the “Knight Squadron” was on the verge of annihilation.

With that fact being thrust at them, the female officer cadet students were at a loss for words.

“…………”

Meanwhile, Lux was about to go out of the hangar.

In front of the door heading to the outside, Airi was standing there with a worried expression.

“Where do you intend to go? Nii-san.”

Airi asked Lux who had an expression showing that he had already made up his mind.

With an obstinate expression which muffled something.

“I am going to help Lisha-sama.”

“You can’t!”

Airi flatly told so.

“With that <Wyvern>, even if you can defend, you can’t defeat the Abyss; you also can't use the other sword. There's nothing that the current you can do, Nii-san.”

“But––”

“I understand Nii-san’s feelings. But, in this world, there are things which can’t be helped. No matter how much you do your best, there are many things which can’t be reversed. We, the Old Empire’s royalty should have seen it as unpleasant as it was!”

Throwing off her usually clear expression, Airi appealed to him.

Lux knew what she meant by that.

“Weren’t we fighting for justice? Don’t forget our purpose. Do you plan to die here? Please. For this country, we––”

“You’re wrong, Airi.”

Lux interrupted Airi’s words and suddenly smiled.

“My purpose isn't to defeat the Empire. It’s to defeat the enemy who takes important people away from me.”

“…………”

“I’ll be all right, Airi. I won’t leave you alone, so––”

Airi calmly looked downward at those words.

“I've already finished the output adjustment of that Machine Dragon. It has to the bitter end been analyzed by me who's still studying, but… I cannot guarantee more than ten minutes…”

“Thank you.”

As Lux smiled at his little sister, he approached Krulcifer who was outside the door.

“Krulcifer-san. I have a request.”

“…What is it?”

“Please activate your <Fafnir>. Not to cover me, but to save Lisha-sama. You are the only person who can go out of the Fort City right now.”

As Lux turned straight eyes <--[need to fix] and said so,

“Didn’t I say it before? I cannot go fight using this life that belongs to the religious country Ymir.”

Krulcifer told so in a calm tone until the bitter end.

But––

“I know the identity of the “Black Hero”. Let’s make a deal. I'll tell you if you listen to my request.”

“…………”

One could clearly feel even without seeing that Airi had turned her gaze away from Lux.

“All right.”

Krulcifer nodded after a short pause.

“Then, let’s go.”

And then, the two people unsheathed their Sword Devices at the same time.

===Part 6===

A mortal combat was unfolding in the battlefield of the wasteland.

30 metallic flying type Abysses; the Gargoyles’ fierce attack.

And for some reason, the defense squad commander Velvet who wasn't attacked by the Abysses, was looking at that hell from the rear like a commander.

Was it the power of the flute which he holds in his hand? It looked like he commanded the Abysses and controlled their movements.

“Kuh…! Haah!”

Lisha roughened her breathing and put strength to all parts of her limbs.

She perturbed the opponents with a total of 16 <{{furigana|Airborne Fortress|Legion}}>, blocked their movements with the Divine Raiment <Heavenly Voice>, Gravity Control, and surely consigned them to oblivion with the maximum bombardment of the <{{furigana|Seven-Headed Dragon|Seventh Heads}}> at last.

An extreme battle which fully used the three major armaments of the Divine Drag-Ride <Tiamat>.

She performed an attack with output beyond the limit consecutively and the Knight Squadron’s members who covered her were also making frantic efforts, but they were still outnumbered.

Even so, without loosening the offensive, she continued to reduce the enemies’ number little by little, but––

“Kuh… Haa!”

Finally, the limit which couldn’t be extended with just feelings was approaching.

Her vision grew hazy and her hands and feet no longer did what she wanted.

“Haa… Haa…!”

There was about a dozen of the Gargoyle type Abyss remaining.

Of course, even if only one was remaining, it was not an opponent to which you could let your guard down, but finally the chance of being able to execute the last plan came.

“Sharis, Tillfarr… are you safe?”

Narrowing down the dragon voice to only the “Knight Squadron”’ members, Lisha called out to them.

『…I’m sorry, but Princess, I was saved by a comrade and have already begun to withdraw.』

『Yes, it looks like I’m also at my limit… My armaments have been blown off along with the armor of both my hands––』

To the reply with a voice which got husky, Lisha smiled wryly.

She was rather thankful to her friends who fought with her in the middle of an overwhelming force difference.

『You guys should withdraw. Instead, I have a request. Tell the instructors who are in the Fort City to come out to attack. If my aim from now on succeeds, that is.』

『Princess. Don’t tell me it’s…?』

Sharis guessed Lisha’s intention.

『Yes, I’m –– going to aim at the boss who possesses that flute.』

It was recorded that Abysses originally had the habit of attacking living things indiscriminately.

Nevertheless, that defense squad captain Velvet who sided with the Old Empire, far from being attacked, showed no signs that he could get caught up by their attacks.

And, the golden flute which the man possessed was not a Drag-Ride’s armament.

It was probably a treasure of the ruins, and he was manipulating the Abysses using it.

In short, if she could even do something about that flute, or if she defeated even Velvet, it was likely that the Abysses would lose control.

She couldn't do it until now as the numbers were too much, but her chance had finally come.

“––How unsightly, Lizsharte. Originally, it was a mistake in the first place that the likes of a bitch like you, who must have lived waiting upon a man even if for a while, to sit on the seat of Princess.”

Velvet who was staying in the air behind the Abysses was looking down at Lisha with a smile of mockery-

“Hmm. So that's to say, men are fellows like you who act conceited and make up repetitive excuses after it’s over? And yet, they can only say things when they are in an absolutely advantageous situation, huh. I see; then it’s natural that the Empire has been destroyed by we, the women.”

“…You’ve some nerve. No, I shall give praise for that remarkable bluff. Even though you’re exhausted to the extent that the Divine Drag-Ride which you wear has already begun its rampage.”

As Velvet sneered at her, he put his lips to the flute and sent a breath.

A strange noise that was hard to describe resounded, and the Abysses came back behind Velvet all at once.

“As you wish. I’ll ride on the one-on-one fight that you desire. I shall give a glorious death in battle to you.”

Setting up a large-sized blade in an overhead position, Velvet declare so.

“What a funny joke. It will only be a shame even if my life was taken by a small thing like you.”

As Lisha returned a smile to that, she pulled a small blade and flew up.

Divine Drag-Ride <Tiamat> vs. Strengthened Flying Type Machine Dragon <EX Wyvern>.

If the users' technique, stamina and equipment were equivalent, <Tiamat> was an advantageous combination in a difference of air frame performance, but now it was different.

Lisha accumulated fatigue to the extent of vomiting blood and her armor was also crumbly.

Her special abilities –– not only weren’t there the <Heavenly Voice> Divine Raiment, there were also neither the strength to operate the <{{furigana|Airborne Fortress|Legion}}> nor the spare energy to perform a bombardment with the <{{furigana|Seven-Headed Dragon|Seventh Heads}}>.

It was even difficult to fly straight to where Velvet was, who was waiting in the sky.

If it was a one-on-one fight, the result could be seen.

The enemy was also confident about it.

Precisely because of this reason–– there was a chance of victory

“Come on, you should scatter that life! False princess!”

The moment when the energy from the Force Core streamed down Velvet’s large sword.

Lisha threw her set-up blade before his eyes.

“––!?”

The throwing of the small sword. At the same time, <Tiamat> which was rising suddenly stopped.

It wasn't limited to just Drag-Knights, if you lose your weapon on a battlefield, it will lead to an immediate death.

Velvet cut off the blade which was thrown with his large sword swung downward.

“Fool, did you think that such a move would work?”

There were no substitute weapons in Lisha’s hands.

The fight was decided.

“Haha. It’s you who made a mistake.”

Lisha’s small laughter reached the ears of Velvet who was facing her.

Her hands were holding slender twin swords.

The two Swords Devices corresponding to the <Chimeric Wyvern>.

Once one wore a Machine Dragon, the Sword Device could only be used as a control stick.

If the Sword Device to control the Machine Dragon was taken away or destroyed, one’s defeat was decided.

Aside of using it that way, it was for self-defense before wearing a Machine Dragon, it could not be used as a weapon after wearing the machine.

Thus originally, it was an attack which could not be predicted.

If it was a Sword Device where the Force Core was used in a part of the sword blade, one could also break through the barrier of a Drag-Ride.

Velvet had completely exposed an opening immediately after shaking off his large sword.

(Got you!)

The moment when Lisha wielded her twin swords with conviction,

“It’s a shame, bitch.”

“Wha––!?”

Lisha’s senses became dull as if time stopped.

As if the flow of time which she felt slipped through her recognition.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>dong*

Velvet’s large sword was swung first.

The fragment of the armor scattered before Lisha’s eyes.

In the blue sky where the sun rose, one red flower bloomed.

“Ku, ah…!”

The twin swords being flipped, Lisha who had a part of her armor broken fell to the ground.

As if seeking something, she stretched out her right hand to the sky and suddenly ran out of energy as such.

『Lisha-sama!』

A member of the “Knight Squadron” that was preparing for withdrawal screamed.

But –– it was no use.

The dozen of Abysses which had been on standby quickly moved and stood in the way, as they formed a wall between Lisha and the “Knight Squadron”.

“Ha! Hahahahaha!”

Velvet’s sneer resounded in the wasteland and the sky.

“W-What… is this…?”

Hearing Lisha’s groan, Velvet fearlessly smiled.

“Quick Draw”––. It’s a kind of Drag-Knight secret art once handed down to the Empire's army. After reaching the Imperial Guardsman Knight Squadron's head, and after five more years of training –– I finally mastered it.”

“Quick Draw”

A mind control operation in addition to the body control operation.

A special move that dishes out unseen attacks with just one stroke, in an instant, through a sequence of movements from the perfect overlap of manipulating two differing systems.

The Drag-Knights’ three secret arts had been handed down as a legend even after the New Kingdom establishment, and a person who mastered even one of them was praised as a super first class user.

“I have been sharpening my fangs for this time for five years after the day of the coup d’état. I endured the painful act of becoming the watchdog of you damn bitches. Hahahahahaha! It’s the best feeling!”

“You low-life…!”

Lisha, still lying face up with her arms and legs outstretched, chewed her lower lip.

“With this, I’ve achieved my purpose. Afterwards, I'll hold you hostage and only use you as in a deal with the Queen.”

Velvet played the flute and called back the Abysses behind him.

Lisha herself had no more cards to play.

“Kuh…”

She pulled the trigger with a fingertip as she struggled, but <Tiamat> no longer reacted.

(Finally, this time has come again…)

As her consciousness become cloudy due to fatigue and bleeding, Lisha suddenly heard a voice.

『Lisha-sama!』

『––L-Lux…?』

A dragon voice limited to only her could be heard through <Tiamat> which could no longer move.

Is it a dream, or an auditory hallucination?

Lisha though that either was fine if she could talk to him at the end.

『Haa… my bad. I’ve been defeated. Haha…』

『Only a little more. Please stay conscious only a little more. If you do so––』

『Forget about me, abandon me. You don’t need to worry. It may be conceited, but you don’t need to come help me, so…』

Thanks to that, a small of amount of strength welled up within her.

『Instead, listen; keep my secret until the end––』

===Part 7===

“… Like this, do you think that you won?”

While speaking with Lux through dragon voice, Lisha muttered so towards the enemy before her.

Her gaze was directed far backwards –– behind Velvet standing stock still in the sky.

“Hou. What do you mean by that? Very interesting indeed.”

“I haven’t given up yet. I still have a way to defeat you.”

“Kuhahahaha! What a pathetic woman. I’m amazed beyond laughter. To think that you––”

Laughing so, Velvet looked back behind himself.

“I hope that you aren’t thinking that those are reinforcements from the Capital.”

“––––”

The moment she heard that, the face of Lisha who was desperately kept her consciousness turned pale.

Lisha who was lying down saw nearly 100 Machine Dragons from the other side of the wasteland –– behind Velvet coming their way.

But–– all of them were gray.

The same color as the coating of the Old Empire from before –– the rebel army!

“How foolish of you, Princess Lizsharte. No, just a slave who betrayed our Empire, right? That’s your true identity––”

“…Kuh!?”

The moment she heard that, Lisha’s voice was clogged.

The hand which was holding the Sword Device began to tremble with a clattering sound, and her crimson pupils shook.

“Hahaha! How nostalgic, young lady. That’s right! It’s me, Lizsharte. The one who put the mark of the Empire on your belly! To you who was abandoned by the Earl House, you had no value as a hostage. That’s why I taught you how to use a Drag-Ride in order to make you live as an assassin…”

“Ku, a, aah…”

A soundless scream was squeezed out from Lisha’s throat.

A scream of despair dyed in a bottomless darkness.

“But, the coup d’état succeeded and you, who was saved luckily, was declared Princess as if nothing ever happened. Your little sister who was left as the inheritor died, and it became inconvenient, so another one was picked up. Kukuku, what a cruel country, eh. This New Kingdom.”

Before she could say something, Velvet set up his large sword while ridiculing her.

The 100 Drag-Rides which rushed in as Velvet’s reinforcements had already surrounded the area.

<Wyvern>, <Wyrm>, and <Drake>. A total of a hundred machines of the three types of general-purpose Machine Dragons.

In addition, a dozen of Gargoyle type Abysses who waited for the signal of the flute.

It was a military power which could gain total control of the Fort City at this rate –– no, even take away the Machine Dragon Hangar and the academy, and invade the Capital as it is.

“But, it’s convenient now. I'll have you become our bargaining chip as a “real Princess”. Isn’t it nice? Lizsharte. You are a person on the side of our Empire. If you understand, then kneel on the ground and say that –– you will be our slave.”

“…………”

Lisha did not react to the triumphant Velvet.

She was sending her voice towards Lux.

===Part 8===

『… Listen, Lux Acadia. You know? I ran away. I wasn’t able to die as a daughter of the proud Earl House.』

A hollow voice was sent to Lux through the dragon voice.

『Knowing that I was abandoned by my father, I was told to choose either becoming an assassin of the Empire or die. I was so scared that I wasn’t able to kill myself. Therefore, I once gave up on everything and decided to become a person of the Empire. From the beginning –– I wasn’t qualified to be a Princess.』

『…Lisha, sama』

『It was hard for me to behave like a Princess. But in fact, I wanted to become one, too. I, a person who betrayed the Empire once, might be saying something selfish. But you know; now I like everyone… I wished to be recognized this time for sure.』

『Me too––』

The voice of Lux who took a deep breath came back.

『I also have something to say. Sorry for having kept quiet about it. It’s something important. I want you to hear it. So––』

『Ah, sorry, it looks like I have no more time. Well then––』

Lisha smiled wryly and looked up at the sky.

『Take care of yourself, Prince.』

<nowiki>*</nowiki>kin*

Immediately after, a long straight light ran straight through the atmosphere.

“Ku, ah… y-you bastaaaaaard…!?”

The first and last weapon which Lisha threw at high speed.

It was the Sword Device of the Divine Drag-Ride <Tiamat>.

Lisha threw that lifeline which one must absolutely never let go, aiming at Velvet high up in the sky –– and, although taken by surprise, it had been barely dodged.

On his cheek, a red line which was cut just now was running.

“Fufu. Aren’t you a little good-looking now? You should be happy, underling; you will look good enough to be shown publicly when taking me to the Capital.”

“Kuh, nuuh…!”

Holding his wound, Velvet glared at Lisha lying down face up.

“As a Princess even for an instant, I shall warn you. You should stop; someone of your caliber can’t destroy this country. You’re just an underling who was surely incited by someone’s sweet words and rode on them. You obtained power, you say? Don’t speak gibberish. You’ve –– changed nothing. You’re just the same like in those days when you were only used by the Old Empire.”

A momentary silence.

But meanwhile, Velvet’s whole body was shivering and trembling in anger.

“––All right, Lizsharte. I changed my mind. I will tear you to pieces, throw your corpse into the royal palace and just invade it like that! Die here!”

Velvet set up the <EX Wyvern>’s cannon.

Lisha stared at it in a slightly distant look.

“Haa. It’s frustrating.”

Shedding large drops of tears, she looked up at the high sky.

“Even though I was thinking that I'll behave like a Princess; without crying till the end this time even if I’m scared…”

When she muttered so, a shadow fell on Lizsharte’s body.

It’s over.

When she held such a conviction,

<nowiki>*</nowiki>dooh*, the bombardment was released and the atmosphere burst.

Soon after all was wrapped in huge flames––

“What…!?”

A blue Machine Dragon –– Lux’s <Wyvern> was there.

He deployed the barrier at maximum output and defended against the impact with his armor.

But, the <Wyvern> which took a direct hit from the main cannon was smashed to pieces on the spot.

“Kuh…! I don’t know who it is, but stop this useless struggle––”

Velvet, whose bombardment was repelled for the price of a Machine Dragon, chewed his teeth and set up his large sword.

The army of Machine Dragons which was waiting behind him set up their weapons all at once as it was the signal of attack.

“Lux…? Why––”

“…Sorry, Lisha-sama. Even though I had you repair it with much trouble.”

At the same time, standing in the way before Lisha lying down face up, Lux revealed a lonely smile.

Then, he cancelled the connection of the seriously damaged <Wyvern> and quickly put his hand on the other Sword Device remaining on his waist.

===Part 9===

“You know nothing about this world. You aren’t in the caliber of kings. The weakest.”

Five years ago, the last day of the coup d’état.

That night when the jet-black sky was illuminated red by the flames of war.

In the audience room of the burned-down imperial castle, his eldest brother Fugil said so.

In a calm voice as he looked down on him.

As he scorned him.

And, as he admonished him.

“You weren’t able to become completely evil after all. You said that as a Prince, you want to make the citizens happy. You want to save those who were abused and received unfair treatment––. But you know, little brother? You had never had the qualifications to be King in the first place.”

“…………”

A fatigue from which he could not even groan let alone stand up.

Even so, Lux, just lying face-down as such, maintained his consciousness.

“However much resolve you hold, you believe that a “country” or “people” are valuable things. So, you were able to spit out pipe dreams like letting them live and making places for discussion. You should be thankful to me, little brother. If I didn’t massacre the surviving army and imperial family on whom you went easy on, you would have been assassinated by those people some day.”

It was a mockery.

––He held the resolution of destroying the Empire and killed his own heart.

Finally to Lux who wished for an ideal ending.

“As King, you tried to save not only this country’s people, but also the rotten royalty and aristocrats. You didn’t try to abandon anything. That’s why –– you were outwitted without seeing through me, the ‘evil’ who tries to take away”

A cruel tone.

As he felt the cold gaze of his older brother, whom he loved and respected, on his back,

“It’s meaningless, Lux. Someone who doesn't have the resolution of incarnating ‘evil' into his own will, and who isn't willing to make sacrifices, however much power he holds, it will be meaningless. That’s why you are the weakest.”

To these last words, Lux lost consciousness.

===Part 10===

Lux drew out his Sword Device from the black sheath and held it up to the sky.

At the same time as he pressed the button on the handle, he muttered.

“––Manifest, Violent Dragon which devours the gods’ flesh and blood. Cut off the cloudy heavens, <Bahamut>!”

At that moment, particles of light gathered at high speed.

What appeared was black.

A lump of Mithril Dite wearing an ominous blood lust and brilliance.

From the head –– which imitated a dragon’s, two piercing eyes shining red peeped out.

“This is…––?”

To that uncommon power and presence, Velvet in the sky raised his voice.

“Connect On”

The Machine Dragon which appeared before Lux transformed into countless pieces of armor and wrapped his whole body.

“Don’t tell me…you are––?”

Lisha who saw this stared wide-eyed and muttered.

Soon after, in front of the 100 Machine Dragons of the Rebel army approaching before him, Lux who wore the jet-black giant dragon <Bahamut> blocked their way.

In his hand, a large sword of a black deeper than darkness was held.

“I don’t know who you are, but it doesn’t matter! I will get rid of both of you!”

In accordance with Velvet’s voice, the first three machines brandished their blades and charged.

They intended to load energy from the Force Core into them and cut down the whole barrier.

The simultaneous attack of the three machines from three directions, the right, the left and the front attacked Lux.

At that moment––

<nowiki>*</nowiki>bakin*

“––Eh?”

The moment when the three Drag-Knight were about to swing down their swords, the Drag-Rides which the men were wearing burst into pieces.

The armor arm holding the Machine Dragon blade, the Force Core in both shoulders and the Sword Device hanging on the waist.

The three points which were vital points of attack, power, and control were pulverized in an instant.

And at the same time –– the three machines which came attacking all at once at that.

“What…!?”

The eyes of the men who were defeated were not able to see anything.

What on earth happened?

At a speed which the eyes could not catch, <Bahamut> swung its blade, and the moment when the swords crossed, the fight was decided.

––Why!?

“Devour time and accelerate, <Bahamut>.”

Before they could understand the situation, Lux’s large sword flashed once more and knocked down the three machines before him.

“Guaaaaaaaaaah…!?”

The three <Wyverns> of the Old Empire that were already destroyed instantly lost their power and propulsion output, and fell headlong.

Although barely picked up by their friends’ Machine Dragons which were on the ground, they were no longer able to fight.

“You bastaaard!”

After a pause of several seconds, five Drag-Knights of the Old Empire army once again attacked Lux simultaneously.

“< Reload on Fire >”

But, their attacks from the top, bottom, right, left and the front were fruitless and once again all five machines were simultaneously shot down.

“Kuh…!?”

“What does that mean––!?”

“What is happening, what the hell––”

“I-Is that a Divine Drag-Ride…!? Why does it easily, like that…!”

A great number attacked all at once, and faster than anyone of them could swing his sword –– or could pull the trigger of his gun, they were knocked down in an instant.

Just like a cheap-looking drama-like spectacle.

The rebel army stirred to the nightmare-like reality.

『D-Don’t panic! That guy is just a Drag-Knight like us!』

Velvet raised his voice and rebuked his subordinates.

『There is no way that that guy –– a man has enough aptitude to use a Divine Drag-Ride for a long period of time! Besides, his movements will surely become dull soon after his attack! Aim for that chance!』

“Haah!”

The Drag-Knights who received instructions from their commander surrounded Lux and attacked him once again.

Certainly, Lux loosened his movements for a few seconds as he got tired from the processing of <Bahamut>.

“Guaaaaaaaaah!”

But, the next moment when his movements became slow and it looked like he showed an opening.

He pulverized the seven Machine Dragons of the Old Empire that entered his range in an instant.

“…Impossible!”

Once again, unrest ran among the Old Empire’s Drag-Knights.

“A jet-black Divine Drag-Ride… You bastard…! Don’t tell me –– your the one at the time of the coup d’état…!?”

When Velvet muttered, Lux looked up to the sky as if responding to it.

In the bottom of his eyes which closed just for an instant, Lux recalled the past.

『Do you want to cooperate with a wyvern along with my <Bahamut>? Or––』

What Fugil asked Lux before the execution of the coup d’état.

『Are you going to use <Bahamut>––?』

===Part 11===

“Haa… So, you’ve done it. Nii-san…”

On the other hand, Airi who asked Nokuto,who came back to the Fort City, went out of the rampart together with her, and was gazing at the battlefield as she deeply sighed.

At a site separated from the rampart and about several hundreds miles away from the wasteland of the battlefield.

Airi was carried by Nokuto’s <Drake> to a distance where the dragon voice barely reached the battlefield.

She had to record the information about how long Lux could use a certain Machine Dragon.

In order to closely grasp the Machine Dragon’s output and operation limit, Airi asked for unreasonable things, like wanting to go nearby, and had Nokuto take her.

“What's happening? Lux-san is… That black Divine Drag-Ride––?”

The usually composed Nokuto asked as her voice quavered.

The fact that though also correct for Divine Drag-Rides, Lux whose aptitude for the Machine Dragon should originally be inferior as he is a man, was handling it more than enough.

And, the incomprehensible high-speed movement which instantly shot down the enemy army which charged.

“…Nokuto. Can you keep secret what I’m about to tell you now?”

Unlike her usual straight atmosphere, Airi whispered in a slightly casual air.

“Yes. I swear on the pride and the master of the household of attendants, the Leaflet House.”

As Nokuto nodded, Airi suddenly began to talk after a deep breath.

“That is Nii-san. The strongest Drag-Knight riding the Empire’s strongest Machine Dragon <Bahamut>. In the coup d’état five years ago, the one who destroyed 1200 Machine Dragons of the Empire army all by himself –– the “Black Hero”.”

“––!? What do you mean by that? Airi Acadia.”

Nokuto opened her eyes wide and asked Airi.

“It was a Prince of the Empire –– that destroyed the Old Empire? Why…?”

“…Diiiiiiiiiiiiiieeeee!”

Soon after Nokuto’s voice quavered.

Screams and explosions echoed again in the sky.

A jarring tone of flute could be heard immediately after.

Probably–– Velvet gave directives to the dozen of Gargoyles, which were left behind to invade the Capital, to charge.

But, even if he used the Abysses, the results was the same as a little while ago.

The sword which Lux swung at lightning speed destroyed the Gargoyles’ bodies to pieces and shot them down,

In mid-air where numerous explosions occurred, the Drag-Knights of the Old Empire army charged furthermore.

“<Reload on Fire> –– That is <Bahamut>’s Divine Raiment. Its ability is a 10-second magic called Compression Strengthening.”

A Divine Raiment of seal and release.

Or, repression and liberation.

An ability which rapidly decreases the energy and phenomenon until a fraction of it remains in the former five seconds, and then explosively unleashes their power in the latter five seconds.

“It decelerates the flow of time in the target to some fraction in the first five seconds, and accelerates it several times in the last five seconds. Thus, the moment when the enemy showed the preliminary movement of his attack, he easily overtakes it with an accelerated slash and destroyed the enemy. It’s Nii-san’s technique called “quick shot”.”

“Quick shot”

A special move which saw through the enemy’s attack's preliminary movement, used the acceleration by <Reload on Fire> and instantly destroyed the enemy’s Drag-Ride.

Therefore, the moment when they brandished their swords and put a finger on the gun’s trigger in Lux’s range, the fight was decided.

It was the reason why he was called the strongest Drag-Knight.

“T-Then if he's so strong, why is Lux the “Weakest Undefeated”––”

“Yes, there is a reason. It’s quite difficult to do the “quick shot”.”

Airi muttered while watching the fight between Lux and the Old Empire army.

“In order to certainly crush the opponent’s Machine Dragon, you have to perfectly strike that opening. Therefore, training was necessary in order to perfectly see through the Drag-Knight’s movements and the attack's preliminary movement. For example, such as keeping to defending oneself by doing nothing, but dodging the enemy’s attacks without attacking him even once in a match––”

In other words, the weakest in order to become the strongest.

The mock battle where Lux fought using the <Wyvern> was no more than training in order to use <Bahamut>’s Divine Raiment.

A technique which he acquired after about several hundred thousand battles since the Old Empire's era five years ago.

So as to move with the same sensation even with <Bahamut>, he had been adjusting by calculating the weight and air resistance and adding armor on the Wyvern.

Therefore––

===Part 12===

30 machines, 40 machines, 50 machines…

At the moment when they were about to attack, the Machine Dragons of the Old Empire army were shot down.

The Old Empire’s Drag-Knights army of approximately 100 machines, which existed as Velvet’s unit had been reduced to less than half in no time.

“Impossible…”

Velvet, who was watching this muttered, dumbfounded.

It’s strange.

No matter how much he could use a Divine Drag-Ride, if he used its special ability, the Divine Raiment, it should put a considerable burden.

There was no way that Lux, whose Machine Dragon aptitude should be lower than a woman’s could continuously fight for so long.

『It’s useless even if you try to gain time. Nii-san’s Machine Dragon aptitude’s numerical value is much higher than the basic aptitude value of us, women.』

Airi’s composed voice reached even Velvet through the dragon voice of Nokuto’s <Drake>.

''No way––''

In the reality where he could only think so while doubting,

“D-Don’t kid with me! Are you telling me that this bastard is that “Black Hero”!?”

Even while being flustered, Velvet furthermore issued instructions to his Drag-Knight subordinates.

But, even their movements to strike at the opening of <Bahamut>’s Divine Raiment, <Reload on Fire> were seen through and they were crushed in no time.

“Who are you?! Why do you bastard––!”

“––Don’t you remember my face, Imperial Guards Knight Squadron Chief Velvet?”

“Wha…!?”

Just an instant.

To the words of Lux who turned a cold, fathomless gaze, Velvet gasped in surprise.

A brief silence was born, and at the same time, even the Empire army’s Drag-Knights stopped their attacks.

“Fu, kukuku…! Hahaha!”

Seeing that, Velvet burst into laughter.

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v1 274 - 275.jpg|thumb]]

His gaze was turned to Lux’s collar.

“Well well, isn’t it the seventh Crown Prince? Although I did not know, please excuse my repeated rudeness.”

“Please stop.”

To Velvet carrying out an impolite greeting, Lux returned to his usual self and curtly replied.

“Please surrender at once. Fighting anymore than this is meaningless.”

“Fu, hahaha…”

Holding his lips so as to bear it, Velvet laughed again.

“More importantly Your Highness. I would also like to say some words. For what reason–– why are you siding with the New Kingdom –– the Empire’s enemy?”

“…………”

“Why?! Lux Acadia! Why do you, a Prince and survivor of the imperial family, turn your sword to us?! Do you intend to become a hero by fighting for the people!? You are wrong! With such superficial feelings, be it the people or the country –– you will not move anything!”

“I’m not a hero.”

Lux answered so with a dry smile.

And,

“Please listen, Lisha-sama.”

Lux looked at Lisha lying on the ground and gently called out to her.

“For this country, for the people–– I couldn’t do anything as a Prince. I lost my mother; I was afraid of losing another close person again.”

While he muttered, the memory of five years ago floated in his mind.

“I was not able to become strong for justice. I tried to save all the people, but failed. So that it doesn’t happen so this time, in order to carry out my mission, I concealed myself as the chore Prince.”

'''''––You know nothing about the world. You aren’t in the caliber of kings. The weakest.'''''

“But –– as expected, I want to help. I thought that I want you, who are suitable as the New Kingdom's Princess, to recognize me. So…”

“Lux…”

Lisha’s scarcely audible voice.

While hearing it, he turned his large sword towards Velvet and declared.

“I am not a hero. I’m the weakest Drag-Knight who destroyed the Empire.”

Soon after Lux defiantly declared,

“…All right.”

Velvet raised his sword and sent a signal to his subordinates.

“In that case, you should die! As a cornerstone of a new Empire, rot away under the justice of the Acadia Empire that I serve!”

All the dozens of Machine Dragons remaining simultaneously began an all-out attack.

“<Reload on Fire>”

In response to it, <Bahamut>’s Divine Raiment activated.

It ate time –– and accelerated.

The special move –– “quick shot” which saw through all the attack's preliminary movements, and pulverized the enemy in an instant.

At the same time that several Machine Dragons’ armors were smashed to pieces, Velvet attacked as he wove his way to the momentary opening.

“Lux!”

Lux heard Lisha’s scream.

The subordinates whom Velvet instigated were decoys.

And, it was just after <Bahamut>’s Divine Raiment, <Reload on Fire> already activated its effect.

Before the time accelerated once again, it must first decelerate.

Even so, if it was an ordinary opponent, it was timing which Lux could prevent with his reading (see through).

But–– the enemy was not a mere Drag-Knight.

“Apologize to His Majesty the Emperor in the other world! Traitor!”

Velvet let out a sharp, straight line slash.

A high speed flash by quick draw.

When the inescapable slash attacked Lux’s <Bahamut>–– Velvet saw it.

The cut line which he should've traced with the point of his sword running on Lux’s Machine Dragon.

And another cut line was running on his own armor arm wielding that blade.

“––Wha!?”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>crack*

“Whaaaaaa…!?”

The damage minced on his Machine Dragon was reflected in the pupils of Velvet, who opened his eyes wide in surprise.

Soon after, as if tracing the irreversible fact that “it was cut”, the <EX Wyvern> broke into pieces.

The wrist armor, the Force Core and the Sword Device.

Lux’s “quick shot” crushed all of them.

“W-Why…!? Your Divine Raiment… You shouldn’t have been able to use it yet ! Why was my quick draw defeated––”

<Reload on Fire>.

A Special ability of compression strengthening by the Divine Raiment.

The Divine Raiment cannot be re-activated immediately after he decelerates the time in the first five seconds, and accelerates it in the last five seconds.

Even though Velvet should have cut him after seeing through it––

『You are quite a reckless person, too.』

Soon after, a dragon voice through Nokuto’s <Drake> –– Airi’s voice reached Velvet.

『Just because you can use the quick draw, there is no way you can win with the same technique against the one who invented it, right?』

“Wha––!?”

To the indifferent voice, Velvet was at a loss for words.

The moment Velvet used the quick draw, the quick draw of Lux who saw through his preliminary movement overtook him with a Godspeed far exceeding it, and then did a “quick shot”.

Be it the Divine Drag-Ride <Bahamut>’s performance and output.

Or the skill of Lux who became the Empire's strongest.

Or even the Divine Raiment of compression strengthening which could shoot down multiple Machine Dragons in an instant.

Lux’s strategy to lure Velvet by making him think “I can beat him”.

(This guy, really how many trump cards does he hide––!?)

In the midst, Velvet realized a certain fact.

“W-Wait! You invented it!? That can’t be! You were still 12 in those days––”

“Good-bye, Velvet. Though I can’t judge you as royalty anymore.”

At the same time as Lux calmly muttered, the <EX Wyvern> was falling.

“I don’t want to fight for the Empire as a Prince, nor for your sake. I want to fight for these girls, hoping to one day get their recognition––”

Velvet who was shot down fell to the dry earth.

All the Machine Dragons of the Old Empire’s Drag-Knights were destroyed and the fight came to a close.

As Lux got down on the ground, Lisha who somehow managed to stand up stepped up while her legs were staggering.

And, she entrusted her small body to Lux wearing the Machine Dragon.

“––Thank you, Lux.”

“…………”

To the words of the Princess whose eyes were moist, Lux responded with a small smile.

Then suddenly, his body along with <Bahamut> slanted.

“H-Hey!? Are you all right? Lux!”

“Ahaha. It’s been a long time; I got just a little tired.”

He cancelled <Bahamut>‘s connection and replied so.

His consciousness became gradually blurred.

While faintly hearing the shouts of joy of the “Knight Squadron” audible from far away, Lux quietly closed his eyes.

<noinclude>

==References==
<references />

{{SimpleNav|f=Epilogue}}
</noinclude>

Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 1 Episode 6

2017-12-03T15:10:48Z

OmegaWeaponZ: /* Part 9 */

==Episode 6 - Atelier of Machine Dragons and Enrolment Exams==

===Part 1===

Castle town of the Imperial Capital. In the drawing room of a small mansion in the outskirts, Lux and a guest were sitting.

Five Years Ago, April.

The feudal lord of the North East from the Imperial Capital, Count Atismata gathered the resistance of every place and raised an uprising 20 days later.

Coupled with the support of neighboring countries, he was ready to lead an army of 70000 soldiers and 207 Drag-Knights and decided to invade the Imperial Capital.

To convey this very important and highly classified information, Fugil came.

It was exactly ten days before his little sister Airi was to head to the Frontier Count.

Fugil, who tightly wrapped himself in a robe from head to toe, sat on a seat at the table illuminated by a candle flame, and slightly stuck out his head.

“The matter is proceeding as planned, little brother. As you planned, everything is going well.”

“Thank you.”

Lux bowed and then put the Sword Device which he was wearing on the table.

“I’m also ready.”

“As expected of you, little brother.”

Fugil who heard that nodded with admiration.

“You’ve far exceeded my expectations. Being the youngest user in history, you displayed your ability by gaining several hundred victories in the training and mock battles of the Empire army. Originally, that unprecedented exploit is something which should be praised all over the country and also by the Emperor –– but this Empire ended up being corrupted to the roots.”

In a voice mixed with resignation, he continued further.

“You’re the illegitimate seventh Prince. Moreover, you’re a person who objected to the politics of the Empire. No matter how much skill you have –– even if you are praised for your achievements, you hold a differing opinion which doesn't garner attention towards blood legitimacy. This means that such a person can’t be a “Hero”.”

“I’ve never thought to set myself up as a hero. Just––”

“I know.”

To the answer of the calm Lux, Fugil smiled.

“But, I'll ask you once again, shouldn’t you stop that way of fighting? You don’t expressly have to put yourself in danger in order to save the enemy. If you feel like it, though there will be sacrifices, you can choose a safer way––”

Not even shaken by the voice of Fugil who invited him, Lux raised his face.

“This way, even supposing that the plan succeeds, there will be no meaning.”

“Most men of the army are puppets of the imperial family. While wielding the absolute weapon which is the Drag-Ride, they would blindly obey orders of oppression and massacring of innocent people. So, you can’t assert that they have no responsibility.”

“But, they might just be forced to execute orders which they don’t want. Even the people of the army have families.”

“Phew… Geez, your resolve deserves great admiration”

Fugil, somewhat amazed, smiled wryly and then stood up.

“Well then, see you in three days then. As per your instructions, I will come here again. Until then, give me a definite answer. Whether you will cooperate with a <Wyvern> and fight alongside my <Bahamut>? Or––”

“…………….”

“Like I thought, we should kill those guys and cut off the bad habit. Will you keep asking about something which won’t change? Will you give up everything for what you are trying to change? As a Prince of the Empire, if you possess the pride to fulfill it, then––”

“…I’m––”

Looking at Lux who did not change his expression, Fugil got ready to go back.

And with a hand, holding back Lux who tried to stand up and see him off, he slowly opened his mouth.

“Ah, which reminds me, Lux. That matter which you asked me to investigate about. About the medication and experimentation on a human body that the Empire's army was running.”

“––Yes”

To the words which were released, Lux showed a faint agitation.

The trend of the androcracy which went to extremes.

All women are tools.

In the imperial traditional culture, the fact that women obeyed men was taken for granted.

The scene where any male aristocrat made up a reason and abducted citizens or young girls of poor families as an outlet of his desire and manpower was not unusual.

But this time, a more horrible thing was happening.

The extremely horrifying affair where the military authorities were said to use very young girls for a certain special human experimentation.

On the surface, it was a clinical trial for making medicine to cure plagues.

However, in reality, it was human experimentation for poison and weapons.

With the fact that the majority of the results were either unknown after-effects or death, they returned to their families.

“Young children –– Among them, it seems that a subject chosen by a certain standard was the most suitable for the experiment; and this time, even several noble children seem to have been taken to the military facilities. Philphie Aingram. Including that childhood friend of yours with whom you were getting along with.”

“…………”

The moment when he heard this, Lux’s expression slightly stiffened.

“It seems that the elder sister Relie went to the imperial court to appeal for letting her go while crying, but, she was flatly refused. And it seems that the medication and surgery –– the experiment will begin within two weeks at the earliest.”

“Understood”

Even so, immediately regaining his composure, Lux answered.

“Then later, little brother. I believe in your resolution.”

Fugil left the mansion before one could notice.

However, there was only darkness and the sound of rain there.

===Part 2===

Several days since Lux came to the Royal Knight Academy.

Lux was spending his first holiday in a two person room of the girl’s dormitory.

“––Nii-san, Nii-san! Please get up.”

“Hmm…”

Feeling someone shaking his body, Lux woke up.

“Airi …?”

As he half-opened his eyes against sleepiness, he first saw his little sister’s face. Then, the near ceiling of the bunk beds came into view.

Airi seemed to have come into the room where Lux was sleeping to wake him up.

“Get down quickly and come to the dining room. I have to talk with you.”

“Ngh… Understood.”

Probably because it was a holiday, Airi wasn't wearing her school uniform, but a casual chic dress.

For Lux who had hardly lived in the same place as her, with only that, deep emotions welled up within him, but––

“I wonder how many years it’s been since you have come to wake me up, Airi.”

“More importantly Nii-san, what is the meaning of this?”

The skin around the eyes of Airi who smiled suddenly darkened.

“Ah, no, um…”

Gently holding the cheeks of Lux who unintentionally averted his face with her hands, she glared at him with scornful eyes.

“During the time I didn’t see you, you’ve become quite lazy. Please come to the dining room in less than three minutes.”

“You don’t even give me time to change my clothes?”

“Is that so? So usually, you change your clothes leisurely with your roommate around.”

Turning a fleeting glance under the bunk bed, Airi said.

To her cold voice, Lux could only answer “I will come at once”.

“Well then, I’m waiting, so.”

Seeming amazed, Airi briskly left the room.

“Haa, don’t get angry…”

“Munyah… Lu-chan”

At the sleep-talking of Philphie which could be heard from under the bed, Lux smile wryly.

“I’m going. Phi-chan.”

===Part 3===

The dining room of the girl’s dormitory was opened even on holidays.

However, since the time when meals were offered was fixed, even if one woke up early in the morning he could not get a meal immediately.

So, there were almost no students here at this early a time during holidays.

In the meantime, Lux and Airi were facing each other on the seats of a small table.

“It’s good to see that you’ve considerably gotten used to the academy. You seem a little too close to your roommate though.”

Airi said such sarcasm as she sipped her tea.

“Like I said… that was inevitable… When I searched, the girl’s dormitory had no vacant room, and I don’t know why, but there was no roommate in only Philphie’s room, um––”

“Hmm. Thus, you may stay at the room of a female childhood friend, huh. It’s indecent, extremely immoral. Would you like me to tell Principal Relie?”

“I’ve already told Relie-san about it. And then, she replied “I leave my little sister to you”, “it’s fine if it’s Lux-kun” with a smile…”

In the end, Lux was sent to Philphie's room in the girl’s dormitory until a place where he could stay was found.

Philphie, as usual with her easy-going personality, far from minding it seemed to be pleased, but Lux spent every day where he could not sleep easily.

It seemed that the three girls of the Triad and Airi already knew about it, but they wanted to keep this matter a secret as much as possible.

“It looks like before correcting Nii-san’s common sense, I should first admonish the principal, eh…”

As her exchanges with Relie immediately came to her mind, Airi sighed.

“So, what business do you have with me today, Airi?”

“Ara, so I can’t talk with you if I have no business, Nii-san?”

Lux’s question was returned with a mischievous smile.

Unlike a long time ago when she had a weak constitution, she had become a lady very skilled at bargaining.

“Well then, errr… are you doing well in the academy, Airi?”

“Yes, everyone takes good care of me, so Nii-san doesn’t need to worry about me.”

“I see. You’re loved by everyone, huh.”

“Don’t put it like that.”

He smoothly said with a refreshing smile.

“…As expected, you’re good at dealings with things as usual.”

Lux said with a wry smile, but he also had slightly mixed feelings.

Even if she was ejected from the succession struggle early, Airi was a “woman” of royalty.

When her mother died when she (Airi) was young, her position became complicated in various ways; if she did not acquire a determined personality from a tender age, she would not have been able to survive so far.

When he thought so, he also thought of wanting to spoil her more as her brother, but.

“And Nii-san, as usual, seems to always get dragged only into troubles and difficulties. If you need any help, please tell me.”

“…Ah, it’s all right.”

Without words to return coming out, Lux returned a mixed smile.

It looked like he was the one getting spoiled.

''Really, my little sister has gotten strong.''

“Do you also have jobs from now on today?”

“Yes. After eating breakfast, it’s been planned that I will go to the “Atelier” in the academy.”

“Is it for a request from a student?”

“I think it’s from the academy. But, they say that it isn’t a pressing business.”

“Without it, you would have received invitations for a date on the holiday from the young ladies, eh.”

“W-What are you saying!? There would be no such thing––”

When Lux got flustered as he was teased,

“Haa… this is why Nii-san is… Though you’ve been like that since long ago. Please, be a little aware of how others see you. Thanks to the fact that Nii-san stood out early, I also received a lot of requests for you, you know?”

Airi said so with a sigh.

“Eh…?”

“I wonder what the young ladies here are thinking, asking to arrange a place where they can speak with Nii-san or to casually appeal for them.”

“…Really!?”

“Yes. In the Old Empire, women of citizen level or below were oppressed, and even most of the noble women were treated as tools for political marriage, so they apparently never felt that much close to men.”

“…I wonder if it’s what you call peace.”

“I think it’s a little exaggerated to say peace, but since the establishment of the New Kingdom, there has been no major incident, so there may be no helping it. It’s only been five years since the Old Empire which laid out a tyrannical
rule for many years had been destroyed. I’m sure that for the people of the New Kingdom, it’s still like a dream, like they are in the middle of a happy festival.”

She whispered and then sipped her tea.

Contrary to her cynical words, Airi’s expression did not seem that dissatisfied.

“Yes, it would be good if it continues like this forever.”

“For that, don’t forget our other purpose. Okay, Nii-san?”

The moment when Lux agreed, in the almost deserted dining room, Airi dropped the tone of her voice.

“… Yes, I know.”

Similarly in a lower tone, Lux replied.

“Then, I can feel relieved. The analysis regarding the output of that Machine Dragon will be over soon, so until then––”

As Lux nodded, Airi finished drinking her tea and stood up.

“Huh? Aren’t you eating breakfast with me? Theres still time before the cook arrives though––”

“I’ll pass. If just the two of us are seen by everyone of the class, they're likely to be jealous after all.”

To Airi’s words which posed as a joke, Lux smiled wryly.

“No, there’s no way that would happen. After all –– we’re siblings.”

“Besides, if we’re together anymore than this, I would be more reluctant to leave.”

She said in a small voice mixed with the fragrance of tea.

“Eh…?”

“It’s a joke, Nii-san. Well then, please be careful so as not to draw out that sword.”

Saying so at the end, Airi left the dining room.

===Part 4===

After finishing his breakfast, Lux decided to begin today’s chores.

