Baka-Tsuki - User contributions [en]

Talk:Mushoku Tensei:Web Chapter 149

2014-08-24T04:02:45Z

Avenaei: Created page with ""Say, why does Kishrika-sama hate Atofe-sama so much? There must be a reason that you been hunting Kishirika-sama for half a year. Can you tell me?" Shouldn't the sentence ab..."

"Say, why does Kishrika-sama hate Atofe-sama so much? There must be a reason that you been hunting Kishirika-sama for half a year. Can you tell me?"

Shouldn't the sentence above be "Say, why does Atofe-sama hate Kishrika-sama so much? There must be a reason that you been hunting Kishirika-sama for half a year. Can you tell me?" Makes more sense with the follow up sentence.

Absolute Duo:Volume 2 Chapter 6

2014-03-22T16:48:31Z

Avenaei: /* Chapter 6 『Existence Transcending Humans』 */

==Chapter 6 『Existence Transcending Humans』==

===Part 1===

“What, didn’t you go together with Miyabi and the rest?”

Even though I told her it is alright to head on ahead of me, but even so, I asked the silver girl waiting for me.

“It’s because I am Tooru’s <<Duo>>”

The bell rang like usual and Yurie nodded.

(Even though the <<Duo>> is not related in today’s <<Survive>>)

Although I thought that, there was no way I would not be happy if she told me that.

“Thanks. Let’s go then”

“Ya---. Okay let’s go. Miyabi and the rest are waiting”

Maybe it was the thought of wanting to hurry up to Miyabi and the rest side, Yurie took my hands.

(Uu…………..this is somehow embarrassing……….)

Yurie walked while tightly holding my hand with her small hands.

After I took a small glance at Lealith for the last time, she was staring at me while placing her hands on her hips.

Once we entered the building and immediately descend 2 floors down with the escalator, we let go of our hands.

It seems the power supplies were off today so, after we get down 2 floors using the escalator which has become a staircase with big ramps, we reached a place called Nagisa plaza.

There is a path in the left side while there is an atrium from the first floor at the right side and a book store in front of us.

From this place which is located at the very east of the building, we headed to the meeting point we promised with Tachibana and the rest located at the west-----

“Ah-re? it’s Kokonoe-kun and Yurie-chan. You two took your time coming down here?”

In the shadows of the shelves in the bookstore which I thought was empty, a girl-----Kibitsu showed her face.

“Just a little strategic meeting. How about you Kibitsu, why are you in a place like this”

“Uun, I am going to ambush her here. Look, my <<Blaze>> is <<{{Furigana|Western bow|Archery}}>>. I am confident in hitting someone else other than Lealith-chan if it becomes a free-for all fight”

“i-I see…………….”

Just how can she say that with a confident smile on her face.

“By the way Kibitsu. I have been wondering this since a while back but, how do you manifest the arrow?”

<<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> and <<{{Furigana|Western bow|Archery}}>>. It is quite different but, it is the same shooting weapon if I put it in forceful words.

I tried asking since it might provide a hint to a strategy.

(Is it the same with Lealith’s <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>>………….?)

“It seems I can manifest the shape of an arrow using my mental strength by having the <<Blaze>> be the medium. The arrow is like the other self of the <<{{Furigana|Western bow|Archery}}>> main body“

“During the manifestation, I have to image the actions. It seems it is different for each individual but, mine is like the feeling of pulling out an arrow from the tube. It seems you can manifest it with just taking the pose if you are used to it”

“I see. That was knowledgeable”

“You are welcome. Alright, I have to go back to my stand-by spot soon. Kokonoe-kun, Yurie-chan, I leave my revenge to you two”

“I think there is something wrong with you losing has already been assumed…………..”

While making a smile while making a comeback, Kibitsu once again hid herself behind the book shelf.

“Well then, it seems we became a little late so, let’s hurry up and go to everyone”

“Ya---. Let’s do that”

Inside the A la mode building which was filled with people when we visited a few days ago.

It is now wrapped in silence now and it gives of the hallucination as if we slipped into a ghost town.

The different situation where there is no one manning the shop even though it is opened makes that feeling stronger.

“To-Tooru-kun, Yurie-chan. Over here, over here……….!”

From far away, Miyabi was making small swings with her hands to us.

(I don’t know whether or not if she is appealing or not……….)

While making a wry smile, we meet up with Tachibana and Miyabi.

“Sorry. For making you guys wait………..”

“I-ya, I don’t mind. More importantly, let’s confirm the plan once more before it starts. First off, in the center plaza for ambush, at that standpoint in that location--------“

[[File:Absolute Duo Volume 2 Non-Colour 8.jpg|thumb]]

Being the group leader, Tachibana looked at the building map while starting talking about the plan.

Several situations were assumed but, the basic plan is to drive Lealith to a corner with numbers.

After the confirmation was over, we confirm the actual building instead of the map.

The northern part of the A la mode which is the grounds for <<Survive>>-----

After going straight through the approximately 400 meter wide path which is stretched out from the east to west, there consists 4 plazas mid-way through.

The names of the plaza in orders are Nagisa is the first eastern plaza right when we got down from the roof, after heading west from there is Yukari, the center, and Sora.

However, the path is not completely a straight path and each of the Yukari and center plazas has narrow roads to use for moving around.
The building has a 2 floor structure but, although this does not go for all the plazas, all of the paths connect from the 2nd floor and 1st floor through an atrium.

It is hard to move around in the 1st floor since it is wide but, since it is very disadvantage if she attacks us from above by using the atrium, we chose to fight at the 2nd floor.

Around 1 minute after confirming the place I was stationed again, a building announcement that the <<Survive>> has started.
“It’s time. Are you all ready? I am counting on you all to follow the plan!”

[Aah!] [ Ya---!][U-un……..][Fuun, leave it to me]

Leaving approximately one person out, right when we made a strong nod to Tachibana (Tatsu was silent), a light bell different from the usual one I was used to hearing, *Karan**Karan* echoed.

Immediately after that sound disappeared-----

A gunshot echoed from the east side.

“It started huh………!”

Right when we were stationing according to Tachibana’s words, I could hear several more gunshots.

The sound was louder from the first and, I found out that she was in battle at the second plaza------the Yukari plaza.

Even if they are not defeated by Lealith, it would probably take some time for her to come here.

And during the time I was thinking that.

“Let’s go there, catch her-----!!”

When such a voice appeared in a backward glance, the figure of the gold girl running here can be seen.

(I thought she would defeat everyone that was waiting for her before advancing but……….!)

It’s true that by Lealith’s perspective, she does not have to go with the opponents plan.

It seems the thought of her eliminating each one of us by order was mostly out of expectations.

(She’s coming……….!!)

They chased Lealith to the place we were waiting for her.

“Lealith!!”

Right when Lealith ran near me, I jumped out from the pillar’s shadow and stood in her way.

I was probably supposed to perform a surprise attack originally but, my role was to stop her.

And, what kind of method to use is up to my personal discretion.

Even though Lealith was making a stance with her <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>>, she stopped and slightly lowered her gun when she noticed I was the opponent.

“Oh my, why if it isn’t Kokonoe Tooru. Long time no see”

“…………..that’s right. I am surprised to see you again this fast”

I directed an ironic smile to Lealith.

“That goes for me too………….but this is good. I don’t have to go around looking for you”

After swaying her hair with her hand, Lealith aimed her <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> at me.

“First off, I will test your true abilities”

In a situation where everything would end if she pulls the trigger-----

However, in a different perspective, you can say this is a one-in a lifetime chance.

This is the chance to practically use the plan to handle the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> to thought of using at the real scene.

Failure would mean instant retire-----

Although this has high risks, I have nothing else.

(-----it’s coming!!)

Lealith put in strength in the finger at the trigger and-----

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Ginn*!! Right after the gun fired, a metallic sound was produced.

(Success!! I '''''can do this at this distance'''''!!)

“…………not bad. Or is it just a coincidence?”

After I blocked the bullet with the <<Shield>>, Lealith stared at me.

“If you think that was a coincidence then want to try it one more time?”

“…………i’ll give up on that. I will accept you as the main dish. That is why I will let you go for now”

Right when Lealith was showing her <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> rotating habit after firing, I raised the corners of my mouth.

“………no, I won’t let you get away. It is '''''our''''' turn now-----Tachibana!!”

“Leave it to me!!”

Placed between the atrium, Tachibana showed herself with her <<{{Furigana|Iron chain|Chain}}>> at the front shop, and the gold girl reacted by moving her gun at her.

At that moment, Tatsu jumped out from the shop at Lealith’s side this time.

“----!!”