By the way, the written requests addressed to Lux, far from decreasing as the curiosity at first disappeared, increased in number as time passed, and he had already reached a physically impossible domain.
Therefore, Lux settled down in the way of whether to accept the tasks judging from the importance and the degree of relative priority.

“Well, I’m used to not having days off, so it’s fine anyway.”

Rustlingly looking through the bundle of requests dropped in, Lux sighed.

The jobs such as watering the flower bed, studying and helping with cleaning the dormitory were still better.

Baggage carrier for shopping, help changing clothes, massage, being a person to talk to during tea a party and the like exceeded the mixing up of public and private matters; it was very likely that they were mistaking Lux for a butler or something.

“…I mean, about half of them aren’t jobs that I, a man, should do!?”

He unintentionally retorted to the bundle of requests.

But, this was not a joke and since there seemed to be a lot of students who have written seriously, he had a headache.

Be that as it may, if there were jobs which should be given priority, he could use them as an excuse and turned down those requests, so for now he could relax.

The job which he had to do today was a request from the academy.

[Workplace] Royal Knight Academy Machine Dragon research and development site, Atelier

[Client] Machine Dragon Research and Development Chief

[Work contents] Machine Dragon Operation Test

The atelier was a large detached building located in a corner of the school premises.

He had several times helped with blacksmith work, but an atelier for Drag-Rides was a first for him.

He was slightly anxious about doing a job he was not familiar with, but he was also looking forward to it.

Originally, he intended to come to work as a mechanic apprentice of Machine Dragons, so it was welcoming.

“Excuse me. It’s Lux Acadia. I came for the commissioned work.”

He lightly knocked and greeted in a loud voice.

“…………”

However, the answer to Lux’s greeting which was slightly tinged with tension was only silence.

“Huh…?”

He once again checked by looking at his requests note and the academy’s big clock.

There was no error.

Both the place and time should be right––

As he tried to turn the doorknob, he found that it was not locked.

“That’s really careless…”

The existence and technology of Drag-Rides should be top secret in any country.

''Just because it’s within the school premises, I wonder if this is all right.''

While smiling wryly, Lux quietly stepped inside.

“Excuse me. Is there anyone––”

Lux unintentionally swallowed his voice which he was about to utter.

A large space in this brick building filled with the smell of oil and metals.

At the back where innumerable parts and tools were scattered about, there was a monster.

In the court of the imperial capital a long time ago.

Since he became the chore Prince, he had seen many Machine Dragons in the Machine Dragon hangar before holding a mock battle.

But––, this was totally different from them.

A strange Machine Dragon which fused halves of the bodies of a <Wyvern> and a <Wyrm> was over there.

“This is––?”

“Ngh… what the heck is it? So noisy––”

As Lux was looking at it in utter amazement, he suddenly heard a voice from the nearby sofa.

“Lisha-sama…?”

Sleeping there covered with a thin blanket was Lisha dressed in a white gown on her uniform.

Probably because she had stayed overnight, her whole body got slightly dirty and her hair was also slightly disheveled.

Incidentally, her uniform was also very messy and her blouse was turned inside out. Lux unintentionally averted his gaze.

“What are you doing in a place like this?”

“…Huh? Lux, why are you here––? …Ah, I see. Now I remembered, I had requested you. Fuhaa…”

While rubbing her sleepy eyes, Lisha said something which he did not really understand.

When Lux went out again and got tea in the dining room, Lisha who fixed her messed up clothes drank it in one gulp.

“Fufu. You’re quite thoughtful, eh, Lux. As expected of the man that I acknowledged!”

With a behavior unlike a Princess’, Lisha showed a happy smile.

She probably came for a visit of the atelier and ended up staying overnight.

“Good morning. By the way, where is the chief of the atelier?”

As Lux asked after calming down,

“Here, here, right before your eyes.”

Lisha pointed at her small face and said.

“Yes?”

“You still haven’t noticed? It looks like I need to somewhat correct my assessment regarding your insight! I’m saying that I’m the chief.”

“…Eh?”

''No, she’s certainly wearing a gown which seems to be for work, but…''

Honestly, it only looked like a child’s playing attire.

The hems were so long that they dragged on the floor.

“Whew. You’re very good at provocation. All right, I’ll ride on it.”

As Lisha proudly laughed, she drew out the two Sword Devices hanging on her waist at the same time.

“…!”
“––Come out. The Primordial Chaos Dragon that is the perforating wedge against Heaven and Earth. <Chimeric Wyvern>!”

At that moment, the strange Machine Dragon which could be seen at the back of the atelier turned into photons, and was transferred behind Lisha.

“This is––!?”

“A connection should not be necessary. All right, go back.”

Lisha simultaneously wielded her two Sword Devices and put them in the sheath.

Then, the Machine Dragon which was summoned once again changed into light particles, and went back to the depths of the warehouse.

“…What is it, that thing?”

Staring at it in wonder, Lux muttered.

“How’s that, were you surprised?”

Lisha, who was pleased with Lux’s reaction folded her arms and stuck out her chest with pride.

“<Chimeric Wyvern>. It’s the world’s first original Drag-Ride which I’ve developed.”

Lux doubted his ears.

“––!?”

Drag-Rides were ancient weapons excavated in ruins.

Since they had been discovered more than ten years ago, their concrete principle even now remained a mystery, and at best only adjustments of the degree of either installing the existing parts or replacing them could be performed.

A remodeling into a totally different Machine Dragon like this should exist nowhere in the world––

“If you can process the Mithril Dite and Force Core, there seems to be a lot of things which can be produced. Afterward, the performance and output of that body are quite impressive, but it’s a little neck that one has to use two Sword Devices for the activation.”

He had never heard about the fusion of two kinds of Machine Dragons and dual wielding Sword Devices.

If she had combined two original machines and even learned to operate two swords, then this girl concealed an unimaginable potential as an engineer.

“Um, who are you really, Lisha-sama?”

“Fufu. Did you get a better opinion of me?”

Smiling contentedly, Lisha sat on the chair before the work unit and looked up at Lux.

“Praise me more. You know, it isn’t because I have the position of the Princess of the New Kingdom that I’ve been allowed the foolishness of letting you admit into the academy. This is because I show ability and gave results enough to be entrusted a personal atelier at this age. How’s that, are you surprised?”

“By the way, at the back there, there is something which looks like a serious burn mark or rather traces of an explosion though…”

As Lux pointed at the room kept opened as the door was broken and asked,

“…Failure is the mother of success.”

Holding down her slight agitation, Lisha asserted.

Not inquiring any further, Lux asked.

“Perhaps is this research the reason why you always sleep during class?”

“That’s half correct. But, I do properly listen to lectures and I can’t really be half asleep during the practical training. Instructor Raigree is also totally merciless to me who is the Princess. If I skimp in the Machine Dragon’s training or don’t take it seriously, I’ll have a hard time. She really deserves respect.”

Lisha was not sarcastic; she really admired her.

“Then, what about the other half?”

“Take this, it’s your Sword Device.”

Not answering the question, Lisha took the Sword Device which was on the desk and handed it to Lux.

That which Lux received was undeniably the sword matching his <Wyvern>.

“If I’m not mistaken, I should have asked the mechanic for the repair of this––”

“Yes. I’ve fixed your Drag-Ride here”

As she smoothly said so as if it was a matter of course, Lux doubted his ears.

A Machine Dragon’s repair, maintenance and adjustment were so difficult that an expert other than the user was required.

Lux’s <Wyvern> was partially destroyed in the fight with the Abyss, so he thought it would take quite the time and money to repair it, but––

“Is it true!?”

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v1 171.jpg|thumb]]

“It’s the Machine Dragon of the hero who saved the school. You don’t really have to be surprised. But, I stayed up all night several days and finished it just this morning.”

“Thank you very much!”

Lux unintentionally bowed with a smile.

She was skilled to the extent of taking apart two Machine Dragons and building a new Machine Dragon.

For a naturally gifted engineer like Lisha, this much might be simple.

But, even Lux could easily imagine how hard it was for a small-sized girl alone to repair a Machine Dragon built of a large, heavy metal.

“Hmm… I-It’s not a bad feeling to see you so happy… P-Praise me more; if y-you can even pat my head––”

Lisha suddenly blushed and lightly scratched her head.

And looking at Lux who asked back “eh?”, she cleared her throat confusedly.

“W-Well then, test it at once to see whether it moves properly.”

“Yes.”

Lux drew the Sword Device hung on the belt of his waist and muttered the pass code.

“––Come forth, the Branded Wing Dragon which is the symbol of power. Obey my sword and fly, <Wyvern>.”

Light particles gathered before Lux and it instantly transferred –– summoned beside him.

There, his blue Machine Dragon which should have been destroyed was completely––

“Huh…?”

Lux cocked his head in puzzlement.

Completely –– the appearance was different from what Lux had been using.

Among the three types of general-purpose Machine Dragons, the <Wyvern> was the Machine Dragon with the flight ability.

Lux had the mechanic adjust it with that (flight ability) as a base and put on a thicker armor, but…

“Hey, what is this!?”

There was a strange dragon with an abominable appearance there.

Breath Guns linked on both shoulders and an injection port for flight in the back and legs.

Although the large-sized blade which he was using before remained to a very poor degree, more than half of the thick armor was chipped off and became sharp like the blade of a naked sword.

“Ah, while I was repairing it, it was interesting in various ways. So I remodeled it a little.”

“This is beyond the level of ‘a little’!? You’ve even installed something like a drill on the left hand!? What is this!?”

“Oh that? It’s cool, right? It’s a rare part even among those found in the ruins.”

To Lisha who looked happy, Lux was at a loss for words.

He recalled the bad things about the engineers and craftsmen, which he had seen during his previous odd jobs up until now.

“To begin with, it’s weird. That Drag-Ride which you were using, that is.”

Before he could speak, Lisha began to talk.

“In addition to the basic air frame, there were only parts of armor strengthening stuck here and there. Things like uselessly thickening the armor of a flight type Machine Dragon and raising the weight are stuff that a complete amateur does, you know? Like this, it can’t even show its original performance at all. To begin with, judging from the appearance, it’s too lame.”

“No, I don’t think appearance has anything to do with it…”

To Lisha’s angry look, Lux, though restrained, rebutted. But,

“Are you an idiot! Concerning Drag-Rides, functionality is first, and the coolness is the second most important thing! Just looking at this, I will become miserable for having been unable to win against such a quack Machine Dragon!”

“…………”

''It’s a cruel way of putting it…''

Lux thought so and sighed.

“Um, I’m sorry… It isn’t like I don’t understand your feelings. But, could you return it to how it was? That was the handiest for me and I was also used to it, so––”

What Lisha said was not off the mark.

No, it was a matter of fact. Far from being painfully true, in the first place, it was all as she said, but––, even so Lux had a reason for why he didn't want to change it.

“…No matter what?”

“Yes, please.”

He bowed his head.

“It can’t be helped, eh. Even though this remodeling took a lot of time…”

''Rather, didn’t it take time because of the remodeling?''

Lux could not help but think so, but Lisha, while grumpy, somehow compromised.

“It’s all right if the armaments are the same, right? The large-sized sword being the main weapon, and the Breath Gun, Daggers and Wire Tail the sub-weapons. I will thicken the whole armor mainly with the PL – 12 type, I'll also raise both the barrier and output, and as for the roar generator of the head, with a high output possible type––”

“Yes, please.”

As Lux answered, Lisha promptly began the maintenance with practiced movements.

“But you know, it’s weird after all. This Drag-Ride…”

Lisha muttered so with an expression which was not somewhere lively.

“It’s really strange; the balance is obviously a problem. If you want to crush your opponent by endurance and firepower, it will be better to use a Ground-type Machine Dragon whose gross weight could be raised; in a Flying-type Machine Dragon which has high mobility, there is no meaning to go so far to strengthen the defense. Rather, it will become heavy and slow, it will unnecessarily increase the burden on the user too, –– are you a masochist?”

“…………”

“Well, it’s fine. There are also things which only the human user can understand after all. It’s none other than your request.”

Lux was relieved inwardly.

Any ordinary Machine Dragon mechanic would feel a sense of incongruity to Lux’s <Wyvern>.

He could not talk about the reason and he could not let the reason be noticed, either, but––,

“Hey, Lux.”

“…!?”

Suddenly being called to, Lux’s spine slightly shivered as he was taken aback.

“By the way –– may I leave only the drill?”

With her loveliest smile so far, Lisha said.

“You can’t.”

“You’re really stingy, even though you’re just a former Prince!”

“That has nothing to do with it.”

With that last exchange, the silent work continued for a while.

In the early afternoon, Lux’s Machine Dragon was completely restored.

For the time being, it was good that his Machine Dragon was repaired.

Lux felt relieved so, but,

“All right, then it’s time to go.”

“Eh? Where?”

“Isn’t it obvious? What do you think I stayed up all night to repair this for? Of course, it’s for your new workplace.”

Seeing Lisha with sparkling eyes, Lux got a bad feeling about this.

===Part 5===

Even in the afternoon of the holiday, a part of the school facilities was opened.

Though few, club activities also existed and there were also students who were active on holidays.

But, it was in the waiting room of the practice field that Lux who was brought by Lisha went to.

It was a slightly wide room for changing into Dress Gear –– exclusive clothing in order to equip with a Machine Dragon, and for discussing tactics.

Several dozens of students wearing Dress Gears were waiting for Lux there.

Of course, there was no man other than Lux.

There were students whom he recognized, Krulcifer and Philphie.

And Sharis, Tillfarr and Nokuto of the Triad.

As the students gathered regardless of class and grade, more than half of them were unfamiliar faces.

“Do you really intend to let him join the “Knight Squadron”, Lisha-sama?”

A tall female student whom Lux didn't even know the name of, said so as she looked at him.

“That goes without saying. He will show his ability from here on. It’s for that reason that I repaired Lux’s Drag-Ride after all.”

“Errr –– what are you guys talking about?”

As Lux cocked his head in puzzlement not knowing what they were talking about,

“Princess Lizsharte would like to recommend you to this unit. A guerrilla unit which can also use Drag-Rides, other than during practical skill exercises while being an officer cadet. That’s the special unit “Knight Squadron”.”

The third-year student Sharis said with a refreshing smile.

As he heard the explanation in detail, it was apparently something like this.

In the current New Kingdom, there was always a shortage in talented Drag-Knights who could perform in actual combat.

Moreover, this place was the Fort City which could be called the bastion (defensive position) of the capital.

Therefore, not letting young students with outstanding talent and ability fight in accordance with the rules was pearls thrown before swine.

Thereupon, a guerrilla unit –– the “Knight Squadron” which holds special battle permission while being composed of officer cadets was established, and they delved into long day and night fighting techniques.

If one belonged to the “Knight Squadron”, he could get a reward by assembling a platoon with several people and receiving missions from the army.

Thus, even in the perspective of Lux’s “chores”, it would be a very useful place, but––

“But you know, the “Knight Squadron” isn’t some kind of place where anyone who wants to join can join.”

As Sharis’ explanation ended, a girl whom he was not familiar with muttered so.

“You must get a high evaluation with the results of the campus battles. Your level as Drag-Knight should be more than the intermediate level. And, the majority of members of the current “Knight Squadron” should acknowledge your ability and vote for the approval of you joining.”

These three things seemed to be the conditions for joining.

“Um, but I attended the academy since only several days ago, and my practical skills are also––”

“Unfortunately, it seems to be so. I’ve heard the rumor about you being the “Weakest Undefeated” though.”

As the female student who seemed calm said so with a wry smile,

“I don’t mind.”

Lisha cut off the flow, full of confidence.

“The first two conditions are just a given. Most of the students who are here should already know Lux’s ability. After all, he had a draw in a one-on-one fight against me and went against the Abyss all alone.”

“Well, it’s true, but…”

Overwhelmed by Lisha’s momentum, the tall girl faltered.

“But, now the third-year members of the “Knight Squadron” aren’t there. We can’t decide about it at such a time…”

A small-sized girl said so as to add to the tall girl’s case, but

“The whole majority is properly here. Even if all those who aren’t here vote ‘no’, it won’t matter if all the members here agree, right?”

In the end, Lisha settled the talk.

“Why aren’t the third-year students here?”

As Lux asked Sharis who was beside him in a low voice,

“Well, currently the third-year students went to the capital for practice for about two weeks. Due to some circumstances on my end, I couldn’t go this time.”

“Then, won’t it be better to decide after the third year members come back?”

“Well –– I think that it’s just the opposite.”

Suddenly, Krulcifer who kept silent until now reacted to Lux’s question.

“The Princess believes that precisely now is the best time to let you join. The third-year leader of the Knight Squadron is quite the man-hater after all––”

“Eh…?”

“Third-year student, Celestia Ralgris. An influential person who is the daughter of a Duke House and is said to be the strongest of the academy. She’s also popular and a lot of students admire her too. If that person was presently in the academy, it’s probably more likely that even something like letting a man attend the academy would have been revoked.”

“…………”

In other words, using the chance when that man-hating leader is absent, Lisha wanted to rush the matter into a fait accompli<ref>"accomplished fact"; something that has already happened and is thus unlikely to be reversed, a done deal. In French used only in the expression placer/mettre quelqu’un devant le fait accompli meaning to present somebody with a fait accompli</ref>.

“Krulcifer, don’t talk nonsense. I only do what I should do as the New Kingdom Princess.”

Lisha who heard the talk cheekily rebutted.

“The Abyss's sudden attack without warning the other day. Although it didn’t lead to serious consequences, the cause is still unknown, so it’s under investigation. Ensuring (or securing) an immediate asset is the natural judgment. Especially all the more since the majority of third-year students are absent now.”

''She says something that sounds really good.''

Lux admired inwardly.

He had thought that she was unlike a Princess, but unexpectedly, she also seemed to have political ability.

“But as expected, even I won't think of letting him join without him going through any procedure.”

Before a rebuttal came, Lisha who was at the center of the waiting room looked around everyone.

“We will hold a Machine Dragon confrontation battle in teams from here on. And with the battle outcome, we should decide whether or not to allow Lux to join.”

She said so and quickly began to choose the opponents.

“…………”

(She completely ignored my opinion, huh…)

Lux really wanted to say so a little bit, but…

“Lux. If you do missions and security guard jobs in the Knight Squadron, you’ll also get rewards. It will help you pay off your debt! You should just gladly work like a horse!”

As he saw Lisha smiling, he felt that it would be useless even if he refused.

As Lux who was at a loose end looked around the waiting room,

“I mean, so Philphie was also a member of the “Knight Squadron”?”

As Lux who caught sight of his childhood friend in the corner asked,

“…………”

Philphie who gnawed snack biscuits did not react.

“Errr, Philphie…?”

As he thought that she didn't and called out to her again,

“…It’s Phi-chan, right?”

In a slightly emphasized tone, Philphie muttered.

“Eh…!? D-Do you want me to call you that even here …!?”

“Yes.”

Philphie nodding with a serious look, Lux’s face turned red.

If it weren’t for this, she would really be a good girl, but––

But that aside, it was unexpected.

The last time they met was seven years ago; in the Old Empire's society before the coup d’état, women had little opportunity to get in contact with Drag-Rides.

Therefore, Lux had no memory of having seen Philphie ever used a Drag-Ride.

But, to think that this girl with a gentle atmosphere had enough ability to join the “Knight Squadron” ––

“Phi…chan, are you strong?”

“Ordinary, I guess.”

As he awkwardly called her by her nickname, a simple answer came back.

But upon close inspection, not a Sword Device of a general-purpose Machine Dragon, but a short sword decorated with a unique design was in the scabbard hung on her waist.

“She’s very strong, this girl. She is the user of the Divine Drag-Ride <Typhon> after all. Together with my <Fafnir>.”

“Eeeh…!?”

As Krulcifer added, Lux unintentionally opened his mouth.

To think that Philphie possessed enough skill to be able to use a Divine Drag-Ride which even first-class Drag-Knights couldn't handle so often.

And also Krulcifer.

Even if they were called “Knight Squadron”, they were still officer cadets after all.

It looked like his preconception was greatly wrong.

Even excluding the third-year members, if there were even three users of Divine Drag-Rides, it was a military power worthy of threat.

Which meant, even the missions given were more likely to be suitable as such.

From now on whether he wanted to or not, he might be sent out on dangerous missions.

(…What shall I do?)

『For that, I hope that you didn’t forget the other purpose, Nii-san.』

He recalled the words said by Airi early in the morning during breakfast.

Before attracting a curious attention, he started thinking to decline joining the unit.

He was thankful that a hefty reward was given, but if he got involved in too deeply, it would be likely to affect the “other purpose”.

“Hey, Lux. I settled the talk.”

While he was thinking about such a thing, his shoulder was patted by Lisha.

“You and I will team up and fight against the opposition’s team. Hurry up and go to the compartment to change into a Dress Gear.”

“…………”

It looked like it was already too late.

“What? You may also change without hiding if you want, you know?”

“I am not worried about that!”

As Lux’s face turned red as he panicked to Lisha’s teasing,

“You peep, but you don’t want to be seen yourself, huh.”

Even Krulcifer who was in the corner muttered in a subdued voice, and Lux was at his wits’ end.

“I’ll go change!”

Lux hurried up and changed into the Dress Gear he was given and came out of the compartment.

“So–– I understand that Lisha-sama and I will team up, but how many people are there in the opponent team?”

“Yes. It seems to be all the members here that met with Lux-san for the first time.”

“Eeeeeeeeeh!?”

In other words, all the members present except Krulcifer, Philphie and the three girls of the Triad.

“Wait, isn’t it reckless no matter how you look at it…?”

Lisha was strong.

Even compared to Drag-Knights that Lux had confronted so far, she was probably the most powerful.

But it should also be the same for the Knight Squadron’s members present here.

“It’s all right. According to my calculations, even this should work out good enough. If it’s not enough, well let’s see, it’s not too late to change your Machine Dragon to attack specialization even now––”

“…I’ll do my best as it is.”

“Is that so? I’ll fight with the <Chimeric Wyvern>, but–– well it’s fine. We’re outnumbered anyway. Once it starts, even you’ll have no choice but to fight.”

To Lisha’s words which somewhere had a hidden meaning, Lux sighed.

Both parties finished their preparations and went out to the practice field.

And the mock battle began.

===Part 6===

“What the hell, geez!”

Immediately after the team confrontation battle which ended in no time.

Lisha who returned to the waiting room of the practice field was shouting like a spoiled child.

Most of the “Knight Squadron” members had already changed and left the room, only Lux, Lisha and several acquaintances remained in the room.

“Please, cheer up already. We’ve won after all.”

As Lux calmed her so with a troubled face,

“Why didn’t you attack even once!? I should have also got on the opponent team! You wasted a rare chance! You fool!”

Lisha raised her voice with somewhat teary eyes.

The team confrontation battle for letting Lux join the “Knight Squadron”.

Overturning the overwhelming handicap of two against ten, Lux and Lisha had won.

By the way, it was Lisha who defeated all the opponents’ Machine Dragons.

While Lux was dodging and defending against the enemy’s attacks, the battle ended.

Although they won as a result, Lux’s joining was rejected by the majority vote, and Lisha was furious.

The reason that he was not able to earn an affirmative vote was because Lux had not attacked even once.

Though he felt bad for Lisha, Lux was inwardly relieved.

“Was my strategy a failure? Or…, was there a problem with the opponent team formation…? But, by my initial expectations…”

While grumblingly muttering, Lisha began to change her clothes on the other side of the compartment.

(It will be bad if I go back without permission, right…?)

When Lux who had finished changing from the Dress Gear into his uniform first, sat down before the table of the waiting room and was waiting.

“Good work, Lu-chan.”

Philphie who was sitting in the opposite side suddenly called out to him.

The vote ended; his childhood friend who had finished changing into her uniform remained in the waiting room, peeled a fruit and ate it.

Or it was supposed to be like this, but––

“…Uh huh. Thank you––. Wait, what is this?”

“Orange.”

A brief answer came back with the peeled orange.

She pinched the fresh fruit flesh where the white pith was removed with her thin fingertips, and held it out in front of Lux.

“No, I understood by seeing, but…”

“I helped you remove the orange’s white peel.”

Such words were said with an indifferent tone.

Lux brooded over their meaning for just several seconds,

“Eh...? Is it, by any chance –– what I think it is!?”

Suddenly, his cheeks became hot.

Lux remembered that when they were children, Philphie used to peel the pelt of the orange which he was not able to eat as he disliked that part (pelt).

“T-Thank you, Phi-chan. B-But, I’m not a kid anymore, so I can do that much alone…”

When he answered so as he was a little embarrassed,

“…You don’t want?”

Philphie intently turned her pupils and looked into Lux’s face.

It was a somewhat dejected and lonely tone.

“T-That isn’t it––”

“Then, eat.”

When he was at loss, Philphie softly pushed the orange's flesh to Lux’s lips.

Seeing that he received it with his mouth, Philphie slightly smiled.

“Is it delicious?”

“Y-Yes…”

“I’m glad.”

(…Rather, it’s so embarrassing that I can’t taste it…!)

Looking at Philphie who was somewhere happy, Lux was bewildered,

“It’s all good that you’re so close, but I think you should watch your surroundings a little more.”

“…!? N-No, this is––”

Teased by Krulcifer who was in a corner of the room, Lux became flustered.

When he turned his eyes around as he wondered whether they were seen by others,

“…Hmm. Even though I’m unusually troubled, to think that you flirt with another woman before my eyes. I’m envious, Lux.”

Lisha who had finished changing and came out muttered as she was amazed.

“However… I see. There was that way (hand), huh…”

And walking at a quick pace, she came before Lux who was sitting.

(It’s bad. I’ll be scolded––)

As Lux closed his eyes thinking so.

Something was slapped on the table before him.

“Huh…?”

What was put on the table was a sheet of paper –– a request for a job.

“W-Which reminds me after this, you shouldn’t have undertaken any job requests in particular, right?”

Lisha who sharpened her lips leaned her face immediately to Lux’s.

When he was sure that she was angry, her cheeks somewhat turned red and she averted her eyes from Lux.

“Eh, well… yes.”

''…I wonder what the matter is.''

When Lux replied as he wondered so, Lisha quickly took a breath and stuck out her chest.

“T-Then, it’s an additional request. Um––, come with me now.”

===Part 7===

Cross-shaped Fort City, Cross Feed.

From the sunrise until late at night, the people’s hustle and bustle had not stopped in this first block which was located in the center.

Probably because of the early spring, the evening sunlight was still strong.

Lux and Lisha were walking on the main street of maintained stone pavements with a lot of pedestrian traffic.

(She asked me to come along, so it was for shopping, huh… I was surprised.)

『U-Um… I think that in order to form a partnership, it’s important to know each other well. After all, I still don’t know much about a man of the same age…』

The reason why Lisha invited Lux to go out seemed to be something like that.

(But, I’m still nervous. To be with a Princess of the same age, only the two of us is––)

When looking to the side, as he thought so, Lisha who was also somewhat restless was looking at the cityscape.

『Oh my, to think that you’re going out with the Princess; not bad, Lux-kun』

He remembered that when he parted from Lisha once to go prepare himself, he was told so by Principal Relie who happened to pass by in the neighborhood.

『Someone like Lizsharte-sama who immerses herself only in fighting and research has no immunity in the love area. If she was suddenly pushed into a boy she likes, she might easily fall, you know?』

『No, I don’t think it can be something like that…』

At that time, Lux denied it with an indescribable expression, but––

“Come to think of it. Lisha-sama, do you often go out into town?”

“N-No… not at all.”

To Lux’s question, Lisha firmly shook her head.

“These days, I was always working in the atelier after all. I was busy with the Drag-Ride's remodeling...”

While looking around curiously, Lisha turned a fleeting glance at Lux,

“Um..., d-do you often go out? With other girls––”

She asked so in an irritated tone.

“N-No... I also have a debt to pay off, so I've no time for that.”

“I-I see...”

As Lux denied, Lisha smiled as she was relieved,

“All right. Then, since it's the first time for both of us, I shall escort you! If I'm not mistaken, there is a good restaurant in this urban area... No, wait.”

When she suddenly stopped moving, Lisha touched her uniform (as she was searching for something) and made a bitter expression.

“What's wrong?”

“U-Uh huh... Well, it'll be all right, I guess. I'm a Princess, so I should be able to ask for a credit...”

“By any chance... did you forget your wallet?”

“Ugh... Um, it was just accidentally today...”

To Lisha who looked downward as she was embarrassed, Lux smiled wryly.

Seeing her all flustered, he felt somewhat relaxed.

I guess she isn't really used to going out.

Then–– within the range possible with my meager experience, I wanted this girl to enjoy herself.

Lux thought so.

“It's not good. The New Kingdom Princess shouldn't easily ask for credit.”

“T-Then, what...? Are you already saying to call it a day...?”

Looking at the somehow lonely Lisha, Lux kindly smiled.

“If you don't mind me, I will offer you hospitality.”

After a few minutes. Lux and Lisha sat side by side at the curb of the central open space and were looking at the sunset.

The apple pie which he gave to Lisha was something reputed to be the most delicious even in the stands of the Fort City, and it was a shop where Lux once worked at for odds jobs.

“How is it? Lisha-sama”

“Hmm. it's sweet and delicious. Thank you...”

While biting the apple pie from the paper package, Lisha frequently sent a passionate gaze to Lux's face.

Lux did not have that much on hand, but looking at Lux who was accompanied by Lisha, the employee of the stall gave them to him for free.

In the end, giving his thanks together with Lisha, he decided to gratefully accept them, but––

“However, being well known even to the stalls, you are appreciated by the people of this city, eh.”

“My face is just known due to working odd jobs.”

To that mutter of admiration, Lux replied with a wry smile.

“B-But, it's strange... Even though I planned to make you appreciate me, but like this... instead I'm––”

To Lisha who muttered in a low voice; Lux cocked his head in puzzlement,

“What's the matter?”

“N-No, how to put it –– this area is glug-glug since some time now...!”

Looking at Lisha whose cheeks reddened, and that set a hand on her chest,

(I wonder if she's nervous after coming out to downtown after a long time.)

Lux thought so.

“Are you all right? If you aren't feeling well, we should rest somewhere...”

“I-I'm all right... If I sit for a little bit, I think I'll be fine...”

“I haven't that much knowledge in medical treatment. But, I know a place of good and free medical treatment; so if there is anything, please tell me immediately.”

“Ah, yes...”

After giving a vague answer with a flushing expression, Lisha entrusted her body to Lux for a while.

“S-Speaking of which –– do men prefer girls like your childhood friend?”

“...Yes?”

To the words suddenly released by Lisha, Lux looked puzzled.

“I don't really understand... I haven't thought that much about wanting to be spoiled by someone, or being together with someone else. But––”

While muttering with upturned eyes, Lisha timidly held out an apple pie to Lux.

“Errr––”

“Hey, can you taste this for poison?”

“You've already started eating it though...?”

“D-Don't worry about trivial things!? Just do it!”

No, I think it's pretty important though...

Swallowing such a retort, Lux bit the pie which was held out.

“Ah...”

The crunchy pie crust and the sweet fragrance of the apple spread in his mouth.

“T-There is no poison. Now, can you rest assured?”

As Lux smiled, Lisha once again ate the pie while staring at him with feverish eyes––

“Uh, auh... Fuuh...”

After her face became red to the extent that it could be clearly seen even in the evening, her body lost all its strength there.

“Hey!? What's the matter? Lisha-sama!”

As Lux hurriedly caught Lisha who was about to fall,

“Hiyan...!?”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>munyu*. A soft sensation was transmitted to Lux's palm.

Her chest that was being rubbed, although of a petite build, firmly asserted its size; Lisha’s thin body shook in Lux's arms as she was startled.

(Shit! she'll get mad...!)

Although he held her on the spur of the moment, he had done a terrible thing.

(But... it was very soft, huh. Lisha-sama's–– not that! What am I thinking!?)

“Ah, um –– I-I'm sorry!”

As Lux who changed the position of his hand apologized while being confused,

“W-Well, I will forgive... But, more importantly––”

Lisha said so and tightly grabbed the collar of her uniform,

“I-I don't really know why, but since some time now, my chest is hot and I feel dizzy...”

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v1 198.jpg|thumb]]

While exhaling a feverish breath, she muttered as such.

“W-What's wrong? Um, I will bring you to the nearby house for free treatment––”

“I-I'm all right... I will get better after a short time, I think, probably...”

Lux anxiously supported Lisha for a while, but after a few minutes, she regained her composure before long and returned to her usual condition.

The curfew time was approaching, so they decided to return to the academy and began to walk slowly.

Lux was also surprised by Lisha's sudden request this time, but

“T-Today, um... it was quite fun. Thank you, Lux...”

With just such a sentence from Lisha, he felt like he had been rewarded.

===Part 8===

“Speaking of which, I'm sorry. For not being able to join.”

Several minutes later. As Lux once again said so while walking his way back on the deserted street,

“Don't worry about it. I can do the joining recommendation in the next month after 5 more days after all. From tomorrow after school, we will begin with the coordination training at once.”

Lisha replied so with a smile on her whole face.

“Do you still intend to get me into the "Knight Squadron"!?”

“Well, as for the strategy. You plunge right in the middle of the enemy camp, and I blow away the opponents who have their attention attracted to you one after another. Afterward, while I defend you, you can at least defeat one machine.”

“Isn't it a little too cruel...? In various meanings.”

Unintentionally, it was tactic which brought a cold sweat to the spine.

Judging from Lisha's tone, probably... she was serious.

“...More importantly, about Lisha-sama's <Chimeric Wyvern>... That was amazing, eh.”

“Hmm? Did you come to want it? I had quite a hard time making it, but if you want, I could specially make another one for you.”

“Can you make many machines like that?”

“Even if I make it, it will be useless now though. it is 50% stronger than a general-purpose Machine Dragon, but the burden of stamina aside, the operation difficulty is on the same level as that of an average Divine Drag-Ride. Even the Sword Devices' dual wielding can't be used by anyone other than me. Do you want to try it?”

“No, thank you...”

Honestly, Lux also thought that it was impossible.

The conception of combining two kinds of Machine Dragons performances was certainly amazing, but it could probably not be mastered by anyone except Lisha who was a genius engineer and also a first-class Drag-Knight.

“How about somehow improving it in a way that it will be easier to use? To the extent that even only the students of the "Knight Squadron" are able to use it. As a Princess––”

Words came out naturally so.

They were not words in order to go along with the talk, he truly thought so.

He might have voiced out what he was vaguely thinking inwardly all this time.

The rule of the empire for a long time.

And precisely because they were released from it now, he wanted her to become a good Princess.

He wanted her to be a Princess who thinks about the people and considered others' feelings.

Such a desire of Lux might have unintentionally been voiced out.

“As a Princess?”

“Y-Yes... As the New Kingdom Princess, you will be more useful to the people like that––”

However,

“I don't need it.”

Lux shivered to the coldness of the voice which came back.

With neither anger, nor sorrow nor even apathy. A hollow voice which lost all colors.

For just several seconds, the surrounding atmosphere froze.

“Phew. I'm often told that. Both my technique of Machine Dragon development and results in the school battles. I get tired whenever I'm summoned to the capital about things such as 'you should be proud as a Princess' or 'it's a great achievement'.”

“What... do you mean?”

“Before that, answer my question. What is a Princess?”

A concise question of only a few words.

But, Lux was not able to return an answer to it.

“My father, Count Atismata who raised a coup d’état had died without sitting on the New Kingdom's throne because of an injury during that time. But, his fame remains and my aunt, Queen Raffi succeeded the country. And I, as a memento of the late great man, got the status of Princess of the New Kingdom. I'm merely that much of a human.”

“That's not...”

“But, the citizens are thankful and extolled the idol who is me. It's interesting, isn't it? It's a laughable story. The Old Empire had thoroughly laid out a tyrannical rule after all. As a substitute, they forced me to be a splendid person of character like a Princess. If I don't do it, they will urge me. They will say incomprehensible things like 'you have that responsibility, don't run away, carry out your mission'.”

“............”

“There is a place where I want to stop by a little.”

Lisha muttered so and headed to a vacant land with a good view which deviated from the main street.

And, when confirming that there was no one around, she lowered her voice and began to talk.

“Won't you tell me? Lux Acadia. You, a Prince of the destroyed Empire, tell me the way of a righteous princess.”

“... I, to me––”

He could not answer.

A society and laws without unequal and unjust discrimination.

No, it did not have to be such a thing.

But, just a world without unreasonable suffering––

The wishes which Lux were harboring were all crushed on that day five years ago.

“Do you remember the Old Empire's brand applied on my belly?”

Lisha said with a dry smile.

“............”

“Most of the citizens admire and extol my father. That he is the hero remaining in the history that destroyed the Empire. Many years before the coup d'état occurred, my father had opposed the Empire and raised an objection to its policy. Naturally, he incurred the enmity of those from the Empire's side, to the point that it wasn't strange that his precious daughter was kidnapped––”

“...Don't tell me”

When Lux arrived at that guess, Lisha laughed incidentally.

“Right, I was caught by the Old Empire at that time five years ago. And, I was used as a bargaining chip to my father who was furthering the coup d’état plan, but in the end –– I was abandoned. This carved seal is the proof that I was considered the possession of the Old Empire.”

“––!?”

As tension ran to Lux's expression, Lisha continued in a calm tone.

“Actually, my father was probably a great man. In order to bring down that Empire, my father should have concentrated all his efforts to plan the coup d'état. He couldn't possibly ruin everything because of one life which was his daughter's. It had been only about two months that I had been put under house arrest, but I was abandoned, and was no longer the Earl's daughter or anything. My mother died from illness, but since I had a little sister, in the dawn when the coup d'état succeeded, that child should have become the Princess of the new royal family. Instead of me.”

“............”

“However, it seems that my little sister was killed during the coup d'état. So, my aunt, the queen of the New Kingdom who had no child accepted me, who was rescued, as her adopted child and I acceded to the position of Princess. In order to gather up the country together as a memento of my late father, the hero Count Atismata, and as the symbol of the New Kingdom. The fact that I was abandoned by my father and applied with the brand of the Old Empire was concealed.”

“............”

At that time–– when Lux and Lisha met for the first time.

So that's why she had wore the towel in the bathtub, hiding her skin even to other female students.

Since her secret which mustn't be seen was seen by Lux, who was none other than a Prince of the Old Empire, Lisha went so far against Lux––

“Lux. Was it painful for you to be no longer a Prince of the Old Empire?”

Lisha asked with a self deprecating smile.

“Well... I––”

The coup d’état five years ago.

A scene a few days earlier than it was revived in his memory.

His little sister and his childhood friend who had danger approaching her due to the Empire.

Lux, as a member of the royal family and as a "person with pride", thought that he wanted to do something about this country.

However––,

“I wasn't even able to do anything which seems like a Prince, so...”

As Lux quietly shook his head, Lisha laughed lonely.

“You know, I didn't like my father. When thinking about it now, he might have rather pretended to act indifferent towards me to keep me away from the danger of the coup d’état. My father's judgment of abandoning me might have been something very brave and which should be praised. As one of the citizens who had suffered a tyrannical rule, I might have respected and admired my father like everyone. However...”

Cutting her words at once, Lisha looked downward,

“I...”

In a choked voice and moved to tears.

“I wanted him to save me.”

“............”

“I wanted him to choose not the country, but me... I'm a hopeless person, right? I, who was captured, was so scared that I couldn't even commit suicide. That's why I'm not the New Kingdom's Princess and don't have such qualifications to be.”

So that's why she hates to behave like a Princess, huh.

After all, it isn't anyone else, but herself who thinks that she is unqualified.

“Let's talk about the reason why I invited you.”

As she suddenly returned to the talk, Lux kept quiet.

“This is because Drag-Knights are everything in this era. The investigation of the ruins, the turf war for resources with other countries, peace and sovereignty. Drag-Rides are involved in all of these. In a sense, it's good for the country that I become strong.”

“............”

“Lux. I want to know who I am.”

Saying so, Lisha began to walk her way home which had become dark.

“My father was the hero who saved the people of this country. But, now I'm no one. So, I want to know it after becoming the strongest Drag-Knight. For that, I need your power. I will have you play an active role as my right hand in the "Knight Squadron". You have no objection, right? Chore Prince.”

“Objection...? Haven't you already decided?”

“An able woman is also quick in decisions.”

Lisha laughed so proudly.

“First will be the platoon confrontation battle of the academy. After having won it –– we will attend the next battle. It's the off-campus confrontation battle with the representatives of each country.”

“An off-campus, confrontation battle”

As Lux cocked his head in puzzlement at the unfamiliar words,

“Although you've been doing odd jobs in many places, don't you know the world situation? You did yesterday's lesson, right? About the investigation of ruins in each country and the struggle to obtain their rights––”

Currently in this New Kingdom, there are three crises where one did not know when they would occur.

The first crisis is the rebel army of the Old Empire troops that has been hiding after the coup d'état.

The second crisis is the existence of the Abyss which occasionally appeared from the ruins.

And the third crisis is the turf war with other countries regarding the research activity of the ruins themselves

“Although the New Kingdom was born, there are still the Old Empire's remnants remaining. They escaped into the neighboring countries which were supporting the Empire, getting cooperating organizations, and even now –– aim at the recapture of the government by military power (force).”

“............”

In fact, there had been rumors that the rebel army of the Old Empire was superior in number than the regular army of the current New Kingdom.

However, they just haven't showed up these several years.

“Next is–– the problem of the Abyss.”

The mysterious beasts which frequently appeared from the ruins themselves or from their surroundings.

While knowing that various treasures were excavated from the ruins including the Drag-Rides, it was mainly because of the Abyss that the research of each nation did not readily progress.

As a result of having greedily forced an investigation of ruins, there were also precedents where nearby villages, towns and small nations themselves were destroyed in only one night by the Abyss which appeared.

All that was known was that as long as you destroyed the core inside of the Abyss' body, you could kill them.

But, on top of the fact that it was accompanied with many dangers, one stood no chance against them with military power other than Drag-Rides.

Therefore, ancient weapons and resources were dug illegally by thieves; damaging the ruins, and moreover so that the Abyss did not end up being summoned, the ruins discovered in the country were designated off-limits and strictly controlled.

“And–– thirdly is the turf war with other countries.”

Every corner of the world was dotted with ruins and the countries who managed their lands were basically investigating them.

So as not to selfishly get into the ruins of another country, an agreement was established too.

However, if the weak carelessly advanced their investigation of the ruins, they might incur damage even to the surroundings countries by the Abyss' appearance.

Along the border, there were also ruins of places that were vague; whether it was the territory of which country including the sea area of distant places.

Therefore, one agreement was made and a mock battle of Drag-Knights in order to gain what should (could) be called "the ruins investigation rights", was to be held in each country once every several months.

It was said that in one of them, there was also a tournament among fellows officer cadets.

“Then, until then...”

“Yes, by the confrontation battle which will begin two months later, I shall have gathered the strongest unit. For that purpose, I expressly made you join the academy, and tried to make you join the "Knight Squadron", but––”

Lisha got sulky.

“No, um... I understand your feelings and I'm glad that you're expecting a lot from me, but I'm only good at defense––”

“Let's practice on attack!”

He was sternly pointed at with a finger and scolded.

“To begin with, my attacks were avoided so much by you. If you acquire even the experience of attacking, you should be recognized as a powerful and outstanding figure even by the "Knight Squadron" like I anticipated. And, um, as m-my first partner, someday––”

“Eh...?”

As Lux looked puzzled at Lisha who mumbled as her cheeks suddenly became red,

“F-For the time being, that's your task. As my escort, I will talk it over with the Principal whether you can have the same authority as the "Knight Squadron" as an exception.”

“Eeeh!?”

“You can't attack, but the existence value of a Drag-Knight who has never been defeated is enough. In short, it'll be good as long as you play an active role as my shield.”

“I-Isn't that a little cruel...”

In various meanings.

“––By the way, it's about your other Sword Device, but can you show it to me a little? If it's a good material, I would like to remodel it.”

“Eeeeeeeh!?”

Looking at Lisha whose eyes suddenly brightened, Lux panicked.

“Hmm...? Is there something to be surprised with?”

“Errr? That is... Um, I was told by Her Majesty the Queen to strictly manage it, so...”

“What! You're stingy, eh. Can't you at least show it to me?”

Dissatisfied, Lisha pouted.

“In that case, I will go get permission from Her Majesty the Queen later. You should protect that sword well till then.”

“Yes...”

Lux nodded with an evasive reply.

“What's the matter? You look pale. If you're tired, you should rest by somewhere––”

“No...”

“Then, it's good. Then, take care of me again, Lux.”

As they returned up to the academy's main gate, Lisha lightly tapped Lux's shoulders and left.

“............”

Lux went to the drawing room of the academy with the same pace as when he was walking with Lisha.

Originally, he was temporarily allowed to sleep in Philphie's room, but he wanted to stay at the drawing room only today without notice.

Rather than an ethical issue or personal reasons, Lux did not want to meet anyone now.

“I––. I'm hopeless...”

It was with light self-loathing that he had lain down on the sofa.

Though on the spur of the moment, he was regretting having said those words to Lisha.

“I have no right to say that 'you should be more like a Princess' to her...”

To think that I want someone to do what I wasn't able to do.

(What have I ever done for the citizens in those days?)

What Lux had obtained five years ago was the title of Prince and several privileges.

He was wondering whether even the young him could not do something as a prince of a great Empire which lasted several hundred years.

And, the day of fate.

As the result of the fact that he himself personally moved–– the ideal which Lux painted as a Prince was smashed up.

Therefore, right.

As he became the chore Prince, Lux was saved for the first time.

The people of the town with whom he could not even get in touch with well until now.

Every place and every job.

With odd jobs for five years, he felt like having slightly gotten used to being a familiar existence.

He intended to be able to understand the words "for the people" that he had spoken.

(I'm selfish, eh...)

Why couldn't I understand the feelings of Lisha who couldn't behave like a Princess?

In the good point of having lost his position as Prince, this time he acted like a citizen and flattered the Princess.

He could not forgive such a side of himself.

Even so, Lisha said that she expected a lot from him.

Philphie said he was the same as in the old days.

Other students also accepted him.

I want to become everyone's power, but –– the current me can't use that sword.

But,

(I –– at that time)

A languid fatigue attacked Lux.

And Lux quietly closed his eyes.

===Part 9===

Sparks fluttered down from the sky.

The imperial castle of the Acadia Empire.

Inside the castle where the war was over.

A great number of soldiers' corpses were piled up, and while a flow of blood streamed down the floor like a muddy stream, Lux was walking dragging his feet.

Where he arrived at was the audience room which was fiercely destroyed.

In front of the throne, the emperor was lying on the floor.

His chest was very deeply pierced by a sword, and he died like that with his eyes wide opened.

“Oh dear, so you were alive. As expected of you, little brother.”

Beside him, a young man smeared with blood spurts was laughing.

An innocent, pure smile like a child.

“How... why...?”

Within a hazy consciousness and putting strength in his legs which were likely to collapse at any moment, Lux asked.

Immediately after, he strongly coughed and finally vomited a clot of blood.

“Kukukuku. As expected of you, little brother. To be able to use that Drag-Ride until you vomit blood–– I want even this gutless emperor to follow your example in the netherworld.”

Saying so, the man kicked the face of the motionless emperor.

“Why, did you, kill him...?”

“What?”

To Lux's voice which got blurred, the man cocked his head in puzzlement.

“The Drag-Knights, of the, army, as well, as His Majesty the Emperor, everyone... This is, from the plan––”

“Ku, hahahaha! Hahahaha! Hahahaha! Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!”

The man laughed loudly.

And after suddenly opening his eyes wide, he glared at Lux.

“I was saved the trouble thanks to you. I never thought that you would be going so far. Thanks to you, this easily advanced farther than what I planned. If you were done in without being able to properly defeat the army, I would have had no choice but to call the Abyss using the "flute".”

Taking out a golden flute never seen before from his breast pocket, the man laughed.

“If I called a large quantity of Abyss, it would be easy to destroy this country, but the cleaning up afterwards would be troublesome. You saved me the trouble. Goddamn Prince.”

“Kahah...!”

Lux once again vomitted blood and fell on the floor.

He could not stand up anymore...

As if blood disappeared from his whole body, he grew weak.

The sensation of certain death wrapped Lux's whole body.

“But, you deserve respect. At this age, you manage Machine Dragons better than anyone else, and without using trickery, you fought to put an end to the history of this rotten Empire. By using me and borrowing Count Atismata's strength, you wonderfully destroyed this country. You're splendid, little brother! I praise your bottomless resolve and pride, and your talent!”

Fugil raised his voice and looked down at Lux.

“But –– you had no luck. You have been betrayed by me whom you trusted. Let me tell you something in the end, little brother. I wasn't a Prince of this Empire from the beginning.”

Devil like words were spitted out from the man's mouth.

“My purpose isn't the peace that you desired. Good work for destroying the Empire. Prince.”

Laughing with a frivolous voice, the face of the man who opened his eyes wide was reflected in Lux's pupils.

“Why...?”

“Let's see –– shall I tell you, little brother. The reason why you weren't able to achieve your ideal.”

The voice of a big brother which suddenly regained his composure and came to his senses reached Lux's ears.

“You know nothing of the world. You are not in the caliber of kings. The weakest.”

Lux's memory was interrupted at that last conversation.

It was a morning seven days after losing consciousness, and wandering about life and death that he woke up.

Meanwhile, all was over.

The defeat of the imperial army.

The approximately 1200 Drag-Knights who participated in the battle were killed in action.

The ideal end to which Lux believed in was nowhere.

===Part 10===

“Ngh...”

Lux woke up on the sofa of the drawing room.

Before he knew it, a blanket was put on his body.

On the other side of the window with the curtains opened, one could see the eastern sky which had become white.

It was dawn.

(I should go back to the room to get a uniform change...)

When Lux thought so and was going to get up,

“––Uwaaaaah!?”

Noticing a girl sitting face to face with him, Lux unintentionally shouted.

Krulcifer Einvolk.

The girl who was beautiful like a fairy was staring at Lux with her usual cool face.

“It' still early morning. Although it isn't the girl's dormitory, I don't think it's a good idea to shout too much.”

Smoothly brushing up her hair, Krulcifer said.

“Besides, it's also vexing when you scream as if you've seen a ghost.”

“Ah, s-sorry... Um, the reason why I screamed is because I had a dream, so––”

“You're quite honest. I'm joking, so don't worry.”

Krulcifer's mouth made an arc as she smiled.

She was usually a girl with a grown-up, cool impression, but that smile was lovely for a girl her age.

“U-Um... why is Krulcifer-san here?”

As Lux asked so regarding their encounter in an unexpected place,

“Want to hear it?”

“............”

She returned a mysterious smile which somewhere had an implication.

Catching sight of her long legs which peeped out from the skirt of her uniform for an instant, Lux's heart throbbed.

“Don't worry. Since, I don’t have an indecent goal like fantasizing about you.”

“I haven't said anything yet, right!?”

“Sorry for not being able to meet your expectations.”

“Like I said, I didn't think that!?”

“Is that so. So it's an optical illusion of my eyes that your face looks red, huh.”

“A-Anyone can become like that! If a beautiful person like Krulcifer-san is in the same room as you when you get up––”

“............”

Krulcifer who heard this, after being bewildered for a moment, kept silent for a while,

“It isn't like this place is your private room.”

“...Eh?”

She suddenly returned to a serious look and said so.

“As for the reason why I came here. Occasionally, I slip out of the dormitory to pass time. It just so happened that today it was in this drawing room that I came to. And then, you were sleeping here. That's all.”

Saying so, Krulcifer with her good posture sitting on the sofa as such, softly turned her gaze to the window.

Her profile was so lovely, like a painting, such that Lux could not help being fascinated.

“Do you think that it's a lie?”

Suddenly, her thin lips opened and words came out.

Lux calmly shook his head at her question,

“No. After all, I occasionally want to do so, too. It's also so when I'm alone, just look up at the starry sky and do odd jobs.”

“You're quite the romanticist. Is what I would like to say, but... you're careless. If I was an assassin who had a grudge towards the Empire, you would have been killed long ago.”

“Oh, haha...”

Lux returned a wry smile.

On that point, he should have had the habit of properly locking the door and lightly sleeping, but for some reason, he seemed to have been careless recently.

“Speaking of which, Krulcifer-san can also use a Divine Drag-Ride, right?”

“If I only hold onto it and don’t use it, it will be a useless possession. After all, I can't fight here and I have no interest in that anyway.”

Saying so, Krulcifer dropped her gaze to the Sword Device hung at her waist.

“What do you mean by having no interest?”

“It means that I don't want to fight. Long ago, I tried hard and fought for someone precious to me––. And I got my hands on the Divine Drag-Ride <Fafnir>. But, at a certain time, I had lost all reasons to fight.”

“By that...”

What do you mean?

Lux was going to ask so, but he reflexively hesitated.

The pain of having lost something important.

It was because he thought that it was not a good thing to ask about out of curiosity.

“There is only one truth which remains in me. One of the keys to figure it is the "Black Hero". So I –– chase after it.”

“............”

“Hey, I want to ask you something.”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>thump*, the moment he heard that, Lux's breath stopped.

Those eyes.

Countless Machine Dragons shot down.

The flow of a large quantity of blood overflowing from the gap of the broken floor.

The First Prince who betrayed him, Fugil.

That black Machine Dragon––

<nowiki>*</nowiki>gooonnng*

Suddenly, from the clock tower of the first block, they heard a big bell.

“This sound is…!?”

A sound which was not a tone to tell the time and which rang violently.

It was the alarm to warn of an enemy attack.

“Don't tell me––!?”

“...I'll go ahead.”

Running after Krulcifer who quickly moved, Lux also came out to the corridor.

And, he ran to the sharing room where Philphie slept.

<noinclude>

==References==
<references />

{{SimpleNav}}
</noinclude>

Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 1 Episode 6

2017-12-03T10:59:43Z

OmegaWeaponZ: /* Part 8 */

==Episode 6 - Atelier of Machine Dragons and Enrolment Exams==

===Part 1===

Castle town of the Imperial Capital. In the drawing room of a small mansion in the outskirts, Lux and a guest were sitting.

Five Years Ago, April.

The feudal lord of the North East from the Imperial Capital, Count Atismata gathered the resistance of every place and raised an uprising 20 days later.

Coupled with the support of neighboring countries, he was ready to lead an army of 70000 soldiers and 207 Drag-Knights and decided to invade the Imperial Capital.

To convey this very important and highly classified information, Fugil came.

It was exactly ten days before his little sister Airi was to head to the Frontier Count.

Fugil, who tightly wrapped himself in a robe from head to toe, sat on a seat at the table illuminated by a candle flame, and slightly stuck out his head.

“The matter is proceeding as planned, little brother. As you planned, everything is going well.”

“Thank you.”

Lux bowed and then put the Sword Device which he was wearing on the table.

“I’m also ready.”

“As expected of you, little brother.”

Fugil who heard that nodded with admiration.

“You’ve far exceeded my expectations. Being the youngest user in history, you displayed your ability by gaining several hundred victories in the training and mock battles of the Empire army. Originally, that unprecedented exploit is something which should be praised all over the country and also by the Emperor –– but this Empire ended up being corrupted to the roots.”

In a voice mixed with resignation, he continued further.

“You’re the illegitimate seventh Prince. Moreover, you’re a person who objected to the politics of the Empire. No matter how much skill you have –– even if you are praised for your achievements, you hold a differing opinion which doesn't garner attention towards blood legitimacy. This means that such a person can’t be a “Hero”.”

“I’ve never thought to set myself up as a hero. Just––”

“I know.”

To the answer of the calm Lux, Fugil smiled.

“But, I'll ask you once again, shouldn’t you stop that way of fighting? You don’t expressly have to put yourself in danger in order to save the enemy. If you feel like it, though there will be sacrifices, you can choose a safer way––”

Not even shaken by the voice of Fugil who invited him, Lux raised his face.

“This way, even supposing that the plan succeeds, there will be no meaning.”

“Most men of the army are puppets of the imperial family. While wielding the absolute weapon which is the Drag-Ride, they would blindly obey orders of oppression and massacring of innocent people. So, you can’t assert that they have no responsibility.”

“But, they might just be forced to execute orders which they don’t want. Even the people of the army have families.”

“Phew… Geez, your resolve deserves great admiration”

Fugil, somewhat amazed, smiled wryly and then stood up.

“Well then, see you in three days then. As per your instructions, I will come here again. Until then, give me a definite answer. Whether you will cooperate with a <Wyvern> and fight alongside my <Bahamut>? Or––”

“…………….”

“Like I thought, we should kill those guys and cut off the bad habit. Will you keep asking about something which won’t change? Will you give up everything for what you are trying to change? As a Prince of the Empire, if you possess the pride to fulfill it, then––”

“…I’m––”

Looking at Lux who did not change his expression, Fugil got ready to go back.

And with a hand, holding back Lux who tried to stand up and see him off, he slowly opened his mouth.

“Ah, which reminds me, Lux. That matter which you asked me to investigate about. About the medication and experimentation on a human body that the Empire's army was running.”

“––Yes”

To the words which were released, Lux showed a faint agitation.

The trend of the androcracy which went to extremes.

All women are tools.

In the imperial traditional culture, the fact that women obeyed men was taken for granted.

The scene where any male aristocrat made up a reason and abducted citizens or young girls of poor families as an outlet of his desire and manpower was not unusual.

But this time, a more horrible thing was happening.

The extremely horrifying affair where the military authorities were said to use very young girls for a certain special human experimentation.

On the surface, it was a clinical trial for making medicine to cure plagues.

However, in reality, it was human experimentation for poison and weapons.

With the fact that the majority of the results were either unknown after-effects or death, they returned to their families.

“Young children –– Among them, it seems that a subject chosen by a certain standard was the most suitable for the experiment; and this time, even several noble children seem to have been taken to the military facilities. Philphie Aingram. Including that childhood friend of yours with whom you were getting along with.”

“…………”

The moment when he heard this, Lux’s expression slightly stiffened.

“It seems that the elder sister Relie went to the imperial court to appeal for letting her go while crying, but, she was flatly refused. And it seems that the medication and surgery –– the experiment will begin within two weeks at the earliest.”

“Understood”

Even so, immediately regaining his composure, Lux answered.

“Then later, little brother. I believe in your resolution.”

Fugil left the mansion before one could notice.

However, there was only darkness and the sound of rain there.

===Part 2===

Several days since Lux came to the Royal Knight Academy.

Lux was spending his first holiday in a two person room of the girl’s dormitory.

“––Nii-san, Nii-san! Please get up.”

“Hmm…”

Feeling someone shaking his body, Lux woke up.

“Airi …?”

As he half-opened his eyes against sleepiness, he first saw his little sister’s face. Then, the near ceiling of the bunk beds came into view.

Airi seemed to have come into the room where Lux was sleeping to wake him up.

“Get down quickly and come to the dining room. I have to talk with you.”

“Ngh… Understood.”

Probably because it was a holiday, Airi wasn't wearing her school uniform, but a casual chic dress.

For Lux who had hardly lived in the same place as her, with only that, deep emotions welled up within him, but––

“I wonder how many years it’s been since you have come to wake me up, Airi.”

“More importantly Nii-san, what is the meaning of this?”

The skin around the eyes of Airi who smiled suddenly darkened.

“Ah, no, um…”

Gently holding the cheeks of Lux who unintentionally averted his face with her hands, she glared at him with scornful eyes.

“During the time I didn’t see you, you’ve become quite lazy. Please come to the dining room in less than three minutes.”

“You don’t even give me time to change my clothes?”

“Is that so? So usually, you change your clothes leisurely with your roommate around.”

Turning a fleeting glance under the bunk bed, Airi said.

To her cold voice, Lux could only answer “I will come at once”.

“Well then, I’m waiting, so.”

Seeming amazed, Airi briskly left the room.

“Haa, don’t get angry…”

“Munyah… Lu-chan”

At the sleep-talking of Philphie which could be heard from under the bed, Lux smile wryly.

“I’m going. Phi-chan.”

===Part 3===

The dining room of the girl’s dormitory was opened even on holidays.

However, since the time when meals were offered was fixed, even if one woke up early in the morning he could not get a meal immediately.

So, there were almost no students here at this early a time during holidays.

In the meantime, Lux and Airi were facing each other on the seats of a small table.

“It’s good to see that you’ve considerably gotten used to the academy. You seem a little too close to your roommate though.”

Airi said such sarcasm as she sipped her tea.

“Like I said… that was inevitable… When I searched, the girl’s dormitory had no vacant room, and I don’t know why, but there was no roommate in only Philphie’s room, um––”

“Hmm. Thus, you may stay at the room of a female childhood friend, huh. It’s indecent, extremely immoral. Would you like me to tell Principal Relie?”

“I’ve already told Relie-san about it. And then, she replied “I leave my little sister to you”, “it’s fine if it’s Lux-kun” with a smile…”

In the end, Lux was sent to Philphie's room in the girl’s dormitory until a place where he could stay was found.

Philphie, as usual with her easy-going personality, far from minding it seemed to be pleased, but Lux spent every day where he could not sleep easily.

It seemed that the three girls of the Triad and Airi already knew about it, but they wanted to keep this matter a secret as much as possible.

“It looks like before correcting Nii-san’s common sense, I should first admonish the principal, eh…”

As her exchanges with Relie immediately came to her mind, Airi sighed.

“So, what business do you have with me today, Airi?”

“Ara, so I can’t talk with you if I have no business, Nii-san?”

Lux’s question was returned with a mischievous smile.

Unlike a long time ago when she had a weak constitution, she had become a lady very skilled at bargaining.

“Well then, errr… are you doing well in the academy, Airi?”

“Yes, everyone takes good care of me, so Nii-san doesn’t need to worry about me.”

“I see. You’re loved by everyone, huh.”

“Don’t put it like that.”

He smoothly said with a refreshing smile.

“…As expected, you’re good at dealings with things as usual.”

Lux said with a wry smile, but he also had slightly mixed feelings.

Even if she was ejected from the succession struggle early, Airi was a “woman” of royalty.

When her mother died when she (Airi) was young, her position became complicated in various ways; if she did not acquire a determined personality from a tender age, she would not have been able to survive so far.

When he thought so, he also thought of wanting to spoil her more as her brother, but.

“And Nii-san, as usual, seems to always get dragged only into troubles and difficulties. If you need any help, please tell me.”

“…Ah, it’s all right.”

Without words to return coming out, Lux returned a mixed smile.

It looked like he was the one getting spoiled.

''Really, my little sister has gotten strong.''

“Do you also have jobs from now on today?”

“Yes. After eating breakfast, it’s been planned that I will go to the “Atelier” in the academy.”

“Is it for a request from a student?”

“I think it’s from the academy. But, they say that it isn’t a pressing business.”

“Without it, you would have received invitations for a date on the holiday from the young ladies, eh.”

“W-What are you saying!? There would be no such thing––”

When Lux got flustered as he was teased,

“Haa… this is why Nii-san is… Though you’ve been like that since long ago. Please, be a little aware of how others see you. Thanks to the fact that Nii-san stood out early, I also received a lot of requests for you, you know?”

Airi said so with a sigh.

“Eh…?”

“I wonder what the young ladies here are thinking, asking to arrange a place where they can speak with Nii-san or to casually appeal for them.”

“…Really!?”

“Yes. In the Old Empire, women of citizen level or below were oppressed, and even most of the noble women were treated as tools for political marriage, so they apparently never felt that much close to men.”

“…I wonder if it’s what you call peace.”

“I think it’s a little exaggerated to say peace, but since the establishment of the New Kingdom, there has been no major incident, so there may be no helping it. It’s only been five years since the Old Empire which laid out a tyrannical
rule for many years had been destroyed. I’m sure that for the people of the New Kingdom, it’s still like a dream, like they are in the middle of a happy festival.”

She whispered and then sipped her tea.

Contrary to her cynical words, Airi’s expression did not seem that dissatisfied.

“Yes, it would be good if it continues like this forever.”

“For that, don’t forget our other purpose. Okay, Nii-san?”

The moment when Lux agreed, in the almost deserted dining room, Airi dropped the tone of her voice.

“… Yes, I know.”

Similarly in a lower tone, Lux replied.

“Then, I can feel relieved. The analysis regarding the output of that Machine Dragon will be over soon, so until then––”

As Lux nodded, Airi finished drinking her tea and stood up.

“Huh? Aren’t you eating breakfast with me? Theres still time before the cook arrives though––”

“I’ll pass. If just the two of us are seen by everyone of the class, they're likely to be jealous after all.”

To Airi’s words which posed as a joke, Lux smiled wryly.

“No, there’s no way that would happen. After all –– we’re siblings.”

“Besides, if we’re together anymore than this, I would be more reluctant to leave.”

She said in a small voice mixed with the fragrance of tea.

“Eh…?”

“It’s a joke, Nii-san. Well then, please be careful so as not to draw out that sword.”

Saying so at the end, Airi left the dining room.

===Part 4===

After finishing his breakfast, Lux decided to begin today’s chores.

By the way, the written requests addressed to Lux, far from decreasing as the curiosity at first disappeared, increased in number as time passed, and he had already reached a physically impossible domain.
Therefore, Lux settled down in the way of whether to accept the tasks judging from the importance and the degree of relative priority.

“Well, I’m used to not having days off, so it’s fine anyway.”

Rustlingly looking through the bundle of requests dropped in, Lux sighed.

The jobs such as watering the flower bed, studying and helping with cleaning the dormitory were still better.

Baggage carrier for shopping, help changing clothes, massage, being a person to talk to during tea a party and the like exceeded the mixing up of public and private matters; it was very likely that they were mistaking Lux for a butler or something.

“…I mean, about half of them aren’t jobs that I, a man, should do!?”

He unintentionally retorted to the bundle of requests.

But, this was not a joke and since there seemed to be a lot of students who have written seriously, he had a headache.

Be that as it may, if there were jobs which should be given priority, he could use them as an excuse and turned down those requests, so for now he could relax.

The job which he had to do today was a request from the academy.

[Workplace] Royal Knight Academy Machine Dragon research and development site, Atelier

[Client] Machine Dragon Research and Development Chief

[Work contents] Machine Dragon Operation Test

The atelier was a large detached building located in a corner of the school premises.

He had several times helped with blacksmith work, but an atelier for Drag-Rides was a first for him.

He was slightly anxious about doing a job he was not familiar with, but he was also looking forward to it.

Originally, he intended to come to work as a mechanic apprentice of Machine Dragons, so it was welcoming.

“Excuse me. It’s Lux Acadia. I came for the commissioned work.”

He lightly knocked and greeted in a loud voice.

“…………”

However, the answer to Lux’s greeting which was slightly tinged with tension was only silence.

“Huh…?”

He once again checked by looking at his requests note and the academy’s big clock.

There was no error.

Both the place and time should be right––

As he tried to turn the doorknob, he found that it was not locked.

“That’s really careless…”

The existence and technology of Drag-Rides should be top secret in any country.

''Just because it’s within the school premises, I wonder if this is all right.''

While smiling wryly, Lux quietly stepped inside.

“Excuse me. Is there anyone––”

Lux unintentionally swallowed his voice which he was about to utter.

A large space in this brick building filled with the smell of oil and metals.

At the back where innumerable parts and tools were scattered about, there was a monster.

In the court of the imperial capital a long time ago.

Since he became the chore Prince, he had seen many Machine Dragons in the Machine Dragon hangar before holding a mock battle.

But––, this was totally different from them.

A strange Machine Dragon which fused halves of the bodies of a <Wyvern> and a <Wyrm> was over there.

“This is––?”

“Ngh… what the heck is it? So noisy––”

As Lux was looking at it in utter amazement, he suddenly heard a voice from the nearby sofa.

“Lisha-sama…?”

Sleeping there covered with a thin blanket was Lisha dressed in a white gown on her uniform.

Probably because she had stayed overnight, her whole body got slightly dirty and her hair was also slightly disheveled.

Incidentally, her uniform was also very messy and her blouse was turned inside out. Lux unintentionally averted his gaze.

“What are you doing in a place like this?”

“…Huh? Lux, why are you here––? …Ah, I see. Now I remembered, I had requested you. Fuhaa…”

While rubbing her sleepy eyes, Lisha said something which he did not really understand.

When Lux went out again and got tea in the dining room, Lisha who fixed her messed up clothes drank it in one gulp.

“Fufu. You’re quite thoughtful, eh, Lux. As expected of the man that I acknowledged!”

With a behavior unlike a Princess’, Lisha showed a happy smile.

She probably came for a visit of the atelier and ended up staying overnight.

“Good morning. By the way, where is the chief of the atelier?”

As Lux asked after calming down,

“Here, here, right before your eyes.”

Lisha pointed at her small face and said.

“Yes?”

“You still haven’t noticed? It looks like I need to somewhat correct my assessment regarding your insight! I’m saying that I’m the chief.”

“…Eh?”

''No, she’s certainly wearing a gown which seems to be for work, but…''

Honestly, it only looked like a child’s playing attire.

The hems were so long that they dragged on the floor.

“Whew. You’re very good at provocation. All right, I’ll ride on it.”

As Lisha proudly laughed, she drew out the two Sword Devices hanging on her waist at the same time.

“…!”
“––Come out. The Primordial Chaos Dragon that is the perforating wedge against Heaven and Earth. <Chimeric Wyvern>!”

At that moment, the strange Machine Dragon which could be seen at the back of the atelier turned into photons, and was transferred behind Lisha.

“This is––!?”

“A connection should not be necessary. All right, go back.”

Lisha simultaneously wielded her two Sword Devices and put them in the sheath.

Then, the Machine Dragon which was summoned once again changed into light particles, and went back to the depths of the warehouse.

“…What is it, that thing?”

Staring at it in wonder, Lux muttered.

“How’s that, were you surprised?”

Lisha, who was pleased with Lux’s reaction folded her arms and stuck out her chest with pride.

“<Chimeric Wyvern>. It’s the world’s first original Drag-Ride which I’ve developed.”

Lux doubted his ears.

“––!?”

Drag-Rides were ancient weapons excavated in ruins.

Since they had been discovered more than ten years ago, their concrete principle even now remained a mystery, and at best only adjustments of the degree of either installing the existing parts or replacing them could be performed.

A remodeling into a totally different Machine Dragon like this should exist nowhere in the world––

“If you can process the Mithril Dite and Force Core, there seems to be a lot of things which can be produced. Afterward, the performance and output of that body are quite impressive, but it’s a little neck that one has to use two Sword Devices for the activation.”

He had never heard about the fusion of two kinds of Machine Dragons and dual wielding Sword Devices.

If she had combined two original machines and even learned to operate two swords, then this girl concealed an unimaginable potential as an engineer.

“Um, who are you really, Lisha-sama?”

“Fufu. Did you get a better opinion of me?”

Smiling contentedly, Lisha sat on the chair before the work unit and looked up at Lux.

“Praise me more. You know, it isn’t because I have the position of the Princess of the New Kingdom that I’ve been allowed the foolishness of letting you admit into the academy. This is because I show ability and gave results enough to be entrusted a personal atelier at this age. How’s that, are you surprised?”

“By the way, at the back there, there is something which looks like a serious burn mark or rather traces of an explosion though…”

As Lux pointed at the room kept opened as the door was broken and asked,

“…Failure is the mother of success.”

Holding down her slight agitation, Lisha asserted.

Not inquiring any further, Lux asked.

“Perhaps is this research the reason why you always sleep during class?”

“That’s half correct. But, I do properly listen to lectures and I can’t really be half asleep during the practical training. Instructor Raigree is also totally merciless to me who is the Princess. If I skimp in the Machine Dragon’s training or don’t take it seriously, I’ll have a hard time. She really deserves respect.”

Lisha was not sarcastic; she really admired her.

“Then, what about the other half?”

“Take this, it’s your Sword Device.”

Not answering the question, Lisha took the Sword Device which was on the desk and handed it to Lux.

That which Lux received was undeniably the sword matching his <Wyvern>.

“If I’m not mistaken, I should have asked the mechanic for the repair of this––”

“Yes. I’ve fixed your Drag-Ride here”

As she smoothly said so as if it was a matter of course, Lux doubted his ears.

A Machine Dragon’s repair, maintenance and adjustment were so difficult that an expert other than the user was required.

Lux’s <Wyvern> was partially destroyed in the fight with the Abyss, so he thought it would take quite the time and money to repair it, but––

“Is it true!?”

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v1 171.jpg|thumb]]

“It’s the Machine Dragon of the hero who saved the school. You don’t really have to be surprised. But, I stayed up all night several days and finished it just this morning.”

“Thank you very much!”

Lux unintentionally bowed with a smile.

She was skilled to the extent of taking apart two Machine Dragons and building a new Machine Dragon.

For a naturally gifted engineer like Lisha, this much might be simple.

But, even Lux could easily imagine how hard it was for a small-sized girl alone to repair a Machine Dragon built of a large, heavy metal.

“Hmm… I-It’s not a bad feeling to see you so happy… P-Praise me more; if y-you can even pat my head––”

Lisha suddenly blushed and lightly scratched her head.

And looking at Lux who asked back “eh?”, she cleared her throat confusedly.

“W-Well then, test it at once to see whether it moves properly.”

“Yes.”

Lux drew the Sword Device hung on the belt of his waist and muttered the pass code.

“––Come forth, the Branded Wing Dragon which is the symbol of power. Obey my sword and fly, <Wyvern>.”

Light particles gathered before Lux and it instantly transferred –– summoned beside him.

There, his blue Machine Dragon which should have been destroyed was completely––

“Huh…?”

Lux cocked his head in puzzlement.

Completely –– the appearance was different from what Lux had been using.

Among the three types of general-purpose Machine Dragons, the <Wyvern> was the Machine Dragon with the flight ability.

Lux had the mechanic adjust it with that (flight ability) as a base and put on a thicker armor, but…

“Hey, what is this!?”

There was a strange dragon with an abominable appearance there.

Breath Guns linked on both shoulders and an injection port for flight in the back and legs.

Although the large-sized blade which he was using before remained to a very poor degree, more than half of the thick armor was chipped off and became sharp like the blade of a naked sword.

“Ah, while I was repairing it, it was interesting in various ways. So I remodeled it a little.”

“This is beyond the level of ‘a little’!? You’ve even installed something like a drill on the left hand!? What is this!?”

“Oh that? It’s cool, right? It’s a rare part even among those found in the ruins.”

To Lisha who looked happy, Lux was at a loss for words.

He recalled the bad things about the engineers and craftsmen, which he had seen during his previous odd jobs up until now.

“To begin with, it’s weird. That Drag-Ride which you were using, that is.”

Before he could speak, Lisha began to talk.

“In addition to the basic air frame, there were only parts of armor strengthening stuck here and there. Things like uselessly thickening the armor of a flight type Machine Dragon and raising the weight are stuff that a complete amateur does, you know? Like this, it can’t even show its original performance at all. To begin with, judging from the appearance, it’s too lame.”

“No, I don’t think appearance has anything to do with it…”

To Lisha’s angry look, Lux, though restrained, rebutted. But,

“Are you an idiot! Concerning Drag-Rides, functionality is first, and the coolness is the second most important thing! Just looking at this, I will become miserable for having been unable to win against such a quack Machine Dragon!”

“…………”

''It’s a cruel way of putting it…''

Lux thought so and sighed.

“Um, I’m sorry… It isn’t like I don’t understand your feelings. But, could you return it to how it was? That was the handiest for me and I was also used to it, so––”

What Lisha said was not off the mark.

No, it was a matter of fact. Far from being painfully true, in the first place, it was all as she said, but––, even so Lux had a reason for why he didn't want to change it.

“…No matter what?”

“Yes, please.”

He bowed his head.

“It can’t be helped, eh. Even though this remodeling took a lot of time…”

''Rather, didn’t it take time because of the remodeling?''

Lux could not help but think so, but Lisha, while grumpy, somehow compromised.

“It’s all right if the armaments are the same, right? The large-sized sword being the main weapon, and the Breath Gun, Daggers and Wire Tail the sub-weapons. I will thicken the whole armor mainly with the PL – 12 type, I'll also raise both the barrier and output, and as for the roar generator of the head, with a high output possible type––”

“Yes, please.”

As Lux answered, Lisha promptly began the maintenance with practiced movements.

“But you know, it’s weird after all. This Drag-Ride…”

Lisha muttered so with an expression which was not somewhere lively.

“It’s really strange; the balance is obviously a problem. If you want to crush your opponent by endurance and firepower, it will be better to use a Ground-type Machine Dragon whose gross weight could be raised; in a Flying-type Machine Dragon which has high mobility, there is no meaning to go so far to strengthen the defense. Rather, it will become heavy and slow, it will unnecessarily increase the burden on the user too, –– are you a masochist?”

“…………”

“Well, it’s fine. There are also things which only the human user can understand after all. It’s none other than your request.”

Lux was relieved inwardly.

Any ordinary Machine Dragon mechanic would feel a sense of incongruity to Lux’s <Wyvern>.

He could not talk about the reason and he could not let the reason be noticed, either, but––,

“Hey, Lux.”

“…!?”

Suddenly being called to, Lux’s spine slightly shivered as he was taken aback.

“By the way –– may I leave only the drill?”

With her loveliest smile so far, Lisha said.

“You can’t.”

“You’re really stingy, even though you’re just a former Prince!”

“That has nothing to do with it.”

With that last exchange, the silent work continued for a while.

In the early afternoon, Lux’s Machine Dragon was completely restored.

For the time being, it was good that his Machine Dragon was repaired.

Lux felt relieved so, but,

“All right, then it’s time to go.”

“Eh? Where?”

“Isn’t it obvious? What do you think I stayed up all night to repair this for? Of course, it’s for your new workplace.”

Seeing Lisha with sparkling eyes, Lux got a bad feeling about this.

===Part 5===

Even in the afternoon of the holiday, a part of the school facilities was opened.

Though few, club activities also existed and there were also students who were active on holidays.

But, it was in the waiting room of the practice field that Lux who was brought by Lisha went to.

It was a slightly wide room for changing into Dress Gear –– exclusive clothing in order to equip with a Machine Dragon, and for discussing tactics.

Several dozens of students wearing Dress Gears were waiting for Lux there.

Of course, there was no man other than Lux.

There were students whom he recognized, Krulcifer and Philphie.

And Sharis, Tillfarr and Nokuto of the Triad.

As the students gathered regardless of class and grade, more than half of them were unfamiliar faces.

“Do you really intend to let him join the “Knight Squadron”, Lisha-sama?”

A tall female student whom Lux didn't even know the name of, said so as she looked at him.

“That goes without saying. He will show his ability from here on. It’s for that reason that I repaired Lux’s Drag-Ride after all.”

“Errr –– what are you guys talking about?”

As Lux cocked his head in puzzlement not knowing what they were talking about,

“Princess Lizsharte would like to recommend you to this unit. A guerrilla unit which can also use Drag-Rides, other than during practical skill exercises while being an officer cadet. That’s the special unit “Knight Squadron”.”

The third-year student Sharis said with a refreshing smile.

As he heard the explanation in detail, it was apparently something like this.

In the current New Kingdom, there was always a shortage in talented Drag-Knights who could perform in actual combat.

Moreover, this place was the Fort City which could be called the bastion (defensive position) of the capital.

Therefore, not letting young students with outstanding talent and ability fight in accordance with the rules was pearls thrown before swine.

Thereupon, a guerrilla unit –– the “Knight Squadron” which holds special battle permission while being composed of officer cadets was established, and they delved into long day and night fighting techniques.

If one belonged to the “Knight Squadron”, he could get a reward by assembling a platoon with several people and receiving missions from the army.

Thus, even in the perspective of Lux’s “chores”, it would be a very useful place, but––

“But you know, the “Knight Squadron” isn’t some kind of place where anyone who wants to join can join.”

As Sharis’ explanation ended, a girl whom he was not familiar with muttered so.

“You must get a high evaluation with the results of the campus battles. Your level as Drag-Knight should be more than the intermediate level. And, the majority of members of the current “Knight Squadron” should acknowledge your ability and vote for the approval of you joining.”

These three things seemed to be the conditions for joining.

“Um, but I attended the academy since only several days ago, and my practical skills are also––”

“Unfortunately, it seems to be so. I’ve heard the rumor about you being the “Weakest Undefeated” though.”

As the female student who seemed calm said so with a wry smile,

“I don’t mind.”

Lisha cut off the flow, full of confidence.

“The first two conditions are just a given. Most of the students who are here should already know Lux’s ability. After all, he had a draw in a one-on-one fight against me and went against the Abyss all alone.”

“Well, it’s true, but…”

Overwhelmed by Lisha’s momentum, the tall girl faltered.

“But, now the third-year members of the “Knight Squadron” aren’t there. We can’t decide about it at such a time…”

A small-sized girl said so as to add to the tall girl’s case, but

“The whole majority is properly here. Even if all those who aren’t here vote ‘no’, it won’t matter if all the members here agree, right?”

In the end, Lisha settled the talk.

“Why aren’t the third-year students here?”

As Lux asked Sharis who was beside him in a low voice,

“Well, currently the third-year students went to the capital for practice for about two weeks. Due to some circumstances on my end, I couldn’t go this time.”

“Then, won’t it be better to decide after the third year members come back?”

“Well –– I think that it’s just the opposite.”

Suddenly, Krulcifer who kept silent until now reacted to Lux’s question.

“The Princess believes that precisely now is the best time to let you join. The third-year leader of the Knight Squadron is quite the man-hater after all––”

“Eh…?”

“Third-year student, Celestia Ralgris. An influential person who is the daughter of a Duke House and is said to be the strongest of the academy. She’s also popular and a lot of students admire her too. If that person was presently in the academy, it’s probably more likely that even something like letting a man attend the academy would have been revoked.”

“…………”

In other words, using the chance when that man-hating leader is absent, Lisha wanted to rush the matter into a fait accompli<ref>"accomplished fact"; something that has already happened and is thus unlikely to be reversed, a done deal. In French used only in the expression placer/mettre quelqu’un devant le fait accompli meaning to present somebody with a fait accompli</ref>.

“Krulcifer, don’t talk nonsense. I only do what I should do as the New Kingdom Princess.”

Lisha who heard the talk cheekily rebutted.

“The Abyss's sudden attack without warning the other day. Although it didn’t lead to serious consequences, the cause is still unknown, so it’s under investigation. Ensuring (or securing) an immediate asset is the natural judgment. Especially all the more since the majority of third-year students are absent now.”

''She says something that sounds really good.''

Lux admired inwardly.

He had thought that she was unlike a Princess, but unexpectedly, she also seemed to have political ability.

“But as expected, even I won't think of letting him join without him going through any procedure.”

Before a rebuttal came, Lisha who was at the center of the waiting room looked around everyone.

“We will hold a Machine Dragon confrontation battle in teams from here on. And with the battle outcome, we should decide whether or not to allow Lux to join.”

She said so and quickly began to choose the opponents.

“…………”

(She completely ignored my opinion, huh…)

Lux really wanted to say so a little bit, but…

“Lux. If you do missions and security guard jobs in the Knight Squadron, you’ll also get rewards. It will help you pay off your debt! You should just gladly work like a horse!”

As he saw Lisha smiling, he felt that it would be useless even if he refused.

As Lux who was at a loose end looked around the waiting room,

“I mean, so Philphie was also a member of the “Knight Squadron”?”

As Lux who caught sight of his childhood friend in the corner asked,

“…………”

Philphie who gnawed snack biscuits did not react.

“Errr, Philphie…?”

As he thought that she didn't and called out to her again,

“…It’s Phi-chan, right?”

In a slightly emphasized tone, Philphie muttered.

“Eh…!? D-Do you want me to call you that even here …!?”

“Yes.”

Philphie nodding with a serious look, Lux’s face turned red.

If it weren’t for this, she would really be a good girl, but––

But that aside, it was unexpected.

The last time they met was seven years ago; in the Old Empire's society before the coup d’état, women had little opportunity to get in contact with Drag-Rides.

Therefore, Lux had no memory of having seen Philphie ever used a Drag-Ride.

But, to think that this girl with a gentle atmosphere had enough ability to join the “Knight Squadron” ––

“Phi…chan, are you strong?”

“Ordinary, I guess.”

As he awkwardly called her by her nickname, a simple answer came back.

But upon close inspection, not a Sword Device of a general-purpose Machine Dragon, but a short sword decorated with a unique design was in the scabbard hung on her waist.

“She’s very strong, this girl. She is the user of the Divine Drag-Ride <Typhon> after all. Together with my <Fafnir>.”

“Eeeh…!?”

As Krulcifer added, Lux unintentionally opened his mouth.

To think that Philphie possessed enough skill to be able to use a Divine Drag-Ride which even first-class Drag-Knights couldn't handle so often.

And also Krulcifer.

Even if they were called “Knight Squadron”, they were still officer cadets after all.

It looked like his preconception was greatly wrong.

Even excluding the third-year members, if there were even three users of Divine Drag-Rides, it was a military power worthy of threat.

Which meant, even the missions given were more likely to be suitable as such.

From now on whether he wanted to or not, he might be sent out on dangerous missions.

(…What shall I do?)

『For that, I hope that you didn’t forget the other purpose, Nii-san.』

He recalled the words said by Airi early in the morning during breakfast.

Before attracting a curious attention, he started thinking to decline joining the unit.

He was thankful that a hefty reward was given, but if he got involved in too deeply, it would be likely to affect the “other purpose”.

“Hey, Lux. I settled the talk.”

While he was thinking about such a thing, his shoulder was patted by Lisha.

“You and I will team up and fight against the opposition’s team. Hurry up and go to the compartment to change into a Dress Gear.”

“…………”

It looked like it was already too late.

“What? You may also change without hiding if you want, you know?”

“I am not worried about that!”

As Lux’s face turned red as he panicked to Lisha’s teasing,

“You peep, but you don’t want to be seen yourself, huh.”

Even Krulcifer who was in the corner muttered in a subdued voice, and Lux was at his wits’ end.

“I’ll go change!”

Lux hurried up and changed into the Dress Gear he was given and came out of the compartment.

“So–– I understand that Lisha-sama and I will team up, but how many people are there in the opponent team?”

“Yes. It seems to be all the members here that met with Lux-san for the first time.”

“Eeeeeeeeeh!?”

In other words, all the members present except Krulcifer, Philphie and the three girls of the Triad.

“Wait, isn’t it reckless no matter how you look at it…?”

Lisha was strong.

Even compared to Drag-Knights that Lux had confronted so far, she was probably the most powerful.

But it should also be the same for the Knight Squadron’s members present here.

“It’s all right. According to my calculations, even this should work out good enough. If it’s not enough, well let’s see, it’s not too late to change your Machine Dragon to attack specialization even now––”

“…I’ll do my best as it is.”

“Is that so? I’ll fight with the <Chimeric Wyvern>, but–– well it’s fine. We’re outnumbered anyway. Once it starts, even you’ll have no choice but to fight.”

To Lisha’s words which somewhere had a hidden meaning, Lux sighed.

Both parties finished their preparations and went out to the practice field.

And the mock battle began.

===Part 6===

“What the hell, geez!”

Immediately after the team confrontation battle which ended in no time.

Lisha who returned to the waiting room of the practice field was shouting like a spoiled child.

Most of the “Knight Squadron” members had already changed and left the room, only Lux, Lisha and several acquaintances remained in the room.

“Please, cheer up already. We’ve won after all.”

As Lux calmed her so with a troubled face,

“Why didn’t you attack even once!? I should have also got on the opponent team! You wasted a rare chance! You fool!”

Lisha raised her voice with somewhat teary eyes.

The team confrontation battle for letting Lux join the “Knight Squadron”.

Overturning the overwhelming handicap of two against ten, Lux and Lisha had won.

By the way, it was Lisha who defeated all the opponents’ Machine Dragons.

While Lux was dodging and defending against the enemy’s attacks, the battle ended.

Although they won as a result, Lux’s joining was rejected by the majority vote, and Lisha was furious.

The reason that he was not able to earn an affirmative vote was because Lux had not attacked even once.

Though he felt bad for Lisha, Lux was inwardly relieved.

“Was my strategy a failure? Or…, was there a problem with the opponent team formation…? But, by my initial expectations…”

While grumblingly muttering, Lisha began to change her clothes on the other side of the compartment.

(It will be bad if I go back without permission, right…?)

When Lux who had finished changing from the Dress Gear into his uniform first, sat down before the table of the waiting room and was waiting.

“Good work, Lu-chan.”

Philphie who was sitting in the opposite side suddenly called out to him.

The vote ended; his childhood friend who had finished changing into her uniform remained in the waiting room, peeled a fruit and ate it.

Or it was supposed to be like this, but––

“…Uh huh. Thank you––. Wait, what is this?”

“Orange.”

A brief answer came back with the peeled orange.

She pinched the fresh fruit flesh where the white pith was removed with her thin fingertips, and held it out in front of Lux.

“No, I understood by seeing, but…”

“I helped you remove the orange’s white peel.”

Such words were said with an indifferent tone.

Lux brooded over their meaning for just several seconds,

“Eh...? Is it, by any chance –– what I think it is!?”

Suddenly, his cheeks became hot.

Lux remembered that when they were children, Philphie used to peel the pelt of the orange which he was not able to eat as he disliked that part (pelt).

“T-Thank you, Phi-chan. B-But, I’m not a kid anymore, so I can do that much alone…”

When he answered so as he was a little embarrassed,

“…You don’t want?”

Philphie intently turned her pupils and looked into Lux’s face.

It was a somewhat dejected and lonely tone.

“T-That isn’t it––”

“Then, eat.”

When he was at loss, Philphie softly pushed the orange's flesh to Lux’s lips.

Seeing that he received it with his mouth, Philphie slightly smiled.

“Is it delicious?”

“Y-Yes…”

“I’m glad.”

(…Rather, it’s so embarrassing that I can’t taste it…!)

Looking at Philphie who was somewhere happy, Lux was bewildered,

“It’s all good that you’re so close, but I think you should watch your surroundings a little more.”

“…!? N-No, this is––”

Teased by Krulcifer who was in a corner of the room, Lux became flustered.

When he turned his eyes around as he wondered whether they were seen by others,

“…Hmm. Even though I’m unusually troubled, to think that you flirt with another woman before my eyes. I’m envious, Lux.”

Lisha who had finished changing and came out muttered as she was amazed.

“However… I see. There was that way (hand), huh…”

And walking at a quick pace, she came before Lux who was sitting.

(It’s bad. I’ll be scolded––)

As Lux closed his eyes thinking so.

Something was slapped on the table before him.

“Huh…?”

What was put on the table was a sheet of paper –– a request for a job.

“W-Which reminds me after this, you shouldn’t have undertaken any job requests in particular, right?”

Lisha who sharpened her lips leaned her face immediately to Lux’s.

When he was sure that she was angry, her cheeks somewhat turned red and she averted her eyes from Lux.

“Eh, well… yes.”

''…I wonder what the matter is.''

When Lux replied as he wondered so, Lisha quickly took a breath and stuck out her chest.

“T-Then, it’s an additional request. Um––, come with me now.”

===Part 7===

Cross-shaped Fort City, Cross Feed.

From the sunrise until late at night, the people’s hustle and bustle had not stopped in this first block which was located in the center.