Once Tachibana divert her conscious to her by showing herself, Tatsu would attack from a completely different direction.

This was the one of the many plans we prepared.

“It’s simple but a good method”

Lealith moved her sights to Tatsu and said that as if to show her composure.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Zan*!! The <<Scimitar>> that got swung down made a big crack at the path but, Lealith dodged it with a backflip and landed on top of the glass fence like that.

“Tatsu!! Swing to the side!!”

If he mows to the side then she might have to make huge dodge movements.

At the same time I told Tatsu my instructions, Yurie who was hiding behind the objects jumped out.

If it is on top of the fence then, she has to dodge by jumping away from Tatsu’s attack.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Ton*. Just like predicted, Lealith kicked the glass fence and jumped to the sky.

However, '''''she was heading towards the atrium.'''''

“Wha………….!?”

The height was easily around 5 meters until the first floor.

By any chance she fails in her landing, she might end up injuring herself but even so, she did not hesitate.

“It’s not a bad attack but, I advise to include the <<Exceed>> physical ability in the calculations”

Everyone became fascinated at the gold girl which has sunlight shinning down on her from the glass roof.

The appearance of an angle descend down was shown to our eyes and Lealith descended on the ground.

However, the group standing-by at the first floor did not end with being fascinated by her.

That’s because the hunter came down in front of them who are the prey.

Sword strikes, gunshot, shouts and the sound of battle echoed back.

Even after I ran to the fence and looked downwards in panic, the {{Furigana|blonde hair|Yellow Topaz}} has already entered the blind spot of the building’s cover.

(Damn……….!! I won’t let you get away!!)

I crossed the fence and jumped down to the first floor.

After landing and spotted Lealith, there was a 5 meter distance between us.

“Ah-ra, I won’t go easy on you if you chase me”

Lealith turned around and prepared her <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>>.

(Kuh, where is she aiming……..!?)

“Tooru!!”

When Yurie shouted and at the same time the bullet hit the <<Shield>>.

The bullet course slightly diverted and scratched my cheeks.

“You have good luck. Or is your luck included into your abilities too?”

“Tsk………….!!”

I decided that this distance is at my disadvantage and jumped into the shadows but there was no pursuit attack.

Instead, I could hear Lealith voice together with her footstep getting further away.

“Well I don’t mind. I will leave you as the main dish like I thought. Kokonoe Tooru”

After I brought my face out from the shadows, I saw the back of the {{Furigana|blonde hair|Yellow Topaz}} swaying around while leaving.

(She got away……………but, there was some profit)

---This was the first contact with Lealith in this <<Survive>>.

“Are you okay, Tooru”

“Aah, I am not injured. But, the guys at the lower floor……………”

After I nodded to Yurie who easily got down, I send my sights to the guy collapsed frontward.

Looks like there was 6 people but, they all got defeated in that short time.

It even took 1 minute for Lealith to take on the selected 2nd year members who has 3 <<{{Furigana|III|Level 3}}>>, and it can’t be helped for 6 <<{{Furigana|I|Level 1}}>> to be unable to do anything in a direct combat.

I then heard a gunshot from the direction Lealith ran to.

“She is probably fighting with the group in the Sora plaza”

Tachibana with Miyabi behind jumped down from the 2nd floor path like us.

“Hyawa!?”

In spite of coming down timidly, Miyabi failed in her landing and landed on her butt.

Thanks to that her skirt got flipped up but, it stopped at a dangerous spot luckily.

“Ouch…….. ………………---------!!”

Although she frown her face in pain at first, she immediately noticed what is happening to her skirt and quickly fixed the hem of her skirt.

“Miyabi are you okay?”

“U-un. I am okay but………..errr…….di-did you see………..?”

After she extends her hand she asked a question with a soft voice.

“I did not see so relax”

After I replied back while making a wry smile, Miyabi exhaled and took my hand before standing up.

Behind us, Tachibana muttered while lining up the people that collapsed at the wall to let them sleep.

“Because we did not stop her, this turned into an inexcusable result to them………….”

“We can’t help it. She was one layer better”

“Fuun. More important than that, shouldn’t we decide on the next objective for now on?”

Tora came down while saying that.

“Without Tatsu?”

“That guy is not suited for brainwork. It’s probably best just to let him be in a look up there”

“I-I see…………..then let’s go with the objectives first…………Tachibana”

I asked the decision from Tachibana who is our leader.

“………her victory condition is to eliminate all of us. Instead of us moving, we should go with the first plan and wait here without moving------“

“Oi, Kokonoe!! Don’t let her get away so easily!!”

An angry shout mixed into our conversation from the 2nd floor.

When I looked up, Kigami and his comrades who were supposed to be camping at the Yukari plaza was there.

“That goes for you too”

There were not mistakes with what I said, since Kagami and the rest were the first one to be broken through like us, I got irritated because there was no reason to be scolded at.

“The hell you say!?”

Kigami got angry with my reply and the atmosphere clearly got bad-----

At that moment, Tachibana and Izumi came in front of us respectively to calm us down.

“Sorry, Kigami. It is my responsibility as the team leader to be unable to stop her here. If you want an apology then I will apologize to you properly later. But for now, isn’t it decided that we repair the broken formation first?”

Kigami stopped his words when Tachibana lightly lowered her head.

In replacement, Izumi was the one who opened his mouth.

“We don’t need an apology since we got broken through that easily. More importantly, we are planning to chase her now like this so, if it is okay with you all, do you want to join in?”

“Izumi!!”

Kigami got angry at his partner’s plan.

“Maa maa, Kigami. Isn’t it okay. We are low in numbers anyway so, everything is okay if we go with this for the last”

He probably purposely did to allow everyone to hear.

But, it might be because his natural virtue makes it hard to be hated even though he has that light feeling with him.

And since I dare not say that comment, Tachibana questioned him the words he said half-way through with her mouth.

“What do you mean that we are low in numbers?”

“Just like what you are seeing, 5 people got taken down when she broke through the yukari plaza. Thanks to that, most of the methods we prepared cannot be used anymore”

Now that he mentioned it, most of the people that I saw when I crossed by the yukari plaza at the beginning was eliminated.

“What are you going to do? If it is an okay then, it would be a lifesaver if you corner her from down there”

Izumi claimed the charge of the 2nd floor which has the lowest possibility of getting shrewdly attack from above.

Tachibana made a slight wry smile and nodded.

“I understand. We will be in charge with the first floor”

Alliance established.

“Don’t pull my leg, Kokonoe!!”

“Fuun. What a noisy guy……!”

Tora said that as if he was spitting and glared at Kigami”

“……………weren’t we supposed to ambush her again here?”

I held back his voice just in case to avoid letting it reach Kagami and the rest.

“I felt that the atmosphere would get even worse if I refused”

“…………..sorry to be bad at being considerate”

“Fufu, I don’t mind. More importantly, let’s move too to tell Tatsu about the situation”

“Aah, let’s do that”

Everyone was gathered once Tatsu came down and just when we were about to move, I recalled back the time when I confronted Lealith just now.

“………………that’s it. Everyone, listen. It seems that plan to handle the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> works. But, it’s going to be tough if it is more than 5 meters”

“Fuun. Then the thing you have to do, is to enter a distance where the plan would work no matter what”

“That’s true; it is probably limited to close in the distance between her next time”

Tachibana nodded at Tora’s response.

“Well, it is a big gain just by knowing that the plan is effective. Next would be-----“

“Kokonoe!! Let’s go already!! I told you not to pull my leg!!”

A angry shout cut in our conversation again.

“Sorry. We were confirming on how to corner her.

“………keh”

After Tachibana replied that while lowering her head, I saw Kigami spit on the ground.

It was quite irritating but, as long as Tachibana put a follow in, there is no way I could tarnish that.

“……………everyone, let’s go”

I held it in and pretend to be clam before urging everyone to start moving.

“To-Tooru-kun, can I have a moment…….?”

Right when we were running pass the center plaza, Miyabi called out in a soft voice.

“Ah…….it was scary right. Sorry”

“U-un………….”

Miyabi was scared of Kigami’s angry shout during the interchange we had just now.

After I apologized for that, Miyabi swung her head.

“Th-that one is okay…………..but that wasn’t what I wanted to talk about……… …………….. e-err, its about before. ……………yo-you really did not saw right?”

It seems she is still worried about the time when she fell down.

“If I saw then I would not be able to talk to Miyabi while remaining calm”

“Ah………..i see……….that’s good. Fufu………”

I relaxed a little because of the conversation that feels impossible to be happening in the middle of a practice match-----

The quarrel with Kigami left a slight irritation in my heart but, I felt it disappearing.

“…………Thanks, Miyabi”

“Eh………..? Ab-about what…..?”

“I just thought it’s great that Miyabi is here”

“Eh………..!? Gre-great………wha-wha-what do you mean by that……..?”

I only laughed back at Miyabi who was troubled.

We were at the big path connecting the center plaza and sora plaza. There was about 70 meter distance between.

While hiding our body behind the stores located in between, he headed towards the 4th plaza----the sora plaza.

“Alright, Me, Yurie and Tatsu will head to the right side. Tachibana and the rest head to the left side while paying attention. Tora, you are the rear guard so be careful of your back”

Other than a big path that we were going to go through after this in the center plaza and sora plaza, there were small paths connected to it too.

If Lealith goes through there then, there would be a chance we would get attacked from behind so, the role person right at the back of the line is very important.

Tentatively, the small paths at the 1st and 2nd floor has Kigami’s group looking out but even so, I can’t say it is certainly safe.

“Fuun. You too, be careful not to don’t get ahead of yourself and get shot straight on”

“None of your business”

“That goes for you too”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Gon* we bump our fist together and scatter to the left and right path.

Both groups on the 1st and 2nd floor moved.

“It is quiet, Tooru”

The sound of battle has already stopped echoing and the building was wrapped in silence.

“Aah. Let’s go while paying attention”

If Lealith was defeated then, someone would probably shout in victory but, that is impossible.

If that is the case then, the chances of Lealith in a watch-out further up is very high; my nervousness got stronger even though I did not want it to.

I lowered my body and dash towards the store in front while bending down.

There was no gunshot.

I confirmed if there is someone in the shop after entering but, there were no particular problems.

After I made a hand gesture saying its safe, Yurie ran here first and Tatsu next.

Tachibana was ahead in the opposite side of the path while Miyabi was following her back.

Even though he crossed half the distance in the path, we could hear no gunshots.

(It’s about time she is going to snipe…………)

It was needed to be cautious of the chairs connected towards the roof at the sora plaza, Tachibana said this.

But, thinking about the charge immediately at the start, we can’t throw away the possibility of a charge attack.

Inside the oppressive feeling created by the nervousness, we slowly got closer to the Sora plaza.

“Tooru. Look at that”

Further up Yurie’s finger------there were 3 guys collapsed frontwards at the plaza.

On half of the stairs heading towards the roof, there were girls collapsed there.

While moving onwards with our cautiousness increased, we kept a look out at the shops while hiding our body-----

I got shocked when I saw a female Kouryou uniform.

But, the hair was black and was stroking down to the chest.

Near the girl with black hair, I saw one more girl leaning against the wall.

Both of them were hiding in the shop and probably got found by Lealith.

It seems there was no one hiding in the ship and sends a signal to Yurie behind me saying it’s already to advance.

“Tooru. I feel something is strange”

“Aah, I think so too. If there is no movement until now………”

She is moving outside our expectations again.

That thought passed my mind and hesitation was born.

Hesitation corrupts the concentration ability and a chance will be born-----

That instant was targeted.

A sudden attack came.

“That is no good, Kokonoe Tooru”

The sudden call out was from a direction I would never expect.

“-----Wha!!”

When I looked behind, the black hair girl was preparing her <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>>.

“Hesitation in a battle which has already begun is forbidden you know. it would only make a fatal chance. Like this”

She threw away the '''''black wig''''' which was hiding her {{Furigana|blonde hair|Yellow Topaz}} and Lealith made a wry smile.

“I thought this was cliché but, it unexpectedly works”

The gun was clearly pointed at Yurie.

“Yurie!!”

The gunshot broke the silence and----

The silver girl dodged the bullet just right.

And at the same time, Tatsu roared and swung down the <<Scimitar>>.

---but, Lealith dodged the attack by jumping over Tatsu’s head, and the shelves got mowed down by the <<Scimitar>>.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Kurun*. Lealith rotated the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> in her hands.

“Tatsu, dodge it-----!!”

However, my shout was useless and the bullet that got shot again pierced Tatsu’s head.

During the time that giant body was collapsing from losing its strength, the gold girl jumped out the shop.

She then run up the giant ball light in the middle of the path and jumped towards the 2nd floor path.

“Yurie, it’s amazing you dodge that”

“Ya--. It’s because Tooru confirmed the counter plan was effective”

“I-I see…………”

I could only be shocked once I heard she used the counter plan meant for a <<Shield>> defense to evade.

“--------above…….!?”

The voices of Kigami group advancing in the 2nd floor falling into disorder from the sudden attack could be heard.

“Kuh………..! Like hell I will let you do what you want any more than this!!”

After I dashed out the corridor, I kicked the ball light and jumped up from the recoil before grabbing onto the glass fence surrounding the atrium.

After dropping to the 2nd floor, Izumi was down and I saw Lealith’s back while she was thrusting the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> at Kigami further ahead.

“Lealith!!”

“Oh my, why if it isn’t Kokonoe Tooru. You are the main dish so, please keep quiet”

“Sadly, I am bad with waiting”

“A guy that can’t hate will get hated by girls you know”

The moment Lealith said that and was about to put strength into her fingers------

“UooooOOOOO!!”

I shouted with a loud voice while closing the gap.

“------!?”

Lealith moved her sights in reflex, and her hands shook.

The fired bullet scratched near Kigami’s collarbone instead of his head.

Even though Kigami got blown to the floor, it’s not like this consciousness got blown away.

“Kigami, dodge it!!”

I shouted once more while swinging my fist targeted towards Lealith------the rose but, she dodged it.

However, since I swung it down in a manner of charging my body, I got between them with that momentum and prepared my <<Shield>> while covering Kigami.

“Kokonoe! What the hell are you doing!?”

An angry shout came from Kigami behind.

“What do you mean what………you are my comrade so-----is what I wanted to say but, my body moved on its own”

I did not release my sights from the gold girl while replying.

“You say your body moved on its own?”

“Aah. I refuse to see…….someone getting downed in front of me. That’s why hurry up and run away!”

That scenery from that day in summer carved into my brain moved my body.

Even if I know <<Survive>> is just a practice match, and no one would die.

“………..Damn it…………! Damn it, damn it, damn itt!!”

“------!? Kigami!!”

“Shut up!! Who the hell would run!!”

Instead of running away, Kigami prepared his <<Blaze>> and charged at Lealith.

Of course, Lealith did not stay quiet and prepared her <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> before------

Shooting Kigami mercilessly.

“It’s regretful you couldn’t save him. But I am just getting started”

“………….are you planning to defeat everyone else first”

“That’s right. Didn’t I tell you that you are the main dish already”

I closed in the gaps between Lealith in one go while she was making a smile.

“I won’t let do that to anyone else!!”

“How persistent. Please keep quiet”

Just like usual, Lealith rotated her <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> and pointed the gun at me.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>GiKiin!!* I blocked the bullet shot at my shoulder with the <<Shield>>.

“I won’t get hit that easily '''''in this distance'''''”

When she points the gun------expand the cautiousness to the maximum at the fire line and see through it.

It might be hard to doge the bullet but, as long as I know the place where she is targeting then I can use the <<Shield>> to block it.

This is the counter-plan I prepared for the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>>.

The drawback is, the more the distance between us keeps opening, any slight change in her gun’s angle would make a big difference and it would be hard to see through the bullet’s path.

“Not bad……..!!”

After stepping in, I drive in my fist aimed at the rose.

Even though she blocked the attack with the gun’s body, I moved to combination attacks without making any distance.

(I’ll keep pushing her like this!!)

But, Lealith’s calm face did not break and right in the middle of continue handling my attacks skillfully----

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Kurun* she rotated the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> in her hands.

(………What is it!?)

Normally, I should be going for that chance but, my attacking hand got duller because of shock and questions.

Right after I thought the bullet shot in close-range got deflected by my <<Shield>>-----

She gave a flashy low kick like a whip to my legs that has stopped moving.

“Nguh!!”

Lealith did not relax her attacking hand and continued with a front kick.

Even though I blocked it with the <<Shield>> immediately, her goal was not to attack me.

Lealith kicked the <<Shield>> and use that momentum to jump behind and open some distance.

(Oh no, this distance is disadvantage for me………!!)

If she opens a distance of more than 5 meter, I will lose the ability to see through the fire line accurately.

At the same time with her firing, I jumped into a nearby shop.

“Fufu, it’s okay even if you don’t run away that pathetically. That was just an intimidation, so I did not aim at you. I already told you that you are the main dish”

“Kuh…………!”

While hiding in the shop’s shadow, it was in that instant I grinded my teeth knowing that I was being played around.

“Kokonoe! Let’s retreat for now!! You all too, retreat now and regroup!!”