Probably because of the early spring, the evening sunlight was still strong.

Lux and Lisha were walking on the main street of maintained stone pavements with a lot of pedestrian traffic.

(She asked me to come along, so it was for shopping, huh… I was surprised.)

『U-Um… I think that in order to form a partnership, it’s important to know each other well. After all, I still don’t know much about a man of the same age…』

The reason why Lisha invited Lux to go out seemed to be something like that.

(But, I’m still nervous. To be with a Princess of the same age, only the two of us is––)

When looking to the side, as he thought so, Lisha who was also somewhat restless was looking at the cityscape.

『Oh my, to think that you’re going out with the Princess; not bad, Lux-kun』

He remembered that when he parted from Lisha once to go prepare himself, he was told so by Principal Relie who happened to pass by in the neighborhood.

『Someone like Lizsharte-sama who immerses herself only in fighting and research has no immunity in the love area. If she was suddenly pushed into a boy she likes, she might easily fall, you know?』

『No, I don’t think it can be something like that…』

At that time, Lux denied it with an indescribable expression, but––

“Come to think of it. Lisha-sama, do you often go out into town?”

“N-No… not at all.”

To Lux’s question, Lisha firmly shook her head.

“These days, I was always working in the atelier after all. I was busy with the Drag-Ride's remodeling...”

While looking around curiously, Lisha turned a fleeting glance at Lux,

“Um..., d-do you often go out? With other girls––”

She asked so in an irritated tone.

“N-No... I also have a debt to pay off, so I've no time for that.”

“I-I see...”

As Lux denied, Lisha smiled as she was relieved,

“All right. Then, since it's the first time for both of us, I shall escort you! If I'm not mistaken, there is a good restaurant in this urban area... No, wait.”

When she suddenly stopped moving, Lisha touched her uniform (as she was searching for something) and made a bitter expression.

“What's wrong?”

“U-Uh huh... Well, it'll be all right, I guess. I'm a Princess, so I should be able to ask for a credit...”

“By any chance... did you forget your wallet?”

“Ugh... Um, it was just accidentally today...”

To Lisha who looked downward as she was embarrassed, Lux smiled wryly.

Seeing her all flustered, he felt somewhat relaxed.

I guess she isn't really used to going out.

Then–– within the range possible with my meager experience, I wanted this girl to enjoy herself.

Lux thought so.

“It's not good. The New Kingdom Princess shouldn't easily ask for credit.”

“T-Then, what...? Are you already saying to call it a day...?”

Looking at the somehow lonely Lisha, Lux kindly smiled.

“If you don't mind me, I will offer you hospitality.”

After a few minutes. Lux and Lisha sat side by side at the curb of the central open space and were looking at the sunset.

The apple pie which he gave to Lisha was something reputed to be the most delicious even in the stands of the Fort City, and it was a shop where Lux once worked at for odds jobs.

“How is it? Lisha-sama”

“Hmm. it's sweet and delicious. Thank you...”

While biting the apple pie from the paper package, Lisha frequently sent a passionate gaze to Lux's face.

Lux did not have that much on hand, but looking at Lux who was accompanied by Lisha, the employee of the stall gave them to him for free.

In the end, giving his thanks together with Lisha, he decided to gratefully accept them, but––

“However, being well known even to the stalls, you are appreciated by the people of this city, eh.”

“My face is just known due to working odd jobs.”

To that mutter of admiration, Lux replied with a wry smile.

“B-But, it's strange... Even though I planned to make you appreciate me, but like this... instead I'm––”

To Lisha who muttered in a low voice; Lux cocked his head in puzzlement,

“What's the matter?”

“N-No, how to put it –– this area is glug-glug since some time now...!”

Looking at Lisha whose cheeks reddened, and that set a hand on her chest,

(I wonder if she's nervous after coming out to downtown after a long time.)

Lux thought so.

“Are you all right? If you aren't feeling well, we should rest somewhere...”

“I-I'm all right... If I sit for a little bit, I think I'll be fine...”

“I haven't that much knowledge in medical treatment. But, I know a place of good and free medical treatment; so if there is anything, please tell me immediately.”

“Ah, yes...”

After giving a vague answer with a flushing expression, Lisha entrusted her body to Lux for a while.

“S-Speaking of which –– do men prefer girls like your childhood friend?”

“...Yes?”

To the words suddenly released by Lisha, Lux looked puzzled.

“I don't really understand... I haven't thought that much about wanting to be spoiled by someone, or being together with someone else. But––”

While muttering with upturned eyes, Lisha timidly held out an apple pie to Lux.

“Errr––”

“Hey, can you taste this for poison?”

“You've already started eating it though...?”

“D-Don't worry about trivial things!? Just do it!”

No, I think it's pretty important though...

Swallowing such a retort, Lux bit the pie which was held out.

“Ah...”

The crunchy pie crust and the sweet fragrance of the apple spread in his mouth.

“T-There is no poison. Now, can you rest assured?”

As Lux smiled, Lisha once again ate the pie while staring at him with feverish eyes––

“Uh, auh... Fuuh...”

After her face became red to the extent that it could be clearly seen even in the evening, her body lost all its strength there.

“Hey!? What's the matter? Lisha-sama!”

As Lux hurriedly caught Lisha who was about to fall,

“Hiyan...!?”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>munyu*. A soft sensation was transmitted to Lux's palm.

Her chest that was being rubbed, although of a petite build, firmly asserted its size; Lisha’s thin body shook in Lux's arms as she was startled.

(Shit! she'll get mad...!)

Although he held her on the spur of the moment, he had done a terrible thing.

(But... it was very soft, huh. Lisha-sama's–– not that! What am I thinking!?)

“Ah, um –– I-I'm sorry!”

As Lux who changed the position of his hand apologized while being confused,

“W-Well, I will forgive... But, more importantly––”

Lisha said so and tightly grabbed the collar of her uniform,

“I-I don't really know why, but since some time now, my chest is hot and I feel dizzy...”

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v1 198.jpg|thumb]]

While exhaling a feverish breath, she muttered as such.

“W-What's wrong? Um, I will bring you to the nearby house for free treatment––”

“I-I'm all right... I will get better after a short time, I think, probably...”

Lux anxiously supported Lisha for a while, but after a few minutes, she regained her composure before long and returned to her usual condition.

The curfew time was approaching, so they decided to return to the academy and began to walk slowly.

Lux was also surprised by Lisha's sudden request this time, but

“T-Today, um... it was quite fun. Thank you, Lux...”

With just such a sentence from Lisha, he felt like he had been rewarded.

===Part 8===

“Speaking of which, I'm sorry. For not being able to join.”

Several minutes later. As Lux once again said so while walking his way back on the deserted street,

“Don't worry about it. I can do the joining recommendation in the next month after 5 more days after all. From tomorrow after school, we will begin with the coordination training at once.”

Lisha replied so with a smile on her whole face.

“Do you still intend to get me into the "Knight Squadron"!?”

“Well, as for the strategy. You plunge right in the middle of the enemy camp, and I blow away the opponents who have their attention attracted to you one after another. Afterward, while I defend you, you can at least defeat one machine.”

“Isn't it a little too cruel...? In various meanings.”

Unintentionally, it was tactic which brought a cold sweat to the spine.

Judging from Lisha's tone, probably... she was serious.

“...More importantly, about Lisha-sama's <Chimeric Wyvern>... That was amazing, eh.”

“Hmm? Did you come to want it? I had quite a hard time making it, but if you want, I could specially make another one for you.”

“Can you make many machines like that?”

“Even if I make it, it will be useless now though. it is 50% stronger than a general-purpose Machine Dragon, but the burden of stamina aside, the operation difficulty is on the same level as that of an average Divine Drag-Ride. Even the Sword Devices' dual wielding can't be used by anyone other than me. Do you want to try it?”

“No, thank you...”

Honestly, Lux also thought that it was impossible.

The conception of combining two kinds of Machine Dragons performances was certainly amazing, but it could probably not be mastered by anyone except Lisha who was a genius engineer and also a first-class Drag-Knight.

“How about somehow improving it in a way that it will be easier to use? To the extent that even only the students of the "Knight Squadron" are able to use it. As a Princess––”

Words came out naturally so.

They were not words in order to go along with the talk, he truly thought so.

He might have voiced out what he was vaguely thinking inwardly all this time.

The rule of the empire for a long time.

And precisely because they were released from it now, he wanted her to become a good Princess.

He wanted her to be a Princess who thinks about the people and considered others' feelings.

Such a desire of Lux might have unintentionally been voiced out.

“As a Princess?”

“Y-Yes... As the New Kingdom Princess, you will be more useful to the people like that––”

However,

“I don't need it.”

Lux shivered to the coldness of the voice which came back.

With neither anger, nor sorrow nor even apathy. A hollow voice which lost all colors.

For just several seconds, the surrounding atmosphere froze.

“Phew. I'm often told that. Both my technique of Machine Dragon development and results in the school battles. I get tired whenever I'm summoned to the capital about things such as 'you should be proud as a Princess' or 'it's a great achievement'.”

“What... do you mean?”

“Before that, answer my question. What is a Princess?”

A concise question of only a few words.

But, Lux was not able to return an answer to it.

“My father, Count Atismata who raised a coup d’état had died without sitting on the New Kingdom's throne because of an injury during that time. But, his fame remains and my aunt, Queen Raffi succeeded the country. And I, as a memento of the late great man, got the status of Princess of the New Kingdom. I'm merely that much of a human.”

“That's not...”

“But, the citizens are thankful and extolled the idol who is me. It's interesting, isn't it? It's a laughable story. The Old Empire had thoroughly laid out a tyrannical rule after all. As a substitute, they forced me to be a splendid person of character like a Princess. If I don't do it, they will urge me. They will say incomprehensible things like 'you have that responsibility, don't run away, carry out your mission'.”

“............”

“There is a place where I want to stop by a little.”

Lisha muttered so and headed to a vacant land with a good view which deviated from the main street.

And, when confirming that there was no one around, she lowered her voice and began to talk.

“Won't you tell me? Lux Acadia. You, a Prince of the destroyed Empire, tell me the way of a righteous princess.”

“... I, to me––”

He could not answer.

A society and laws without unequal and unjust discrimination.

No, it did not have to be such a thing.

But, just a world without unreasonable suffering––

The wishes which Lux were harboring were all crushed on that day five years ago.

“Do you remember the Old Empire's brand applied on my belly?”

Lisha said with a dry smile.

“............”

“Most of the citizens admire and extol my father. That he is the hero remaining in the history that destroyed the Empire. Many years before the coup d'état occurred, my father had opposed the Empire and raised an objection to its policy. Naturally, he incurred the enmity of those from the Empire's side, to the point that it wasn't strange that his precious daughter was kidnapped––”

“...Don't tell me”

When Lux arrived at that guess, Lisha laughed incidentally.

“Right, I was caught by the Old Empire at that time five years ago. And, I was used as a bargaining chip to my father who was furthering the coup d’état plan, but in the end –– I was abandoned. This carved seal is the proof that I was considered the possession of the Old Empire.”

“––!?”

As tension ran to Lux's expression, Lisha continued in a calm tone.

“Actually, my father was probably a great man. In order to bring down that Empire, my father should have concentrated all his efforts to plan the coup d'état. He couldn't possibly ruin everything because of one life which was his daughter's. It had been only about two months that I had been put under house arrest, but I was abandoned, and was no longer the Earl's daughter or anything. My mother died from illness, but since I had a little sister, in the dawn when the coup d'état succeeded, that child should have become the Princess of the new royal family. Instead of me.”

“............”

“However, it seems that my little sister was killed during the coup d'état. So, my aunt, the queen of the New Kingdom who had no child accepted me, who was rescued, as her adopted child and I acceded to the position of Princess. In order to gather up the country together as a memento of my late father, the hero Count Atismata, and as the symbol of the New Kingdom. The fact that I was abandoned by my father and applied with the brand of the Old Empire was concealed.”

“............”

At that time–– when Lux and Lisha met for the first time.

So that's why she had wore the towel in the bathtub, hiding her skin even to other female students.

Since her secret which mustn't be seen was seen by Lux, who was none other than a Prince of the Old Empire, Lisha went so far against Lux––

“Lux. Was it painful for you to be no longer a Prince of the Old Empire?”

Lisha asked with a self deprecating smile.

“Well... I––”

The coup d’état five years ago.

A scene a few days earlier than it was revived in his memory.

His little sister and his childhood friend who had danger approaching her due to the Empire.

Lux, as a member of the royal family and as a "person with pride", thought that he wanted to do something about this country.

However––,

“I wasn't even able to do anything which seems like a Prince, so...”

As Lux quietly shook his head, Lisha laughed lonely.

“You know, I didn't like my father. When thinking about it now, he might have rather pretended to act indifferent towards me to keep me away from the danger of the coup d’état. My father's judgment of abandoning me might have been something very brave and which should be praised. As one of the citizens who had suffered a tyrannical rule, I might have respected and admired my father like everyone. However...”

Cutting her words at once, Lisha looked downward,

“I...”

In a choked voice and moved to tears.

“I wanted him to save me.”

“............”

“I wanted him to choose not the country, but me... I'm a hopeless person, right? I, who was captured, was so scared that I couldn't even commit suicide. That's why I'm not the New Kingdom's Princess and don't have such qualifications to be.”

So that's why she hates to behave like a Princess, huh.

After all, it isn't anyone else, but herself who thinks that she is unqualified.

“Let's talk about the reason why I invited you.”

As she suddenly returned to the talk, Lux kept quiet.

“This is because Drag-Knights are everything in this era. The investigation of the ruins, the turf war for resources with other countries, peace and sovereignty. Drag-Rides are involved in all of these. In a sense, it's good for the country that I become strong.”

“............”

“Lux. I want to know who I am.”

Saying so, Lisha began to walk her way home which had become dark.

“My father was the hero who saved the people of this country. But, now I'm no one. So, I want to know it after becoming the strongest Drag-Knight. For that, I need your power. I will have you play an active role as my right hand in the "Knight Squadron". You have no objection, right? Chore Prince.”

“Objection...? Haven't you already decided?”

“An able woman is also quick in decisions.”

Lisha laughed so proudly.

“First will be the platoon confrontation battle of the academy. After having won it –– we will attend the next battle. It's the off-campus confrontation battle with the representatives of each country.”

“An off-campus, confrontation battle”

As Lux cocked his head in puzzlement at the unfamiliar words,

“Although you've been doing odd jobs in many places, don't you know the world situation? You did yesterday's lesson, right? About the investigation of ruins in each country and the struggle to obtain their rights––”

Currently in this New Kingdom, there are three crises where one did not know when they would occur.

The first crisis is the rebel army of the Old Empire troops that has been hiding after the coup d'état.

The second crisis is the existence of the Abyss which occasionally appeared from the ruins.

And the third crisis is the turf war with other countries regarding the research activity of the ruins themselves

“Although the New Kingdom was born, there are still the Old Empire's remnants remaining. They escaped into the neighboring countries which were supporting the Empire, getting cooperating organizations, and even now –– aim at the recapture of the government by military power (force).”

“............”

In fact, there had been rumors that the rebel army of the Old Empire was superior in number than the regular army of the current New Kingdom.

However, they just haven't showed up these several years.

“Next is–– the problem of the Abyss.”

The mysterious beasts which frequently appeared from the ruins themselves or from their surroundings.

While knowing that various treasures were excavated from the ruins including the Drag-Rides, it was mainly because of the Abyss that the research of each nation did not readily progress.

As a result of having greedily forced an investigation of ruins, there were also precedents where nearby villages, towns and small nations themselves were destroyed in only one night by the Abyss which appeared.

All that was known was that as long as you destroyed the core inside of the Abyss' body, you could kill them.

But, on top of the fact that it was accompanied with many dangers, one stood no chance against them with military power other than Drag-Rides.

Therefore, ancient weapons and resources were dug illegally by thieves; damaging the ruins, and moreover so that the Abyss did not end up being summoned, the ruins discovered in the country were designated off-limits and strictly controlled.

“And–– thirdly is the turf war with other countries.”

Every corner of the world was dotted with ruins and the countries who managed their lands were basically investigating them.

So as not to selfishly get into the ruins of another country, an agreement was established too.

However, if the weak carelessly advanced their investigation of the ruins, they might incur damage even to the surroundings countries by the Abyss' appearance.

Along the border, there were also ruins of places that were vague; whether it was the territory of which country including the sea area of distant places.

Therefore, one agreement was made and a mock battle of Drag-Knights in order to gain what should (could) be called "the ruins investigation rights", was to be held in each country once every several months.

It was said that in one of them, there was also a tournament among fellows officer cadets.

“Then, until then...”

“Yes, by the confrontation battle which will begin two months later, I shall have gathered the strongest unit. For that purpose, I expressly made you join the academy, and tried to make you join the "Knight Squadron", but––”

Lisha got sulky.

“No, um... I understand your feelings and I'm glad that you're expecting a lot from me, but I'm only good at defense––”

“Let's practice on attack!”

He was sternly pointed at with a finger and scolded.

“To begin with, my attacks were avoided so much by you. If you acquire even the experience of attacking, you should be recognized as a powerful and outstanding figure even by the "Knight Squadron" like I anticipated. And, um, as m-my first partner, someday––”

“Eh...?”

As Lux looked puzzled at Lisha who mumbled as her cheeks suddenly became red,

“F-For the time being, that's your task. As my escort, I will talk it over with the Principal whether you can have the same authority as the "Knight Squadron" as an exception.”

“Eeeh!?”

“You can't attack, but the existence value of a Drag-Knight who has never been defeated is enough. In short, it'll be good as long as you play an active role as my shield.”

“I-Isn't that a little cruel...”

In various meanings.

“––By the way, it's about your other Sword Device, but can you show it to me a little? If it's a good material, I would like to remodel it.”

“Eeeeeeeh!?”

Looking at Lisha whose eyes suddenly brightened, Lux panicked.

“Hmm...? Is there something to be surprised with?”

“Errr? That is... Um, I was told by Her Majesty the Queen to strictly manage it, so...”

“What! You're stingy, eh. Can't you at least show it to me?”

Dissatisfied, Lisha pouted.

“In that case, I will go get permission from Her Majesty the Queen later. You should protect that sword well till then.”

“Yes...”

Lux nodded with an evasive reply.

“What's the matter? You look pale. If you're tired, you should rest by somewhere––”

“No...”

“Then, it's good. Then, take care of me again, Lux.”

As they returned up to the academy's main gate, Lisha lightly tapped Lux's shoulders and left.

“............”

Lux went to the drawing room of the academy with the same pace as when he was walking with Lisha.

Originally, he was temporarily allowed to sleep in Philphie's room, but he wanted to stay at the drawing room only today without notice.

Rather than an ethical issue or personal reasons, Lux did not want to meet anyone now.

“I––. I'm hopeless...”

It was with light self-loathing that he had lain down on the sofa.

Though on the spur of the moment, he was regretting having said those words to Lisha.

“I have no right to say that 'you should be more like a Princess' to her...”

To think that I want someone to do what I wasn't able to do.

(What have I ever done for the citizens in those days?)

What Lux had obtained five years ago was the title of Prince and several privileges.

He was wondering whether even the young him could not do something as a prince of a great Empire which lasted several hundred years.

And, the day of fate.

As the result of the fact that he himself personally moved–– the ideal which Lux painted as a Prince was smashed up.

Therefore, right.

As he became the chore Prince, Lux was saved for the first time.

The people of the town with whom he could not even get in touch with well until now.

Every place and every job.

With odd jobs for five years, he felt like having slightly gotten used to being a familiar existence.

He intended to be able to understand the words "for the people" that he had spoken.

(I'm selfish, eh...)

Why couldn't I understand the feelings of Lisha who couldn't behave like a Princess?

In the good point of having lost his position as Prince, this time he acted like a citizen and flattered the Princess.

He could not forgive such a side of himself.

Even so, Lisha said that she expected a lot from him.

Philphie said he was the same as in the old days.

Other students also accepted him.

I want to become everyone's power, but –– the current me can't use that sword.

But,

(I –– at that time)

A languid fatigue attacked Lux.

And Lux quietly closed his eyes.

===Part 9===

Sparks fluttered down from the sky.

The imperial castle of the Acadia Empire.

Inside the castle where the war was over.

A great number of soldiers' corpses were piled up, and while a flow of blood streamed down the floor like a muddy stream, Lux was walking dragging his feet.

Where he arrived at was the audience room which was fiercely destroyed.

In front of the throne, the emperor was lying on the floor.

His chest was very deeply pierced by a sword, and he died like that with his eyes wide opened.

“Oh dear, so you were alive. As expected of you, little brother.”

Beside him, a young man smeared with blood spurts was laughing.

An innocent, pure smile like a child.

“How..., why...?”

Within a hazy consciousness and putting strength in his legs which were likely to collapse at any moment, Lux asked.

Immediately after, he strongly coughed and finally vomited a clot of blood.

“Kukukuku. As expected of you, little brother. To be able to use that Drag-Ride until you vomit blood––, I want even this gutless emperor to follow your example in the netherworld.”

Saying so, the man kicked the face of the motionless emperor.

“Why, did you, kill him...?”

“What?”

To Lux's voice which got blurred, the man cocked his head in puzzlement.

“The Drag-Knights, of the, army, as well, as His Majesty the Emperor, everyone,... This is, from the plan––”

“Ku, hahahaha! Hahahaha! Hahahaha! Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!”

The man laughed loudly.

And after suddenly opening his eyes wide, he glared at Lux.

“I was saved the trouble thanks to you. I never thought that you would be going so far. Thanks to you, this easily advanced farther than what I planned. If you were done without being able to properly defeat the army, I would have had no choice but to call the Abyss using the "flute".”

Taking out a golden flute never seen before from his breast pocket, the man laughed.

“If I called a large quantity of Abyss, it would be easy to destroy this country, but the cleaning up afterwards would be troublesome. You save me the trouble. Goddamn Prince.”

“Kahah...!”

Lux once again vomitted blood and fell on the floor.

He could not stand up anymore...

As if blood disappeared from his whole body, he grew weak.

The sensation of certain death wrapped Lux's whole body.

“But, you deserve respect. At this age, you manage Machine Dragons better than anyone else, and without using trickery, you fought to put an end to the history of this rotten Empire. By using me and borrowing Count Atismata's strength, you wonderfully destroyed this country. You're splendid, little brother! I praise your bottomless resolve and pride, and your talent!”

Fugil raised his voice and looked down at Lux.

“But –– you had no luck. You have been betrayed by me whom you trusted. Let me tell you something in the end, little brother. I wasn't a Prince of this Empire from the beginning.”

Devil like words were spitted out from the man's mouth.

“My purpose isn't the peace that you desired. Good work for destroying the Empire. Prince.”

Laughing with a frivolous voice, the face of the man who opened his eyes wide was reflected in Lux's pupils.

“Why...?”

“Let's see –– shall I tell you, little brother. The reason why you weren't able to achieve your ideal.”

The voice of a big brother which suddenly regained his composure and came to his senses reached Lux's ears.

“You know nothing of the world. You are not in the caliber of kings. The weakest.”

Lux's memory was interrupted at that last conversation.

It was a morning seven days after losing consciousness, and wandering about life and death that he woke up.

Meanwhile, all was over.

The defeat of the imperial army.

The approximately 1200 Drag-Knights who participated in the battle were killed in action.

The ideal end to which Lux believed in was nowhere.

===Part 10===

“Ngh...”

Lux woke up on the sofa of the drawing room.

Before he knew, a blanket was put on his body.

On the other side of the window with the curtains opened, one could see the eastern sky which has became white.

It was dawn.

(I should go back to the room to get a uniform change...)

When Lux thought so and was going to get up,

“––Uwaaaaah!?”

Noticing a girl sitting face to face with him, Lux unintentionally shouted.

Krulcifer Einvolk.

The girl who was beautiful like a fairy was staring at Lux with her usual cool face.

“It' still early morning. Although it isn't the girl's dormitory, I don't think it's a good idea to shout too much.”

Smoothly brushing up her hair, Krulcifer said.

“Besides, it's also vexing when you scream as if you've seen a ghost.”

“Ah, s-sorry... Um, The reason why I screamed is because I had a dream, so––”

“You're quite honest. I'm joking, so don't worry.”

Krulcifer's mouth made an arc as she smiled.

She was usually a girl with a grown-up, cool impression, but that smile was lovely for a girl her age.

“U-Um..., why is Krulcifer-san here?”

As Lux asked so regarding their encounter in an unexpected place,

“Want to hear it?”

“............”

She returned a mysterious smile which somewhere had an implication.

Catching sight of her long legs which peeped out from the skirt of her uniform for an instant, Lux's heart throbbed.

“Don't worry. Since, I don’t have an indecent goal like fantasizing about you.”

“I haven't said anything yet, right!?”

“Sorry for not being able to meet your expectations.”

“Like I said, I didn't think that!?”

“Is that so. So it's an optical illusion of my eyes that your face looks red, huh.”

“A-Anyone can become like that! If a beautiful person like Krulcifer-san is in the same room as you when you get up––”

“............”

Krulcifer who heard this, after being bewildered for a moment, kept silent for a while,

“It isn't like this place is your private room.”

“...Eh?”

She suddenly returned to a serious look and said so.

“As for the reason why I came here. Occasionally, I slipped out of the dormitory to pass time. It just so happens that today it was in this drawing room that I came to. And then, you were sleeping here. That's all.”

Saying so, Krulcifer with her good posture sitting on the sofa as such, softly turned her gaze to the window.

Her profile was so lovely, like a painting, such that Lux could not help being fascinated (by it?).

“Do you think that it's a lie?”

Suddenly, her thin lips opened and words came out.

Lux calmly shook his head at her question,

“No. After all, I occasionally want to do so, too. It's also so when I'm alone, just look up at the starry sky and do odd jobs.”

“You're quite the romanticist. Is what I would like to say, but..., you're careless. If I was an assassin who has a grudge toward the Empire, you would have been killed long ago.”

“Oh, haha...”

Lux returned a wry smile.

On that point, he should have had the habit of properly locking the door and lightly sleeping, but for some reason, he seemed to have been careless recently.

“Speaking of which, Krulcifer-san can also use a Divine Drag-Ride, right?”

“If I only hold onto it and doesn’t use it, it will be a useless possession. After all, I can't fight here and I have no interest in that anyway.”

Saying so, Krulcifer dropped her gaze to the Sword Device hung at her waist.

“What do you mean by having no interest?”

“It means that I don't want to fight. Long ago, I tried hard and fought for someone precious to me––. And I got my hands on the Divine Drag-Ride <Fafnir>. But, at a certain time, I have lost all reasons to fight.”

“By that...”

What do you mean?

Lux was going to ask so, but he reflexively hesitated.

The pain of having lost something important.

It was because he thought that it was not a good thing to ask out of curiosity.

“There is only one truth which remains in me. One of the keys to figure it is the "Black Hero". So I –– chase after it.”

“............”

“Hey, I want to ask you something.”

*thumb*, the moment he heard that, Lux's breath stopped.

Those eyes.

Countless Machine Dragons shot down.

The flow of a large quantity of blood overflowing from the gap of the broken floor.

The First Prince who betrayed him, Fugil.

That black Machine Dragon––

*gooonnng*

Suddenly, from the clock tower of the first block, they heard a big bell.

“This sound is…!?”

A sound which was not a tone to tell the time and which rang violently.

It was the alarm to warn of an enemy attack.

“Don't tell me––!?”

“...I'll go ahead.”

Running after Krulcifer who quickly moved, Lux also came out to the corridor.

And, he ran to the sharing room where Philphie slept.

<noinclude>

==References==
<references />

{{SimpleNav}}
</noinclude>

Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 1 Episode 6

2017-12-02T23:50:24Z

OmegaWeaponZ: /* Episode 6 - Atelier of Machine Dragons and Enrolment Exams */

==Episode 6 - Atelier of Machine Dragons and Enrolment Exams==

===Part 1===

Castle town of the Imperial Capital. In the drawing room of a small mansion in the outskirts, Lux and a guest were sitting.

Five Years Ago, April.

The feudal lord of the North East from the Imperial Capital, Count Atismata gathered the resistance of every place and raised an uprising 20 days later.

Coupled with the support of neighboring countries, he was ready to lead an army of 70000 soldiers and 207 Drag-Knights and decided to invade the Imperial Capital.

To convey this very important and highly classified information, Fugil came.

It was exactly ten days before his little sister Airi was to head to the Frontier Count.

Fugil, who tightly wrapped himself in a robe from head to toe, sat on a seat at the table illuminated by a candle flame, and slightly stuck out his head.

“The matter is proceeding as planned, little brother. As you planned, everything is going well.”

“Thank you.”

Lux bowed and then put the Sword Device which he was wearing on the table.

“I’m also ready.”

“As expected of you, little brother.”

Fugil who heard that nodded with admiration.

“You’ve far exceeded my expectations. Being the youngest user in history, you displayed your ability by gaining several hundred victories in the training and mock battles of the Empire army. Originally, that unprecedented exploit is something which should be praised all over the country and also by the Emperor –– but this Empire ended up being corrupted to the roots.”

In a voice mixed with resignation, he continued further.

“You’re the illegitimate seventh Prince. Moreover, you’re a person who objected to the politics of the Empire. No matter how much skill you have –– even if you are praised for your achievements, you hold a differing opinion which doesn't garner attention towards blood legitimacy. This means that such a person can’t be a “Hero”.”

“I’ve never thought to set myself up as a hero. Just––”

“I know.”

To the answer of the calm Lux, Fugil smiled.

“But, I'll ask you once again, shouldn’t you stop that way of fighting? You don’t expressly have to put yourself in danger in order to save the enemy. If you feel like it, though there will be sacrifices, you can choose a safer way––”

Not even shaken by the voice of Fugil who invited him, Lux raised his face.

“This way, even supposing that the plan succeeds, there will be no meaning.”

“Most men of the army are puppets of the imperial family. While wielding the absolute weapon which is the Drag-Ride, they would blindly obey orders of oppression and massacring of innocent people. So, you can’t assert that they have no responsibility.”

“But, they might just be forced to execute orders which they don’t want. Even the people of the army have families.”

“Phew… Geez, your resolve deserves great admiration”

Fugil, somewhat amazed, smiled wryly and then stood up.

“Well then, see you in three days then. As per your instructions, I will come here again. Until then, give me a definite answer. Whether you will cooperate with a <Wyvern> and fight alongside my <Bahamut>? Or––”

“…………….”

“Like I thought, we should kill those guys and cut off the bad habit. Will you keep asking about something which won’t change? Will you give up everything for what you are trying to change? As a Prince of the Empire, if you possess the pride to fulfill it, then––”

“…I’m––”

Looking at Lux who did not change his expression, Fugil got ready to go back.

And with a hand, holding back Lux who tried to stand up and see him off, he slowly opened his mouth.

“Ah, which reminds me, Lux. That matter which you asked me to investigate about. About the medication and experimentation on a human body that the Empire's army was running.”

“––Yes”

To the words which were released, Lux showed a faint agitation.

The trend of the androcracy which went to extremes.

All women are tools.

In the imperial traditional culture, the fact that women obeyed men was taken for granted.

The scene where any male aristocrat made up a reason and abducted citizens or young girls of poor families as an outlet of his desire and manpower was not unusual.

But this time, a more horrible thing was happening.

The extremely horrifying affair where the military authorities were said to use very young girls for a certain special human experimentation.

On the surface, it was a clinical trial for making medicine to cure plagues.

However, in reality, it was human experimentation for poison and weapons.

With the fact that the majority of the results were either unknown after-effects or death, they returned to their families.

“Young children –– Among them, it seems that a subject chosen by a certain standard was the most suitable for the experiment; and this time, even several noble children seem to have been taken to the military facilities. Philphie Aingram. Including that childhood friend of yours with whom you were getting along with.”

“…………”

The moment when he heard this, Lux’s expression slightly stiffened.

“It seems that the elder sister Relie went to the imperial court to appeal for letting her go while crying, but, she was flatly refused. And it seems that the medication and surgery –– the experiment will begin within two weeks at the earliest.”

“Understood”

Even so, immediately regaining his composure, Lux answered.

“Then later, little brother. I believe in your resolution.”

Fugil left the mansion before one could notice.

However, there was only darkness and the sound of rain there.

===Part 2===

Several days since Lux came to the Royal Knight Academy.

Lux was spending his first holiday in a two person room of the girl’s dormitory.

“––Nii-san, Nii-san! Please get up.”

“Hmm…”

Feeling someone shaking his body, Lux woke up.

“Airi …?”

As he half-opened his eyes against sleepiness, he first saw his little sister’s face. Then, the near ceiling of the bunk beds came into view.

Airi seemed to have come into the room where Lux was sleeping to wake him up.

“Get down quickly and come to the dining room. I have to talk with you.”

“Ngh… Understood.”

Probably because it was a holiday, Airi wasn't wearing her school uniform, but a casual chic dress.

For Lux who had hardly lived in the same place as her, with only that, deep emotions welled up within him, but––

“I wonder how many years it’s been since you have come to wake me up, Airi.”

“More importantly Nii-san, what is the meaning of this?”

The skin around the eyes of Airi who smiled suddenly darkened.

“Ah, no, um…”

Gently holding the cheeks of Lux who unintentionally averted his face with her hands, she glared at him with scornful eyes.

“During the time I didn’t see you, you’ve become quite lazy. Please come to the dining room in less than three minutes.”

“You don’t even give me time to change my clothes?”

“Is that so? So usually, you change your clothes leisurely with your roommate around.”

Turning a fleeting glance under the bunk bed, Airi said.

To her cold voice, Lux could only answer “I will come at once”.

“Well then, I’m waiting, so.”

Seeming amazed, Airi briskly left the room.

“Haa, don’t get angry…”

“Munyah… Lu-chan”

At the sleep-talking of Philphie which could be heard from under the bed, Lux smile wryly.

“I’m going. Phi-chan.”

===Part 3===

The dining room of the girl’s dormitory was opened even on holidays.

However, since the time when meals were offered was fixed, even if one woke up early in the morning he could not get a meal immediately.

So, there were almost no students here at this early a time during holidays.

In the meantime, Lux and Airi were facing each other on the seats of a small table.

“It’s good to see that you’ve considerably gotten used to the academy. You seem a little too close to your roommate though.”

Airi said such sarcasm as she sipped her tea.

“Like I said… that was inevitable… When I searched, the girl’s dormitory had no vacant room, and I don’t know why, but there was no roommate in only Philphie’s room, um––”

“Hmm. Thus, you may stay at the room of a female childhood friend, huh. It’s indecent, extremely immoral. Would you like me to tell Principal Relie?”

“I’ve already told Relie-san about it. And then, she replied “I leave my little sister to you”, “it’s fine if it’s Lux-kun” with a smile…”

In the end, Lux was sent to Philphie's room in the girl’s dormitory until a place where he could stay was found.

Philphie, as usual with her easy-going personality, far from minding it seemed to be pleased, but Lux spent every day where he could not sleep easily.

It seemed that the three girls of the Triad and Airi already knew about it, but they wanted to keep this matter a secret as much as possible.

“It looks like before correcting Nii-san’s common sense, I should first admonish the principal, eh…”

As her exchanges with Relie immediately came to her mind, Airi sighed.

“So, what business do you have with me today, Airi?”

“Ara, so I can’t talk with you if I have no business, Nii-san?”

Lux’s question was returned with a mischievous smile.

Unlike a long time ago when she had a weak constitution, she had become a lady very skilled at bargaining.

“Well then, errr… are you doing well in the academy, Airi?”

“Yes, everyone takes good care of me, so Nii-san doesn’t need to worry about me.”

“I see. You’re loved by everyone, huh.”

“Don’t put it like that.”

He smoothly said with a refreshing smile.

“…As expected, you’re good at dealings with things as usual.”

Lux said with a wry smile, but he also had slightly mixed feelings.

Even if she was ejected from the succession struggle early, Airi was a “woman” of royalty.

When her mother died when she (Airi) was young, her position became complicated in various ways; if she did not acquire a determined personality from a tender age, she would not have been able to survive so far.

When he thought so, he also thought of wanting to spoil her more as her brother, but.

“And Nii-san, as usual, seems to always get dragged only into troubles and difficulties. If you need any help, please tell me.”

“…Ah, it’s all right.”

Without words to return coming out, Lux returned a mixed smile.

It looked like he was the one getting spoiled.

''Really, my little sister has gotten strong.''

“Do you also have jobs from now on today?”

“Yes. After eating breakfast, it’s been planned that I will go to the “Atelier” in the academy.”

“Is it for a request from a student?”

“I think it’s from the academy. But, they say that it isn’t a pressing business.”

“Without it, you would have received invitations for a date on the holiday from the young ladies, eh.”

“W-What are you saying!? There would be no such thing––”

When Lux got flustered as he was teased,

“Haa… this is why Nii-san is… Though you’ve been like that since long ago. Please, be a little aware of how others see you. Thanks to the fact that Nii-san stood out early, I also received a lot of requests for you, you know?”

Airi said so with a sigh.

“Eh…?”

“I wonder what the young ladies here are thinking, asking to arrange a place where they can speak with Nii-san or to casually appeal for them.”

“…Really!?”

“Yes. In the Old Empire, women of citizen level or below were oppressed, and even most of the noble women were treated as tools for political marriage, so they apparently never felt that much close to men.”

“…I wonder if it’s what you call peace.”

“I think it’s a little exaggerated to say peace, but since the establishment of the New Kingdom, there has been no major incident, so there may be no helping it. It’s only been five years since the Old Empire which laid out a tyrannical
rule for many years had been destroyed. I’m sure that for the people of the New Kingdom, it’s still like a dream, like they are in the middle of a happy festival.”

She whispered and then sipped her tea.

Contrary to her cynical words, Airi’s expression did not seem that dissatisfied.

“Yes, it would be good if it continues like this forever.”

“For that, don’t forget our other purpose. Okay, Nii-san?”

The moment when Lux agreed, in the almost deserted dining room, Airi dropped the tone of her voice.

“… Yes, I know.”

Similarly in a lower tone, Lux replied.

“Then, I can feel relieved. The analysis regarding the output of that Machine Dragon will be over soon, so until then––”

As Lux nodded, Airi finished drinking her tea and stood up.

“Huh? Aren’t you eating breakfast with me? Theres still time before the cook arrives though––”

“I’ll pass. If just the two of us are seen by everyone of the class, they're likely to be jealous after all.”

To Airi’s words which posed as a joke, Lux smiled wryly.

“No, there’s no way that would happen. After all –– we’re siblings.”

“Besides, if we’re together anymore than this, I would be more reluctant to leave.”

She said in a small voice mixed with the fragrance of tea.

“Eh…?”

“It’s a joke, Nii-san. Well then, please be careful so as not to draw out that sword.”

Saying so at the end, Airi left the dining room.

===Part 4===

After finishing his breakfast, Lux decided to begin today’s chores.

By the way, the written requests addressed to Lux, far from decreasing as the curiosity at first disappeared, increased in number as time passed, and he had already reached a physically impossible domain.
Therefore, Lux settled down in the way of whether to accept the tasks judging from the importance and the degree of relative priority.

“Well, I’m used to not having days off, so it’s fine anyway.”

Rustlingly looking through the bundle of requests dropped in, Lux sighed.

The jobs such as watering the flower bed, studying and helping with cleaning the dormitory were still better.

Baggage carrier for shopping, help changing clothes, massage, being a person to talk to during tea a party and the like exceeded the mixing up of public and private matters; it was very likely that they were mistaking Lux for a butler or something.

“…I mean, about half of them aren’t jobs that I, a man, should do!?”

He unintentionally retorted to the bundle of requests.

But, this was not a joke and since there seemed to be a lot of students who have written seriously, he had a headache.

Be that as it may, if there were jobs which should be given priority, he could use them as an excuse and turned down those requests, so for now he could relax.

The job which he had to do today was a request from the academy.

[Workplace] Royal Knight Academy Machine Dragon research and development site, Atelier

[Client] Machine Dragon Research and Development Chief

[Work contents] Machine Dragon Operation Test

The atelier was a large detached building located in a corner of the school premises.

He had several times helped with blacksmith work, but an atelier for Drag-Rides was a first for him.

He was slightly anxious about doing a job he was not familiar with, but he was also looking forward to it.

Originally, he intended to come to work as a mechanic apprentice of Machine Dragons, so it was welcoming.

“Excuse me. It’s Lux Acadia. I came for the commissioned work.”

He lightly knocked and greeted in a loud voice.

“…………”

However, the answer to Lux’s greeting which was slightly tinged with tension was only silence.

“Huh…?”

He once again checked by looking at his requests note and the academy’s big clock.

There was no error.

Both the place and time should be right––

As he tried to turn the doorknob, he found that it was not locked.

“That’s really careless…”

The existence and technology of Drag-Rides should be top secret in any country.

''Just because it’s within the school premises, I wonder if this is all right.''

While smiling wryly, Lux quietly stepped inside.

“Excuse me. Is there anyone––”

Lux unintentionally swallowed his voice which he was about to utter.

A large space in this brick building filled with the smell of oil and metals.

At the back where innumerable parts and tools were scattered about, there was a monster.

In the court of the imperial capital a long time ago.

Since he became the chore Prince, he had seen many Machine Dragons in the Machine Dragon hangar before holding a mock battle.

But––, this was totally different from them.

A strange Machine Dragon which fused halves of the bodies of a <Wyvern> and a <Wyrm> was over there.

“This is––?”

“Ngh… what the heck is it? So noisy––”

As Lux was looking at it in utter amazement, he suddenly heard a voice from the nearby sofa.

“Lisha-sama…?”

Sleeping there covered with a thin blanket was Lisha dressed in a white gown on her uniform.

Probably because she had stayed overnight, her whole body got slightly dirty and her hair was also slightly disheveled.

Incidentally, her uniform was also very messy and her blouse was turned inside out. Lux unintentionally averted his gaze.

“What are you doing in a place like this?”

“…Huh? Lux, why are you here––? …Ah, I see. Now I remembered, I had requested you. Fuhaa…”

While rubbing her sleepy eyes, Lisha said something which he did not really understand.

When Lux went out again and got tea in the dining room, Lisha who fixed her messed up clothes drank it in one gulp.

“Fufu. You’re quite thoughtful, eh, Lux. As expected of the man that I acknowledged!”

With a behavior unlike a Princess’, Lisha showed a happy smile.

She probably came for a visit of the atelier and ended up staying overnight.

“Good morning. By the way, where is the chief of the atelier?”

As Lux asked after calming down,

“Here, here, right before your eyes.”

Lisha pointed at her small face and said.

“Yes?”

“You still haven’t noticed? It looks like I need to somewhat correct my assessment regarding your insight! I’m saying that I’m the chief.”

“…Eh?”

''No, she’s certainly wearing a gown which seems to be for work, but…''

Honestly, it only looked like a child’s playing attire.

The hems were so long that they dragged on the floor.

“Whew. You’re very good at provocation. All right, I’ll ride on it.”

As Lisha proudly laughed, she drew out the two Sword Devices hanging on her waist at the same time.

“…!”
“––Come out. The Primordial Chaos Dragon that is the perforating wedge against Heaven and Earth. <Chimeric Wyvern>!”

At that moment, the strange Machine Dragon which could be seen at the back of the atelier turned into photons, and was transferred behind Lisha.

“This is––!?”

“A connection should not be necessary. All right, go back.”

Lisha simultaneously wielded her two Sword Devices and put them in the sheath.

Then, the Machine Dragon which was summoned once again changed into light particles, and went back to the depths of the warehouse.

“…What is it, that thing?”

Staring at it in wonder, Lux muttered.

“How’s that, were you surprised?”

Lisha, who was pleased with Lux’s reaction folded her arms and stuck out her chest with pride.

“<Chimeric Wyvern>. It’s the world’s first original Drag-Ride which I’ve developed.”

Lux doubted his ears.

“––!?”

Drag-Rides were ancient weapons excavated in ruins.

Since they had been discovered more than ten years ago, their concrete principle even now remained a mystery, and at best only adjustments of the degree of either installing the existing parts or replacing them could be performed.

A remodeling into a totally different Machine Dragon like this should exist nowhere in the world––

“If you can process the Mithril Dite and Force Core, there seems to be a lot of things which can be produced. Afterward, the performance and output of that body are quite impressive, but it’s a little neck that one has to use two Sword Devices for the activation.”

He had never heard about the fusion of two kinds of Machine Dragons and dual wielding Sword Devices.

If she had combined two original machines and even learned to operate two swords, then this girl concealed an unimaginable potential as an engineer.

“Um, who are you really, Lisha-sama?”

“Fufu. Did you get a better opinion of me?”

Smiling contentedly, Lisha sat on the chair before the work unit and looked up at Lux.

“Praise me more. You know, it isn’t because I have the position of the Princess of the New Kingdom that I’ve been allowed the foolishness of letting you admit into the academy. This is because I show ability and gave results enough to be entrusted a personal atelier at this age. How’s that, are you surprised?”

“By the way, at the back there, there is something which looks like a serious burn mark or rather traces of an explosion though…”

As Lux pointed at the room kept opened as the door was broken and asked,

“…Failure is the mother of success.”

Holding down her slight agitation, Lisha asserted.

Not inquiring any further, Lux asked.

“Perhaps is this research the reason why you always sleep during class?”

“That’s half correct. But, I do properly listen to lectures and I can’t really be half asleep during the practical training. Instructor Raigree is also totally merciless to me who is the Princess. If I skimp in the Machine Dragon’s training or don’t take it seriously, I’ll have a hard time. She really deserves respect.”

Lisha was not sarcastic; she really admired her.

“Then, what about the other half?”

“Take this, it’s your Sword Device.”