Even though I could not see her, Tachibana’s voice echoed throughout.

Because of Lealith’s surprise attack, she probably decided our group situation cannot fight in cooperation.

Especially, after losing Kigami and Izumi, the remaining people in group up at the 2nd floor which became completely agitated.

(I have no choice, I guess I’ll follow Tachibana’s words and retreat……….!)

But, during the moment I was about to retreat------

A silver gale ran passed me.

“Yurie!?”

Yurie’s long hair fluttered and she chased after Lealith.

“Don’t overdo it, Yurie!!”

“Nai. It is okay………!!”

I thought this decision was very un-like Yurie who usually fights in a calm manner.

“Ah-ra, you won’t run away? I was planning to let you all go though”

Lealith pulled the trigger while saying it’s a different story if she comes after her.

But, Yurie’s response was magnificent.

She dodged the bullet flying at her before kicking the wall and slashed with her <<{{Furigana|Twin blades|Double}}>> after closing the gap in one go.

However----

“Your movements are too honest”

“----!!”

Lealith went above that.

The moment the attacking <<{{Furigana|Twin blades|Double}}>> from left and right was about to cross------

The blades bounced off because she used the gun-stock to hit from below.

In that moment, Yurie became completely defenseless and------

<nowiki>*</nowiki>DoBo!!*Lealith’s knee thrust towards Yurie stomach.

Lealith then continued by giving Yurie a sokuto<ref group ="2F">A karate move</ref> and made her go flying.

“Ka, Haah!!”

Her small body slammed the glace fence and the stainless exterior distorted-----

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Kashaaan*!! The glass broke and Yurie’s body got thrown out to the atrium.

“How regretful, Yurie=Sigtuna. I expected you to be a little worth competing but…………….”

During the time the fragments of the glass and the {{Furigana|Silver hair|Silver Blonde}} was reflecting the light, the gold girl rotated the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>>-----and pointed the gun at Yurie.

“You end up unable to be this girl’s power huh, Kokonoe Tooru”

“Yurie-------!!”

“……….This is the end”

A dry sound echoed and the moment the bullet was about to pierce Yurie mercilessly-----

“I won’t let you”

A shadow ran away with that small body.

After hanging the tip of the <<{{Furigana|Iron chain|Chain}}>> near the ceiling, Tachibana caught Yurie mid-air with the movement of a pendulum.

Tachibana then landed on the 1st floor like that and while carrying Yurie and running pass the ball light and decorative plants to block the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> fire line.

“Kokonoe! We are retreating!!”

I immediately ran away from the spot at the retreat announcement she made again.

When I looked over for last, Lealith was seeing us off without preparing the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>>.

I could easily imagine her making a leisure smile as usual on that face.

After heading up slightly west from the 4th plaza----the sora plaza, we entered as store and I took a breather.

“Fuun. Looks like she isn’t coming”

“………aah, she probably let us go since it looks like she isn’t coming for us”

By now, she is probably chasing the 2nd floor group which ran away to a different direction from us.

(Damn it, she is one tough opponent than I imagined……….! Her close-combat is quite good and I would never have thought Yurie would get countered……….)

“Yurie, are you okay?”

“Ya, ya--……...my left shoulder hurt a little but, I am alright”

Yurie replied while staggering.

Behind her, Tachibana made a stern expression.

“………..what do you mean by alright when your shoulders are dislocated. Stay down until emergency treatment”

“Dislocation, Yurie………….! That is why I told you not overdo it…….!”

“……..Sorry”

Yurie became despondent at Tachibana and my frowning face.

“More importantly, we have to treat her shoulder fast. It would be nice if someone has bandages but, does anyone have it?”

“So-sorry. I did not bring with me……….”

Miyabi swung her head at Tachibana’s question and the other members swung their heads next.

“I will go find-------“

“No, I will go find. Tooru, you go for a look-out”

Tora went outside the shop without even hearing my reply.

The moment he went out, [I won’t take long. Leave it to me] he said that.

While thinking this might be true, I made a wry smile and saw Tora’s back off.

“Thank you very much, Tomoe”

After a while, Tora bandages and brought it back and Tachibana performed the emergency treatment.

About the time she was about to take her clothes off, me and Tora went outside to stand guard.

“………..even if you are treated, please be careful not to force yourself”

It seems the treatment is over so I entered the shop and Tachibana was making a stern expression.

“Maa-maa, Yurie gets that too so you don’t have to say it many times……… more importantly, I have to thank you. Thank you for protecting Yurie, Tachibana”

“Fufu, protecting my comrades……..is…………na-tural………..”

At the same time I thought her voice was weak even though she was smiling--------

Tachibana staggered and droop towards me.

“Ta-Tachibana!?”

After I caught her in panic, Tachibana’s body relaxed and became heavy, and I noticed her breathing was wild.

“Oi, Tachibana? What is wrong, Tachibanaa, Tachibana--------!!”

Immediately, I found out.

There was a hole opened by a bullet on Tachibana’s uniform.

[[File:Absolute Duo Volume 2 Non-Colour 9.jpg|thumb]]

===Part 2===

There was sound of a helicopter coming nearer from far away.

It was different from the one Lealith’s personal owns and was a giant tandem type rotor.

On the a la mode roof, Tsukimi Rito moved her sights from the helicopter up at the skies of Tokyo bay to the special monitor and muttered that.

“It’s going to be the climax soon”

40 minutes has passed since the commencement of the <<Survive>>-----

Almost every 1st year other than Tooru in the building has been defeated by Lealith.

“That time when silver hair was about to get defeated half-way, I seriously thought what was going to happen”

“If that happens, it would probably end without showing any good prospects”

While quietly gazing at the monitor, Sakuya made a bewitching smile and was damping her lips in the milk tea Sara poured for her.

“Oi oi, even if the silver hair is defeated, that <<Irregular>> is still left right”

“A <<Duo>> with only one wing will not beat her”

After replying her assertion to her rabbit ear wearing subordinate, Sakuya took another sip of the milk tea.

“………..in the current stage, the both of them are not showing any promises of winning her in the first place. Even if they are the same people that drove them away”

“Seriously, that is one unthinkable dryness from a little kid………….ah---, by the way, I am changing the topic”

“What is it?”

“Is '''''that''''' your invitee, director?”

Rito pointed to the sky and asked.

The giant wheel type helicopter floating up at the sky. It was something that could be seen at the bay coast from just now.

“At the very least, I don’t remember inviting them”

“……….that goes for me too”

The guy---Mikuni who has been keeping silent until now, opened his mouth.

“Fuu, how regretful………it looks like we have no time to see the long-awaited Climax”

Sakuya made a sigh before leaving the last part of the sentence and stood up.

Around 20 brawny men got off from the helicopter.

All of the men were in exaggerated outfits, they have a helmet that only shows the mouth part, armor that covers their chest and arms on top of their {{Furigana|battle suits|Body suits}}, and they were holding assault rifles in their hands.

“That is a team I have no seen before”

Mikuni said that after the men separated into left and right making a path without any useless movements.

Mikuni, who mainly uses various information connections, has all the special teams and organization in the world in his head----- but the men standing in front of him were unknown to him.

However, Mikuni and Sakya did not show any signs of discomposure like it were only natural.

Soon, there was 2 people walking through the center of the men in a relax manner.

One of them was like the men lined up from left and right, he was wearing a battle suit but, he was wearing a different helmet from the others and was exposing his face.

His age is probably around Tooru’s. It was a Caucasian teenager with shooting pair of eyes.

The other one was a lean old man dressed in white clothing.

The color of the base of his white hair could not be defined but, judging from his blue eyes and tall nose, it could be examined that he is a westerner.

After the men stopped, Sakuya took a step forward and pick her skirt to take a bow.

“First time meeting you all, my visitors. What kind of business do you all have in Japan?”

“Whaat, just a little stroll”

The old man was the one that answered Sakuya’s question.

“*Kusu**Kusu*, don’t joke. A stroll is something you do with your own legs”

“Fuhaha, that’s a harsh one. Well then………….how about having a talk with the youngsters about society while I am sightseeing?”

“Yes, gladly if that is the case”

Even though she was in front of a weird scenery of a group of men holding guns, Sakuya was not showing any signs of cowardice”

“However well, I was seriously scared that we might be shot down when we were landing”

“No, it’s because this is japan. It would be a big commotion if we do something that dangerous”

“Hahaha, that’s true too. No wonder that man is in such light clothing”

“That’s because there was no need for it………….”

Having his sights directed to him, Mikuni answered.

It was only natural to be in light clothing.

There was no need for the <<Exceed>>’s to carry weapons such as guns.