Not answering the question, Lisha took the Sword Device which was on the desk and handed it to Lux.

That which Lux received was undeniably the sword matching his <Wyvern>.

“If I’m not mistaken, I should have asked the mechanic for the repair of this––”

“Yes. I’ve fixed your Drag-Ride here”

As she smoothly said so as if it was a matter of course, Lux doubted his ears.

A Machine Dragon’s repair, maintenance and adjustment were so difficult that an expert other than the user was required.

Lux’s <Wyvern> was partially destroyed in the fight with the Abyss, so he thought it would take quite the time and money to repair it, but––

“Is it true!?”

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v1 171.jpg|thumb]]

“It’s the Machine Dragon of the hero who saved the school. You don’t really have to be surprised. But, I stayed up all night several days and finished it just this morning.”

“Thank you very much!”

Lux unintentionally bowed with a smile.

She was skilled to the extent of taking apart two Machine Dragons and building a new Machine Dragon.

For a naturally gifted engineer like Lisha, this much might be simple.

But, even Lux could easily imagine how hard it was for a small-sized girl alone to repair a Machine Dragon built of a large, heavy metal.

“Hmm… I-It’s not a bad feeling to see you so happy… P-Praise me more; if y-you can even pat my head––”

Lisha suddenly blushed and lightly scratched her head.

And looking at Lux who asked back “eh?”, she cleared her throat confusedly.

“W-Well then, test it at once to see whether it moves properly.”

“Yes.”

Lux drew the Sword Device hung on the belt of his waist and muttered the pass code.

“––Come forth, the Branded Wing Dragon which is the symbol of power. Obey my sword and fly, <Wyvern>.”

Light particles gathered before Lux and it instantly transferred –– summoned beside him.

There, his blue Machine Dragon which should have been destroyed was completely––

“Huh…?”

Lux cocked his head in puzzlement.

Completely –– the appearance was different from what Lux had been using.

Among the three types of general-purpose Machine Dragons, the <Wyvern> was the Machine Dragon with the flight ability.

Lux had the mechanic adjust it with that (flight ability) as a base and put on a thicker armor, but…

“Hey, what is this!?”

There was a strange dragon with an abominable appearance there.

Breath Guns linked on both shoulders and an injection port for flight in the back and legs.

Although the large-sized blade which he was using before remained to a very poor degree, more than half of the thick armor was chipped off and became sharp like the blade of a naked sword.

“Ah, while I was repairing it, it was interesting in various ways. So I remodeled it a little.”

“This is beyond the level of ‘a little’!? You’ve even installed something like a drill on the left hand!? What is this!?”

“Oh that? It’s cool, right? It’s a rare part even among those found in the ruins.”

To Lisha who looked happy, Lux was at a loss for words.

He recalled the bad things about the engineers and craftsmen, which he had seen during his previous odd jobs up until now.

“To begin with, it’s weird. That Drag-Ride which you were using, that is.”

Before he could speak, Lisha began to talk.

“In addition to the basic air frame, there were only parts of armor strengthening stuck here and there. Things like uselessly thickening the armor of a flight type Machine Dragon and raising the weight are stuff that a complete amateur does, you know? Like this, it can’t even show its original performance at all. To begin with, judging from the appearance, it’s too lame.”

“No, I don’t think appearance has anything to do with it…”

To Lisha’s angry look, Lux, though restrained, rebutted. But,

“Are you an idiot! Concerning Drag-Rides, functionality is first, and the coolness is the second most important thing! Just looking at this, I will become miserable for having been unable to win against such a quack Machine Dragon!”

“…………”

''It’s a cruel way of putting it…''

Lux thought so and sighed.

“Um, I’m sorry… It isn’t like I don’t understand your feelings. But, could you return it to how it was? That was the handiest for me and I was also used to it, so––”

What Lisha said was not off the mark.

No, it was a matter of fact. Far from being painfully true, in the first place, it was all as she said, but––, even so Lux had a reason for why he didn't want to change it.

“…No matter what?”

“Yes, please.”

He bowed his head.

“It can’t be helped, eh. Even though this remodeling took a lot of time…”

''Rather, didn’t it take time because of the remodeling?''

Lux could not help but think so, but Lisha, while grumpy, somehow compromised.

“It’s all right if the armaments are the same, right? The large-sized sword being the main weapon, and the Breath Gun, Daggers and Wire Tail the sub-weapons. I will thicken the whole armor mainly with the PL – 12 type, I'll also raise both the barrier and output, and as for the roar generator of the head, with a high output possible type––”

“Yes, please.”

As Lux answered, Lisha promptly began the maintenance with practiced movements.

“But you know, it’s weird after all. This Drag-Ride…”

Lisha muttered so with an expression which was not somewhere lively.

“It’s really strange; the balance is obviously a problem. If you want to crush your opponent by endurance and firepower, it will be better to use a Ground-type Machine Dragon whose gross weight could be raised; in a Flying-type Machine Dragon which has high mobility, there is no meaning to go so far to strengthen the defense. Rather, it will become heavy and slow, it will unnecessarily increase the burden on the user too, –– are you a masochist?”

“…………”

“Well, it’s fine. There are also things which only the human user can understand after all. It’s none other than your request.”

Lux was relieved inwardly.

Any ordinary Machine Dragon mechanic would feel a sense of incongruity to Lux’s <Wyvern>.

He could not talk about the reason and he could not let the reason be noticed, either, but––,

“Hey, Lux.”

“…!?”

Suddenly being called to, Lux’s spine slightly shivered as he was taken aback.

“By the way –– may I leave only the drill?”

With her loveliest smile so far, Lisha said.

“You can’t.”

“You’re really stingy, even though you’re just a former Prince!”

“That has nothing to do with it.”

With that last exchange, the silent work continued for a while.

In the early afternoon, Lux’s Machine Dragon was completely restored.

For the time being, it was good that his Machine Dragon was repaired.

Lux felt relieved so, but,

“All right, then it’s time to go.”

“Eh? Where?”

“Isn’t it obvious? What do you think I stayed up all night to repair this for? Of course, it’s for your new workplace.”

Seeing Lisha with sparkling eyes, Lux got a bad feeling about this.

===Part 5===

Even in the afternoon of the holiday, a part of the school facilities was opened.

Though few, club activities also existed and there were also students who were active on holidays.

But, it was in the waiting room of the practice field that Lux who was brought by Lisha went to.

It was a slightly wide room for changing into Dress Gear –– exclusive clothing in order to equip with a Machine Dragon, and for discussing tactics.

Several dozens of students wearing Dress Gears were waiting for Lux there.

Of course, there was no man other than Lux.

There were students whom he recognized, Krulcifer and Philphie.

And Sharis, Tillfarr and Nokuto of the Triad.

As the students gathered regardless of class and grade, more than half of them were unfamiliar faces.

“Do you really intend to let him join the “Knight Squadron”, Lisha-sama?”

A tall female student whom Lux didn't even know the name of, said so as she looked at him.

“That goes without saying. He will show his ability from here on. It’s for that reason that I repaired Lux’s Drag-Ride after all.”

“Errr –– what are you guys talking about?”

As Lux cocked his head in puzzlement not knowing what they were talking about,

“Princess Lizsharte would like to recommend you to this unit. A guerrilla unit which can also use Drag-Rides, other than during practical skill exercises while being an officer cadet. That’s the special unit “Knight Squadron”.”

The third-year student Sharis said with a refreshing smile.

As he heard the explanation in detail, it was apparently something like this.

In the current New Kingdom, there was always a shortage in talented Drag-Knights who could perform in actual combat.

Moreover, this place was the Fort City which could be called the bastion (defensive position) of the capital.

Therefore, not letting young students with outstanding talent and ability fight in accordance with the rules was pearls thrown before swine.

Thereupon, a guerrilla unit –– the “Knight Squadron” which holds special battle permission while being composed of officer cadets was established, and they delved into long day and night fighting techniques.

If one belonged to the “Knight Squadron”, he could get a reward by assembling a platoon with several people and receiving missions from the army.

Thus, even in the perspective of Lux’s “chores”, it would be a very useful place, but––

“But you know, the “Knight Squadron” isn’t some kind of place where anyone who wants to join can join.”

As Sharis’ explanation ended, a girl whom he was not familiar with muttered so.

“You must get a high evaluation with the results of the campus battles. Your level as Drag-Knight should be more than the intermediate level. And, the majority of members of the current “Knight Squadron” should acknowledge your ability and vote for the approval of you joining.”

These three things seemed to be the conditions for joining.

“Um, but I attended the academy since only several days ago, and my practical skills are also––”

“Unfortunately, it seems to be so. I’ve heard the rumor about you being the “Weakest Undefeated” though.”

As the female student who seemed calm said so with a wry smile,

“I don’t mind.”

Lisha cut off the flow, full of confidence.

“The first two conditions are just a given. Most of the students who are here should already know Lux’s ability. After all, he had a draw in a one-on-one fight against me and went against the Abyss all alone.”

“Well, it’s true, but…”

Overwhelmed by Lisha’s momentum, the tall girl faltered.

“But, now the third-year members of the “Knight Squadron” aren’t there. We can’t decide about it at such a time…”

A small-sized girl said so as to add to the tall girl’s case, but

“The whole majority is properly here. Even if all those who aren’t here vote ‘no’, it won’t matter if all the members here agree, right?”

In the end, Lisha settled the talk.

“Why aren’t the third-year students here?”

As Lux asked Sharis who was beside him in a low voice,

“Well, currently the third-year students went to the capital for practice for about two weeks. Due to some circumstances on my end, I couldn’t go this time.”

“Then, won’t it be better to decide after the third year members come back?”

“Well –– I think that it’s just the opposite.”

Suddenly, Krulcifer who kept silent until now reacted to Lux’s question.

“The Princess believes that precisely now is the best time to let you join. The third-year leader of the Knight Squadron is quite the man-hater after all––”

“Eh…?”

“Third-year student, Celestia Ralgris. An influential person who is the daughter of a Duke House and is said to be the strongest of the academy. She’s also popular and a lot of students admire her too. If that person was presently in the academy, it’s probably more likely that even something like letting a man attend the academy would have been revoked.”

“…………”

In other words, using the chance when that man-hating leader is absent, Lisha wanted to rush the matter into a fait accompli<ref>"accomplished fact"; something that has already happened and is thus unlikely to be reversed, a done deal. In French used only in the expression placer/mettre quelqu’un devant le fait accompli meaning to present somebody with a fait accompli</ref>.

“Krulcifer, don’t talk nonsense. I only do what I should do as the New Kingdom Princess.”

Lisha who heard the talk cheekily rebutted.

“The Abyss's sudden attack without warning the other day. Although it didn’t lead to serious consequences, the cause is still unknown, so it’s under investigation. Ensuring (or securing) an immediate asset is the natural judgment. Especially all the more since the majority of third-year students are absent now.”

''She says something that sounds really good.''

Lux admired inwardly.

He had thought that she was unlike a Princess, but unexpectedly, she also seemed to have political ability.

“But as expected, even I won't think of letting him join without him going through any procedure.”

Before a rebuttal came, Lisha who was at the center of the waiting room looked around everyone.

“We will hold a Machine Dragon confrontation battle in teams from here on. And with the battle outcome, we should decide whether or not to allow Lux to join.”

She said so and quickly began to choose the opponents.

“…………”

(She completely ignored my opinion, huh…)

Lux really wanted to say so a little bit, but…

“Lux. If you do missions and security guard jobs in the Knight Squadron, you’ll also get rewards. It will help you pay off your debt! You should just gladly work like a horse!”

As he saw Lisha smiling, he felt that it would be useless even if he refused.

As Lux who was at a loose end looked around the waiting room,

“I mean, so Philphie was also a member of the “Knight Squadron”?”

As Lux who caught sight of his childhood friend in the corner asked,

“…………”

Philphie who gnawed snack biscuits did not react.

“Errr, Philphie…?”

As he thought that she didn't and called out to her again,

“…It’s Phi-chan, right?”

In a slightly emphasized tone, Philphie muttered.

“Eh…!? D-Do you want me to call you that even here …!?”

“Yes.”

Philphie nodding with a serious look, Lux’s face turned red.

If it weren’t for this, she would really be a good girl, but––

But that aside, it was unexpected.

The last time they met was seven years ago; in the Old Empire's society before the coup d’état, women had little opportunity to get in contact with Drag-Rides.

Therefore, Lux had no memory of having seen Philphie ever used a Drag-Ride.

But, to think that this girl with a gentle atmosphere had enough ability to join the “Knight Squadron” ––

“Phi…chan, are you strong?”

“Ordinary, I guess.”

As he awkwardly called her by her nickname, a simple answer came back.

But upon close inspection, not a Sword Device of a general-purpose Machine Dragon, but a short sword decorated with a unique design was in the scabbard hung on her waist.

“She’s very strong, this girl. She is the user of the Divine Drag-Ride <Typhon> after all. Together with my <Fafnir>.”

“Eeeh…!?”

As Krulcifer added, Lux unintentionally opened his mouth.

To think that Philphie possessed enough skill to be able to use a Divine Drag-Ride which even first-class Drag-Knights couldn't handle so often.

And also Krulcifer.

Even if they were called “Knight Squadron”, they were still officer cadets after all.

It looked like his preconception was greatly wrong.

Even excluding the third-year members, if there were even three users of Divine Drag-Rides, it was a military power worthy of threat.

Which meant, even the missions given were more likely to be suitable as such.

From now on whether he wanted to or not, he might be sent out on dangerous missions.

(…What shall I do?)

『For that, I hope that you didn’t forget the other purpose, Nii-san.』

He recalled the words said by Airi early in the morning during breakfast.

Before attracting a curious attention, he started thinking to decline joining the unit.

He was thankful that a hefty reward was given, but if he got involved in too deeply, it would be likely to affect the “other purpose”.

“Hey, Lux. I settled the talk.”

While he was thinking about such a thing, his shoulder was patted by Lisha.

“You and I will team up and fight against the opposition’s team. Hurry up and go to the compartment to change into a Dress Gear.”

“…………”

It looked like it was already too late.

“What? You may also change without hiding if you want, you know?”

“I am not worried about that!”

As Lux’s face turned red as he panicked to Lisha’s teasing,

“You peep, but you don’t want to be seen yourself, huh.”

Even Krulcifer who was in the corner muttered in a subdued voice, and Lux was at his wits’ end.

“I’ll go change!”

Lux hurried up and changed into the Dress Gear he was given and came out of the compartment.

“So–– I understand that Lisha-sama and I will team up, but how many people are there in the opponent team?”

“Yes. It seems to be all the members here that met with Lux-san for the first time.”

“Eeeeeeeeeh!?”

In other words, all the members present except Krulcifer, Philphie and the three girls of the Triad.

“Wait, isn’t it reckless no matter how you look at it…?”

Lisha was strong.

Even compared to Drag-Knights that Lux had confronted so far, she was probably the most powerful.

But it should also be the same for the Knight Squadron’s members present here.

“It’s all right. According to my calculations, even this should work out good enough. If it’s not enough, well let’s see, it’s not too late to change your Machine Dragon to attack specialization even now––”

“…I’ll do my best as it is.”

“Is that so? I’ll fight with the <Chimeric Wyvern>, but–– well it’s fine. We’re outnumbered anyway. Once it starts, even you’ll have no choice but to fight.”

To Lisha’s words which somewhere had a hidden meaning, Lux sighed.

Both parties finished their preparations and went out to the practice field.

And the mock battle began.

===Part 6===

“What the hell, geez!”

Immediately after the team confrontation battle which ended in no time.

Lisha who returned to the waiting room of the practice field was shouting like a spoiled child.

Most of the “Knight Squadron” members had already changed and left the room, only Lux, Lisha and several acquaintances remained in the room.

“Please, cheer up already. We’ve won after all.”

As Lux calmed her so with a troubled face,

“Why didn’t you attack even once!? I should have also got on the opponent team! You wasted a rare chance! You fool!”

Lisha raised her voice with somewhat teary eyes.

The team confrontation battle for letting Lux join the “Knight Squadron”.

Overturning the overwhelming handicap of two against ten, Lux and Lisha had won.

By the way, it was Lisha who defeated all the opponents’ Machine Dragons.

While Lux was dodging and defending against the enemy’s attacks, the battle ended.

Although they won as a result, Lux’s joining was rejected by the majority vote, and Lisha was furious.

The reason that he was not able to earn an affirmative vote was because Lux had not attacked even once.

Though he felt bad for Lisha, Lux was inwardly relieved.

“Was my strategy a failure? Or…, was there a problem with the opponent team formation…? But, by my initial expectations…”

While grumblingly muttering, Lisha began to change her clothes on the other side of the compartment.

(It will be bad if I go back without permission, right…?)

When Lux who had finished changing from the Dress Gear into his uniform first, sat down before the table of the waiting room and was waiting.

“Good work, Lu-chan.”

Philphie who was sitting in the opposite side suddenly called out to him.

The vote ended; his childhood friend who had finished changing into her uniform remained in the waiting room, peeled a fruit and ate it.

Or it was supposed to be like this, but––

“…Uh huh. Thank you––. Wait, what is this?”

“Orange.”

A brief answer came back with the peeled orange.

She pinched the fresh fruit flesh where the white pith was removed with her thin fingertips, and held it out in front of Lux.

“No, I understood by seeing, but…”

“I helped you remove the orange’s white peel.”

Such words were said with an indifferent tone.

Lux brooded over their meaning for just several seconds,

“Eh...? Is it, by any chance –– what I think it is!?”

Suddenly, his cheeks became hot.

Lux remembered that when they were children, Philphie used to peel the pelt of the orange which he was not able to eat as he disliked that part (pelt).

“T-Thank you, Phi-chan. B-But, I’m not a kid anymore, so I can do that much alone…”

When he answered so as he was a little embarrassed,

“…You don’t want?”

Philphie intently turned her pupils and looked into Lux’s face.

It was a somewhat dejected and lonely tone.

“T-That isn’t it––”

“Then, eat.”

When he was at loss, Philphie softly pushed the orange's flesh to Lux’s lips.

Seeing that he received it with his mouth, Philphie slightly smiled.

“Is it delicious?”

“Y-Yes…”

“I’m glad.”

(…Rather, it’s so embarrassing that I can’t taste it…!)

Looking at Philphie who was somewhere happy, Lux was bewildered,

“It’s all good that you’re so close, but I think you should watch your surroundings a little more.”

“…!? N-No, this is––”

Teased by Krulcifer who was in a corner of the room, Lux became flustered.

When he turned his eyes around as he wondered whether they were seen by others,

“…Hmm. Even though I’m unusually troubled, to think that you flirt with another woman before my eyes. I’m envious, Lux.”

Lisha who had finished changing and came out muttered as she was amazed.

“However… I see. There was that way (hand), huh…”

And walking at a quick pace, she came before Lux who was sitting.

(It’s bad. I’ll be scolded––)

As Lux closed his eyes thinking so.

Something was slapped on the table before him.

“Huh…?”

What was put on the table was a sheet of paper –– a request for a job.

“W-Which reminds me after this, you shouldn’t have undertaken any job requests in particular, right?”

Lisha who sharpened her lips leaned her face immediately to Lux’s.

When he was sure that she was angry, her cheeks somewhat turned red and she averted her eyes from Lux.

“Eh, well… yes.”

''…I wonder what the matter is.''

When Lux replied as he wondered so, Lisha quickly took a breath and stuck out her chest.

“T-Then, it’s an additional request. Um––, come with me now.”

===Part 7===

Cross-shaped Fort City, Cross Feed.

From the sunrise until late at night, the people’s hustle and bustle had not stopped in this first block which was located in the center.

Probably because of the early spring, the evening sunlight was still strong.

Lux and Lisha were walking on the main street of maintained stone pavements with a lot of pedestrian traffic.

(She asked me to come along, so it was for shopping, huh… I was surprised.)

『U-Um… I think that in order to form a partnership, it’s important to know each other well. After all, I still don’t know much about a man of the same age…』

The reason why Lisha invited Lux to go out seemed to be something like that.

(But, I’m still nervous. To be with a Princess of the same age, only the two of us is––)

When looking to the side, as he thought so, Lisha who was also somewhat restless was looking at the cityscape.

『Oh my, to think that you’re going out with the Princess; not bad, Lux-kun』

He remembered that when he parted from Lisha once to go prepare himself, he was told so by Principal Relie who happened to pass by in the neighborhood.

『Someone like Lizsharte-sama who immerses herself only in fighting and research has no immunity in the love area. If she was suddenly pushed into a boy she likes, she might easily fall, you know?』

『No, I don’t think it can be something like that…』

At that time, Lux denied it with an indescribable expression, but––

“Come to think of it. Lisha-sama, do you often go out into town?”

“N-No… not at all.”

To Lux’s question, Lisha firmly shook her head.

“These days, I was always working in the atelier after all. I was busy with the Drag-Ride's remodeling...”

While looking around curiously, Lisha turned a fleeting glance at Lux,

“Um..., d-do you often go out? With other girls––”

She asked so in an irritated tone.

“N-No... I also have a debt to pay off, so I've no time for that.”

“I-I see...”

As Lux denied, Lisha smiled as she was relieved,

“All right. Then, since it's the first time for both of us, I shall escort you! If I'm not mistaken, there is a good restaurant in this urban area... No, wait.”

When she suddenly stopped moving, Lisha touched her uniform (as she was searching for something) and made a bitter expression.

“What's wrong?”

“U-Uh huh... Well, it'll be all right, I guess. I'm a Princess, so I should be able to ask for a credit...”

“By any chance... did you forget your wallet?”

“Ugh... Um, it was just accidentally today...”

To Lisha who looked downward as she was embarrassed, Lux smiled wryly.

Seeing her all flustered, he felt somewhat relaxed.

I guess she isn't really used to going out.

Then–– within the range possible with my meager experience, I wanted this girl to enjoy herself.

Lux thought so.

“It's not good. The New Kingdom Princess shouldn't easily ask for credit.”

“T-Then, what...? Are you already saying to call it a day...?”

Looking at the somehow lonely Lisha, Lux kindly smiled.

“If you don't mind me, I will offer you hospitality.”

After a few minutes. Lux and Lisha sat side by side at the curb of the central open space and were looking at the sunset.

The apple pie which he gave to Lisha was something reputed to be the most delicious even in the stands of the Fort City, and it was a shop where Lux once worked at for odds jobs.

“How is it? Lisha-sama”

“Hmm. it's sweet and delicious. Thank you...”

While biting the apple pie from the paper package, Lisha frequently sent a passionate gaze to Lux's face.

Lux did not have that much on hand, but looking at Lux who was accompanied by Lisha, the employee of the stall gave them to him for free.

In the end, giving his thanks together with Lisha, he decided to gratefully accept them, but––

“However, being well known even to the stalls, you are appreciated by the people of this city, eh.”

“My face is just known due to working odd jobs.”

To that mutter of admiration, Lux replied with a wry smile.

“B-But, it's strange... Even though I planned to make you appreciate me, but like this... instead I'm––”

To Lisha who muttered in a low voice; Lux cocked his head in puzzlement,

“What's the matter?”

“N-No, how to put it –– this area is glug-glug since some time now...!”

Looking at Lisha whose cheeks reddened, and that set a hand on her chest,

(I wonder if she's nervous after coming out to downtown after a long time.)

Lux thought so.

“Are you all right? If you aren't feeling well, we should rest somewhere...”

“I-I'm all right... If I sit for a little bit, I think I'll be fine...”

“I haven't that much knowledge in medical treatment. But, I know a place of good and free medical treatment; so if there is anything, please tell me immediately.”

“Ah, yes...”

After giving a vague answer with a flushing expression, Lisha entrusted her body to Lux for a while.

“S-Speaking of which –– do men prefer girls like your childhood friend?”

“...Yes?”

To the words suddenly released by Lisha, Lux looked puzzled.

“I don't really understand... I haven't thought that much about wanting to be spoiled by someone, or being together with someone else. But––”

While muttering with upturned eyes, Lisha timidly held out an apple pie to Lux.

“Errr––”

“Hey, can you taste this for poison?”

“You've already started eating it though...?”

“D-Don't worry about trivial things!? Just do it!”

No, I think it's pretty important though...

Swallowing such a retort, Lux bit the pie which was held out.

“Ah...”

The crunchy pie crust and the sweet fragrance of the apple spread in his mouth.

“T-There is no poison. Now, can you rest assured?”

As Lux smiled, Lisha once again ate the pie while staring at him with feverish eyes––

“Uh, auh... Fuuh...”

After her face became red to the extent that it could be clearly seen even in the evening, her body lost all its strength there.

“Hey!? What's the matter? Lisha-sama!”

As Lux hurriedly caught Lisha who was about to fall,

“Hiyan...!?”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>munyu*. A soft sensation was transmitted to Lux's palm.

Her chest that was being rubbed, although of a petite build, firmly asserted its size; Lisha’s thin body shook in Lux's arms as she was startled.

(Shit! she'll get mad...!)

Although he held her on the spur of the moment, he had done a terrible thing.

(But... it was very soft, huh. Lisha-sama's–– not that! What am I thinking!?)

“Ah, um –– I-I'm sorry!”

As Lux who changed the position of his hand apologized while being confused,

“W-Well, I will forgive... But, more importantly––”

Lisha said so and tightly grabbed the collar of her uniform,

“I-I don't really know why, but since some time now, my chest is hot and I feel dizzy...”

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v1 198.jpg|thumb]]

While exhaling a feverish breath, she muttered as such.

“W-What's wrong? Um, I will bring you to the nearby house for free treatment––”

“I-I'm all right... I will get better after a short time, I think, probably...”

Lux anxiously supported Lisha for a while, but after a few minutes, she regained her composure before long and returned to her usual condition.

The curfew time was approaching, so they decided to return to the academy and began to walk slowly.

Lux was also surprised by Lisha's sudden request this time, but

“T-Today, um... it was quite fun. Thank you, Lux...”

With just such a sentence from Lisha, he felt like he had been rewarded.

===Part 8===

“Speaking of which, I'm sorry. For not being able to join.”

Several minutes later. As Lux once again said so while walking his way back on the deserted street,

“Don't worry about it. I can do the joining recommendation in the next month after 5 more days later after all. From tomorrow after school, we will begin with the coordination training at once.”

Lisha replied so with a smile on her whole face.

“Do you still intend to get me into the "Knight Squadron"!?”

“Well, as for the strategy. You plunge right in the middle of the enemy camp, and I blow away the opponents who have their attention attracted to you one after another. Afterward, while I defend you, you can at least defeat one machine.”

“Isn't it a little too cruel...? In various meanings.”

Unintentionally, it was tactic which brought a cold sweat to the spine.

Judging from Lisha's tone, probably... she was serious.

“...More importantly, about Lisha-sama's <Chimeric Wyvern>... That was amazing, eh.”

“Hmm? Did you come to want it? I had quite a hard time making it, but if you want, I could specially make another one for you.”

“Can you make many machines like that?”

“Even if I make it, it will be useless now though. it is 50% stronger than a general-purpose Machine Dragon, but the burden of stamina aside, the operation difficulty isn't on the same level as that of an average Divine Drag-Ride. Even the Sword Devices' dual wielding can't be used by anyone other than me. Do you want to try it?”

“No, thank you...”

Honestly, Lux also thought that it was impossible.

The conception of combining two kinds of Machine Dragons performances was certainly amazing, but it could probably not be mastered by anyone except Lisha who was a genius engineer and also a first-class Drag-Knight.

“How about somehow improving it in a way that it will be easier to use? To the extent that even only the students of the "Knight Squadron" are able to use it. As a Princess––”

Words came out naturally so.

They were not words in order to go along with the talk, he truly thought so.

He might have voiced out what he was vaguely thinking inwardly all this time.

The rule of the empire for a long time.

And precisely because they were released from it now, he wanted her to become a good Princess.

He wanted her to be a Princess who thinks about the people and considered others' feelings.

Such a desire of Lux might have unintentionally been voiced out.

“As a Princess?”

“Y-Yes... As the New Kingdom Princess, you will be more useful to the people like that––”

However,

“I don't need it.”

Lux shivered to the coldness of the voice which came back.

With neither anger, sorrow nor even apathy. A hollow voice which lost all colors.

For just several seconds, the surrounding atmosphere froze.

“Phew. I'm often told that. Both my technique of Machine Dragon development and results in the school battles. I get tired whenever I'm summoned to the capital about things such as 'you should be proud as a Princess' or 'it's a great achievement'.”

“What... do you mean?”

“Before that, answer my question. What is a Princess?”

A concise question of only a few words.

But, Lux was not able to return an answer to it.

“My father, Count Atismata who raised a coup d’état has died without sitting on the New Kingdom's throne because of an injury at that time. But, his fame remains and my aunt, Queen Raffi succeeded the country. And I, as a memento of the late great man, got the status of Princess of the New Kingdom. I'm merely that much of a human.”

“That's not...”

“But, the citizens are thankful and extolled the idol who is me. It's interesting, isn't it? It's a laughable story. The Old Empire had thoroughly laid out a tyrannical rule after all. As a substitute, they force me to be a splendid person of character like a Princess. If I don't do it, they will urge me. They will say incomprehensible things like 'you have that responsibility, don't run away, carry out your mission'.”

“............”

“There is a place where I want to stop by a little.”

Lisha muttered so and headed to a vacant land with a good view which deviated from the main street.

And, when confirming that there was no one around, she lowered her voice and began to talk.

“Won't you tell me? Lux Acadia. You, a Prince of the destroyed Empire, tell me the way of a righteous princess.”

“... I, to me––”

He could not answer.

A society and laws without unequal and unjust discrimination.

No, it did not have to be such a thing.

But, just a world without unreasonable suffering––

The wishes which Lux was harboring were all crushed on that day five years ago.

“Do you remember the Old Empire's brand applied on my belly?”

Lisha said with a dry smile.

“............”

“Most of the citizens admire and extol my father. That he is the hero remaining in the history that destroyed the Empire. Many years before the coup d'état occurred, my father had opposed the Empire and raised an objection to its policy. Naturally, he incurred the enmity of those from the Empire's side, to the point that it wasn't strange that his precious daughter was kidnapped––”

“...Don't tell me”

When Lux arrived at that guess, Lisha laughed incidentally.

“Right, I was caught by the Old Empire at that time five years ago. And, I was used as a bargaining chip to my father who was furthering the coup d’état plan, but in the end –– I was abandoned. This carved seal is the proof that I was considered the possession of the Old Empire.”

“––!?”

As tension ran to Lux's expression, Lisha continued in a calm tone.

“Actually, my father was probably a great man. In order to bring down that Empire, my father should have concentrated all his efforts to plan the coup d'état. He couldn't possibly ruin everything because of one life which is his daughter's. It had been only about two months that I had been put under house arrest, but I was abandoned, and was no longer the Earl's daughter or anything. My mother died from illness, but since I had a little sister, in the dawn when the coup d'état succeeded, that child should have become the Princess of the new royal family. Instead of me.”

“............”

“However, it seems that my little sister was killed during the coup d'état. So, my aunt, the queen of the New Kingdom who had no child accepted me, who was rescued, as her adopted child and I acceded to the position of Princess. In order to gather up the country together as a memento of my late father, the hero Count Atismata, and as the symbol of the New Kingdom. The fact that I was abandoned by my father and applied with the brand of the Old Empire was concealed.”

“............”

At that time–– when Lux and Lisha met for the first time.

So that's why she had wore the towel in the bathtub, hiding her skin even to other female students.

Since her secret which mustn't be seen was seen by Lux, who was none other than a Prince of the Old Empire, Lisha went so far against Lux––

“Lux. Was it painful for you to be no longer a Prince of the Old Empire?”

Lisha asked with a self deprecating smile.

“Well... I––”

Coup d’état five years ago.

A scene a few days earlier than it was revived in his memory.

His little sister and his childhood friend who had danger approaching her due to the Empire.

Lux, as a member of the royal family and as a "person with pride", thought that he wanted to do something about this country.

However––,

“I wasn't even able to do anything which seems like a Prince, so...”

As Lux quietly shook his head, Lisha laughed lonely.

“You know, I didn't like my father. When thinking about it now, he might have rather pretended to act indifferent towards me to keep me away from the danger of the coup d’état. My father's judgment of abandoning me might have been something very brave and which should be praised. As one of the citizens who had suffered a tyrannical rule, I might have respected and admired my father like everyone. However...”

Cutting her words at once, Lisha looked downward,

“I...”

In a choked voice and moved to tears.

“I wanted him to save me.”

“............”

“I wanted him to choose not the country, but me... I'm a hopeless person, right? I, who was captured, was so scared that I couldn't even commit suicide. That's why I'm not the New Kingdom's Princess and don't have such qualifications to be.”

So that's why she hates to behave like a Princess, huh.

After all, it isn't anyone else, but herself who thinks that she is unqualified.

“Let's talk about the reason why I invited you.”

As she suddenly returned to the talk, Lux kept quiet.

“This is because Drag-Knights are all in this era. The investigation of the ruins, the turf war for resources with other countries, peace and sovereignty. Drag-Rides are involved in all of these. In a sense, it's good for the country that I become strong.”

“............”

“Lux. I want to know who I am.”

Saying so, Lisha began to walk her way home which had become dark.

“My father was the hero who saved the people of this country. But, now I'm no one. So, I want to know it after becoming the strongest Drag-Knight. For that, I need your power. I will have you play an active role as my right hand in the "Knight Squadron". You have no objection, right? Chore Prince.”

“Objection...? haven't you already decided?”

“An able woman is also quick in decisions.”

Lisha laughed so proudly.

“First will be the platoon confrontation battle of the academy. After having won it –– we will attend the next battle. It's the off-campus confrontation battle with the representatives of each country.”

“An off-campus, confrontation battle”

As Lux cocked his head in puzzlement at the unfamiliar words,

“Although you've been doing odd jobs in many places, don't you know the world situation? You did yesterday's lesson, right? About the investigation of ruins in each country and the struggle to obtain their rights––”

Currently in this New Kingdom, there are three crises where one did not know when they would occur.

The first crisis is the rebel army of the Old Empire troops that has been hiding after the coup d'état.

The second crisis is the existence of Abyss which occasionally appears from the ruins.

And the third crisis is the turf war with other countries regarding the research activity of the ruins themselves

“Although the New Kingdom was born, there are still the Old Empire's remnants remaining. They escaped into the neighboring countries which were supporting the Empire, getting cooperating organizations, and even now –– aim at the recapture of the government by military power (force).”

“............”

In fact, there had been rumors that the rebel army of the Old Empire was superior in number than the regular army of the current New Kingdom.

However, they just haven't showed up these several years.

“Next is––, the problem of Abyss.”

The mysterious beasts which frequently appear from the ruins themselves or from their surroundings.

While knowing that various treasures were excavated from the ruins including the Drag-Rides, it was mainly because of the Abyss that the research of each nation did not readily progress.

As a result of having greedily forced an investigation of ruins, there were also precedents where nearby villages, towns and small nations themselves were destroyed in only one night by the Abyss which appeared.

All what was known was that as long as you destroyed the core inside the Abyss' body, you could kill them.

But, on top of the fact that it was accompanied with many dangers, one stood no chance against them with military power other than Drag-Rides.

Therefore, ancient weapons and resources were dug illegally by thieves; damaging the ruins, and moreover so that Abyss did not end up being summoned, the ruins discovered in the country were designated off-limits and strictly controlled.

“And––, thirdly is the turf war with other countries.”

Every corner of the world was dotted with ruins and the countries who managed their lands were basically investigating them.

So as not to selfishly get into the ruins of another country, an agreement was established too.

However, if the weak carelessly advanced their investigation of the ruins, they might incur damage even to the surroundings countries by the Abyss' appearance.

Along the border, there were also ruins of places that were vague; whether it was the territory of which country including the sea area of distant places.

Therefore, one agreement was made and a mock battle of Drag-Knights in order to gain what should (could) be called "the ruins investigation right", was to be held in each country once every several months.

It was said that in one of them, there was also a tournament among fellows officer cadets.

“Then, until then...”

“Yes, by the confrontation battle which will begin two months later, I shall have gather the strongest unit. For that purpose, I expressly made you get in the academy, and tried to make you join the "Knight Squadron", but––”

Lisha got sulky.

“No, um... I understand your feelings and I'm glad that you're expecting a lot from me, but I'm good only at defense––”

“Let's practice the attack!”

He was sternly pointed at with a finger and scolded.

“To begin with, my attacks were avoided so much by you. If you acquire even the experience of attacking, you should be recognized as a powerful and outstanding figure even by the "Knight Squadron" like I anticipated. And, um, as m-my first partner, someday––”

“Eh...?”

As Lux looked puzzled at Lisha who mumbled as her cheeks suddenly became red,

“F-For the time being, that's your task. As my escort, I will talk it over with the Principal whether you can have the same authority as the "Knight Squadron" as an exception.”

“Eeeh!?”

“You can't attack, but the existence value of a Drag-Knight who has never been defeated is enough. In short, it'll be good as long as you play an active role as my shield.”

“I-Isn't that a little cruel...”

In various meanings.

“––By the way, it's about your other Sword Device, but can you show it to me a little? If it's a good material, I would like to remodel it.”

“Eeeeeeeh!?”

Looking at Lisha whose eyes suddenly brightened, Lux panicked.

“Hmm...? Is there something to be surprised with?”

“Errr? That is... Um, I was told by Her Majesty the Queen to strictly manage it, so...”

“What! You're stingy, eh. Can't you at least show it to me?”

Dissatisfied, Lisha pouted.

“In that case, I will go get permission from Her Majesty the Queen later. You should protect that sword well till then.”

“Yes...”

Lux nodded with an evasive reply.

“What's the matter? You look pale. If you're tired, you should rest by somewhere––”

“No...”

“Then, it's good. Then, take care of me again, Lux.”

As they returned up to the academy's main gate, Lisha lightly tapped Lux's shoulders and left.

“............”

Lux went to the drawing room of the academy with the same pace as when he was walking with lisha.

Originally, he was temporarily allowed to sleep in Philphie's room, but he wanted to stay at the drawing room only today without notice.

Rather than an ethical issue or personal reasons, Lux did not want to meet anyone now.

“I––. I'm hopeless...”

It was lightly self-loathing that he had lain down on the sofa.

Though on the spur of the moment, he was regretting having said those words to Lisha.

“I have no right to say that 'you should be more like a Princess' to her...”

To think that I want someone to do what I wasn't able to do.

(What have I ever done for the citizens in those days?)

What Lux had obtained five years ago was the title of Prince and several privileges.

He was thinking whether even the young him could not do something as a prince of a great Empire which lasted several hundred years.

And, the day of fate.

As the result of the fact that he himself personally moved––, the ideal which Lux painted as a Prince was smashed up.

Therefore, right.

As he became the chore Prince, Lux was saved for the first time.

The people of the town with whom he could not even get in touch with well until now.

Every place and every job.

With odd jobs for five years, he felt like having slightly gotten used to being a familiar existence.

He intended to be able to understand the words "for the people" that he had spoken.

(I'm selfish, eh...)

Why couldn't I understand the feelings of Lisha who couldn't behave like a Princess?

In the good point of having lost his position of Prince, this time he acted like a citizen and flattered the Princess.

He could not forgive such a side of himself.

Even so, Lisha said that she expected a lot from him.

Philphie said he was the same as in the old days.

Other students also accepted him.

I want to become everyone's power, but –– the current me can't use that sword.

But,

(I –– at that time)

A languid fatigue attacked Lux.

And Lux quietly closed his eyes.

===Part 9===

Sparks fluttered down from the sky.

The imperial castle of the Acadia Empire.

Inside the castle where the war was over.

A great number of soldiers' corpses were piled up, and while a flow of blood streamed down the floor like a muddy stream, Lux was walking dragging his feet.

Where he arrived at was the audience room which was fiercely destroyed.

In front of the throne, the emperor was lying on the floor.

His chest was very deeply pierced by a sword, and he died like that with his eyes wide opened.

“Oh dear, so you were alive. As expected of you, little brother.”

Beside him, a young man smeared with blood spurts was laughing.

An innocent, pure smile like a child.

“How..., why...?”

Within a hazy consciousness and putting strength in his legs which were likely to collapse at any moment, Lux asked.

Immediately after, he strongly coughed and finally vomited a clot of blood.

“Kukukuku. As expected of you, little brother. To be able to use that Drag-Ride until you vomit blood––, I want even this gutless emperor to follow your example in the netherworld.”

Saying so, the man kicked the face of the motionless emperor.

“Why, did you, kill him...?”

“What?”

To Lux's voice which got blurred, the man cocked his head in puzzlement.

“The Drag-Knights, of the, army, as well, as His Majesty the Emperor, everyone,... This is, from the plan––”

“Ku, hahahaha! Hahahaha! Hahahaha! Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!”

The man laughed loudly.

And after suddenly opening his eyes wide, he glared at Lux.

“I was saved the trouble thanks to you. I never thought that you would be going so far. Thanks to you, this easily advanced farther than what I planned. If you were done without being able to properly defeat the army, I would have had no choice but to call the Abyss using the "flute".”

Taking out a golden flute never seen before from his breast pocket, the man laughed.

“If I called a large quantity of Abyss, it would be easy to destroy this country, but the cleaning up afterwards would be troublesome. You save me the trouble. Goddamn Prince.”

“Kahah...!”

Lux once again vomitted blood and fell on the floor.

He could not stand up anymore...

As if blood disappeared from his whole body, he grew weak.

The sensation of certain death wrapped Lux's whole body.

“But, you deserve respect. At this age, you manage Machine Dragons better than anyone else, and without using trickery, you fought to put an end to the history of this rotten Empire. By using me and borrowing Count Atismata's strength, you wonderfully destroyed this country. You're splendid, little brother! I praise your bottomless resolve and pride, and your talent!”

Fugil raised his voice and looked down at Lux.

“But –– you had no luck. You have been betrayed by me whom you trusted. Let me tell you something in the end, little brother. I wasn't a Prince of this Empire from the beginning.”

Devil like words were spitted out from the man's mouth.

“My purpose isn't the peace that you desired. Good work for destroying the Empire. Prince.”

Laughing with a frivolous voice, the face of the man who opened his eyes wide was reflected in Lux's pupils.

“Why...?”

“Let's see –– shall I tell you, little brother. The reason why you weren't able to achieve your ideal.”

The voice of a big brother which suddenly regained his composure and came to his senses reached Lux's ears.

“You know nothing of the world. You are not in the caliber of kings. The weakest.”

Lux's memory was interrupted at that last conversation.

It was a morning seven days after losing consciousness, and wandering about life and death that he woke up.

Meanwhile, all was over.

The defeat of the imperial army.

The approximately 1200 Drag-Knights who participated in the battle were killed in action.

The ideal end to which Lux believed in was nowhere.

===Part 10===

“Ngh...”

Lux woke up on the sofa of the drawing room.

Before he knew, a blanket was put on his body.

On the other side of the window with the curtains opened, one could see the eastern sky which has became white.

It was dawn.

(I should go back to the room to get a uniform change...)

When Lux thought so and was going to get up,

“––Uwaaaaah!?”

Noticing a girl sitting face to face with him, Lux unintentionally shouted.

Krulcifer Einvolk.

The girl who was beautiful like a fairy was staring at Lux with her usual cool face.

“It' still early morning. Although it isn't the girl's dormitory, I don't think it's a good idea to shout too much.”

Smoothly brushing up her hair, Krulcifer said.

“Besides, it's also vexing when you scream as if you've seen a ghost.”

“Ah, s-sorry... Um, The reason why I screamed is because I had a dream, so––”

“You're quite honest. I'm joking, so don't worry.”

Krulcifer's mouth made an arc as she smiled.

She was usually a girl with a grown-up, cool impression, but that smile was lovely for a girl her age.

“U-Um..., why is Krulcifer-san here?”

As Lux asked so regarding their encounter in an unexpected place,

“Want to hear it?”

“............”

She returned a mysterious smile which somewhere had an implication.

Catching sight of her long legs which peeped out from the skirt of her uniform for an instant, Lux's heart throbbed.

“Don't worry. Since, I don’t have an indecent goal like fantasizing about you.”

“I haven't said anything yet, right!?”

“Sorry for not being able to meet your expectations.”

“Like I said, I didn't think that!?”

“Is that so. So it's an optical illusion of my eyes that your face looks red, huh.”

“A-Anyone can become like that! If a beautiful person like Krulcifer-san is in the same room as you when you get up––”

“............”

Krulcifer who heard this, after being bewildered for a moment, kept silent for a while,

“It isn't like this place is your private room.”

“...Eh?”

She suddenly returned to a serious look and said so.

“As for the reason why I came here. Occasionally, I slipped out of the dormitory to pass time. It just so happens that today it was in this drawing room that I came to. And then, you were sleeping here. That's all.”

Saying so, Krulcifer with her good posture sitting on the sofa as such, softly turned her gaze to the window.

Her profile was so lovely, like a painting, such that Lux could not help being fascinated (by it?).

“Do you think that it's a lie?”

Suddenly, her thin lips opened and words came out.

Lux calmly shook his head at her question,

“No. After all, I occasionally want to do so, too. It's also so when I'm alone, just look up at the starry sky and do odd jobs.”

“You're quite the romanticist. Is what I would like to say, but..., you're careless. If I was an assassin who has a grudge toward the Empire, you would have been killed long ago.”

“Oh, haha...”

Lux returned a wry smile.

On that point, he should have had the habit of properly locking the door and lightly sleeping, but for some reason, he seemed to have been careless recently.

“Speaking of which, Krulcifer-san can also use a Divine Drag-Ride, right?”

“If I only hold onto it and doesn’t use it, it will be a useless possession. After all, I can't fight here and I have no interest in that anyway.”

Saying so, Krulcifer dropped her gaze to the Sword Device hung at her waist.

“What do you mean by having no interest?”

“It means that I don't want to fight. Long ago, I tried hard and fought for someone precious to me––. And I got my hands on the Divine Drag-Ride <Fafnir>. But, at a certain time, I have lost all reasons to fight.”

“By that...”

What do you mean?

Lux was going to ask so, but he reflexively hesitated.

The pain of having lost something important.

It was because he thought that it was not a good thing to ask out of curiosity.

“There is only one truth which remains in me. One of the keys to figure it is the "Black Hero". So I –– chase after it.”

“............”

“Hey, I want to ask you something.”

*thumb*, the moment he heard that, Lux's breath stopped.

Those eyes.

Countless Machine Dragons shot down.

The flow of a large quantity of blood overflowing from the gap of the broken floor.

The First Prince who betrayed him, Fugil.

That black Machine Dragon––

*gooonnng*

Suddenly, from the clock tower of the first block, they heard a big bell.

“This sound is…!?”

A sound which was not a tone to tell the time and which rang violently.

It was the alarm to warn of an enemy attack.

“Don't tell me––!?”

“...I'll go ahead.”

Running after Krulcifer who quickly moved, Lux also came out to the corridor.

And, he ran to the sharing room where Philphie slept.

<noinclude>

==References==
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</noinclude>

Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 1 Episode 5

2017-12-02T17:50:00Z

OmegaWeaponZ: /* Episode 5 - Reunion with a Childhood Friend */

==Episode 5 - Reunion with a Childhood Friend==

===Part 1===

“––With that said, he is Lux Acadia who will be attending this school from today. Everyone, there are probably many things which you aren’t used to, but I hope you will get along with him.”

The next day ––

The school building: second floor, second year’s classroom morning.

Receiving the introduction of the female instructor in charge of the class, Raigree Balheart, Lux made an expression showing that he did not know what to say.

Raigree, while being a woman, played an active role as a Drag-Knight in the Old Empire Era, and she also took the New Kingdom's side as the ally of women in the coup d’état.

In addition, including her beauty and dignified personality, she seemed to boast of great popularity among the female students.

It might have been some sort of fortune that he was put in the class which such an instructor took charge of.

That’s –– if Lux was a female student officer candidate though.

“…………”

Last night, since there was no vacant room in the girl’s dormitory, Lux ended up staying at the drawing room for visitors and spent a night where he was not able to sleep very good.

However, it was because of that that Lux’s stomach hurt.

After the New Kingdom's establishment by coup d’état, Lux who was working as a chore Prince was used to busy and hard work.

What was the most toilsome was that when seeing the classroom, he was strongly feeling out-of-place.

It's impossible.

Even more than Lisha’s coerciveness, as “a test entrance which considers a future coeducation”, and frankly speaking, he did not know at all about what Principal Relie who also permitted it, though it was a temporary enrollment, was thinking.

(How can she easily permit it even though it’s a girl’s academy…?)

Lux knew that Relie had such a character from a long time, but as expected, she had too much freedom.

By the way, since it seemed that a substitute capable person would be arranged by the Kingdom to do the other miscellaneous jobs, which Lux was scheduled to do, he was relieved for the time being.

“Errr, I’m Lux Acadia. I hope to get along with you…”

For the time being, he made an awkward greeting.

By the way, Lisha who was in the same class, probably due to yesterday’s fatigue, far from offering a lifeboat to Lux was sleepily rowing the boat.

Small buzzing and whispering voices filled the classroom.

Well, it’s no wonder.

He was a Prince of the Old Empire which laid out the trend of androcracy for many years, so although the system changed five years ago, it was still the object of caution for girls.

Moreover, that a person like him was the only one admitted in a young ladies’ academy––

(Haa… I want to go home.)

Everyone probably hates it, too, and honestly even I don’t know what to talk about––

“…Ah. It’s Lu-chan.”

As Lux was inwardly shedding tears, he suddenly heard such a voice.

“––Eh?”

A pink-haired girl who was in a seat on the window side of the classroom.

Her fluffy hair was brought together with two ribbons, which properly suited the girl’s absentminded atmosphere.

And, her rich chest which greatly pushed up her uniform brought about a mysterious charm to the girl’s face where traces of childishness remained.

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v1 115.jpg|thumb]]

“Long time no see.”

In a soft voice, the girl smiled at Lux.

Her slow way of talking and peculiar atmosphere rang a bell to Lux.

“Errr, are you by any chance, Philphie…?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

To Lux’s question, the girl nodded and confirmed.

Philphie Aingram.

She was the second daughter of the great mercantile House, the Aingram Financial Conglomerate, and also Lux’s childhood friend.

Furthermore, she was the Principal –– Relie Aingram’s younger sister.

It had actually been seven years since the last time they met.

At that time, the Aingram House was associated with the Old Empire and there was also the fact that they were the same age, so Lux remembered that they played a lot together when they were children.

“So you are attending this school. I’m glad. Please, take care of me, Lu-chan.”

With a tone which did not seemed that much happy, Philphie said.

Though, Lux knew that Philphie was originally a girl who was not very good in expressing her emotions.

And, the fact that she was not so talkative and also that she had an honest personality.

Therefore, even though she looked like this, she was probably really happy.

“Ah, yes. Likewise, take care of me.”

As Lux exchanged greetings like this, the instructor Raigree pointed and said “Okay, Lux. Your seat is next to that child.”

Lux was nervous, but as he sat down next to his childhood friend, he took a breath of relief for the first time.

Thank god.

Even if but a few, there was a friend whom he could speak with.

While Lux who was tired in various ways since yesterday loosened his cheek in relief, he looked at his childhood friend sitting nearby––

(But, we are in an age and position different from those seven years ago, we’re in a classroom, so I should take that into consideration a little, shouldn’t I?)

“Um, would it be better that I call you Philphie-san?”

The moment Lux said so, suddenly (in a bad mood) Philphie turned away with a serious look.

“Eh…?”

Lux was perplexed to that reaction.

Did I say something rude?

(But, I have memory that it was rare that Philphie got angry about something, but––)

“It’s Phi-chan, isn’t it?”

As Lux thought so, Philphie said that while still looking away.

“…Eh? Can I call you like that here!?”

“…………”

Philphie affirmed as she nodded.

(N-Now that I think about it…!)

Lux remembered with cold sweat.

Philphie had, since the past, demanded a relationship where she and someone whom she took a liking to called each other by their nickname.

Lux was also doing so since they were very close when they were children, but––

“I-I’m happy you say that, but as expected, I can’t call you that here… I mean look, we have already grown up, also we’re officer candidates, and we’re in the academy…”

Or should I say, it was very embarrassing to call you so in front of unknown classmates.

“Would you consider the situation at that angle?” Lux expected so, but––

“…………”

Hmph.

Looking at Lux who made excuses, Philphie looked away once again.

The noisy stir of the classmates could be heard.

“Everyone, don’t make noise. I'm starting the lesson.”

With Raigree’s voice, the classroom regained calm instantly.

But, since it was a sudden admission, Lux did not yet have a textbook at hand.

“Philphie-san. Can I use your textbook together with you?”

“…………”

He was ignored.

“Ph-Philphie. T-This much is all right, right? H-Hey, we’re in class now…”

“…………”

There was no reaction.

I soon wanted to cry.

“…Hey, Phi-CHAN.”

“What…? Lu-chan.”

As Lux somehow squeezed his voice, Philphie turned towards him and said so.

“M-May we read your textbook together…?”

“Yes, all right.”
At that moment, laughter leaked from all over the classroom.

“Cute” “Phi-chan he says” “Did those two have that kind of relation?”

Hearing many such voices, Lux’s face turned red.

''Ha, it’s too embarrassing…!''

''What is this!?''

''What kind of situation is this!''

“Fufufufu…!”

Incidentally, even the serious instructor Raigree was trying to suppress her laughter.

Lux endured the urge of wanting to run away right now and somehow took the class.

“…Hmph”

Lisha who woke up looked at this as she seemed to be in a bad mood.

And, Lux did not notice another female student’s gaze

===Part 2===

However, unexpectedly his embarrassing exchange with Philphie seemed to bear fruit as Lux’s classmates seemed to have dispelled their caution towards him.

“Hey, hey, were Philphie-chan and Lux-kun by any chance fiancés?”

“What kind of jobs does the chore Prince usually do?”

“Speaking of which, why can you fight against an Abyss alone? Isn’t it great!?”

“Are men that good at using Drag-Rides? I heard that the aptitude rate was originally above for women, but––”

And then, the number of female students assailing him with questions and gathering in front of his desk, at every short break during lessons increased like a festival.

The duel with Lisha who was the Princess, and the repulsing of the Abyss.

For good or for bad, the bad impression of having intruded into the bathroom was completely wiped out and it seemed that only interest and favorable impression towards Lux remained in the students.

Just before the lunch break, a large number of onlookers flocked from other classes.

(Somehow, it’s different from what I’ve imagined…!)

Knight candidates’ academy which noble young ladies attended.

As Lux was perplexed to the atmosphere which crumbled too much regarding it––

“Lux-kun. That reminds me, you’re still doing the miscellaneous jobs, aren’t you?”

“Errr. Yes, well… it’s my duty after all.”

As he replied so being asked by one of the girls who surrounded his desk,

“So if I ask, Lux-kun will do jobs here. All right, shall I ask at once?”

“Ah, it’s not fair. I also wanted to ask!”

“Lux-san. More importantly, would you like to have tea with me?”

“Everyone, if you’ve any request, I will collect them. If you approach him all at once, Lux-cchi will be troubled, right?”

Tillfarr who was a classmate came over and began to bring everyone together.

(I’m selfishly given a strange nickname…)

It looked like Tillfarr, who was one of the trio –– one of the “Triad” which seemed to be famous even in the academy, was the mood maker-like existence even in the class.

“Phew…”

However, honestly, he felt relieved.

It's a good thing if Tillfarr interceded for everyone––

“Yes, yes. Write your odd jobs requests to Lux-cchi and put them in this box. Carry them. Put in also the appointed date. They will be done in turns later.”

“Eeeeeeeeeeh!?”

(Somehow, the talk has been settled in a bad sense!)

“Don't worry. Everyone is rich after all. Like this, Lux-cchi’s debt can also be paid quickly!”

“…………”

As far as he could see the written requests being thrown in the wooden box which Tillfarr prepared to the extent that they overflowed, he felt like he was going to collapse before the completion of requests.

And –– it was lunch break; as Lux who was mentally tired laid face down on his desk for a while,

“H-Hey. If it’s fine with you, how about going to eat a meal together? Lux.”

“Uwah!?”

Being suddenly called out to from above his head, Lux jumped.

Standing before him was Lisha.

He had the feeling that she had been half sleeping nearby during the lesson, but she seemed to have woken up before he noticed.

“Errr, do you mean –– the two of us?”

“T-That’s right … Don’t you want to go with me?”

While faintly reddening her cheeks, Lisha looked away.

At that moment, a small stir filled the classroom.

“A-And if possible –– I would like you to become my exclusive care taker from here on. Coincidentally, I also wanted one servant after all.”

As Lisha said so while restlessly twining her finger in front of her chest,

“Eeeh!?”

Along with Lux’s scream, the whole class rustled once again.

“Eh? What does she mean?” “If I remember correctly, Lizsharte-sama didn’t apply even a maid for her care as she is misanthropic, right?” “To make him, a ‘man’ her servant is––” “No way…”

From the female students of the class, he could hear such voices from afar.

“S-Such a thing––”

Since he could not reject it in a loud voice, he was troubled.

“This much is fine, isn’t it? At that time, you forcibly saw even my naked body after all––”

At Lisha’s words, “kyaaaaaaaaah” high pitch voices rose from the classroom.

As expected, the incident of the bathroom had become a rumor, but there seemed to be students who did not know the details.

“T-That was –– um”

As Lux completely panicked––,

“…………”

A girl quietly approached Lux.

“…Phi-chan?”

It was Philphie.

While already eating something which looked like baked doughnuts silently probably for lunch break, she stood just beside Lux and Lisha facing each other.

She was expressionless as usual, but she revealed a strong presence.

“*gulp*. Lu-chan is troubled. Lizsharte-sama.”

Swallowing the doughnut in her mouth, Philphie said.

“What. I was wondering who it was, but it’s just the airhead daughter of the Aingram Financial Conglomerate, huh. It’s troublesome. Okay, I'll give you my snacks, so step back calmly.”

After knitting her brows only for an instant, Lisha took out paper packages from her bosom and ordered Philphie.

Judging from the faint sweet smell and the package, a golden gloss (luster).

The contents seemed to be bread seasoned with honey.

“…………”

It was specified in the school regulations that there was no hierarchical relationship between nobles and that they were treated as equal knight candidates within the academy.

But, that was to the bitter end an official stance, and it was not going on like that in reality.

A Princess was after all a Princess.

“It’s not as if Lux himself really asked for help, right? I don’t know about you being childhood friends or whatever, but I advise you not to thoughtlessly poke your nose into other people’s affairs.”

Lisha told so as to persuade her.

Philphie silently gnawed the bread from the package she received like a small animal.

“Ah, so you’re eating it…”

Philphie was extremely fond of sweet things. And, she was doing things at her own pace.

She also seemed to have not changed on that side since a long time.

“Everyone would understand just by seeing that Lu-chan is troubled. So stop. Princess.”

A slow and loose tone.

But, Philphie told so clearly.

One did not know what Philphie was thinking as she was usually absentminded, she firmly insisted unexpectedly and she was the obstinate type.

The exchanges of the two girls became incandescently calmly.

The classmates of the classroom brightened their eyes to that scene and began to get greatly excited.

“I wonder who will win.”

“The New Kingdom Princess or the childhood friend of the Aingram Financial Conglomerate…”

Lux who became unable to endure being here, hurriedly,

“W-Wait, you two, calm down––”

The moment when he raised his voice,

“––Sorry for meddling as you’re busy, but can I?”

A dignified sound.

He heard a translucent voice in the classroom.

Lux remembered the girl with beautiful features like a fairy.

Krulcifer Einvolk.

She was a fellow knight candidate classmate who was a foreign student from the religious country Ymir, a powerful nation in the north.

It was that girl who made the escaping Lux swoon; flinging him away in the incident of the day before yesterday.

“Krulcifer, huh. If you have business, leave it for later. I’m in the middle of an important talk now––”

Lisha swelled her cheeks (as if pouting) and protested so, but

“I was asked for a little business from the Principal of the school. There is a place that she wants me to guide that child to at lunch break. Understood, Lux-kun?”

“Errr… ah, yes.”

It was the first time he heard about the matter of being guided, but thinking that it was a lifeboat, Lux rode on the talk.

“Then, it’s like that, so.”

As Krulcifer told so and softly held Lux’s hand, she pulled him to the corridor without waiting for Lisha’s and Philphie’s reply.

“––No way, to think even that talented Krulcifer-san is interested in him”

“It has become interesting.”

To his classmates’ shrill voices which he could hear from behind, Lux walked down the corridor while bearing some anxiety.

===Part 3===

Coming out from the classroom to the corridor, they went up the stairs.

When they arrived at the rooftop where there was no one, Krulcifer approached the handrail and quietly looked down below.

The scenery of the large school site could be overlooked from here.

A vividly green courtyard and great school buildings.

In a slightly remote place, there were the girl’s dormitory and the Machine Dragon practice field and the fourth Machine Dragon hangar.

And, there were some buildings which he did not know yet.

“Um, thank you. Krulcifer-san”

For the time being, Lux who took a breather thanked her first.

He had heard rumors about Krulcifer Einvolk only a little from his little sister Airi.

A foreign girl who possessed first-class skill in studying, body techniques, and Drag-Ride’s handling.

Including her beauty which exceeded that of an ordinary person, she was a talented woman whose superiority was acknowledged by the people in the academy.

“You helped me… didn’t you? Probably.”

“Despite your childish face, you’re unexpectedly sharp.”

“T-That has nothing to do with it, right!? Why do you say such a thing!? Even though I mind it!”

As Lux unintentionally reddened his face, Krulcifer chuckled.

“The fact that you immediately become irritated like that, despite being a Prince of the Old Empire is what I call childish. Though former, you’re also of royalty, so I wanted you to return such an obvious provocation with sarcasm.”

“…………”

(It’s no good. We should be the same age, and yet she completely has the upper hand.)

When Lux was inwardly snubbed so,

“But, other than it, I praise you. You might say that I admire you. For noticing my intention. It saved me the trouble.”

“…Um. Then, as expected, is there something you want to talk to me about?”

“Yes, there are several things. But, first of all.”

She said so and turned her transparent pupils towards Lux.

“Why didn’t you give the finishing blow yesterday –– at that time?”

“…Are you talking about Lizsharte-sama? Or about the Abyss…?”

“I think that you could have defeated both though. Only if you felt like it––”

At Krulcifer’s glance as she saw through it, Lux hesitated for an instant,

“…You overestimated me too much.”

After several seconds, he replied so.

“Certainly, I have never lost in an official mock battle of Drag-Knights. But, I never won, either.”

The nickname “Weakest Undefeated” named from the style where he devoted himself entirely to defense and evasion and delivered no attack.

But, as that name showed, all his war records were draws.

Lux had also never won.

“Don’t worry. I don’t intend to force you to speak about something you don’t want to speak about.”

(I-I’m not trusted…!)

As Lux hung his head, Krulcifer said as if reading his thoughts.

“Oh my, there is no way I would trust you, right? You, the peeping tom and underwear thief Prince.”

“L-Like I said! You’re wrong––”

As Lux blushed and became confused, Krulcifer chuckled.

It was a graceful smile hardly thinkable of a girl of the same age.

Lux’s heart throbbed for an instant to that expression.

“I’m a little relieved.”

“Eh…?”

“It’s because you are a more harmless boy than I expected. Your not that much like the Empire's royalty.”

“…………”

A tone with which he didn't know whether he was praised or made a fool.

But only a little, she seemed to be having fun.

“It can’t be helped. After all, I’m the seventh Prince, and moreover––”

“You’ve a childish face and you’re also short?”

“NO!? Um…, for various reasons, we were driven out of the Imperial Court when I was a child. So, We’re not that much familiar with the Old Empire––”

After the coup d’état succeeded, Lux and Airi were released by the New Kingdom’s amnesty.

With the criminal’s collar attached to their necks and a large amount of debt as a mark of atonement.

And also another deal––.

“Is that so.”

Krulcifer curtly muttered these words without showing any feelings in particular.

“So, Krulcifer-san came abroad to study from the religious country Ymir, to learn about Drag-Knights?”

“Certainly, that’s also one of my goals.”

How to put it, this girl seemed to always like an elusive way of speaking.

“Then, what kind of other purpose do you have? I heard that you’re an Earl’s daughter, but is it in order to connect interchanges with the New Kingdom or something like that––”

“…Hey, do you know about the “Black Hero”?”

Interrupting Lux’s words, Krulcifer asked.

“Eh…?”

“The monster that destroyed about 1200 of the Empire's Drag-Knights using only an unknown Drag-Knight, and drove the Empire to defeat. Both his affiliation and purpose were unknown. That user’s figure hasn’t been confirmed in the current New Kingdom. Therefore, he is handed down as a demon of destruction for the Old Empire and as a legendary hero for the New Kingdom.”

“…If it’s only the rumor, I’ve heard about him, but––”

“…………”

At Lux’s answer, Krulcifer said nothing.

She was just overlooking quietly the scenery below in front of the handrail of the rooftop.

“Um…?”

“I have one job request for you.”

“Eh?”

“Look for the “Black Hero”. I have business with that person.”

“…!?”

The moment when Lux unintentionally gasped.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>dong*, the sound of the big bell resounded from the clock tower.

“Ah…”

“The afternoon lesson will soon start. Next is the Practical training exercise for Drag-Rides, so we better hurry up.”

While saying only that, Krulcifer got down from the rooftop ( you get down from the roof by taking stairs so this sentence doesn't really make sense in my opinion, )and slowly walked to the stairs.

“U-Um… Krulcifer-san!”

When Lux called out to her back, Krulcifer stopped for an instant and turned around.

As Lux was perplexed as he didn't even know what he was going to say,

“Speaking of which, Lux-kun, did you eat lunch?”

“Eh…!?”

(N-Now that she mentioned it, I hadn’t yet!)

It was because he was completely exhausted at the beginning of the lunch break and was rolled up in trouble afterwards––.

The moment he became conscious of so, Lux’s stomach growled and his face turned red.

“Do your best. Cute chore Prince.”

Krulcifer suddenly smiled and left just like that.

“…………”

Somehow, she was too mysterious a person, but there was only one thing made clear so far.

This person is too tough, in various ways…

Lux held these indescribable feelings and his hunger, and took the afternoon lesson.

===Part 4===

“Haa, I’m already tireeeeeed…”

Night time.

The large public bath linked to the girl’s dormitory.

While strongly brushing the bathtub and floor where he intruded into the day before yesterday, Lux was exhausted.

After finishing the afternoon class, the number of requests of “odd jobs” which dropped into Lux’s hand had increased.

Was the first ever man to move into this girl's academy? –– the Old Empire’s chore Prince that rare (unusual).

Or, did he attract attention in various ways because of yesterday’s duel and incident?

The requests, including those from the academy and students, exceeded dozens of matters only today, and the number of reservations still kept increasing.

Originally, if Lux had not organized the odd jobs which reached a hard schedule, he might have given up long ago.

“Even so, I think that it’s a place like a paradise though.”

About five years after Lux was released by the amnesty of the New Kingdom.

His life as the chore Prince was by no means comfortable.

Of course, there were also good people at the work place.

But, during the countless requests, there were also many painful and difficult things.

He was awfully cursed (abused) by the people who resented the Old Empire.

Conversely, he had also been spoken ill of as the “dog of the New Kingdom” by the Old Empire’s adherents.

“But––. This place is”

While working hard at studying, he could pay his debt and moreover, his safety was guaranteed.

And above all ––daily Drag-Ride training was possible.

It could be said that the fact of the burden of the expensive management, and maintenance fees of his Machine Dragon also disappearing was ideal for the kind of life that Lux aimed for.

However, the only thing which he was concerned about,

“Was it all right for someone like me to stay in such a place?”

In this place where Lux muttered, after a light knock, the door to the dressing room was suddenly opened.

“W-Waaaah!? Sorry! The bath cleaning is already over, can you just wait a little bit now––!?

Damn!?

Have I by any chance forgotten to put the note “under cleaning”?

As Lux raised a voice of explanation in panic––

“I’m sorry for not meeting your expectation, Nii-san. Did you want to see it? My naked body.”

There was his little sister Airi and the Triad’s first-year student who was her friend, Nokuto.

By the way, both of them were properly dressed.

“W- What are you saying!? Ah, Nokuto-san, good evening…”

“Yes. But, it can’t be helped. I hear that adolescent males usually have it tough in various ways. I wonder about how they lust (crave) for a blood relative, but”

“Why did you assume that I was expecting a naked body!?”

“Well, it’s fine though. Shall we, the only family members, enter the bath together next time? Nii-san.”

“Airi… It’s embarrassing, so could you please not tell such a joke in front of people?”

When Lux’s cheeks reddened and he protested, as Airi was also a little embarrassed, she deceived it by clearing her throat *cough*.

“So, do you have business with me? This bath cleaning is already the last for today’s requests, so if it isn’t a pressing business, I want you to wait a little––”

To Lux who straightened his back, Airi and Nokuto smiled wryly.

“Yes, it’s a little work. Afterwards, please come immediately to the grand hall of the girl’s dormitory. A detour is out of the question (prohibited). Well then, later.”

Airi smoothly said and turned her back.

“Understood. I'll go immediately.”

“Yes. Please look forward to it.”

When bowing to Lux who answered, Nokuto also left the bathroom together with Airi.

“Look forward…?”

Lux cocked his head in puzzlement, but in the end he did not understand.

===Part 5===

The evening when the sun also went down completely.

After having the housemother who made the request check the cleaning, Lux headed to the grand hall without break like he was told by Airi and Nokuto.

As he walked in the dormitory, wide like a high-class hotel in the capital, he unintentionally smiled wryly to himself who felt that he was “out of place”.

“Speaking of which, I was royalty, too…”

He had lived in the imperial court until 7 years old, but after being deprived of the right of succession to the throne, he lived out of the castle, and it was not that rich (affluent) of a life.

The coup d’état occurred when he was 12 years old, and with a short-term war of about one month, after the Atismata chief officials won, he was imprisoned with his little sister Airi and they were detained for a while.

And–– at the same time as the New Kingdom government was born, Lux became a criminal and it had been decided that he would bear the mission of undertaking odd jobs and a debt with an amnesty.

They were the only two survivors of the Old Empire's royalty.

Although they were almost ousted from the imperial family, to let Lux and his little sister, who had imperial blood live and release them, various agreements were necessary.

Along with another secret which could by no means be said––

“…Errr, was it the grand hall?”

Lux noticed and stopped.

(––But, for what reason would they call me at such a time?)

Even though there are many jobs I can’t do when the night comes.

As Lux was thinking so, he saw Airi’s figure in the hall which was down the stairs.

“You seem to have straightened your appearance. I’ve gotten a better opinion of you, Nii-san.”

“E-Even I will at least do that much! Um, about the request from the girls––”

“Well then, please come here. Everyone is waiting.”

Ignoring Lux’s words, Airi took his hand.

Just like that across the passage, to the cafeteria (dining hall).

“Huh…? If I remember correctly, this place is––”

Even though it was already the time when the cafeteria (dining hall) was closed.

As Lux thought so, looking puzzled and entered,

“CONGRATULATIONS FOR YOUR ADMISSION!”

He heard the girls’ voices all at once.

“Eh…?”

When looking at the front, many dishes were placed on a big table.

Meat pie with sauce was put and all sorts of sandwiches with vegetables were put.

Pasta with mushroom dressed with plant oil. Chicken sauté seasoned with spice.

Soup with cooked vegetables, drawing out sweetness.

Even a red wine bottle and teapot were prepared.

“Don’t tell me this is––?”

“Right, it’s the celebration of your admission. Lux-kun.”

Seeing Lux’s reaction, Sharis of the Triad lightly smiled.

When looking, the dining hall was set like a small party meeting place, and many students gathered there.

Lizsharte, Krulcifer, Philphie.

Sharis, Tillfarr and Nokuto of the Triad.

And, several students of the same class and also the instructor Raigree also sat in a corner.

For a moment, he could not believe that sight.

It was like a dream.

Lux was absentminded for a little while.

“Um, by any chance –– is it for me?”

“…Well, it’s something simple we gathered and planned after all. It might be a little plain to entertain you, a former Prince, but please do with it.”

As the third-year student Sharis said so,

“Uh-huh. The dishes are everyone’s handmade dishes, but don’t get your hopes up for the taste of what I made! I’m extremely clumsy after all!”

Said Tillfarr with a face (smile) on her whole face.

“No. I don’t think that it’s something you should say in this (first) place.”

Nokuto threw in a calm response to it.

“Lu-chan. We will be together from now on.”

“I’m expecting various things from you.”

After Philphie and Krulcifer respectively called out to Lux,

“Yo. Ah, um, how to say it.”

Lisha who was sitting on a chair in the back lightly raised her hand and stood up.

“U-Um –– frankly speaking, I’m not very good with such a party or event. Therefore, um, I don’t really know whether you’re happy. But, I thought we should finally do it… Good work… No, it was a great honor on this occasion. Lux Acadia.”

While shyly averting her eyes a little, she muttered.

Her attire was a red dress which Lux saw for the first time.

“Yes. Lizsharte-sama seems to want to say “I wanted to thank and congratulate you, and so I planned it. I will be happy if you enjoy it even a little”.”

“Y-You’re wrong!? Don’t translate it on your own! Even though you’re just a first year!”

Seeing that exchange, the other students suddenly burst into laughter.

“…………”

Because of too much shock, Lux was stiff for a while, but

“––Thank you. Lisha-sama. I’m happy.”

He said so with a natural smile.

“N-No… Well, um, how to say it. It’s only one, but I also tried and made a dish. Errr…”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>cough*, with a sidelong glance to Lisha who blushed and began to panic, Sharis cleared her throat.

“Well then, shall we already go with the toast?”

To these words, everyone poured wine in their glasses and raised them.

The lively night wore on.

===Part 6===

The happy time passed in the blink of an eye.

After Lux’s welcome party ended and they dispersed.

“What to do… I completely forgot…!”

Because his stomach was full, and there was also the fatigue from the jobs and the moving on the first day, Lux wanted to lie down (and rest) as soon as possible, but he had noticed about this time the fact that an important problem remained.

That was –– about the bed (where to sleep).

Lux had been using the drawing room for visitors, but since maintenance was necessary, he just remembered that it was said that it could not be used for a while,

In this academy where there was only the girl’s dormitory, the room where Lux would stay has not yet been found.

Therefore, securing a place to sleep was also a problem for Lux, but––

“I wonder why only this place is the same as the time before the move in…”

Even though there were many rooms, there was none where he could stay.

(I should have consulted with the instructor at the party…)

“It’s no use. I’m sleepy…”

The collected fatigue and the feeling of a stomach full from a meal.

Without fighting against the sleepiness which suddenly assailed him, he genuflected.

“I will rest a little, so…”

Right, on the hallway carpet, it was right after he leaned on the wall.

Lux’s consciousness was immediately swallowed by darkness and he sank into a deep sleep.

===Part 7===
<nowiki>*</nowiki>cheep* *cheep*…

The chirps of small birds could be heard and on the back of his eyelids, he could feel the warmth of a dim sunlight.

It’s morning. Thought Lux within his consciousness.

Have I slept on the corridor? It’s a mysterious sensation for it.

(The carpet of this dormitory is warm and soft, huh.)

Besides, it somehow smells really good.

(Until a little while ago, sleeping outdoors or staying in a stable was normal for me after all.)

Remembering such a thing, Lux smiled wryly in a doze.

Before he noticed, he seemed to have gotten used to his fairly poor life.

I should wake up soon; I still have many things to do.

But, I want to stay like this only just a little––

Thinking so, he tried to haul in the blanket in his hand, his eyes closed as it is.

“Ahn…”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>funyu*, along with a soft sensation which touched his hand, he heard such a voice.

“Huh…?”

(I wonder what this is.)

It was fluffy, fleshy, smooth and very soft.

It had elasticity just like kneaded bread dough, and when sank in plumply, Lux’s fingers were pushed back.

As that sensation was comfortable and Lux massaged it several time with his eyes still closed––

“A-Ahn…”

“…………”

The voice before him turned into a seductive one.

As Lux who was surprised by this opened his eyes––,

“Wha…!?”

A girl with fluffy, light pink hair and golden pupils which thinly opened.

Philphie Aingram was on the same bed –– next to Lux.

“Wai…!? Why is Phi-chan here!?”

“…Ah, morning. Lu-chan. Fuhaah.”

In contrast with the confused Lux, Philphie winked sleepily.

Her appearance was one thin shirt, an exposed chest and –– her underwear could be seen on the lower part of her body.

“Wh… What on earth happened!? Why!? Why are you––”

Lux hurriedly sprang up from the bed and looked around.

Bunk beds, a closet, a small table of two cliffs, a desk––

No matter how you think about it, it was a room for two people in the girl’s dormitory.

“…the washroom is on the first floor?”

“Not that!? It’s not that I’m worried about!? I mean, cover it! I can see it after all! I can see in various ways!”

While retorting in a fluster, Lux hurriedly covered his eyes with his hands.

As he did so, Philphie yawned in a cute way and crawled once again under the bunk bed (blanket)

“Hey!? Don’t sleep again! What’s with this situation!? If I remember correctly, last night, I was––”

“Yes. I brought you here. It’s because I found you sleeping on the corridor on my way to the toilet… You’d have caught a cold, you know?”

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v1 147.jpg|thumb]]

“T-Thank you… Not that!? This room is a room for two girls, right!?”

“I’m the only one using this room, so it’s all right.”

“Even though there are bunk beds, why did you sleep with me!?”

“It was bothersome to carry you above. And I was sleepy…”

“T-Then, wouldn't it have been better if you have gone to the top, right…?”

“Climbing the ladder was bothersome.”

“…………”

End of discussion.

“B-But… Um, it’s bad after all, right? In a lot of ways–– You and I are already at this age.”

“I’m all right with it though.”

“Ah, geez… How much haven’t you changed since a long time ago…!”

No matter how much she is a boxed in young lady, as expected, she is a little too off.

I’m greatly happy that we’re close like a long time ago, but the stimulus is stronger now.

Both her appearance and smell let one feel that she was a completely grown-up “girl”.

“Did you change, Lu-chan?”

“Eh...?”

Quietly getting up and with a serious look as usual, Philphie said so.

“I think that nothing has changed. I think that you’re always the kind Lu-chan of those days.”

And just a little bit, she smiled.

A soft smile to the extent that it could only be noticed by someone who had been close to her since a long time.

“It’s all right. I’m sure we haven’t changed.”

“––––”

''I wonder why.''

To Philphie’s smile and her words, Lux almost cried (felt like crying).

''After all, I am…''

On the last day of that coup d’état, I––

<nowiki>*</nowiki>tock* *tock*!

At that time, a sound of knock resounded in the room.

“Philphie! It’s already morning. If you don’t wake up quickly, you’ll be late! You’re already late all the time, so if you’re late any more than this –– may I enter?”

The second-year student of the “Triad”, Tillfarr’s voice could be heard coming over the door.

“…!?”

(It’s bad!)

No matter how much there were circumstances, being seen in this situation would be––

“Philphie… you know? I’m already up, so can you keep it a secret about me being here––”

“It’s fine. Enter.”

Before Lux finished saying, Philphie plainly answered.

“Wai––!? Does this room by any chance not lock with a key!?”

Tillfarr opened the door and entered.

“––Huh?”

And, after absentmindedly opening her mouth as she saw Lux and Philphie,

“…………”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>patan*

“Sorry for the intrusion!”

“HEY!? You’re wrong! So, please don’t spread that story!”

Lux hurriedly came out of the room and ran after Tillfarr who ran away.

In the end, Lux, Philphie and Tillfarr became late while getting along well.
<noinclude>

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</noinclude>

Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 1 Episode 4

2017-12-02T10:00:16Z

OmegaWeaponZ: /* Part 3 */

==Episode 4 – Assault, and…==

===Part 1===

It is not just against a fellow Drag-Knight that a Drag-Knight should look out for as an enemy.

No, more importantly, humanity’s natural enemy to which they must be very careful of, entered this world just now.

It is a mysterious mythical beast which has come to appear occasionally from the ruins where the Drag-Rides were discovered about ten years ago.

There exists countless species and it was said that they would indiscriminately attack humans and animals once they came across them.

What separated them from common beasts was their strength, their mysterious mode of life and their unique abilities.

Therefore, the majority of powerful nations placed forts, barriers and fort cities near the several ruins, and deployed Drag-Knights in preparation for unexpected circumstances.

Even those fort Cities, located between the capital and the ruins, were cities catered to defensive positions.

But––,

“Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!?”

“W-Why is an Abyss suddenly appearing in a place like this––?!”

“Is that… a Gargoyle type recorded in the books!? Why didn’t the alarm ring!?”

“Everyone, calm down! Lower-class students, do not draw your Sword Devices! Gather without panicking and take shelter in the school building!”

Screams rose one after another from the female students in the audience seats.

Besides Officer Candidate Drag-Knights, there were very few students who had combat experience.

Though the appearance rate of an Abyss was quite low, they are basically several times stronger than Drag-Knights.

Furthermore, since they originally flew from the ruins, which were dozens of kilometers away from the Fort City, a notification of its appearance would generally come from the forts or barriers.

In addition, if it happened that Drag-Rides were deployed in crowded areas like the audience seats, it was a foregone conclusion that the deployment would be delayed by the summons.

When suddenly coming across a wild beast in a downtown, one would not have the time to leisurely load bullets in a gun in front of the beast.

Even the eight student Drag-Knights who were deployed to stretch the barrier of the audience seats were completely petrified in face of this sudden occurrence.

“What on earth happened…?”

A female instructor, Raigree stared at the sky while gathering the students and put her hand on the Sword Device at her waist.

The habits of an Abyss are quite similar to that of a carnivore.

The tendency of counterattacking what attacks it first or running after a prey trying to run away was a typical behavior that belonged to these monsters.

If someone were to make a careless move from the ground, the Abyss which was in the sky would react and might start to attack the audience seats below.

Therefore, Raigree hesitated in her decision.

But, at that time––,

Guaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

The mechanical type Abyss with a winged person shape, the Gargoyle howled.

At the same time, from a part of both its wings which were spread apart, it scattered feather type light bullets.

The shooting direction was below.

In other words, the audience seats –– in this practice field.

“…!?”

At that moment when the instructors and students held their breath.

Lux Acadia sliced the Gargoyle in the sky.

===Part 2===

“What…!?”

The moment when Lizsharte had her attention attracted by the Gargoyle high in the sky, Lux Acadia accelerated further.

He sharply raised his partially destroyed blade in a posture to thrust it upward.

He passed across Lizsharte and further closed in upon the Gargoyle in the sky.

“Guaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!”

Immediately after, from both wings of the Gargoyle, feather-type light bullets were released directly under.

But,

“Drag-Ride ROAR (Howling Roar)!”

On the front of Lux Acadia’s <Wyvern>, a spiral shock wave was developed (unfolded).

It was a Drag-Knight’s basic technique which flipped the enemy throwing attack by means of a shock wave generated from the Force Core.

The attack’s trajectory was deflected by it and the light bullets poured down not on the practice field, but over the surrounding vacant landscape.

Bang……!

A moment later, a roaring sound and a shock wave burst in succession.

The blast wind blew down trees, stirring up violent sandstorms.

From the audience seats, female students’ screams could be heard.

“What is the meaning of this!? Why did the Abyss suddenly appear––”

As Lizsharte, greatly shaken, was going to set up the <{{furigana|Seven-Headed Dragon|Seven Heads}}> of her <Tiamat>,

『––Lizsharte-sama』

Lizsharte could hear Lux Acadia’s voice directly within her head.

It was the communication ability between fellow Drag-Rides –– Dragon Voice.

While sending his voice, Lux Acadia blocked the Gargoyle’s way.

“––Shaaaaaaaaaaah!”

Long and slender arms, and claws which shone purple.

Lux Acadia parried high-speed consecutive blows drawn out from there with his partially destroyed blade.

『With my <Wyvern>’s fire power, I cannot destroy the Abyss. So, please, go down to the ring on the ground and aim at the enemy.』

『Do you intend to order me around? To begin with, can you hold back the Abyss all by yourself––』

『I will somehow manage. The signal of the bombardment will be immediately after I brandished my sword.』

『H-Hey! Wait a minute!? Lux Acadia!』

<nowiki>*</nowiki>beep*, he selfishly cut off the dragon voice’s communication, and Lizsharte gritted her teeth.

But, the fact was that, due to <Tiamat>’s extreme consumption, her operation limit was approaching.

Certainly, there was only enough spare energy to release one more shot at the maximum output.

Lux Acadia’s judgment was correct.

However––,

“Is he crazy!? Even a kingdom army’s Drag-Knight alone can’t do anything––”

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v1 087.jpg|thumb]]

When Lizsharte, who went down to the ring on the ground, looked up at the sky, she saw this scene.

===Part 3===

Shortly after the Gargoyle scattered the feather-type light bullets, triggering numerous explosions.

The audience seats and its surroundings were wrapped in panic and confusion.

“Hey, hasn't the permission for drawing swords been issued yet!? W-We must either run away quickly or fight––”

“Backup hasn’t come yet!? What are the guards doing!?”

“W-Why did the third year students have to go for practice at a time like this…”

“Everyone, listen carefully! All students armed with a sword, draw your sword! Deploy a barrier with 70% of power overhead and help students without swords to block attacks! We will dispose of the enemy! Don’t make a move on the Abyss now!”

In an actual combat situation held just before their eyes for the first time, the instructor scolded the confused female students.

While looking at that from afar, the three girls of the Triad and Airi gathered.

Since Airi had a weak body, she applied as a civil official; thus, she possessed neither Sword Device nor Drag-Ride.

Therefore, so as to protect her, the three girls wore Drag-Rides on their bodies and set up a barrier overhead.

“Good grief, they are still knight candidates after all, so they are vulnerable to a sudden disturbance.”

Airi sighed while surveying her surroundings.

Nokuto who saw it nodded slightly,

“Yes. ––But, you can’t blame them. In the case of a fight against an Abyss with a general-purpose Drag-Ride, it would require at least three high-class or seven middle-class renowned users. It’s said that in the case of low-class users, a battle only for withdrawal or base defense is possible with about ten renowned users. What’s more, in this situation when we were caught off guard––”

“Certainly it is.”

The dignified blue-haired girl, Sharis looked around and agreed.

“It was also the right decision to order the standby and defense to the students who can fight. The students who were shaken after seeing the Abyss’s strength will become useless. A soldier who has once been corroded by fear must not participate in the battle then. It’s what my father once said.”

“More importantly, Lux Acadia-kun. Will he be all right?”

To Tillfarr who whispered nervously, Sharis also nodded.

“The “Weakest Undefeated”… He seems to be really good at defense, but, it’s useless against an Abyss. If other instructors don’t come quickly––”

“It looks like there is only one enemy, eh.”

To Sharis’ voice tinged with tension, Airi looked up to the sky and muttered.

“Then, he won’t lose. If it’s Nii-san––”

===Part 4===

“Guaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!”

In the sky of the practice field, light was dancing.

The Gargoyle drew out claws at high speed from both arms, and Lux Acadia flipped and parried them with his blade.

Not only did he perfectly prevent one by one the consecutive blows drawn out with a momentum as to not let one breathe, the power of each blow was enough to make the receiving armor creak each time.

On top of when he lost his balance by the shock, he struck them regardless.

Chasing Lux Acadia who reduced the distance and drawing the trajectory of an arc, the Gargoyle gave pursuit.

The black of the Abyss and the blue of the <Wyvern>.

The traces of the two colors intersected on countless occasions in mid-air and intense sparks scattered.

“…!”

But, while overwhelmed to the extent that his armor was cut down little by little, Lux Acadia’s mind was not confused.

He could assume only minimal evasive action.

If he was to take a too large distance, the Gargoyle might change its attack target.

To the audience seats where there was his younger sister Airi and –– the powerless students without Drag-Rides directly below.

Thus, it was a situation where even his defense options were restricted.

However,

(It was about time to see through its intentions, huh)

The ability which could be called the essence of Lux Acadia suddenly broke its equilibrium.

The life-or-death crises which he had overcome on countless occasions.

The Drag-Ride’s armor which he was familiar with to the extent that it was mistaken as a part of his body.

His body moved even beyond thinking and reflexes.

At this moment –– Lux Acadia’s scenario was completed.

By a hairbreadth, he slipped through the alloyed claws drawn out and casually stabbed his blade to the Gargoyle’s chest in perfect timing.

“Guih…!?”

To the sudden counterattack of Lux who had been devoting himself into a one-sided defensive battle, the Gargoyle showed agitation for the first time.

On its hard body, a wound the size of a finger.

That was only it, but the Gargoyle’s mechanical expression turned harsh.

Lux Acadia’s combat experience was not only that of the tournament of the capital.

There were also many times where he handled jobs of the defense of ruins and fought against Abysses.

Among the frightened female students in the audience seats on the ground, Lux Acadia’s ears also heard that a big stir occurred.

“Guaaaaaaah!”

The Gargoyle’s movement stopped for a moment and it raised a cloudy roar.

It could not be determined whether it recognized Lux as a powerful enemy as it was an opponent that could not speak, but Lux suddenly braced himself.

The Gargoyle belonged to the species with high intelligence even among the Abysses.

It was said that not only does it launch a surprise attack like a wild beast, but it also knows how to use a tactical level retreat.

『Lux Acadia! Reinforcements are coming! They are preparing for the siege! Wait only a little more!』

A communication by dragon voice came from the instructor Raigree on the practice field.

“Guaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!”

When Lux, just for an instant, focused his consciousness on the communication, the Gargoyle kicked the sky and charged.

“…………!”

Lux reflectively set up his blade.

But, the Gargoyle passed through Lux’s side and nose dived to the practice field directly below.

At the same time, it greatly spread its jet black wings which wore a purple light.

The omen of the bombardment which it showed first.

The aim was–– the audience seats!

While moving to take shelter, the female students who were watching the development of the fight slightly gasped as they were taken aback.

“––––!”

Lux switched his <Wyvern>’s propulsion output to maximum and pursued the Gargoyle.

Catching up with its back, Lux brandished his blade overhead. At that time,

“Guaaaah!”

The Gargoyle suddenly stopped its attack and turned around in the air.

“…!?”

The Gargoyle kind was an Abyss with high intelligence.

During the brief offense and defense, he grasped Lux’s ability and saw through his intention of fighting.

Lux’s action purpose –– was to move in order to protect the students of the audience seats.

The Gargoyle which recognized that pretended to aim at the students and lured Lux.

“Kuh…!?”

Lux’s slash packed with all his energy fruitlessly cut the sky.

Lux Acadia became wide open in front of the Gargoyle.

“Shaaaaaaaaa–”

From below to above, a flash of claws.

It pierced the barrier and flew off the armor covering Lux Acadia’s shoulders.

In the sky of the practice field, a spray of fresh blood danced.

“Ku, ah…!”

The <Wyvern>’s system shut down and Lux Acadia started a free fall.

But at that moment––,

“…I see. I understood.”

Lizsharte’s smile was reflected in the eyes of Lux Acadia who turned his face.

“If you give an opportunity to someone with a solid defense, you will bring him down even if he applies all his energy––. It is certainly a standard strategy, monster. I’m the same, too.”