“I see, I see. I guess this is the famous <<Exceed>> from the rumors like I thought”

The old man said the word that should be impossible for a normal person to know and *Pan**Pan* made a short clap.

However, Sakuya and the rest were not surprised at all.

It’s normal. There was no way a team of normal people would bring guns along with them.

“Oya, I thought you would show some response but…………….”

“Sorry to not meet your expectations……….by the way, is it about time you name yourself? Or should we name ours first?”

“Fuhaha, I don’t need you to do that, Tsukumo Sakuya-dono. No should I call you-----the <<{{Furigana|Blaze Witch|Blaze Diabolica}}>>”

“…………….”

Sakuya moved her expression at this point for the first time.

“There is a reaction like I thought. Iyaa, this is good, this is good”

Although it was slight, she did show her surprise and the old man was laughing very happily like he succeeded in his prank.

“Sorry for the late introduction. I am <<Equipment smith>>-----Edward=Walker. This unannounced visit was because I wanted to meet the witch I hear from the rumors”

“-----I apologize for not knowing a person from <<Rein>>. I am honor to meet you, <<Equipment Smith>>-sama”

Sakuya bowed her head once more with a smile.

Even though she heard the old-man’s nickname, she has yet reached what kind of organization the men in front was affiliated with.

Enemy------it’s not like they are. At the very least, the current point that is.

But, it’s true that it is an organization that should be cautious about and originally, it would be normal to start exchanging a conversation without obstacle to search each other intentions but-------

“Hey, Jii-san<ref group ="2F">old man</ref>. Forget the sluggish conversation already and let’s get to the point. I will become sleepy if you continue blabbing useless words”

Just like her words, Rito made a large yawn in a boring manner,

The old man who called himself <<Equipment smith>> opened his eyes wide at the comment and actions of a person unable to read the atmosphere and-------

“Fuhahahahaha!! That is harsh. Ha—hahahahaha!!”

He places his hand on his forehead and made a big laugh.

“I apologize for my subordinate”

“Iya Iya, it is an old-man’s bad habit to make the conversation long. I will follow the rabbit ear Ojou-san and enter the real topic to avoid boring the <<{{Furigana|Blaze Witch|Blaze Diabolica}}>>”

While making the smile of a good natured old-man, Edward started talking about the real reason why he suddenly appeared in front of Sakuya.

“If I have to put in one word then it’s about making an alliance. <<{{Furigana|Blaze Witch|Blaze Diabolica}}>>-dono, I want to borrow your power”

“……….you jest”

“Iya Iya, I am really serious. I am an old friend with your grandfather. I understand his amazingness more than anyone else and inheriting that thick blood of his, I have also heard of how magnificent you are. That is why; I am paying my respect and came to pick you up personally”

“---------I see, grandfather’s………….but how regretful, my answer will not change”

Sakuya’s answer *Hohoou* made Edward mumbled shortly.

“No matter what?”

Sakuya made a small nod in a natural manner at the question again.

“Fumu, how regretful. You, your grandfather and I are quite '''''close'''''------because of that, I thought it would be possible to work together but……..let me see, this would mean-----“

“Now that the deal is off, you will use force and take our director way-----right?”

In an instant, Rito continued in the part that got opened.

“Fuhahahaha!! You sure said something interesting”

“Kuhah, but I am right, right?”

“It is just as you say, rabbit ear Ojou-san. And incidentally-----“

Edward sends his sight to the teen standing behind him.

“I am having difficulties finding a practical use of the <<Power>> I gave them. If the opponent is the famous <<Exceed>> then, it would be something that would occur easily even if I wish for it”

“Nice nice, that confidence. I really can’t get enough of it”

In the vigor of almost licking her lips, Rito reveal her happiness.

“Well then, <<K>>-kun. I’ll leave the rest to you. Please be careful not to hurt <<{{Furigana|Blaze Witch|Blaze Diabolica}}>>-dono even if it is a mistake”

After Edward went to the back, the Caucasian teen-----<<K>> gave order to the men at the side.

“You, take around 2 people into the building with you. Remember to secure the Bristol daughter. If she resists then, It is okay to hurt her until she does not die”

“………..oh my, do you have any business with Lealith?”

“Naturally. There is a lot of ways to use her”

“I won’t recommend you using her if you are going to make a trade with Dawn organization. No matter if she is the <<Exception>> they would easily throw her away if it produces an unprofitable situation”

“I don’t mind. Even if I don’t use her for the trade, she is a target the <<Equipment Smith>>-dono has taken a good interest in.-----okay, go!!”

3 men entered the building by <<K>> order.

“Errrr, what’s left is……….15 people huh. Kuhah, you’re going to need 100 times more than that if you are going to take me on”

“As expected from the <<Exceed>>. Rather than getting scared from this number of opponent, you say that there is an absolute difference in power…………..then, I will work hard to give you the enjoyment”

<<K>> spread both his hands out and shows a fearless smile.

Although it was in a polite way, it was unpleasant to hear <<K>> words which has hypocritical courtesy felt in it.

'''''“That’s because we are also existence that transcends humans too”'''''

Immediately, the group of mean in the surrounding scattered around in a speed unthinkable for normal people and surrounded Sakuya and the rest.

“…………...strengthen armor I guess”

The moment the group of men moved, Mikuni did not miss the slight machine sound coming from their armor.

“It is still in prototype stage without the adjustments made yet”

“Kuhah. Interesting”

Rito made a distorted smile and manifested her <<{{Furigana|Fang sword|Tebutje}}>>.

“To show respect to that expression that look down on others, '''''I will seriously beat the shit out of you'''''”

But------

“Stop, Rito”

It was her master that stopped Rito.

“Now that you have no <<Level Limit>> placed on you, the building will get destroyed if you go all out”

“Incidentally let me say this, your <<Blaze>> '''''stands out a lot''''', it will be annoying to fix the after-effects for me”

Being told by her master and her superior, Rito made a sullen face.

“Rito. You and I will protect Sara. Mikuni, please present them the time of silence”

After Rito stand down, Mikuni manifested his <<Blaze>>.

After seeing the <<Soul>> weapon that appeared in his hands, <<K>> made a scornful smile.

“I think this is impossible but, are you going to take on all of us with that seedy-looking <<Stiletto>>”

“Seedy-looking huh……………rather, let me tell you something, I am very unsatisfied about the thought of you able to take on an awaken <<Exceed>> with that level of power. And one more thing----“

“------!! That’s ………..!?”

Immediately at that '''''strange scenery'''''--------

<<K>> gasped when he saw the '''''12 <<Stiletto>> floating around Mikuni'''''.

Mikuni answered with both his hands spread out.

“I have 13 blades”

<noinclude>

==Translation Notes and References==

<references group="2F" />

{{SimpleNav}}
</noinclude>

Kaze no Stigma:Volume5 Chapter 3

2013-10-04T23:39:31Z

Avenaei: /* Part 3 */

== Chapter 3 - The ones doing secret maneuvers ==

=== Part 1 ===

A door was opened suddenly without even knocking.

Both Bernhardt, enjoying dancing after a meal, and Lapis, who served at dinner shifted their attention on the door.

The face that was very similar to a toad looked at the two with haughtiness.

"Is it over? "

"Yeah"

Vesalius asked without looking surprised and the toad - Utsumi Kousuke, nodded in a manner not at all related to modesty.

"I perfectly made the power you gave me my own. No one is able to defy me now"

"Good for you", replied Bernhardt uninterested.

Sensing that monotonous tone was teasing him, Utsumi raised his eyebrows.

"Do you have some complaint? "

"Never "

Unperturbed by Utsumi's question heavy with intimidation, Bernhardt slowly shook his head.

"I am truly glad. No matter how accomplished one is, you managed to jump over <<Second Class>> and go straight to the <<Seed>>. Isn't normal to worry? "

"Then......it's fine"

Although sullen like an infant, in outline Utsumi showed consent.

"By the way, I plan to stay here for a little while....."

"Don't mind me"

Bernhardt agreed without hesitation.

"This Pandemonium exists for the sake of accommodating you, the chosen ones. What's more, at present you're the only <<Second Class>> <<Seed>> - you can be called elite among the elite. You can use it as you will"

He was adding one thing to another.

"Luckily, there are plenty of guest-rooms. "

"............"

Utsumi's body trembled at the chill of having his true intention seen through. But he immediately smoothed his face over and showed a nihilistic smile.

"You saved me trouble"

Convinced of the fact that they didn't notice he became frightened from the bottom of his heart, Utsumi left the room.

"Fuu - "

At the small sound made by the closing door, Bernhardt showed a small smile and pressed the tea cup to his lips once more.

"No, he has a wonderful outstanding talent. If not for the issue of his outward appearance, he could be a prime field candidate. "

" - yes"

Lapis bowed her head slightly. Without missing that faint gap, Bernhardt observed his servant only by moving his line of sight.

"Are you dissatisfied? "

".....no"

"Say it. I won't get angry.

Repeatedly asked a question, after a faint indecision, Lapis opened her mouth.

"I'm not.......dissatisfied. Just - "

"Just? "

"I am unable to understand Master's intention. "

"Hmm "

After showing a contemplating manner for a brief period of time, Bernhardt spoke.

"I understand what you're trying to say. The data gathering is almost over. Keeping at it further has no meaning. "

In silence Lapis consented.

"In addition, detaining that boy not understanding etiquette in Pandemonium has no reason. "

The nod this time came slightly quicker. Perhaps he peeked inside her skirt.

"Certainly it could be said it's meaningless stopping in this country further, for the sake of executing the ''plan''. "

"Then, shall we go back to Headquarters? "

[[Image:Kaze no Stigma vol 05 101.jpg|thumb|]]

"Don't say stupid things"

Bernhardt curtly refused the servant's words.

"Why would we go home now? From here on it will become interesting. "

"Interesting.......?"

"That's right. We certainly accomplished our goal. But people who only live to accomplish goals are miserable creatures. Enjoying the process of arriving at one's goal not only by pushing forward on the shortest distance but straying from it at times - such flexibility is essential for a human. Do you understand? "

Gazing at her master talking about triumphantly, Lapis bends her head slightly to the side, looking perplexed.

"It's because I'm not human........"

"It has nothing to do with that. "

Bernhardt concluded clearly.

"If so, as a being with a heart, let me rephrase that. I don't remember creating you like a doll. It would be troublesome if you didn't follow my orders but making you to obey blindly would have been in vain. "

"......Do even I hold the flexibility to enjoy myself in the process? "

"Hmm, the ingredients for it are all supposed to be there. Or else - you don't want to meet him again? "

At those remarks that seem to tease her, Lapis' facial expression shook for the first time.

"I - "

Little by little, slowly, she spoke with those trembling lips.

"I am - "

Bernhardt quietly looked at Lapis, unable to continue those words, becoming silent altogether. In that gaze, something similar with love dwelt beyond a doubt.

"Hesitating is fine, being worried is fine. Those experiences will make your heart grow. Your heart, still resembling that of a puppet will bud from your own will. Understand that's why I assigned the greatest mission to you. "

"........yes, Master. As you please. "

Although still confused, Lapis nodded meekly.

The gap between that puppet-like reply and her contrastively bewildered facial expression satisfied Bernhardt exceedingly.

=== Part 2 ===

Late at night - although spring, at these hours still unpleasantly cold, a Jutsushi from the Special Information Storage Room, Kurahashi Izumi was waiting inside the car for the enemy's attack.

"Haaah......"

She lost count how many times she let out a miserable sigh from her red lips.

She played with the handle in irritation and grumbled words she said a dozen times already.

"Geez, why must we do this? Even though he already have piles of stuff to do......."

"Well, it can't be helped right? "

Next to her, settled in the passenger seat, trying to shrink his large build in the constrained space, Kumagai Yuki spoke so to calm her.

"It's an refutable truth this is our responsibility since we let Utsumi escape. Besides, if we could seize Utsumi for a second time, we'll have a good clue about Pandemonium - "

"Shut up. Be silent, stupid. "

Izumi ruthlessly knocked down Kumagai's words trying to raise their will to work.

"I know that without you telling me. But since our man force is scarce even at the best of times, setting a 24 hour guard made of Jutsushi for the sake of a civilian who might or migt not be attacked, don't you think that's pointless? "

"........If you think so, wouldn't it have been better not to forcibly drag me here? I was in the middle of my work. "

"Hou - "

Izumi stared at the grumbling Kumagai with eyes closed partly giving an ominous expression.

"Let's hear it then, what is it that you can do while I'm not there? "

"No, that, I certainly cannot use my power but, if it's just a normal search then - "

"There are already excellent people for that who can do it a hundred times better. If you were to join them you'll only be a hindrance. "

"Uuu......"

His best objection mercilessly crushed, Kumagai groaned.

"Enough already, just go and buy something. It's getting suffocating with you inside the car. "

"Yes........"

Those were some arbitrary comments for someone who called him but Kumagai nodded without complaint. No matter how bossy the other party is, that manner was beyond submissive.

This man, was either extremely timid or the other person grabbed hold of his weakness or possibly both.

Anyhow, Kumagai shrunk his body as much as possible, got down from the car in low spirits and walked to the convenience store.

"Hump"

Glaring at that retreating figure, Izumi concentrated her consciousness on the surroundings lookout for the second time.

Although one might say she shouldn't have bothered. The barrier was already up. At the center of the house that was the subject of their protection, the amulets put up in twelve directions sanctified the interior of that space. Something as corrupted as a curse could never come inside.

She had that self-confidence. But -

"The Chief was unreasonable about this"

Kirika's indication was not to protect the barrier or retaliate. But search for where was Utsumi hiding by following the thread of intent and restrain him.

It's simple to defend against the curses of an amateur. As it is the opponent can be defeated and brought back.

In that case, according to the proverb ''If you curse someone dig two graves'' the Jutsushi who doubled the curse should certainly die.

But, if they were to do so the Pandemonium trail will come to an end.

Therefore, it was imperative to capture Utsumi. They established he was the only person to have a class change at the new Pandemonium.

'' - If it's you, you can do it♥ - ''

''Do it yourself! ''

Although she spat at the unreasonable request made by her boss with a smiling face in her mind, Izumi was painfully aware of her honesty that didn't allow her to cut corners.

"Good grief...."

Deciding in her heart she will once again vent her anger on Kumagai when he returns, she sharpened her awareness.

And after a few minutes - that, came along.

An impact that pressured her. The ominous surge of curses wrapping her body send shivers to the muscles along her spine.

"It's coming.......! "

While grimacing because of discomfort Izumi promptly made a seal.

"On Abakya Beiroshya Magabadara - "

She chanted the incantation as sections. The web of thought knitted in a complex manner entangled, seized and removed the curses.

"Kuuh, it's unexpectedly strong......"

She heard it was the <<Second Rank>> but those were some rough hexes that exceeded her expectation. They were pushing forward like a violent horse on the invisible barrier that blocked his way.

"But, it's not so bad I can't control it! "

There's no need to resist against power with power. If the opponent's ability is powerful, it's better to stop the other side by sidestepping, handling and weaken his force little by little.

The difference between an amateur and a specialist is not power but the skill to accurately manage that power.

The force of those violent but unskillful thoughts, little by little but in a steady way, was reduced.

Izumi was fortifying her protection even more while simultaneously tracing those thoughts.

" - !? "

She could swore. She didn't make any mistake. But the instant she searched for Utsumi's whereabouts, the twelve amulets simultaneously lost their effectiveness.

It wasn't the reaction of burning off because they couldn't endure the curses and burst. This was -

"The amulets have been physically destroyed!? He came here personally!? "

Without thinking Izumi shouted but she immediately rejected that reasoning.

A few days ago, when they interrogated him after the arrest, they thoroughly investigated that thing's personality. Utsumi was consistently an menial, underhanded man.

Naturally, it's impossible for him to bravely defy a danger.

His brand of magic, the power to attack from a separate place where he's safe, it's something truly suitable for him.

"Then, he has an accomplice? "

That was also improbable. Who the heck would become an ally to such a vulgar man? -

There were a lot of questions but now was not the time to indulge in speculation.

Right now, the girl she should protect had been presented in front of Utsumi in a completely defenseless condition.

"Kuu......"

Kicking the door, Izumi rushed outside. But the foot that was about to break into a run was forced back after the first step.

"Yo. It must be difficult staying up so late. "

That voice without any tension came drifting from before her eyes.

For how long he'd been there, deceiving even Izumi's perception fully concentrated on searching for the enemy, the man stood straight on her way.

Izumi asked in a subdued tone.

"Yagami Kazuma - why are you here? "

"Why, you ask. That's - "

With an attitude that was frivolousness itself, the man - Kazuma, laughed carelessly.

His manner was so relaxed he didn't seem to recognize the situation but Izumi understood it was impossible.

"Of course, it's for the sake of catching Utsumi and make him tell where Pandemonium is. Our goal is the same for the time being so I'm lending you a hand. You should be very grateful, no? "

Kazuma spoke with the usual lax expression and turned his back to Izumi. And then he walked to Nanase's house without change.