“––Gi!?”

The Gargoyle’s agitation was drowned out by a very large flash of light.

<{{furigana|Seven-Headed Dragon|Seventh Heads}}>.

The strongest main armament that the Divine Drag-Ride <Tiamat> which Lizsharte drives, possessed.

The light pillar of the seven lines released from the muzzle pierced the Gargoyle’s strong metal body and pulverized it.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

Spreading an echo of death agony, the Gargoyle burst and scattered.

Lux Acadia fell inside where black metal debris was pouring down with a clattering sound.

To the peace which returned after the beast’s defeat, cheers of relief rose from the female students who had taken shelter.

“However, what a man… you are.”

Lizsharte who caught Lux Acadia cancelled <Tiamat>’s connection and laughed.

How many humans were there in this place that understood of the fearful Lux Acadia with the current offense and defense?

『––the signal for the bombardment will be after I raise my sword.』

The first words which he said with the dragon voice’s communication.

In other words, that bargaining itself where it was thought that the Gargoyle outwitted Lux Acadia was the scenario which Lux Acadia had drawn up completely.

Even the fact that he applied an attack on the enemy and attracted his attention to him (Lux) by making him think “this guy is dangerous”.

Even his fighting action in order to protect the audience seats below was also included.

Everything was to drive in a blow with all his might and to make Lizsharte attack at that opportunity––

“However –– you’re a fool after all.”

With a pure smile cleared of all malice, Lizsharte looked up at the sky.

And, towards the students who could not settle their great joys and excitement, Lizsharte inhaled.

“Listen! Everyone who is in this place! I, the New Kingdom Princess, I have something important to announce!”

Lux Acadia’s fatigue and stamina was already beyond their limits.

“…………”

The wound on his chest did not seem to be that serious.

Airi, the other students and Lizsharte were safe, too.

(It somehow went well, I guess…?)

After ascertaining only that, Lux Acadia finally lost consciousness.

===Part 5===

After a mock battle, taking a bath was Lizsharte’s daily routine.

Her fighting spirit was highly strung after a battle.

Of course, she could not boil the water for the whole large public bath in the evening, so she only drew hot water for herself alone in a bucket and only washed off her sweat lightly in the washing area.

It was not necessary; however, warm water drops ran down over the skin of the young girl with some ups and downs.

“Phew…”

As she lightly sprinkled hot water on her whole body, Lizsharte’s face flushed and she leaked a long sigh.

Elation just after a battle and the feeling of satisfaction of the victory.

The girl had many times tasted such things until now.

(But–– what is it? This feeling…)

However, today’s feeling was different from any of that.

“To think that there was a man of the same generation that could put up such a fight against me… Besides––”

She thought that this was the first time.

(A man who also tried to help and protect me…)

That time when the Abyss had assaulted, Lux Acadia turned his back to the enemy and protected her who had not enough remaining power; and he engaged the enemy without hesitation.

(This was the first time. That I thought I “lost”…)

The New Kingdom was established and for Lizsharte who became its Princess, she had thought that the “man” who was the symbol of the Old Empire was her enemy, or an existence which was at best a stepping stone.

Even from her father who planned the coup d’état to overthrow the Old Empire, she had never felt affection.

She had never once held something like romantic feelings.

But––.

(It might have been fortunate that this had been seen by that guy.)

While touching her lower abdomen, just below her navel with her fingertip, Lizsharte felt anxious.

Even though it was a secret which must not be known, the fact that she thought that she was glad now was strange.

The girl wiped her body with a towel soaked with hot water.

“Hmm, phew…”

When her hand casually touched her chest, *badump*. She felt such a sweet throbbing.

“Lux Acadia… huh”

The girl’s shapely lips naturally smiled when she muttered that.

“There is also a reliable guy even among the men, huh…”

With these words, Lizsharte noticed her feelings.

That for the first time, she had found what she wanted in a “person”.

===Part 6===

He had a dream.

Six years ago. One year before the coup d’état occurred, the scene when Lux Acadia headed to the Imperial Court.

The world’s largest country, the Acadia Empire.

A detached mansion of the royal palace in the Imperial capital.

In the courtyard where greenery overflowed, Lux Acadia was looking up at the sky.

“Even though you didn’t come to the imperial capital for a long time, that’s a fairly long face. Dear little brother.”

A silver-haired young man who was standing with his back leaned on a marble pillar–– the First Prince Fugil smiled wryly.

He was Lux Acadia’s eldest brother born of a different mother, but he had already retired from the front lines because of injury and disease due to an accident.

Thus, he had a really close relationship with Lux Acadia who had similarly been expelled from the Imperial Court due to circumstances.

“Was I wrong?”

As his gaze fell to the water’s surface of the pond, Lux Acadia muttered.

The expression of the youth who wore the imperial family’s mantle on his body was cold and stiff.

“No, you did well.”

Fugil answered in a calm tone.

“The Honor of being the youngest in the empire history to have obtained the license of Drag-Knight. Using the opportunity of having been invited into the Imperial Court for that commendation, your ability to report to Father –– to His Majesty the Emperor was splendid. It was hardly thinkable of you who have just turned 12.”

The Reinforcement law of the system of androcracy. The heavy taxation due to military expansion. Human experimentation of powerful drugs using poor citizens.

Lux Acadia had carried out the statement of wanting you (the emperor) to cancel all of that.

“But, His Majesty the Emperor didn’t even take the trouble to hear you out. Your doubt is also justifiable. This empire has completely accelerated (grown) in the wrong direction.”

“…………”

Even to his eldest brother, Fugil who held the same opinion, Lux Acadia did not change his complexion.

To his younger brother who showed neither resentment nor disappointment even after he was deprived of his greatest chance, Fugil continued his words.

“It seems to have been decided that your little sister will also go to the remote region in two months. Poor child, even though she is still bedridden due to illness after losing her mother in that incident…”

“…………”

“I wonder whether it was to boost the morale of the army of frontier guards as well as a diplomatic purpose. His Majesty’s way of doing things is candid. Once you oppose him, he will show no mercy even to his relatives.”

“What do you think, Nii-san? About the situation of this Empire.”

Lux Acadia turned his face to Fugil and asked.

It was not the expression of a pretty boy where childishness remained; it was a different look.

It was an inhuman ruler’s smile.

It was the transcendent smile of a person who cleared away ethics and emotions.

“The Empire now is smeared with depravity. Corruption, disparity, tyranny, heavy taxes and oppression. The gear which once went amiss accelerates without stopping. His Majesty the Emperor and the ministers did not even listen to my report.”

Lux Acadia spun his words with a calm tone.

“––Despite this, no one tries to stop it. No one tries to correct it. Let alone the people of lineage that hold authority, even the other chief vassals and feudal lords.”

“…You’re right.”

To that fact which was indifferently spitted out, Fugil agreed.

“He neither takes the populace’s life into consideration nor corrects injustice; he doesn’t carry out his duty, either. Nobles, who only steal, force and covet. They have certainly lost the pride of “Standing above others”. Even their subordinates and dependents are so. The current nobles themselves should know their depravity. However, once he turns to the side which exploited –– to the side which receives benefit, he will never consider going as far as to cast away his profits and position in order to save the people. He can permit as many times as he likes the “irrational misfortune of others”.”

“…………”

After Lux Acadia slightly nodded to Fugil’s words,

“Yes… That’s why this empire –– the world doesn’t change anymore. It can’t be changed. As long as the empire's army monopolizes the Drag-Rides, revolt will only be the final coating of tragedy. I’ve heard about many stories of resistance and even uncalled massive slaughters.”

“Yes. But, there is nothing we can do now––”

“––No, I don’t think so.”

Interrupting the words of Fugil who resigned himself, Lux Acadia said clearly.

“So, there is something I have to tell you. Will you hear it? It’s for that reason that I came today to the imperial capital.”

Lux Acadia’s smile which wore a shadow and Fugil with a perplexed face.

That scene became dim and disappeared.

And Lux Acadia regained his consciousness.

===Part 7===

“Hmm…”

The setting sun burning madder red came in through the window.

A small wooden private room which smelled of medicine and flowers.

Lux Acadia woke up on the bed of the room.

A bandage was wound to his chest which was cut. It looked like the wound was shallow.

“This place is––?”

“Ah… D-Did you wake up!?”

“Uwah…!?”

Hearing a voice nearby, Lux Acadia, startled, sprang up.

A blond-haired girl, the Scarlet Princess Lizsharte was sitting on a chair immediately nearby, watching over him.

It looked like this place was the academy’s medical office.

“D-Does your wound hurt? U-Um, the skill of the doctor here should be pretty good, but––”

With a somewhat settled appearance, Lizsharte looked into Lux Acadia’s face.

She seemed to be extremely worried about him.

“…………”

After grasping the situation, Lux Acadia looked downward for a while,

“Um––, thank you.”

He said so with a smile.

“Eh…?”

Lizsharte cocked her head in puzzlement and looked at Lux Acadia

“For having taken care of someone like me––”

“…………”

For a little while, Lizsharte blinked her eyes as she was taken by surprise––,

“Lux Acadia. You’re a guy whom I don’t know whether you’re modest or arrogant. Was everyone in the royal family of the empire like that?”

“I don’t know. I had been immediately driven out of the imperial court when I was a child.”

As Lux Acadia smiled wryly, Lizsharte muttered in a low voice “I see”.

“D-Does that have anything to do with your heading towards the Abyss without hesitation?”

She continued so in a slightly awkward tone.

“Eh?”

“An ordinary human can’t do it and wouldn’t. Facing an Abyss with a general-purpose Drag-Ride is… Why did you save me––?”

Showing a somewhat shy aspect, Lizsharte asked.

“…E-Errr, I don’t remember well.”

Lux Acadia honestly answered while smiling wryly.

“However, I just think that I have to do it. I’m often scolded by my little sister. “Nii-san does what he thinks right away” she says.”

When he said that troubled, after Lizsharte folded her arms and showed a thoughtful look,

“I see. Well, it’s fine. It's my principle not to think about bothersome things after all. You protected me –– us. I will leave it only at that.”

“You’re quite a frank person, eh. Princess.”

As Lux Acadia said with an awkward smile,

“Yes, that’s right. I’m a very lenient and generous Princess to those who are competent.”

Lizsharte happily returned a lovely smile.

The caution and hostility which she had towards Lux Acadia until very recently seemed to have completely disappeared.

Rather than childish, her pure and honest attitude was refreshing.

“Yes. You might be a very useful guy, fallen Prince.”

As Lux Acadia breathed a sigh of relief to the princess who slightly blushed and nodded,

“Okay, Lux Acadia. I will believe you completely. So, I will fulfill my promise.”

Lizsharte suddenly stood up and said such a thing.

“A promise?”

“I-I said it, didn’t I? The reason why I challenged you to a duel. Since you had seen that, I couldn’t let you off like that. S-So––”

“Ah. U-Um –– sorry, I saw everything… But, it was beautiful.”

“D-Don’t remember it, stupid Prince! What I want to talk about is––”

As a towel was thrown out by Lizsharte who turned red, Lux Acadia blocked his view.

''Have I said something rude?''

''As usual, I don’t really know how to interact with girls.''

As Lux Acadia thought so and took the towel in front of him––,

“U-Um––, it’s this.”

An unbelievable sight spread out before his eyes.

In the evening sun coming in through the window, Lizsharte’s skin could be seen.

She rolled up the uniform blouse until above, grated her skin, lowered her underwear only just a little and stripped off.

As if saying that “I wanted you to see”.

The cheeks of Lizsharte who averted her eyes turned red not only because of the setting sun but also because of shyness.

“…It’s like that. This is the real reason why I challenged you to a duel. You had seen this in the bathroom at that time, so––”

“…………”

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v1 107.jpg|thumb]]

The girl’s fresh rotundity which showed signs of clear growth on her figure where childishness remained.

Lux Acadia was completely captivated by that immature beauty.

“W-Why don’t you say anything!? How about you say something?”

“…! U-Um, errr––”

While completely forgetting himself, Lux Acadia thought.

''That’s right. I will use the art of talking that I learned in the bar where I did odd jobs at that time.''

''When you praise a girl, you should first praise the affinity of the person herself with cloths––''

“Um, it suits you very well. That white underwear––”

“Uwaaaaaaaah!? Are you an idiot!? Pervert! Die!”

''I failed again! Let’s forget already the knowledge I acquired when I worked there…''

While Lux Acadia was regretting, Lizsharte who spouted fire from her face hurriedly raised her skirt.

But, everything else was fairly visible to Lux Acadia.

“Is that crest… possibly –– the Old Empire’s?”

“…D-Did you finally notice? ––So that means, you haven’t told anybody about this, right?”

As Lux Acadia nodded, Lizsharte who put back on her clothes sat on the chair.

The Old Empire’s crest which modeled a black dragon.

That brand was on the lower abdomen under the navel of Lizsharte.

“Why in the world––”

“I can’t tell it yet. But, don’t speak about this crest to anyone. Please. Will you promise?”

“…………”

The body of the New Kingdom Princess has the mark of the Old Empire.

It was either the proof of betrayal or the false statement of lineage.

Certainly, if it was known, it was a fact that might cause groundless doubt, but Lux Acadia, even before the doubt, was concerned about Lizsharte.

Lizsharte who kept quiet and looked downward, desperation was transmitted.

It was not “I want you to overlook it”… but rather “I want you to believe in me”.

Right, he felt like she was saying it in her heart.

Surely –– it was not a guilty, simple secret.

Even Lux Acadia himself had such a past.

That’s why he understood.

This child had probably not done anything bad.

“It’s all right. I won’t tell anybody.”

“Really? Can you swear it?”

“Yes. I swear on the Sword Device I possess.”

Lux Acadia straightened himself and bowed his head.

Lizsharte who saw it leaked a breath of relief and showed a smile.

“Thank god. At first, I intended to interrogate you in various ways after I confine you in the underground prison by that duel, but––”

“Eh… Eeeeeeeeeeeeeh!?”

''So, you intended to confine and interrogate me after beating me into a pulp and sending me to the medical office!''

As expected, it wasn’t the way of thinking of a Princess.

''She’s pretty rough, this child…''

“Okay. Then, this matter is settled. With that said, I will have you officially come to this academy from tomorrow.”

“Ah, there was such an agreement. From the start––”

The duty of Drag-Ride mechanic apprentice requested by the Principal Relie.

Many things had happened, but he finally returned to his original odd jobs.

When Lux Acadia was relieved so,

“Ah. By the way, the work of mechanic apprentice was cancelled. From tomorrow on, you will come as an officer candidate student to our academy.”

“Ah, yes. Understood.”

Several seconds after giving a half-hearted reply, Lux Acadia reflected on that meaning,

“––Wait, eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeh!?”

He instinctively screamed.

“I-It’s a joke, right…? I mean, in the first place, I’m a man––”

“A-And, call me “Lisha” like my classmates. This is a promise, too.”

It looked like she was completely serious.

Seeing Lisha’s bashful smile, he felt like the wound on his chest got severely worse.

<noinclude>

{{SimpleNav}}
</noinclude>

Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 1 Episode 4

2017-12-02T08:12:33Z

OmegaWeaponZ: /* Part 2 */

==Episode 4 – Assault, and…==

===Part 1===

It is not just against a fellow Drag-Knight that a Drag-Knight should look out for as an enemy.

No, more importantly, humanity’s natural enemy to which they must be very careful of, entered this world just now.

It is a mysterious mythical beast which has come to appear occasionally from the ruins where the Drag-Rides were discovered about ten years ago.

There exists countless species and it was said that they would indiscriminately attack humans and animals once they came across them.

What separated them from common beasts was their strength, their mysterious mode of life and their unique abilities.

Therefore, the majority of powerful nations placed forts, barriers and fort cities near the several ruins, and deployed Drag-Knights in preparation for unexpected circumstances.

Even those fort Cities, located between the capital and the ruins, were cities catered to defensive positions.

But––,

“Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!?”

“W-Why is an Abyss suddenly appearing in a place like this––?!”

“Is that… a Gargoyle type recorded in the books!? Why didn’t the alarm ring!?”

“Everyone, calm down! Lower-class students, do not draw your Sword Devices! Gather without panicking and take shelter in the school building!”

Screams rose one after another from the female students in the audience seats.

Besides Officer Candidate Drag-Knights, there were very few students who had combat experience.

Though the appearance rate of an Abyss was quite low, they are basically several times stronger than Drag-Knights.

Furthermore, since they originally flew from the ruins, which were dozens of kilometers away from the Fort City, a notification of its appearance would generally come from the forts or barriers.

In addition, if it happened that Drag-Rides were deployed in crowded areas like the audience seats, it was a foregone conclusion that the deployment would be delayed by the summons.

When suddenly coming across a wild beast in a downtown, one would not have the time to leisurely load bullets in a gun in front of the beast.

Even the eight student Drag-Knights who were deployed to stretch the barrier of the audience seats were completely petrified in face of this sudden occurrence.

“What on earth happened…?”

A female instructor, Raigree stared at the sky while gathering the students and put her hand on the Sword Device at her waist.

The habits of an Abyss are quite similar to that of a carnivore.

The tendency of counterattacking what attacks it first or running after a prey trying to run away was a typical behavior that belonged to these monsters.

If someone were to make a careless move from the ground, the Abyss which was in the sky would react and might start to attack the audience seats below.

Therefore, Raigree hesitated in her decision.

But, at that time––,

Guaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

The mechanical type Abyss with a winged person shape, the Gargoyle howled.

At the same time, from a part of both its wings which were spread apart, it scattered feather type light bullets.

The shooting direction was below.

In other words, the audience seats –– in this practice field.

“…!?”

At that moment when the instructors and students held their breath.

Lux Acadia sliced the Gargoyle in the sky.

===Part 2===

“What…!?”

The moment when Lizsharte had her attention attracted by the Gargoyle high in the sky, Lux Acadia accelerated further.

He sharply raised his partially destroyed blade in a posture to thrust it upward.

He passed across Lizsharte and further closed in upon the Gargoyle in the sky.

“Guaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!”

Immediately after, from both wings of the Gargoyle, feather-type light bullets were released directly under.

But,

“Drag-Ride ROAR (Howling Roar)!”

On the front of Lux Acadia’s <Wyvern>, a spiral shock wave was developed (unfolded).

It was a Drag-Knight’s basic technique which flipped the enemy throwing attack by means of a shock wave generated from the Force Core.

The attack’s trajectory was deflected by it and the light bullets poured down not on the practice field, but over the surrounding vacant landscape.

Bang……!

A moment later, a roaring sound and a shock wave burst in succession.

The blast wind blew down trees, stirring up violent sandstorms.

From the audience seats, female students’ screams could be heard.

“What is the meaning of this!? Why did the Abyss suddenly appear––”

As Lizsharte, greatly shaken, was going to set up the <{{furigana|Seven-Headed Dragon|Seven Heads}}> of her <Tiamat>,

『––Lizsharte-sama』

Lizsharte could hear Lux Acadia’s voice directly within her head.

It was the communication ability between fellow Drag-Rides –– Dragon Voice.

While sending his voice, Lux Acadia blocked the Gargoyle’s way.

“––Shaaaaaaaaaaah!”

Long and slender arms, and claws which shone purple.

Lux Acadia parried high-speed consecutive blows drawn out from there with his partially destroyed blade.

『With my <Wyvern>’s fire power, I cannot destroy the Abyss. So, please, go down to the ring on the ground and aim at the enemy.』

『Do you intend to order me around? To begin with, can you hold back the Abyss all by yourself––』

『I will somehow manage. The signal of the bombardment will be immediately after I brandished my sword.』

『H-Hey! Wait a minute!? Lux Acadia!』

<nowiki>*</nowiki>beep*, he selfishly cut off the dragon voice’s communication, and Lizsharte gritted her teeth.

But, the fact was that, due to <Tiamat>’s extreme consumption, her operation limit was approaching.

Certainly, there was only enough spare energy to release one more shot at the maximum output.

Lux Acadia’s judgment was correct.

However––,

“Is he crazy!? Even a kingdom army’s Drag-Knight alone can’t do anything––”

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v1 087.jpg|thumb]]

When Lizsharte, who went down to the ring on the ground, looked up at the sky, she saw this scene.

===Part 3===

Shortly after the Gargoyle scattered the feather-type light bullets, triggering numerous explosions.

The audience seats and its surroundings were wrapped in panic and confusion.

“Hey, hasn't the permission for drawing swords been issued yet!? W-We must either run away quickly or fight––”

“Backup hasn’t yet come!? What are the guards doing!?”

“W-Why did the third year students have to go for practice at a time like this…”

“Everyone, listen carefully! All students armed with a sword, draw your sword! Deploy a barrier with 70% of power overhead and help students without swords to block attacks! We will dispose of the enemy! Don’t make a move on the Abyss now!”

In an actual combat situation held just before their eyes for the first time, the instructor scolded the confused female students.

While looking at it from afar, the three girls of the Triad and Airi gathered.

Since Airi had a weak body, she applied as a civil official; thus, she possessed neither Sword Device nor Drag-Ride.

Therefore, so as to protect her, the three girls wore Drag-Rides on their bodies and set up a barrier overhead.

“Good grief, they are still knight candidates after all, so they are vulnerable to a sudden disturbance.”

Airi sighed while surveying her surroundings.

Nokuto who saw it nodded slightly,

“Yes. ––But, you can’t blame them. In the case of a fight against Abyss with a general-purpose Drag-Ride, it would require at least three high-class or seven middle-class renowned users. It’s said that in the case of low-class users, a battle only for withdrawal or base defense is possible with about ten renowned users. What’s more, in this situation when we were caught off guard––”

“Certainly it is.”

The dignified blue-haired girl, Sharis looked around and agreed.

“It was also the right decision to order the standby and defense to the students who can fight. The students who were shaken after seeing the Abyss’s strength will become useless. A soldier who has once been corroded by fear must not participate in the battle then. It’s what my father once said.”

“More importantly, Lux Acadia-kun. Will he be all right?”

To Tillfarr who whispered nervously, Sharis also nodded.

“The “Weakest Undefeated”… He seems to be really good at defense, but, it’s useless against an Abyss. If other instructors don’t come quickly––”

“It looks like there is only one enemy, eh.”

To Sharis’ voice tinged with tension, Airi looked up at the sky and muttered.

“Then, he won’t lose. If it’s Nii-san––”

===Part 4===

“Guaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!”

In the sky of the practice field, light was dancing.

The Gargoyle drew out claws at high speed from both arms, and Lux Acadia flipped and parried them with his blade.

Not only did he perfectly prevent one by one the consecutive blows drawn out with a momentum as not to let one breath, the power of each blow was enough to creak each time the receiving armor.

On top of when he lost his balance by the shock, he struck them regardless.

Chasing Lux Acadia who reduced the distance and drawing the trajectory of an arc, the Gargoyle gave pursuit.

The black of the Abyss and the blue of the <Wyvern>.

The traces of the two colors intersected on countless occasions in mid-air and intense sparks scattered.

“…!”

But, while overwhelmed to the extent that his armor was cut down little by little, Lux Acadia’s mind was not confused.

He could assume only minimal evasive action.

If he was to take a too large distance, the Gargoyle might change its target of attack.

To the audience seats where there was his younger sister Airi and –– the powerless students without Drag-Rides directly below.

Thus, it was in a situation where even his defense options were restricted.

However,

(It was about time to see through its intentions, huh)

The ability which could be called the essence of Lux Acadia suddenly broke its equilibrium.

The life-or-death crisis which he had got over on countless occasions.

The Drag-Ride’s armor which he was familiar with to the extent that it was mistaken as a part of his body.

His body moved even beyond thinking and reflexes.

At this moment –– Lux Acadia’s scenario was completed.

By a hairbreadth, he slipped through the alloyed claws drawn out and casually stabbed his blade to the Gargoyle’s chest in perfect timing.

“Guih…!?”

To the sudden counterattack of Lux who had been devoting himself into a one-sided defensive battle, the Gargoyle showed agitation for the first time.

On its hard body, a wound of a finger size.

That was only it, but the Gargoyle’s mechanical expression turned harsh.

Lux Acadia’s combat experience was not only that of the tournament of the capital.

There were also many times where he handled jobs of the defense of ruins and fought against Abysses.

Among the frightened female students of the audience seats on the ground, Lux Acadia’s ears also heard that a big stir occurred.

“Guaaaaaaah!”

The Gargoyle’s movement stopped for a moment and it raised a cloudy roar.

It could not be determined whether it recognized Lux as a powerful enemy as it was an opponent that could not speak, but Lux suddenly braced himself.

The Gargoyle belonged to the species with high intelligence even among the Abysses.

It was said that not only does it launch a surprise attack like a wild beast, but it also knows how to use a tactical level retreat.

『Lux Acadia! Reinforcements are coming! They are preparing for the siege! Wait only a little more!』

A communication by dragon voice came from the instructor Raigree on the practice field.

“Guaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!”

When Lux, just for an instant, focused his consciousness on the communication, the Gargoyle kicked the sky and charged.

“…………!”

Lux reflectively set up his blade.

But, the Gargoyle passed through Lux’s side and nose dived to the practice field directly below.

At the same time, it greatly spread its jet black wings which wore a purple light.

The omen of the bombardment which it showed first.

The aim was––, the audience seats!

While moving to take shelter, the female students who were watching the development of the fight slightly gasped as they were taken aback.

“––––!”

Lux switched his <Wyvern>’s propulsion output to maximum and pursued the Gargoyle.

Catching up with its back, Lux brandished his blade overhead. At that time,

“Guaaaah!”

The Gargoyle suddenly stopped its attack and turned around in the air.

“…!?”

The Gargoyle kind was an Abyss with high intelligence.

During the brief offense and defense, he grasped Lux’s ability and saw through his intention of fighting.

Lux’s action purpose –– was to move in order to protect the students of the audience seats.

The Gargoyle which recognized that pretended to aim at the students and lured Lux.

“Kuh…!?”

Lux’s slash packed with all his energy fruitlessly cut the sky.

Lux Acadia became wide open in front of the Gargoyle.

“Shaaaaaaaaa–”

From below to above, a flash of claws.

It pierced the barrier and flew off the armor covering Lux Acadia’s shoulders.

In the sky of the practice field, a spray of fresh blood danced.

“Ku, ah…!”

The <Wyvern>’s system shut down and Lux Acadia started a free fall.

But at that moment––,

“…I see. I understood.”

Lizsharte’s smile was reflected in the eyes of Lux Acadia who turned his face.

“If you give an opportunity to someone with a solid defense, you will bring him down even if he applies all his energy––. It is certainly a standard strategy, monster. I’m the same, too.”

“––Gi!?”

The Gargoyle’s agitation was drowned out by a very large flash of light.

<{{furigana|Seven-Headed Dragon|Seventh Heads}}>.

The strongest main armament that the Divine Drag-Ride<Tiamat> which Lizsharte drives, possessed.

The light pillar of the seven lines released from the muzzle pierced the Gargoyle’s strong metal body and pulverized it.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

Spreading an echo of death agony, the Gargoyle burst and scattered.

Lux Acadia fell inside where black metal debris was pouring down with a clattering sound.

To the peace which returned after the beast’s defeat, cheers of relief rose from the female students who had taken shelter.

“However, what a man… you are.”

Lizsharte who caught Lux Acadia cancelled <Tiamat>’s connection and laughed.

How many humans were there in this place that understood of the fearful Lux Acadia with the current offense and defense?

『––the signal for the bombardment will be after I raise my sword.』

The first words which he said with the dragon voice’s communication.

In other words, that bargaining itself where it was thought that the Gargoyle outwitted Lux Acadia was the scenario which Lux Acadia had drawn up completely.

Even the fact that he applied an attack on the enemy and attracted his attention to him (Lux) by making him think “this guy is dangerous”.

Even his fighting action in order to protect the audience seats below was also included.

Everything was to drive in a blow with all his might and to make Lizsharte attacked at that opportunity––

“However –– you’re a fool after all.”

With a pure smile cleared of all malice, Lizsharte looked up at the sky.

And, towards the students who could not settle their great joys and excitement, Lizsharte inhaled.

“Listen! Everyone who is in this place! I, the New Kingdom Princess, I have something important to announce!”

Lux Acadia’s fatigue and stamina was already beyond their limits.

“…………”

The wound on his chest did not seem to be that serious.

Airi, the other students and Lizsharte were safe, too.

(It somehow went well, I guess…?)

After ascertaining only that, Lux Acadia finally lost consciousness.

===Part 5===

After a mock battle, taking a bath was Lizsharte’s daily routine.

Her fighting spirit was highly strung after a battle.

Of course, she could not boil the water for the whole large public bath in the evening, so she only drew hot water for herself alone in a bucket and only washed off her sweat lightly in the washing area.

It was not unnecessary; however, warm water drops ran down over the skin of the young girl with some ups and downs.

“Phew…”

As she lightly sprinkle hot water on her whole body, Lizsharte’s face flushed and she leaked a long sigh.

Elation just after a battle and the feeling of satisfaction of the victory.

The girl had many times tasted such things until now.

(But––, what is it? This feeling…)

However, today’s feeling was different from any of that.

“To think that there was a man of the same generation that could put up such a fight against me… Besides––”

She thought that this was the first time.

(A man who also tried to help and protect me…)

That time when the Abyss had assaulted, Lux Acadia turned his back to the enemy and protected her who had not enough remaining power; and he engaged the enemy without hesitation.

(This was the first time. That I thought I “lost”…)

The New Kingdom was established and for Lizsharte who became its Princess, she had thought that the “man” who was the symbol of the Old Empire was her enemy, or an existence which was at best a stepping stone.

Even from her father who planned the coup d’état to overthrow the Old Empire, she had never felt affection.

She had never once held something like romantic feelings.

But––.

(It might have been fortunate that this has been seen by that guy.)

While touching her lower abdomen, just below her navel with her fingertip, Lizsharte felt anxious.

Even though it was secret which must not be known, the fact that she thought that she was glad now was strange.

The girl wiped her body with a towel soaked with hot water.

“Hmm, phew…”

When her hand casually touched her chest, *badump*. She felt such a sweet throbbing.

“Lux Acadia… huh”

The girl’s shapely lips naturally smiled when she muttered that.

“There is also a reliable guy even among the men, huh…”

With these words, Lizsharte noticed her feelings.

That for the first time, she had found what she wanted in a “person”.

===Part 6===

He had a dream.

Six years ago. One year before the coup d’état occurred, the scene when Lux Acadia headed to the Imperial Court.

The world’s largest country, the Acadia Empire.

A detached mansion of the royal palace in the Imperial capital.

In the courtyard where greenery overflowed, Lux Acadia was looking up at the sky.

“Even though you didn’t come to the imperial capital for a long time, that’s a fairly long face. Dear little brother.”

A silver-haired young man who was standing with his back leaned on a marble pillar––, the First Prince Fugil smiled wryly.

He was Lux Acadia’s eldest brother born of a different mother, but he had already retired from the front line because injury and disease due to an accident.

Thus, he had a really close relationship with Lux Acadia who had similarly been expelled from the Imperial Court due to circumstances.

“Was I wrong?”

As his gaze fell to the water’s surface of the pond, Lux Acadia muttered.

The expression of the youth who wore the imperial family’s mantle on his body was cold and stiff.

“No, you did well.”

Fugil answered in a calm tone.

“The Honor of being the youngest in the empire history to have obtained the license of Drag-Knight. Using the opportunity of having been invited into the Imperial Court for that commendation, your ability to report to Father –– to His Majesty the Emperor was splendid. It was hardly thinkable of you who have just turned 12.”

The Reinforcement law of the system of androcracy. The heavy taxation due to military expansion. Human experiment of powerful drugs using poor citizens.

Lux Acadia had carried out the statement of wanting you (the emperor) to cancel all of that.

“But, His Majesty the Emperor didn’t even take the trouble to hear you out. Your doubt is also justifiable. This empire has completely accelerated (grown) in the wrong direction.”

“…………”

Even to his eldest brother, Fugil who held the same opinion, Lux Acadia did not change his complexion.

To his younger brother who showed neither resentment nor disappointment even after he was deprived of his greatest chance, Fugil continued his words.

“It seems to have been decided that your little sister will also go to the remote region in two months. Poor child, even though she still bedridden due to illness after losing her mother in that incident…”

“…………”

“I wonder whether it was to boost the morale of the army of frontier guards as well as a diplomatic purpose. His Majesty’s way of doing is candid. Once you oppose him, he will show no mercy even to his relatives.”

“What do you think, Nii-san? About the situation of this Empire.”

Lux Acadia turned his face to Fugil and asked.

It was not the expression of a pretty boy where childishness remained; it was a different look.

It was an inhuman ruler’s smile.

It was the transcendent smile of a person who cleared away ethics and emotions.

“The Empire now is smeared with depravity. Corruption, disparity, tyranny, heavy taxes and oppression. The gear which once went amiss accelerates without stopping. His Majesty the Emperor and the ministers did not even listen to my report.”

Lux Acadia spun his words with a calm tone.

“––Despite this, no one tries to stop it. No one tries to correct it. Let alone the people of lineage that hold authority, even the other chief vassals and feudal lords.”

“…You’re right.”

To that fact which was indifferently spitted out, Fugil agreed.

“He neither takes the populace’s life into consideration nor corrects injustice; he doesn’t carry out his duty, either. Nobles, who only steal, force and covet. They have certainly lost the pride of “Standing above others”. Even their subordinates and dependents are so. The current nobles themselves should know their depravity. However, once he turns to the side which exploited –– to the side which receives benefit, he will never consider going as far as to cast away his profits and position in order to save the people. He can permit as many times as he likes the “irrational misfortune of others”.”

“…………”

After Lux Acadia slightly nodded to Fugil’s words,

“Yes… That’s why this empire –– the world doesn’t change anymore. It can’t be changed. As long as the empire's army monopolizes the Drag-Rides, revolt will only be the final coating of tragedy. I’ve heard about many stories of resistance and even uncalled massive slaughters.”

“Yes. But, there is nothing we can do now––”

“––No, I don’t think so.”

Interrupting the words of Fugil who resigned himself, Lux Acadia said clearly.

“So, there is something I have to tell you. Will you hear it? It’s for that reason that I come today to the imperial capital.”

Lux Acadia’s smile which wore a shadow and Fugil with a perplexed face.

That scene became dim and disappeared.

And Lux Acadia regained his consciousness.

===Part 7===

“Hmm…”

The setting sun burning madder red came in through the window.

A small wooden private room which smelled of medicine and flowers.

Lux Acadia woke up on the bed of the room.

A bandage was wound to his chest which was cut. It looked like the wound was shallow.

“This place is––?”

“Ah… D-Did you wake up!?”

“Uwah…!?”

Hearing a voice nearby, Lux Acadia, startled, sprang up.

A blond-haired girl, the Scarlet Princess Lizsharte was sitting on a chair immediately nearby, watching over him.

It looked like this place was the academy’s medical office.

“D-Does your wound hurt? U-Um, the skill of the doctor here should be pretty good, but––”

With a somewhat settled appearance, Lizsharte looked into Lux Acadia’s face.

She seemed to be extremely worried about him.

“…………”

After grasping the situation, Lux Acadia looked downward for a while,

“Um––, thank you.”

He said so with a smile.

“Eh…?”

Lizsharte cocked her head in puzzlement and looked at Lux Acadia

“For having taken care of someone like me––”

“…………”

For a little while, Lizsharte blinked her eyes as she was taken by surprise––,

“Lux Acadia. You’re a guy whom I don’t know whether you’re modest or arrogant. Was everyone in the royal family of the empire like that?”

“I don’t know. I have been immediately driven out of the imperial court when I was a child.”

As Lux Acadia smiled wryly, Lizsharte muttered in a low voice “I see”.

“D-Does that have anything to do with your heading towards the Abyss without hesitation?”

She continued so in a slightly awkward tone.

“Eh?”

“An ordinary human can’t do it and wouldn’t. Facing an Abyss with a general-purpose Drag-Ride is… Why did you save me––?”

Showing a somewhat shy aspect, Lizsharte asked.

“…E-Errr, I don’t remember well.”

Lux Acadia honestly answered while smiling wryly.

“However, I just think that I have to do it. I’m often scolded by my little sister. “Nii-san does right away what he thinks” she says.”

When he said that troubled, after Lizsharte folded her arms and showed a thoughtful look,

“I see. Well, it’s fine. It's my principle not to think about bothersome things after all. You protected me –– us. I will leave it only at that.”

“You’re a quite frank person, eh. Princess.”

As Lux Acadia said with an awkward smile,

“Yes, that’s right. I’m a very lenient and generous Princess to those who are competent.”

Lizsharte happily returned a lovely smile.

The caution and hostility which she had towards Lux Acadia until very recently seemed to have completely disappeared.

Rather than childish, her pure and honest attitude was refreshing.

“Yes. You might be a very useful guy, fallen Prince.”

As Lux Acadia breathed a sigh of relief to the princess who slightly blushed and nodded,

“Okay, Lux Acadia. I will believe you completely. So, I will fulfill my promise.”

Lizsharte suddenly stood up and said such a thing.

“A promise?”

“I-I said it, didn’t I? The reason why I challenge you to a duel. Since you had seen that, I couldn’t let you off like that. S-So––”

“Ah. U-Um –– sorry, I saw everything… But, it was beautiful.”

“D-Don’t remember it, stupid Prince! What I want to talk about is––”

As a towel was thrown out by Lizsharte who turned red, Lux Acadia blocked his view.

''Have I said something rude?''

''As usual, I don’t really know how to interact with girls.''

As Lux Acadia thought so and took the towel in front of him––,

“U-Um––, it’s this.”

An unbelievable sight spread before his eyes.

In the evening sun coming in through the window, Lizsharte’s skin could be seen.

She rolled up the uniform blouse until above, grated her skin, lowered her underwear only just a little and stripped off.

As if saying that “I wanted you to see”.

The cheeks of Lizsharte who averted her eyes turned red not only because of the setting sun but also because shyness.

“…It’s like that. This is the real reason why I challenge to a duel. You have seen this in the bathroom at that time, so––”

“…………”

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v1 107.jpg|thumb]]

The girl’s fresh rotundity which showed signs of clear growth on her figure where childishness remained.

Lux Acadia was completely captivated by that immature beauty.

“W-Why don’t you say anything!? How about you say something?”

“…! U-Um, errr––”

While completely forgetting himself, Lux Acadia thought.

''That’s right. I will use the art of talking that I learned in the bar where I did odd jobs at that time.''

''When you praise a girl, you should first praise the affinity of the person herself with cloths––''

“Um, it suits you very well. That white underwear––”

“Uwaaaaaaaah!? Are you idiot!? Pervert! Die!”

''I failed again! Let’s forget already the knowledge I acquired when I worked there…''

While Lux Acadia was regretting, Lizsharte who spouted fire from her face hurriedly raised her skirt.

But, everything else was fairly visible to Lux Acadia.

“Is that crest… possibly –– the Old Empire’s?”

“…D-Did you finally noticed? ––So that means, you haven’t told anybody about this, right?”

As Lux Acadia nodded, Lizsharte who put back her clothes sat on the chair.

The Old Empire’s crest which modeled a black dragon.

That brand was in the lower abdomen under the navel of Lizsharte.

“Why in the world––”

“I can’t tell it yet. But, don’t speak about this crest to anyone. Please. Will you promise?”

“…………”

The body of the New Kingdom Princess has the mark of the Old Empire.

It was either the proof of betrayal or the false statement of lineage.

Certainly, if it was known, it was a fact that might cause groundless doubt, but Lux Acadia, even before the doubt, was concerned about Lizsharte.

Lizsharte who kept quiet and looked downward, desperation was transmitted.

It was not “I want you to overlook it”… but rather “I want you to believe in me”.

Right, he felt like she was saying it in her heart.

Surely –– it was not a guilty, simple secret.

Even Lux Acadia himself had such a past.

That’s why he understood.

This child had probably not done anything bad.

“It’s all right. I won’t tell anybody.”

“Really? Can you swear it?”

“Yes. I swear on the Sword Device I possess.”

Lux Acadia straightened himself and bowed his head.

Lizsharte who saw it leaked a breath of relief and showed a smile.

“Thanks god. At first, I intended to interrogate you in various ways after I confined you in the underground prison by that duel, but––”

“Eh… Eeeeeeeeeeeeeh!?”

''So, you intended to confine and interrogate me after beating me into a pulp and sending me to the medical office!''

As expected, it isn’t the way of thinking of a Princess.

''She’s pretty rough, this child…''

“Okay. Then, this matter is settled. With that said, I will have you officially come to this academy from tomorrow.”

“Ah, there was such an agreement. From the start––”

The duty of Drag-Ride mechanic apprentice requested by the Principal Relie.

Many things had happened, but he finally returned to his original odd jobs.

When Lux Acadia was relieved so,

“Ah. By the way, the work of mechanic apprentice was cancelled. From tomorrow on, you will come as a officer candidate student to our academy.”

“Ah, yes. Understood.”

Several seconds after giving a half-hearted reply, Lux Acadia reflected on that meaning,

“––Wait, eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeh!?”

He instinctively screamed.

“I-It’s a joke, right…? I mean, in the first place, I’m a man––”

“A-And, call me “Lisha” like my classmates. This is a promise, too.”

It looked like she was completely serious.

Seeing Lisha’s bashful smile, he felt like the wound on his chest got severely worse.

<noinclude>

{{SimpleNav}}
</noinclude>

Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 1 Episode 3

2017-12-02T08:11:12Z

OmegaWeaponZ: /* Episode 3 - The Scarlet Princess */

==Episode 3 - The Scarlet Princess==

===Part 1===

“Well then, the Machine Dragon match between the New Kingdom’s First Princess Lizsharte and the Old Empire's Seventh Prince Lux is about to begin.”

At the same time as the voice of the teacher referee, the stage was wrapped in cheers and seething emotions.

The Drag-Ride practice field located in the school premises;

Fenced in with a circular stone wall, there was a broad ring spreading out to a mound.

At the center, Lizsharte and Lux were facing each other.

The ring at the center was low and the shape, which was loftier the more it went to the exterior, was reminiscent to that of the Coliseum of old times.

Strong lattices were stretched on the spectator seats, and in addition, several Drag-Knights constantly deployed barriers in order to protect students, so viewers did not have to worry about being affected.

As Lux looked around, not only a large number of female students, but even instructors seemed to have come to watch this duel which was supposed to be a private battle.

“I wonder why so many people have gathered…”

Under the watchful eyes of a great number of the school’s staff, Lux became nervous.

I see that all of them have a little too much time to spare.

He was selfishly made an actor of an amazing show, but…

“Do you want to know the reason? Lux Acadia. The reason why I challenged you to a duel.”

Standing in front of Lux, Lizsharte fearlessly smiled.

Both of them had not yet donned their Drag-Rides.

Wearing a “dress gear”, clothes which fitted on the body and were suitable for wearing a Drag-Ride, they were standing stock still on the ring.

After the match preparation was completed, they drew their Sword Devices and at the same time that the referee checked that they had mutually connected their Drag-Rides, the signal of the duel beginning would be given.

The rules used here were almost the same as those used at the tournament of the capital though.

“––Is it because I’m a Prince of the Old Empire?”

To the princess right before him, Lux asked.

The Old Empire which had spread a tyrannical rule for more than 100 years, and forced people to comply to the trend and system of androcracy.

The New Kingdom Princess would want to knock down the fallen Prince who was a survivor of that Empire.

Gender and nation. A duel which conceived both bonds.

From a spectator’s point of view, there might certainly not be a more eye-catching show than this.

But––.

“I will tell you if you defeat me.”

Lux was very concerned about this.

Was it really only because of that?

Lizsharte was certainly a belligerent girl.

But, shortly after Lux fell into the bathroom and pinned her down that time, the gaze which she directed towards him –– was not just that of shame.

“Um, may I confirm one thing before the fight?”

“What? Did you get frightened? It will be unsightly to beg for your life at this late hour.”

“Begging for my life…? So you really intend to kill me!? …It’s not that I want to talk about. Um, if it’s a draw, could we make it as if this match didn’t happen?”

“…………”

A moment of silence.

Suddenly, Lizsharte’s atmosphere changed.

“Fufufu. Is it my imagination?”

To Lux’s question, Lizsharte brushed up her honey-colored forelock and smiled.

“We’re already at this stage, and I have the impression of hearing sleep-talking.”

“It’s not sleep-talking, I’m seriously––”

“I see. Then, that’s good.”

Lizsharte narrowed her eyes and put the handle of her Sword Device in her hands.

“If you can say that after being aware of my true identity, then that’s still good.”

Her piercing gaze gave a shiver to Lux.

''That child is definitely not an ordinary Princess!''

“Player Lux, get ready for the connection!”

At the same time, the teacher referee urged Lux.

“…………”

Lux reluctantly pulled out his Sword Device.

From one of the sheaths of two different colors; the white one,

“Come forth, the Branded Wing Dragon which is the symbol of power. Obey my sword and fly, <Wyvern>.”

While holding the button attached on the hilt, he shouted.

The pass code in order to transfer a Machine Dragon before oneself.

The silver lines of the sword blade which recognized the contractor’s voice wore a blue-white light

<nowiki>*</nowiki>kiin*. Particles of light gathered before Lux and a blue Machine Dragon appeared.

“Connect On”

As he muttered again, the armor instantaneously opened and covered Lux’s body.

The head, both arms, shoulders, waist, legs and the wings and armaments.

The dress gears which were similarly excavated from the ruins efficiently conducted the energy from the Force Core and protected the equipped parts (of the body) as it also generated a powerful barrier, different from a common barrier, on its surface.

The machine armor which imitated a dragon was equipped as if uniting with Lux and he became a Drag-Knight of about two sizes bigger than the body of the person himself.