But, Izumi didn't move. Her sharp gaze pierced Kazuma's back and said:

"You're making fun of me"

".....Aah? "

Kazuma looked over his shoulder puzzled.

"Did you think you alone are enough? It's wonderful that you have pride but you should take the help when it's offered. That way is more comfortable - "

"Do you think you can deal with me the same way like that Isurughi boy? "

Ignoring Kazuma's frivolous talk, Izumi informed him coldly.

A brief period of silence - and then Kazuma turned his body around.

An opaque, unreadable gaze seized Izumi.

"What do you mean? "

"There's something I previously heard about from Chief. When you're manifesting your true power, that pupil is shining blue. "

In a wooden tone Izumi spoke those words that seemed unrelated to the present condition.

"That brilliance can't be compared to that of gems, it's a cool and clear, vibrant, thoroughly blue like the perfectly clear sky or a pure lake. "

"What of it? "

It was a monotonous, quiet question. But without feeling hesitant as Kazuma's facial expression was gradually disappearing, Izumi declared.

"Your eyes right now - are red to the point of being sinister. "

"You may have tricked Isurughi but you won't trick me! Answer! What did you plan to do coming here? "

"......that's, right......"

Showing a faint hesitation at the vehement cross-examination, Kazuma murmured in an inaudible voice.

"At present, you're a nuisance"

" - !!"

Overpowered by that dreadful surge, Izumi leaped as if she was repelled. At the same time she took amulets from her bosom and -

"I won't kill you. Sleep for a while. "

" - !!"

Reaching from an impossible place in the back, a low voice. The moment she tried to turn away in astonishment, a heavy shock shook her entire body.

When she opened her eyes, everything was already over.

=== Part 3 ===

"...........this is really................"

Next morning, receiving the report from Izumi who regained her consciousness by now, Kirika groaned as if she endured a headache.

In reality, she really has a headache. Why are so much troubles coming her way one after another? -

"Well, that's right.............it's improbable she was killed so maybe that's a minimal providence"

"...............ha"

At present, Nanase was unaccounted for. They regarded her as having been abducted by Utsumi by magic.

It didn't seem plausible more outsiders were were involved in this. Actually, a little after Izumi was rendered unconscious, returning from the convenience store Kumagai witnessed Nanase dressed in pajamas walking out like a somnambulist.

But then, as someone immediately made him faint, he couldn't confirm where was Nanase taken to.

".........I'm sorry"

"It can't be helped"

Kirika dared to show a bright smile to Izumi, apologizing for failure during her duty.

"Kazuma got in the way right? There are at most five Jutsushi in Japan who could possibly compete with that man - or maybe less? "

"........ha"

Even so, Izumi's facial expression didn't clear up. She must have been distressed because she made an error but since then her physical condition wasn't good.

"For now, take your time. You took quite a damage, right? "

" - Thank you"

Taking a standing at attention posture by pressing down her pain, saying words of thanks Izumi rested her back against the sofa intended for visitors. From her lips forcefully tightened, a long breath of relief escaped.

"That's pretty painful.......what did he do to you? "

"It appears that I was hit by some sort of vibration wave. The doctor said that all my bones, muscles and internal organs received the same amount of damage. "

"I see"

Since Kazuma is manipulating the air and wind that sort of attack is easy for him. And since he didn't quickly and easily cut her head and she improved enough to get up in just one night it means he went easy on her -

"Does this means a minimal amount of reason still remains? "

" - You think so? "

Although that was formulated like a question, Izumi's reply was loaded with distrust from the bottom of her heart.

"I think we have no choice but to consider that man our enemy. "

"Hmmmmm, but I think our goal is the same......the problem is the means one selects. "

Breathing a sigh at the troublesome issue, Kirika allowed Izumi to leave.

"Sleep for a while in the man room. Because at dusk you'll come with me to explain this to Ayano-chan. "

"........roger that"

With a bitter voice and a nod, Izumi left the office.

The indication of a critical situation was filling the room to the brim.

The silence was painful.

Inside the extremely uncomfortable air, Kirika looked around her surroundings moving only her eyeballs.

Since this time she visited for a personal report so to speak, Juugo wasn't present. Genma was the same and Ren didn't return yet.

Izumi could be called her ally but her pride wasn't low enough to try raise the young girl's spirits.

That is to say, the kind of person to remove the pin from a grenade that explodes twenty eight seconds after or to pull the trigger five times at Russian roulette or try to soothe Ayano giving off that kind of presence doesn't exist here.

While in a formal posture Kirika changed her center of gravity forward.

As if ready to run as fast as possible in case of explosion.

"Say it.....once more"

Ayano squeezed out the words with an expression that seemed to crush something to death.

Kirika repeated the same words as before in the same tone.

"Kudou Nanase-san was abducted. It's likely it happened because of Utsumi - "

''''Dann!''''

The sound of the table pummeled with an open palm cut Kirika's explanation.

"So, what are you doing here? ", Ayano asked quietly in a low voice.

"Rather than coming here for worthless excuses, don't you have something more pressing? "

"At present we have no clue. The investigation is making progress but - "

"Don't use such official media announcement words with me! Where is Nanase!? "

"If we knew that a rescue mission would have been carried out long ago"

That obviously irresponsible reply would have rubbed the irritated Ayano the wrong way even under normal circumstances.

She shouted in fury.

"Is this the place to underestimate me!? Just when the fuck will you be satisfied repeating the same unsightly failure over and over? "

" - tch!"

Unable to bear the outrageous criticism of her mistake from of all things the relative of the man who got in her way, Izumi scowled at Ayano.

"Do you think ''you'' have the right to say such things - "

"Izumi"

"Let her. If you have some lame ass excuse how about spilling it? "

Ayano's provocation full of cynicism stirred Izumi's anger in spite of Kirika's restrain.

Those two's belligerent eyes gave off violent sparks in the space between.

"..........."

Instantly the option of turning her back th these two and running away from here at full speed tempted Kirika pretty seriously.

But of course she actually wouldn't give in to mere temptation and deeply bowed her head to Izumi who took the initiative.

"No, this time it was our fault and we have no way to explain it. I'm sorry. "

"......."

Although Izumi frowned, reluctant from the bottom of her heart, Izumi also imitated her. As expected, she couldn't act cocky by herself when her boss was bowing her head.

".....it's, fine....."

Having no choice but to accept the peace offering, Ayano also bowed. Her fervor was reduced, she accepted the apology in a small voice and as Kirika was raising her head, she recovered her usual tone.

"So, won't you start explain the state of affairs already? "

"Well - just like Ayano-chan says, it seems that lately we do keep loosing at best but it's impossible for us to lose to Utsumi. "

"Basically you're saying someone helped him. No way, did Bernhardt came out? "

Kirika shook her head a little.

"No. But according to your way of thinking, perhaps someone much more troublesome. "

"More troublesome than Bernhardt - "

"Your relative"

"Eh? "

Ayano blinked at Izumi's words.

Relative - meaning some member of the Kannagi Clan. If that person is more troublesome than Bernhard, the members of the branch families can be excluded.

But, for someone in the main family to be foolish enough to associate with Utsumi -

" ----------! "

Opening her eyes wide Ayano stared at Kazuma.

"Wait, no way......"

Accurately reading the question that couldn't be put int words, Kirika nodded.

"It's Kazuma. "

"....you're lying....", murmured Ayano in a hoarse voice.

"Wha....what does that mean? "

"I don't know", replied Kirika extremely honest.

"But, it's the truth. He interfered with Izumi's jutsu, and although indirectly he helped Utsumi. "

"Wait, just wait! Why would Kazuma do such a - "

Ayano promptly cut Kirika's reply but remembering Kirika's story from yesterday her complexion changed.

"He - no way, did he joined Bernhardt for the sake of Tsoi Rin - no, Lapis? "

"I don't think so. The opposite, rather. "

"Eeh?"

"Utsumi had his class change at the new Pandemonium, right? "

" - !!"

That's right, Utsumi has an utility value just like Kirika said. He visited the new Pandemonium so he was the only person able to identify it at the moment. Therefore -

"That's why.....if he let Utsumi go free, he can find Pandemonium's new location, maybe"

"Yeah"

"That's why....he ignored Nanase's kidnapping? "

"It seems so. Utsumi is nothing but a high schooler. It would be difficult for him to prepare a place he could confine an abducted girl. The possibility he is relying on Pandemonium is high. Pandemonium too is favoring Utsumi. "

Pandemonium - Bernhardt wen as far as opposing the police to secure Utsumi.

Because his behavior was so pushy Utsumi's value was recognized. Even the degree of convenience for continuing hiding one person was plotted before.

For Utsumi and, for at least one more person.

"Wait........just wait a second......"