Ancient weapons excavated from the ruins.

However, that power which concealed a great military power was quickly engulfed by a huge pressure from the opposite side.

“Is that other sword just for decoration? Lux Acadia.”

“…!?”

At that instant, Lux opened his eyes wide.

Lizsharte’s body was covered with a red Machine Dragon which he had never seen before.

The outward appearance was completely different from that of the three types commonly known as General-purpose Machine Dragons, that is, Flying-type Machine Dragons (Wyvern), Ground-type Machine Dragons (Wyrm) and the Customized-type Machine Dragons (Drake).

A red Machine Dragon much huger than Lux’s appeared in front of him.

“New Kingdom royal family personal unit. Divine Drag-Ride –– <Tiamat>. This Machine Dragon is on an entirely different level from those you know.”

“…………”

Divine Drag-Ride.

It’s a rare species of Drag-Ride whose existence had only been confirmed for each species in the world.

Its airframe performance was far above that of a general-purpose Machine Dragon.

But––, at the same time, the consumption of both spiritual and physical strength and the processing degree of difficulty were also in a different league.

The possessing of a Divine Drag-Ride, where it would not be strange even if one were to die when using it, was severely restricted by the New Kingdom, and its use was only permitted to those with suitable ability.

In other words, the fact of being able to use it was proof of a peerless talent and unremitting efforts.

However––, while being aware of that fact, Lux remained calm.

(It’s all right. ––I should still have a chance.)

Lux’s <Wyvern> was a basic general-purpose Machine Dragon, but its parts and armaments had been remodeled with a specialization in defense.

In the capital, the skill of the one called the “Weakest Undefeated” who managed the largest number of mock battles and yet had never suffered one defeat in a match.

Even if he were to have a Divine Drag-Ride as an opponent, he should be able to hold out somehow.

The audience which was lively and excited fell silent.

The high-pitched sound of the bell echoed to the ring as if to break the atmosphere which was strained to the limit.

“Mock Battle, Start!”

At the same time with the referee’s voice, the two Drag-Rides began to move.

It was Lizsharte wearing <Tiamat> that flew first.

At the same time that the red Machine Dragon which bore the name of a Goddess handed down from the ruins flew up to the sky, she set up the Breath Gun –– the large gun in her right arm that was the Machine Dragon personal (exclusive) armament.

Lux drew out his Machine Dragon blade and tried to chase Lizsharte in the sky with his <Wyvern> which also possessed the flight function, but when he saw her setting up the Breath Gun, he stopped his movements in mid-air.

“No way, does she intend to shoot it right from the start…?”

Breath Gun.

So to speak, the main armament which envisioned strong flames harking back to a Dragon’s breath.

A blow with a high temperature and impact, that loads the energy from the Force Core which is the power source and releases it. It held power enough to easily blow up one building.

But, there was the part which required a “charging” until the firing and one could make enough distance for an evasive action; that a defensive stance could be taken was the flaw.

Actually, even Lux had currently taken a suitable distance enough to be able to evade it.

Therefore, the opening in a one-to-one fight was not something which one should quickly aim at, but––

“Fufufu…!”

As if reading the intention of Lux, Lizsharte laughed.

And, the cannon’s sight which was originally aimed at Lux abruptly deviated slightly sideways,

“…!?”

Boom!

It fired.

A light beam of high temperature with undulation was shot from the sky straight toward the ring on the ground.

But, it was of course not aimed at Lux, so he would not be hit as long as he did not move.

''Is it intended for a threat or a warm-up?''

To Lizsharte’s incomprehensible action, Lux’s body slightly stiffened.

That moment––

“Ah”

Lizsharte who was far in the sky looked down at Lux and swerved her mouth.

In her right hand was the cannon which fired just now.

And her left hand––, was holding the hilt of the Sword Device.

The Sword Device was one of the control sticks to mentally operate a Machine Dragon and its armaments, in other words––

“ ––!?”

Suddenly, a shock as if being hit by a large hammer ran down Lux’s flank.

He was flipped aside and thrust away along with the <Wyvern>.

In other words, Lux was pushed out to the trajectory of the original bombardment which Lizsharte shot by deliberately deflecting her aim!

“Wha…!?”

An inescapable timing where he was completely taken by surprise.

Although the armor of Lux’s <Wyvern> had been tuned to be relatively thick, it would end with a single blow if he were to receive the attack of the main armament with its maximum output head on.

Lux instantly set up his blade diagonally so as to use it like a shield for the bombardment.

He fully poured energy from the Force Core and equipped it on the blade.

Originally, it was an ability to amplify destructive power, but by doing so, he would deflect the power of the bombardment and he himself would also be flipped off from the trajectory of the bombardment.

“Uh, ah…!”

Objects of high speed came flying while aiming at Lux who was blown off and was rotating in the air.

As he quickly swung the partially damaged blade and flicked off the four flying objects, they stopped in the sky and returned to Lizsharte’s surroundings.

“That’s––!”

“Hmm. You’re better than I thought.”

Lizsharte wearing <Tiamat> looked down at Lux and fearlessly smiled.

A little away around her, four huge arrowhead-shaped objects were floating.

“I never thought that you would escape my attack with only a sword, handling from that posture. It really hurts my pride. Should I say as expected of the “Weakest Undefeated”?”

“W-What did you just––!?”

Looking up at Lizsharte in the sky, Lux sweated.

“What’s wrong? You’ve probably heard about my special armaments from your little sister, haven’t you?”

“T-That’s right, but––”

A special armament which only a Divine Drag-Ride could use.

Lux had also heard from Airi about the special armament <{{furigana|airborne fortress|Legion}}> that <Tiamat> possesses.

There were long-range throwing weapons of small streamlined metals which were controlled and held a propulsive strength themselves.

Usually four of them were equipped to the airframe; after launch, the units could freely move, and directly impact damage to the enemy.

Of course, Lux also intended to be cautious because of that troublesome disposition, but––

“…Kuh!”

(But, no matter what, that way of using them––)

At the same time as the start signal, Lizsharte had launched the <{{furigana|airborne fortress|Legion}}> to the side while flying, so that they would not be noticed by Lux. In addition, she aimed the Breath Gun at Lux.

A Divine Drag-Ride exceeded a general-purpose Machine Dragon in terms of output and efficiency.

When suddenly being aimed at by the main armament, anyone would focus his attention there.

As she deflected her aim to the side and fired and attracted Lux’s attention towards his right side, she threw the <{{furigana|Airborne Fortress|Legion}}> which she made take a detour from the left side so that they escaped his field of vision; then, she pushed him into the original trajectory of the main armament’s maximum output and attacked him.

A one shot kill strategy.

Devil like tactics without any mercy.

What was frightening above all else was that there was no stagnation (moment of pause) at all to this series of actions.

No matter how excellent the tactics were, as long as there was any unnatural movement, it was possible to perceive and avoid them.

But, even in the mock battles in the capital, Lux had almost never fought against this kind of opponent so far.

''Is she really a Princess of the New Kingdom? That child––''

“Old Empire’s Seventh Prince, Lux Acadia.”

When Lux was recovering his balance, Lizsharte’s voice came down.

“Honestly, I underestimated you, but I take back what I said. You aren’t bad. Just a little, I’m impressed. That’s why I’ll take this opportunity to say it now. You’d better release (disarm) that <Wyvern> which is about to break and use that other Sword Device.”

It was a tone of voice which contained a deep affection and which was somewhat gentler than before.

A small stir came from the surrounding audience seats.

“I don’t know what kind of Drag-Ride it is, but it should be better than that partially destroyed one. Show it to me, your full strength.”

“…Um. Then, may I again say one thing?”

To Lizsharte’s words, Lux looked up at the sky.

The blade which was Lux’s main weapon was already partially destroyed and the defense armor was also shaved off to one third, so it could no longer generate a complete defensive barrier.

The remaining equipment of his <Wyvern> was one Breath Gun for barrage shooting, three Machine Dragon claws blades (daggers) for close range combat as well as for throwing, and also one Wire tail for medium-range.

None of them was a weapon which could pierce through the defensive barrier and thick armor of <Tiamat>.

But––,

“I’m sorry––. I can’t use this sword.”

Even so, with a composed attitude Lux said that.

“So, if it becomes a draw at this rate, could we come to an agreement regarding this matter? Honestly, I’m tied up with other jobs. S-Sorry for the b-bath. I apologize––”

Lizsharte’s eyebrows became stiff from Lux’s words.

And, not only her cheeks, but also her whole face became red and the whole Machine Dragon's body shook.

Of course, Lux was speaking seriously.

But, she probably thought that she was being underestimated.

“Oh, I see. It sounds as though you’re not an ordinary –– BUT A BIG FOOL!”

Lizsharte suddenly hung up her Sword Device to the sky and shouted.

“<Tiamat>! Reveal your real nature!”

At the same time as her voice, a big noise spread like ripples around the audience seats.

Immediately after, a dazzling light ran around <Tiamat> and something was transferred (summoned).

It was an auxiliary armament whose use was usually avoided because the burden (put on the body) was great.

It was a main armament two times bigger than the cannon set up a little while ago. That was linked –– connected to <Tiamat>’s right shoulder and right arm.

“That’s––!”

A huge gun barrel which had seven muzzles.

The Goddess Tiamat not only gave birth to an army of demons and controlled them, but she also turned herself into a seven-headed dragon.

Lux had only heard about that auxiliary armament which was called <{{furigana|Seven-Headed Dragon|Seven Heads}}> from Airi, but––.

“Are you good at dancing? Lux Acadia.”

An absolute confidence and an intimidating smile.

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v1 00c.jpg|thumb]]

Saying with a graceful voice, Lizsharte set up her Sword Device.

“My dance is a little rough. Entertain me, Prince.”

Around her, the number of <{{furigana|airborne fortress|Legion}}>, which was four until a little while ago, increased; the number quadrupled –– a total of 16 aircraft throwing weapons were floating in the air.

It looked like these arms were also transferred in by the Sword Device.

Logically speaking, the burden and processing degree of difficulty should also double in proportion to the number of the arms, but––

“Kuh…!”

Compared to that, Lux’s equipment was extremely weak.

The airframe performance itself was still far inferior, too.

A too overwhelming military power difference.

But, precisely for this reason–– Lux perceived a chance of winning.

“P-Please wait a minute! Princess Lizsharte! Do you intend to kill your opponent? If you went as far as to use <Tiamat>’s auxiliary armament, no matter how much you hold back, it will still go beyond the scope of a mock battle!”

The instructors, responsible for monitoring, who saw that hurriedly tried to stop her, but,

“So they say, but? Do you want to throw in the towel?”

To the question of Lizsharte who was floating in the sky, Lux shortly, but clearly––

“No –– I don’t.”

Answered so.

“Then, perish in this place! With the pride of the Old Empire!”

At the same time Lizsharte shouted, she wielded her Sword Device.

At that moment, the throwing weapons which were floating whirlingly around her––, the sixteen <{{furigana|Airborne fortresses|Legion}}> began to attack all at once.

===Part 2===

“Lux-san…”

Nokuto had been watching the mock battle which began with Lizsharte’s fierce attack in the audience seating.

“Oops. This is terrible! We must quickly tell the teacher and stop her––!”

As expected, even Tillfarr, a girl with a usually light tone, said in panic.

Although there was just one grade of difference between them respectively Sharis, Tillfarr and Nokuto, they were called the “Triad” in the academy and they were also childhood friends.

The third year student Sharis whose father was serving as the vice-commandant of the New Kingdom army had the lead status with seniority. She enjoyed both play and study.

Especially, Sharis who had a strong sense of justice also volunteered to join the paramilitary section.

It was already five years since the New Kingdom was established.

Although the custom of androcracy was gradually dying out, the people’s consciousness could not change immediately.

Even the people opposed to the new government itself and the kind of treatment towards women and riots were unending.

For this reason, she bore the pride of protecting the students from the male offenders who sometimes showed up in the academy, too, but––

“To think that such a fight would happen––”

By now, they realized that it was them who made that uproar that big a deal.

For this, the three girls felt some regret.

Incidentally, the three girls were in the end made to write a letter of apology about the matter where they destroyed the women’s dormitory by using Drag-Rides as “they went too far”.

“I’m sorry, Lux-kun.”

At this rate, not only would Lux lose, worst, he might also die.

In the case that Lizsharte were to use <Tiamat> , the students who only possessed a general-purpose Machine Dragon would be no match for her.

It had only been once that she was seen going as far as to transfer the auxiliary armament.

The innumerable units which flew about freely inside the broad ring, <{{furigana|Airborne fortresses|Legion}}>.

The main armament of super-heating power which completed its charge and would be shot if Lux were to stop moving even for a moment, the <{{furigana|Seven-Headed Dragon|Seven Heads}}>.

There should be no means to go up against these two overwhelming powers with only a mere general-purpose Machine Dragon <Wyvern>.

“You do not need to worry. Sharis-senpai.”

Suddenly, Lux’s younger sister who was next to her –– Airi called out to Sharis so.

“About that incident, it’s something that Nii-san did selfishly, so it’s the natural consequences of his own deeds. He holds an odd sense of justice, so he’s always dragged into unnecessary troubles. At first glance, he looks sensitive, but he’s just a softhearted and simple fool, so it can’t be helped.”

With a fairly serious look –– no, even with a smile, Airi indifferently continued her words.

“…You’re an unexpectedly interesting child, you––”

When Sharis returned a wry smile seeing that she was so indifferent,

“But, even to such a hopeless Nii-san, there is only one thing that even I admit; he has a lot of good sides.”

Airi said so and gently pointed at the center of the ring.

With a smile tinged with a little pride.

“That’s––?”

When Sharis asked back and moved her gaze to the ring, it could be seen with a big noise.

“Once he has decided something, he will carry it out until the end.”

===Part 3===

Within the ring practice field, a fierce fiery whirlwind blew.

After being launched, the <{{furigana|Airborne fortresses|Legion}}> attacked with their own propulsion.

Lux dodged all of the simultaneous attacks which consisted of a total of 16 units –– by a hairbreadth, including the additional auxiliary armament.

“Kuh…!?”

Anxiety appeared on the face of Lizsharte who manipulated them by swinging the Sword Device in her left hand

Even though the offensive was completely one-sided, she desperately swallowed her voice, not shouting “why?”.

Not even one of the units of <{{furigana|Airborne fortresses|Legion}}> which she manipulated had been destroyed.

Lux just dodged and repelled them.

Only using the partially destroyed blade, the Breath Gun, the daggers and the wire tail.

Each of them was a basic weapon of a Machine Dragon, but Lux skillfully used them to defend against all the attacks.

Of course, it was not as if the attacks were not totally hitting him.

In fact, Lux’s armor was also being torn off gradually and even the barrier which he had deployed was also running out of power.

The remaining arms (weapons) also got gradually damaged each time they repelled the <{{furigana|Airborne fortresses|Legion}}>.

Nevertheless –– he showed no signs of falling.

''So, that’s the reason why he is called “the weakest undefeated”!''

Just five minutes since Lizsharte was going all out.

No, it was “already” five minutes.

It should be impossible for an ordinary general-purpose Machine Dragon to hold even dozens of seconds against a Divine Drag-Ride going all out.

That fact which was beyond Lizsharte’s calculation, restrained her tactical thinking.

She sent a fleeting glance to the big clock of the academy and checked the needles.

There were still about three minutes before the end of the match.

But, at this rate, Lizsharte’s stamina would run out before the timeout.

“Lizsharte-sama!?”

A voice from a student in the audience seats reached her who was struck dumb.

“Kuh…!?”

The moment when she was distracted in thinking, she saw a dagger thrown by Lux approach.

It was too late to dodge it.

“Don’t underestimate me!”

But, as Lizsharte wielded her Sword Device and pointed it out before her eyes, the dagger changed the trajectory as if being flipped by an invisible force and fell to the ground.

“…!?”

At that moment Lux’s complexion changed due to this mysterious phenomenon, Lizsharte inhaled.

“Haa. All right, the “weakest undefeated”! In order to express my respect for your skill, allow me to show it to you! The Divine Raiment of my <Tiamat>, that’s!”

“…Eh?”

Divine Raiment––。

The moment when he heard these words, Lux stiffened for a short moment.

“Prostrate yourself under the name of God! <Heavenly Voice>!”

At the same time with a loud voice, Lizsharte once again pointed to Lux with her Sword Device.

That moment, the <Wyvern> that was flying in the sky at high speed until now fell to the ground.

The armored leg which held out suddenly sank along with the foothold.

“This is––!?”

Divine Raiment was a special ability which only a Divine Drag-Ride possessed.

It was said that this ability existed only for the Divine Drag-Ride type and the true nature of each of the Divine Drag-Rides was almost unknown.

From the information he also heard from Airi, this was not included in it.

Judging from the strong burden put on his whole body along with the Drag-Ride, and the movement of the dagger which was stopped a little while ago, <Tiamat>’s Divine Raiment seemed to control gravity.

But, the situation had already been checkmated when he realized it.

The <{{furigana|Airborne fortresses|Legion}}> circled at high speed like a tornado around Lux, blocking any escape paths. And,

“––It’s over. Fallen Prince.”

<Tiamat>’s auxiliary armament, the huge gun connected to the right shoulder and right arm.

The <Seven Heads> aimed at Lux.

(…To think that she even used the Divine Raiment! I have no other choice, but to do it.)

Lux instantly resolved himself for a certain thing –– at that time,

“––Wha?”

Kaboom!

Along with that sound, Lizsharte, who wore <Tiamat>, violently inclined to one side.

Almost at the same time, the gravity exerted on Lux and his <Wyvern> was also released.

Lizsharte seemed unable to fully grasp what happened and stared at the Machine Dragon which was wrapped around her body.

(This is bad––!)

Compared to a general-purpose Machine Dragon, not only is a Divine Drag-Ride’s processing degree of difficulty high, and the exhaustion of the user intense, but there was also a more fundamental danger.

It was the fact that it could rampage.

A Drag-Ride's operation methods can broadly be divided into two types.

The body armor processing by moving the armor wrapping one’s body with the limbs and power condition, and the mind processing done by thought via the Sword Device.

Generally, a skillful use of these two methods would operate a Machine Dragon, but under extreme fatigue and burden, the user’s rhythm would go amiss and the Machine Dragon would act beyond expectations –– In other words, the rampage begins.

If he did not settle it quickly, it would become dangerous for both parties.

The moment Lux saw that, he used his <Wyvern>’s maximum output and flew into the air.

“Kuh…!? W-With such a thing…”

Clear agitation and a color of fatigue appeared on Lizsharte’s face.

But, she instantly changed her expression.

Lizsharte quickly wielded her Sword Device and injected a new thought.

The 16 <{{furigana|Airborne fortresses|Legion}}> which were flying around Lux lost their output and fell to the ground.

Cutting of control.

She focused her consciousness and power which were originally distributed to other arms, and chose only one point, channeling all that destructive power.

All that energy was converged into the main armament, the <Seven Heads>.

“Like I would loooooosssssssse!”

At the same time with an earsplitting scream, <Tiamat> returned to being under her control.

Lux rose and stabbed his sword and Lizsharte determined the target under her eyes (below).

The two people’s fight reached the climax. At that moment––,

An incident, which should have never occurred, occurred.

Guuuaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

“…!? This sound is––!”

Vertically piercing through the clouds, the scream of a beast descended.

From high up in the sky above the practice field, an inhuman intruder interfered.

<noinclude>

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</noinclude>

Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 1 Episode 4

2017-12-01T22:48:46Z

OmegaWeaponZ: /* Episode 4 – Assault, and… */

==Episode 4 – Assault, and…==

===Part 1===

It is not just against a fellow Drag-Knight that a Drag-Knight should look out for as an enemy.

No, more importantly, humanity’s natural enemy to which they must be very careful of, entered this world just now.

It is a mysterious mythical beast which has come to appear occasionally from the ruins where the Drag-Rides were discovered about ten years ago.

There exists countless species and it was said that they would indiscriminately attack humans and animals once they came across them.

What separated them from common beasts was their strength, their mysterious mode of life and their unique abilities.

Therefore, the majority of powerful nations placed forts, barriers and fort cities near the several ruins, and deployed Drag-Knights in preparation for unexpected circumstances.

Even those fort Cities, located between the capital and the ruins, were cities catered to defensive positions.

But––,

“Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!?”

“W-Why is an Abyss suddenly appearing in a place like this––?!”

“Is that… a Gargoyle type recorded in the books!? Why didn’t the alarm ring!?”

“Everyone, calm down! Lower-class students, do not draw your Sword Devices! Gather without panicking and take shelter in the school building!”

Screams rose one after another from the female students in the audience seats.

Besides Officer Candidate Drag-Knights, there were very few students who had combat experience.

Though the appearance rate of an Abyss was quite low, they are basically several times stronger than Drag-Knights.

Furthermore, since they originally flew from the ruins, which were dozens of kilometers away from the Fort City, a notification of its appearance would generally come from the forts or barriers.

In addition, if it happened that Drag-Rides were deployed in crowded areas like the audience seats, it was a foregone conclusion that the deployment would be delayed by the summons.

When suddenly coming across a wild beast in a downtown, one would not have the time to leisurely load bullets in a gun in front of the beast.

Even the eight student Drag-Knights who were deployed to stretch the barrier of the audience seats were completely petrified in face of this sudden occurrence.

“What on earth happened…?”

A female instructor, Raigree stared at the sky while gathering the students and put her hand on the Sword Device at her waist.

The habits of an Abyss are quite similar to that of a carnivore.

The tendency of counterattacking what attacks it first or running after a prey trying to run away was a typical behavior that belonged to these monsters.

If someone were to make a careless move from the ground, the Abyss which was in the sky would react and might start to attack the audience seats below.

Therefore, Raigree hesitated in her decision.

But, at that time––,

Guaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

The mechanical type Abyss with a winged person shape, the Gargoyle howled.

At the same time, from a part of both its wings which were spread apart, it scattered feather type light bullets.

The shooting direction was below.

In other words, the audience seat –– in this practice field.

“…!?”

At that moment when instructors and students held their breath.

Lux Acadia sliced the Gargoyle in the sky.

===Part 2===

“What…!?”

The moment when Lizsharte had her attention attracted by the Gargoyle high in the sky, Lux Acadia accelerated further.

He sharply raised his partially destroyed blade in a posture to thrust it upward.

He passed across Lizsharte and further closed in upon the Gargoyle in the sky.

“Guaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!”

Immediately after, from both wings of the Gargoyle, feather-type light bullets were released directly under.

But,

“Drag-Ride ROAR (Howling Roar)!”

On the front of Lux Acadia’s <Wyvern>, a spiral shock wave was developed (unfolded).

It was a Drag-Knight’s basic technique which flipped the enemy throwing attack by means of a shock wave generated from the Force Core.

The attack’s trajectory was deflected by it and the light bullets poured down not on the practice field, but over the surrounding vacant landscape.

Bang……!

A moment later, a roaring sound and a shock wave burst in succession.

The blast wind blew down trees, stirring up violent sandstorms.

From the audience seats, female students’ screams could be heard.

“What is the meaning of this!? Why did the Abyss suddenly appear––”

As Lizsharte, greatly shaken, was going to set up the <{{furigana|Seven-Headed Dragon|Seventh Heads}}> of her <Tiamat>,

『––Lizsharte-sama』

Lizsharte could hear Lux Acadia’s voice directly within her head.

It was the communication ability between fellow Drag-Rides –– dragon voice.

While sending his voice, Lux Acadia blocked the Gargoyle’s way.

“––Shaaaaaaaaaaah!”

Long and slender arms, and claws which shone purple.

Lux Acadia parried high-speed consecutive blows drawn out from there with his partially destroyed blade.

『With my <Wyvern>’s fire power, I cannot destroy the Abyss. So, please, go down to the ring on the ground and aim at the enemy.』

『Do you intend to order me around? To begin with, can you hold back the Abyss all by yourself––』

『I will somehow manage. The signal of the bombardment will be immediately after I brandished my sword.』

『H-Hey! Wait a minute!? Lux Acadia!』

*beep*, he selfishly cut off the dragon voice’s communication, and Lizsharte gritted her teeth.

But, the fact was that, due to <Tiamat>’s extreme consumption, her operation limit was approaching.

Certainly, there was only enough spare energy to release one more shot at the maximum output.

Lux Acadia’s judgment was correct.

However––,

“Is he crazy!? Even a kingdom army’s Drag-Knight alone can’t do anything––”

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v1 087.jpg|thumb]]

When Lizsharte, who went down to the ring on the ground, looked up at the sky, she saw this scene.

===Part 3===

Shortly after the Gargoyle scattered the feather-type light bullets, triggering numerous explosions.

The audience seats and its surroundings were wrapped in panic and confusion.

“Hey, hasn't the permission for drawing swords been issued yet!? W-We must either run away quickly or fight––”

“Backup hasn’t yet come!? What are the guards doing!?”

“W-Why did the third year students have to go for practice at a time like this…”

“Everyone, listen carefully! All students armed with a sword, draw your sword! Deploy a barrier with 70% of power overhead and help students without swords to block attacks! We will dispose of the enemy! Don’t make a move on the Abyss now!”

In an actual combat situation held just before their eyes for the first time, the instructor scolded the confused female students.

While looking at it from afar, the three girls of the Triad and Airi gathered.

Since Airi had a weak body, she applied as a civil official; thus, she possessed neither Sword Device nor Drag-Ride.

Therefore, so as to protect her, the three girls wore Drag-Rides on their bodies and set up a barrier overhead.

“Good grief, they are still knight candidates after all, so they are vulnerable to a sudden disturbance.”

Airi sighed while surveying her surroundings.

Nokuto who saw it nodded slightly,

“Yes. ––But, you can’t blame them. In the case of a fight against Abyss with a general-purpose Drag-Ride, it would require at least three high-class or seven middle-class renowned users. It’s said that in the case of low-class users, a battle only for withdrawal or base defense is possible with about ten renowned users. What’s more, in this situation when we were caught off guard––”

“Certainly it is.”

The dignified blue-haired girl, Sharis looked around and agreed.

“It was also the right decision to order the standby and defense to the students who can fight. The students who were shaken after seeing the Abyss’s strength will become useless. A soldier who has once been corroded by fear must not participate in the battle then. It’s what my father once said.”

“More importantly, Lux Acadia-kun. Will he be all right?”

To Tillfarr who whispered nervously, Sharis also nodded.

“The “Weakest Undefeated”… He seems to be really good at defense, but, it’s useless against an Abyss. If other instructors don’t come quickly––”

“It looks like there is only one enemy, eh.”

To Sharis’ voice tinged with tension, Airi looked up at the sky and muttered.

“Then, he won’t lose. If it’s Nii-san––”

===Part 4===

“Guaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!”

In the sky of the practice field, light was dancing.

The Gargoyle drew out claws at high speed from both arms, and Lux Acadia flipped and parried them with his blade.

Not only did he perfectly prevent one by one the consecutive blows drawn out with a momentum as not to let one breath, the power of each blow was enough to creak each time the receiving armor.

On top of when he lost his balance by the shock, he struck them regardless.

Chasing Lux Acadia who reduced the distance and drawing the trajectory of an arc, the Gargoyle gave pursuit.

The black of the Abyss and the blue of the <Wyvern>.

The traces of the two colors intersected on countless occasions in mid-air and intense sparks scattered.

“…!”

But, while overwhelmed to the extent that his armor was cut down little by little, Lux Acadia’s mind was not confused.

He could assume only minimal evasive action.

If he was to take a too large distance, the Gargoyle might change its target of attack.

To the audience seats where there was his younger sister Airi and –– the powerless students without Drag-Rides directly below.

Thus, it was in a situation where even his defense options were restricted.

However,

(It was about time to see through its intentions, huh)

The ability which could be called the essence of Lux Acadia suddenly broke its equilibrium.

The life-or-death crisis which he had got over on countless occasions.

The Drag-Ride’s armor which he was familiar with to the extent that it was mistaken as a part of his body.

His body moved even beyond thinking and reflexes.

At this moment –– Lux Acadia’s scenario was completed.

By a hairbreadth, he slipped through the alloyed claws drawn out and casually stabbed his blade to the Gargoyle’s chest in perfect timing.

“Guih…!?”

To the sudden counterattack of Lux who had been devoting himself into a one-sided defensive battle, the Gargoyle showed agitation for the first time.

On its hard body, a wound of a finger size.

That was only it, but the Gargoyle’s mechanical expression turned harsh.

Lux Acadia’s combat experience was not only that of the tournament of the capital.

There were also many times where he handled jobs of the defense of ruins and fought against Abysses.

Among the frightened female students of the audience seats on the ground, Lux Acadia’s ears also heard that a big stir occurred.

“Guaaaaaaah!”

The Gargoyle’s movement stopped for a moment and it raised a cloudy roar.

It could not be determined whether it recognized Lux as a powerful enemy as it was an opponent that could not speak, but Lux suddenly braced himself.

The Gargoyle belonged to the species with high intelligence even among the Abysses.

It was said that not only does it launch a surprise attack like a wild beast, but it also knows how to use a tactical level retreat.

『Lux Acadia! Reinforcements are coming! They are preparing for the siege! Wait only a little more!』

A communication by dragon voice came from the instructor Raigree on the practice field.

“Guaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!”

When Lux, just for an instant, focused his consciousness on the communication, the Gargoyle kicked the sky and charged.

“…………!”

Lux reflectively set up his blade.

But, the Gargoyle passed through Lux’s side and nose dived to the practice field directly below.

At the same time, it greatly spread its jet black wings which wore a purple light.

The omen of the bombardment which it showed first.

The aim was––, the audience seats!

While moving to take shelter, the female students who were watching the development of the fight slightly gasped as they were taken aback.

“––––!”

Lux switched his <Wyvern>’s propulsion output to maximum and pursued the Gargoyle.

Catching up with its back, Lux brandished his blade overhead. At that time,

“Guaaaah!”

The Gargoyle suddenly stopped its attack and turned around in the air.

“…!?”

The Gargoyle kind was an Abyss with high intelligence.

During the brief offense and defense, he grasped Lux’s ability and saw through his intention of fighting.

Lux’s action purpose –– was to move in order to protect the students of the audience seats.

The Gargoyle which recognized that pretended to aim at the students and lured Lux.

“Kuh…!?”

Lux’s slash packed with all his energy fruitlessly cut the sky.

Lux Acadia became wide open in front of the Gargoyle.

“Shaaaaaaaaa–”

From below to above, a flash of claws.

It pierced the barrier and flew off the armor covering Lux Acadia’s shoulders.

In the sky of the practice field, a spray of fresh blood danced.

“Ku, ah…!”

The <Wyvern>’s system shut down and Lux Acadia started a free fall.

But at that moment––,

“…I see. I understood.”

Lizsharte’s smile was reflected in the eyes of Lux Acadia who turned his face.

“If you give an opportunity to someone with a solid defense, you will bring him down even if he applies all his energy––. It is certainly a standard strategy, monster. I’m the same, too.”

“––Gi!?”

The Gargoyle’s agitation was drowned out by a very large flash of light.

<{{furigana|Seven-Headed Dragon|Seventh Heads}}>.

The strongest main armament that the Divine Drag-Ride<Tiamat> which Lizsharte drives, possessed.

The light pillar of the seven lines released from the muzzle pierced the Gargoyle’s strong metal body and pulverized it.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

Spreading an echo of death agony, the Gargoyle burst and scattered.

Lux Acadia fell inside where black metal debris was pouring down with a clattering sound.

To the peace which returned after the beast’s defeat, cheers of relief rose from the female students who had taken shelter.

“However, what a man… you are.”

Lizsharte who caught Lux Acadia cancelled <Tiamat>’s connection and laughed.

How many humans were there in this place that understood of the fearful Lux Acadia with the current offense and defense?

『––the signal for the bombardment will be after I raise my sword.』

The first words which he said with the dragon voice’s communication.

In other words, that bargaining itself where it was thought that the Gargoyle outwitted Lux Acadia was the scenario which Lux Acadia had drawn up completely.

Even the fact that he applied an attack on the enemy and attracted his attention to him (Lux) by making him think “this guy is dangerous”.

Even his fighting action in order to protect the audience seats below was also included.

Everything was to drive in a blow with all his might and to make Lizsharte attacked at that opportunity––

“However –– you’re a fool after all.”

With a pure smile cleared of all malice, Lizsharte looked up at the sky.

And, towards the students who could not settle their great joys and excitement, Lizsharte inhaled.

“Listen! Everyone who is in this place! I, the New Kingdom Princess, I have something important to announce!”

Lux Acadia’s fatigue and stamina was already beyond their limits.

“…………”

The wound on his chest did not seem to be that serious.

Airi, the other students and Lizsharte were safe, too.

(It somehow went well, I guess…?)

After ascertaining only that, Lux Acadia finally lost consciousness.

===Part 5===

After a mock battle, taking a bath was Lizsharte’s daily routine.

Her fighting spirit was highly strung after a battle.

Of course, she could not boil the water for the whole large public bath in the evening, so she only drew hot water for herself alone in a bucket and only washed off her sweat lightly in the washing area.

It was not unnecessary; however, warm water drops ran down over the skin of the young girl with some ups and downs.

“Phew…”

As she lightly sprinkle hot water on her whole body, Lizsharte’s face flushed and she leaked a long sigh.

Elation just after a battle and the feeling of satisfaction of the victory.

The girl had many times tasted such things until now.

(But––, what is it? This feeling…)

However, today’s feeling was different from any of that.

“To think that there was a man of the same generation that could put up such a fight against me… Besides––”

She thought that this was the first time.

(A man who also tried to help and protect me…)

That time when the Abyss had assaulted, Lux Acadia turned his back to the enemy and protected her who had not enough remaining power; and he engaged the enemy without hesitation.

(This was the first time. That I thought I “lost”…)

The New Kingdom was established and for Lizsharte who became its Princess, she had thought that the “man” who was the symbol of the Old Empire was her enemy, or an existence which was at best a stepping stone.

Even from her father who planned the coup d’état to overthrow the Old Empire, she had never felt affection.

She had never once held something like romantic feelings.

But––.

(It might have been fortunate that this has been seen by that guy.)

While touching her lower abdomen, just below her navel with her fingertip, Lizsharte felt anxious.

Even though it was secret which must not be known, the fact that she thought that she was glad now was strange.

The girl wiped her body with a towel soaked with hot water.

“Hmm, phew…”

When her hand casually touched her chest, *badump*. She felt such a sweet throbbing.

“Lux Acadia… huh”

The girl’s shapely lips naturally smiled when she muttered that.

“There is also a reliable guy even among the men, huh…”

With these words, Lizsharte noticed her feelings.

That for the first time, she had found what she wanted in a “person”.

===Part 6===

He had a dream.

Six years ago. One year before the coup d’état occurred, the scene when Lux Acadia headed to the Imperial Court.

The world’s largest country, the Acadia Empire.

A detached mansion of the royal palace in the Imperial capital.

In the courtyard where greenery overflowed, Lux Acadia was looking up at the sky.

“Even though you didn’t come to the imperial capital for a long time, that’s a fairly long face. Dear little brother.”

A silver-haired young man who was standing with his back leaned on a marble pillar––, the First Prince Fugil smiled wryly.

He was Lux Acadia’s eldest brother born of a different mother, but he had already retired from the front line because injury and disease due to an accident.

Thus, he had a really close relationship with Lux Acadia who had similarly been expelled from the Imperial Court due to circumstances.

“Was I wrong?”

As his gaze fell to the water’s surface of the pond, Lux Acadia muttered.

The expression of the youth who wore the imperial family’s mantle on his body was cold and stiff.

“No, you did well.”

Fugil answered in a calm tone.

“The Honor of being the youngest in the empire history to have obtained the license of Drag-Knight. Using the opportunity of having been invited into the Imperial Court for that commendation, your ability to report to Father –– to His Majesty the Emperor was splendid. It was hardly thinkable of you who have just turned 12.”

The Reinforcement law of the system of androcracy. The heavy taxation due to military expansion. Human experiment of powerful drugs using poor citizens.

Lux Acadia had carried out the statement of wanting you (the emperor) to cancel all of that.

“But, His Majesty the Emperor didn’t even take the trouble to hear you out. Your doubt is also justifiable. This empire has completely accelerated (grown) in the wrong direction.”

“…………”

Even to his eldest brother, Fugil who held the same opinion, Lux Acadia did not change his complexion.

To his younger brother who showed neither resentment nor disappointment even after he was deprived of his greatest chance, Fugil continued his words.

“It seems to have been decided that your little sister will also go to the remote region in two months. Poor child, even though she still bedridden due to illness after losing her mother in that incident…”

“…………”

“I wonder whether it was to boost the morale of the army of frontier guards as well as a diplomatic purpose. His Majesty’s way of doing is candid. Once you oppose him, he will show no mercy even to his relatives.”

“What do you think, Nii-san? About the situation of this Empire.”

Lux Acadia turned his face to Fugil and asked.

It was not the expression of a pretty boy where childishness remained; it was a different look.

It was an inhuman ruler’s smile.

It was the transcendent smile of a person who cleared away ethics and emotions.

“The Empire now is smeared with depravity. Corruption, disparity, tyranny, heavy taxes and oppression. The gear which once went amiss accelerates without stopping. His Majesty the Emperor and the ministers did not even listen to my report.”

Lux Acadia spun his words with a calm tone.

“––Despite this, no one tries to stop it. No one tries to correct it. Let alone the people of lineage that hold authority, even the other chief vassals and feudal lords.”

“…You’re right.”

To that fact which was indifferently spitted out, Fugil agreed.

“He neither takes the populace’s life into consideration nor corrects injustice; he doesn’t carry out his duty, either. Nobles, who only steal, force and covet. They have certainly lost the pride of “Standing above others”. Even their subordinates and dependents are so. The current nobles themselves should know their depravity. However, once he turns to the side which exploited –– to the side which receives benefit, he will never consider going as far as to cast away his profits and position in order to save the people. He can permit as many times as he likes the “irrational misfortune of others”.”

“…………”

After Lux Acadia slightly nodded to Fugil’s words,

“Yes… That’s why this empire –– the world doesn’t change anymore. It can’t be changed. As long as the empire's army monopolizes the Drag-Rides, revolt will only be the final coating of tragedy. I’ve heard about many stories of resistance and even uncalled massive slaughters.”

“Yes. But, there is nothing we can do now––”

“––No, I don’t think so.”

Interrupting the words of Fugil who resigned himself, Lux Acadia said clearly.

“So, there is something I have to tell you. Will you hear it? It’s for that reason that I come today to the imperial capital.”

Lux Acadia’s smile which wore a shadow and Fugil with a perplexed face.

That scene became dim and disappeared.

And Lux Acadia regained his consciousness.

===Part 7===

“Hmm…”

The setting sun burning madder red came in through the window.

A small wooden private room which smelled of medicine and flowers.

Lux Acadia woke up on the bed of the room.

A bandage was wound to his chest which was cut. It looked like the wound was shallow.

“This place is––?”

“Ah… D-Did you wake up!?”

“Uwah…!?”

Hearing a voice nearby, Lux Acadia, startled, sprang up.

A blond-haired girl, the Scarlet Princess Lizsharte was sitting on a chair immediately nearby, watching over him.

It looked like this place was the academy’s medical office.

“D-Does your wound hurt? U-Um, the skill of the doctor here should be pretty good, but––”

With a somewhat settled appearance, Lizsharte looked into Lux Acadia’s face.

She seemed to be extremely worried about him.

“…………”

After grasping the situation, Lux Acadia looked downward for a while,

“Um––, thank you.”

He said so with a smile.

“Eh…?”

Lizsharte cocked her head in puzzlement and looked at Lux Acadia

“For having taken care of someone like me––”

“…………”

For a little while, Lizsharte blinked her eyes as she was taken by surprise––,

“Lux Acadia. You’re a guy whom I don’t know whether you’re modest or arrogant. Was everyone in the royal family of the empire like that?”

“I don’t know. I have been immediately driven out of the imperial court when I was a child.”

As Lux Acadia smiled wryly, Lizsharte muttered in a low voice “I see”.

“D-Does that have anything to do with your heading towards the Abyss without hesitation?”

She continued so in a slightly awkward tone.

“Eh?”

“An ordinary human can’t do it and wouldn’t. Facing an Abyss with a general-purpose Drag-Ride is… Why did you save me––?”

Showing a somewhat shy aspect, Lizsharte asked.

“…E-Errr, I don’t remember well.”

Lux Acadia honestly answered while smiling wryly.

“However, I just think that I have to do it. I’m often scolded by my little sister. “Nii-san does right away what he thinks” she says.”

When he said that troubled, after Lizsharte folded her arms and showed a thoughtful look,

“I see. Well, it’s fine. It's my principle not to think about bothersome things after all. You protected me –– us. I will leave it only at that.”

“You’re a quite frank person, eh. Princess.”

As Lux Acadia said with an awkward smile,

“Yes, that’s right. I’m a very lenient and generous Princess to those who are competent.”

Lizsharte happily returned a lovely smile.

The caution and hostility which she had towards Lux Acadia until very recently seemed to have completely disappeared.

Rather than childish, her pure and honest attitude was refreshing.

“Yes. You might be a very useful guy, fallen Prince.”

As Lux Acadia breathed a sigh of relief to the princess who slightly blushed and nodded,

“Okay, Lux Acadia. I will believe you completely. So, I will fulfill my promise.”

Lizsharte suddenly stood up and said such a thing.

“A promise?”

“I-I said it, didn’t I? The reason why I challenge you to a duel. Since you had seen that, I couldn’t let you off like that. S-So––”

“Ah. U-Um –– sorry, I saw everything… But, it was beautiful.”

“D-Don’t remember it, stupid Prince! What I want to talk about is––”

As a towel was thrown out by Lizsharte who turned red, Lux Acadia blocked his view.

''Have I said something rude?''

''As usual, I don’t really know how to interact with girls.''

As Lux Acadia thought so and took the towel in front of him––,

“U-Um––, it’s this.”

An unbelievable sight spread before his eyes.

In the evening sun coming in through the window, Lizsharte’s skin could be seen.

She rolled up the uniform blouse until above, grated her skin, lowered her underwear only just a little and stripped off.

As if saying that “I wanted you to see”.

The cheeks of Lizsharte who averted her eyes turned red not only because of the setting sun but also because shyness.

“…It’s like that. This is the real reason why I challenge to a duel. You have seen this in the bathroom at that time, so––”

“…………”

[[File:SaijakuBahamut v1 107.jpg|thumb]]

The girl’s fresh rotundity which showed signs of clear growth on her figure where childishness remained.

Lux Acadia was completely captivated by that immature beauty.

“W-Why don’t you say anything!? How about you say something?”

“…! U-Um, errr––”

While completely forgetting himself, Lux Acadia thought.

''That’s right. I will use the art of talking that I learned in the bar where I did odd jobs at that time.''

''When you praise a girl, you should first praise the affinity of the person herself with cloths––''

“Um, it suits you very well. That white underwear––”

“Uwaaaaaaaah!? Are you idiot!? Pervert! Die!”

''I failed again! Let’s forget already the knowledge I acquired when I worked there…''

While Lux Acadia was regretting, Lizsharte who spouted fire from her face hurriedly raised her skirt.

But, everything else was fairly visible to Lux Acadia.

“Is that crest… possibly –– the Old Empire’s?”

“…D-Did you finally noticed? ––So that means, you haven’t told anybody about this, right?”

As Lux Acadia nodded, Lizsharte who put back her clothes sat on the chair.

The Old Empire’s crest which modeled a black dragon.

That brand was in the lower abdomen under the navel of Lizsharte.

“Why in the world––”

“I can’t tell it yet. But, don’t speak about this crest to anyone. Please. Will you promise?”

“…………”

The body of the New Kingdom Princess has the mark of the Old Empire.

It was either the proof of betrayal or the false statement of lineage.

Certainly, if it was known, it was a fact that might cause groundless doubt, but Lux Acadia, even before the doubt, was concerned about Lizsharte.

Lizsharte who kept quiet and looked downward, desperation was transmitted.

It was not “I want you to overlook it”… but rather “I want you to believe in me”.

Right, he felt like she was saying it in her heart.

Surely –– it was not a guilty, simple secret.

Even Lux Acadia himself had such a past.

That’s why he understood.

This child had probably not done anything bad.

“It’s all right. I won’t tell anybody.”

“Really? Can you swear it?”

“Yes. I swear on the Sword Device I possess.”

Lux Acadia straightened himself and bowed his head.

Lizsharte who saw it leaked a breath of relief and showed a smile.

“Thanks god. At first, I intended to interrogate you in various ways after I confined you in the underground prison by that duel, but––”

“Eh… Eeeeeeeeeeeeeh!?”

''So, you intended to confine and interrogate me after beating me into a pulp and sending me to the medical office!''

As expected, it isn’t the way of thinking of a Princess.

''She’s pretty rough, this child…''

“Okay. Then, this matter is settled. With that said, I will have you officially come to this academy from tomorrow.”

“Ah, there was such an agreement. From the start––”

The duty of Drag-Ride mechanic apprentice requested by the Principal Relie.

Many things had happened, but he finally returned to his original odd jobs.

When Lux Acadia was relieved so,

“Ah. By the way, the work of mechanic apprentice was cancelled. From tomorrow on, you will come as a officer candidate student to our academy.”

“Ah, yes. Understood.”

Several seconds after giving a half-hearted reply, Lux Acadia reflected on that meaning,

“––Wait, eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeh!?”

He instinctively screamed.

“I-It’s a joke, right…? I mean, in the first place, I’m a man––”

“A-And, call me “Lisha” like my classmates. This is a promise, too.”

It looked like she was completely serious.

Seeing Lisha’s bashful smile, he felt like the wound on his chest got severely worse.

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