Driven by a sense of urgency she couldn't even explain to herself, Ayano held back Kirika's words.

She understood the reason. She agreed to the effectiveness of the method. But -

"Certainly, Kazuma is a scoundrel, he doesn't choose the methods for his goal and he can declare he doesn't care about other people's problems without bating an eyelid..........."

He's arrogant, he's self-centered, he's violent and lazy - he has so many defects one day is insufficient to count them all but, but even so -

"He, he wouldn't do such a thing......that's, that's unconditionally not the way he does things! "

"Yeah"

Without showing any particular reaction to the passionate defense, Kirika nodded blandly.

"Certainly until now - or rather, the Kazuma after he returned to Japan, I don't thing he's do such a thing. But, right now Kazuma went back to the way he was before he carried out his revenge. Be careful, it's possible he may kill even you if you were to get in his way. Think of him like a fundamentally different person and deal with it without showing weakness. "

".......was he so dangerous in the past? "

Ayano asked timidly and although Kirika was remembering the past, she drew back with a rather cold expression.

"........extremely so"

It was something that happened a little over two years ago.

She had an unofficial offer for becoming the Chief of the Special Information Storage Room, she had already become a police bureaucrat by taking the government official exam so she left for London for training.

That place is the center of modern days occultism. Their countermeasures for Spirit crimes are perfect compared with Japan's.

In one of those days where she continued to learn the practical know-how endorsed by history and actual results, during a certain incident, Kirika met him.

His body clad in frozen wind, the Fujutsushi similar to the god of death.

At first she thought he was the criminal. That's how strong the aura of <<Death>> released from his body was.

Although terrorized by that overwhelming power, Kirika chased after him determined and before she knew they reached to a common front -

"After all, that incident was resolved because of Kazuma but I didn't feel the least bit grateful."

While shaking her head irresponsibly, Kirika spoke.

"Before feeling glad the incident was resolved, I was first and foremost happy I'll never have to see him again. Frankly, I never wanted to see him again. "

But even so, unable to forget about him, she continued collecting information about him by all possible means. And then, approximately one year after, the almost fantastic gossip that <<The Contractor killed Erwin Salazar, the leader of ''Almagest''>> reached her ears but that was a story that didn't matter now.

"Huh, so it was like that........"

Ayano unintentionally agreed with the excessively severe criticism but reminded of the time she met Kirika for the first time, her expression became grim.

"Compared to that, you were on pretty good terms in Japan, huh? "

The appearance of two people coming out of the love hotel district with their arms linked wasn't a supporting attitude for ''"I don't want to be together with him"'' or ''"I don't want to meet him again"''.

Returning a bitter smile to Ayano's glare, Kirika lightly shrugged her shoulders.

"It doesn't mean I'm the one who approached him, you know? Kazuma was the one to call out to me. You also know how he behaves."

As far as Kirika is concerned, that was a meeting that should be called world-shaking.

The man she thought she never wanted to meet again, the man so ominously gloom he seemed the embodiment of death, talked to her with a frivolous smile, saying ''"Yo - it's been a while"''.

"I thought what on earth happened? To make someone change that much. All that day long I couldn't calm down thinking something must have bewitched me. "

" - Well, that may have been true"

Ayano agreed ambiguously.

Kazuma's image described by Kirika is that of a completely different person from the one she knows.

She really has no idea just what must one experience to change that much.

"Did something happen......? "

"I don't know that"

Kirika replied coldly, thinking about Kazuma's past.

"Maybe he felt exhausted after carrying out his revenge or something else happened after that? Rather than waisting time asking the person itself would be better. What's important right now - "

Her facial expression stiffening again, Ayano continued.

" - is that Kazuma returned to how he was before. "

"Yes. Be careful. For the sake of killing Bernhard Kazuma won't care what methods he employs. If for the sake of finding Pandemonium razing Shinjuku to the ground is necessary he'll do it without a second thought. No matter how many thousands or tens of thousands must die for that purpose."

"..............."

"To put it bluntly, right now Kazuma is more dangerous than Bernhardt. If we won't somehow stop him......"

"..............."

" - Ayano-chan? "

Kirika stared puzzled to Ayano's continuous silence. Noticing that gaze, Ayano raised her head and showed a feeble smile.

"Aah, that's right.......If we won't somehow stop him, right.......?"

Unbecoming for her, her voice had no aspiration. But it wasn't just because the unreasonable demand of stopping Kazuma was pushed onto her.

"Is there a problem? "

"Aa, yeah.....not really a problem but.........", murmured Ayano in a frail manner.

"I just thought how much did Kazuma loved that Tsoi Rin girl........"

Enough to throw away everything without regret, for the sake of just one girl. Enough to forsake it all, be it morals or righteousness without looking back -

"That's right. To make matters worse he's glorying her because of her unnatural death. I will be very hard to change his mind, Ayano-chan. "

"N- no, that's wrong, I don't really - "

"Look here, this is an earnest conversation. "

Controlling Ayano who shouted taking the joke seriously, Kirika informed her with a serious face.

"I'll be troubled if Ayano-chan doesn't want to win against Tsoi Rin. "

"Wh- why? "

Overpowered by Kirika pressing closer, Ayano's upper body was bent backwards.

"Right now Kazuma is captured by his past. No, he continued being so until today. He just concealed it inside his heart. "

".......so? "

"Because of the shock of having his emotional scars hidden even from himself exposed, Kazuma lost sight of himself. For the sake of returning his sanity, it's of utmost importance that a more valuable <<Present>> than the <<Past>> Tsoi Rin must be thrust before his eyes. The only one who can do it is you. "

"M- Me!? "

Kirika nodded as if it was was a matter of course at the horrified Ayano.

"Yes, you. Who else is there? "

"W- well......aah, hey, how about Ren of Father - "

"Those two may have some effect but both Ren and the Suzerain were also important to the past Kazuma, right? On that point, Ayano-chan is only important for Kazuma right now"

"Am I......important? "

"Stop sleep-talking already"

Sinking Ayano's question, red in the face, without hesitation, Kirika tried to encourage her in a cheering voice.

"Do your best!"

"........what is going on...", murmured Ayano in a hollow voice.

At the time Tokyo Government Office collapsed, for the sake of protecting Lapis - Tsoi Rin, Kazuma turned his blade to Ayano.

It seems that was an unconscious attack but that's exactly why it was act of his true feelings, without affectation.

For the sake of protecting ''the'' most important person, Kazuma fired that wind blade. In other words, that was the conclusion right there.

''"What are you trying to tell me to do? "''

She returned a gaze seeking for help but -

"I have expectations from you"

- but Kirika irresponsibly cheered on her.

"You're the one qualified to stop that man as you're from the same family, right? "

Izumi pushed the responsibility onto her as if it were natural. There was no escape.

"Aah, well......"

For the time being, Ayano tried to change the subject. It didn't seem likely the feat of regaining her footing with Kazuma was possible but for the sake of attempting to experiment with such grand ideas, she must find first Kazuma's whereabouts.

First of all, she tried asking about that. The answer was quick.

"I don't know where he's located but I pretty much understand what he's doing. First of all, he's been systematically hunting <<Second Class>> <<Seeds>>. "

" - seeds? "

Hearing that word for the first time, Ayano tilted her head to the side.

"Aah, it's the name given to the people with abilities from Pandemonium. That's the latest fashion. Regarding themselves as some sort of seeds, after repeating a <<Second Class>> and a <<Third Class>> class change, they'll sooner or later wake up a great existence, apparently that's the meaning. There's also the next race of people. "

"Is this something they made for themselves? "

"It seems that's what they're thinking."

"Are they wrong? "

As Ayano's questions piled up, Kirika shook her head slightly.

"We have no positive proof. But it seems the name was spread in just one night. "

"Then, did Pandemonium name them? "

"Probably. If that's true, the word seed must have some meaning. But the kids only think of themselves like <<Seed>>. "

"Actually, a seedbed is necessary to grow a seed. "

As Ayano continued, Kirika replied with a nod.

"What they're eagerly waiting for, it the time the seed will hatch out - that it, they'll have had enough nourishment, the time for destroying and loosing everything"

"Waah, that's dark stuff......"

That name full of ill-will made Ayano frown. She continued full of pity.

"On top of that, Kazuma's aiming at them - misfortune never comes singly."

So, Kazuma was excitingly running wild in the midst of it all. While imagining such ill-omened thing, Ayano timidly asked.

"Is he perhaps killing all of them? "

Kirika slowly shook her head. But, it was to early for relief.

"They're alive. Or to be exact, I should say they're not dead. "

"........Is it that bad? "

"They don't have that degree of physical damage. If they could rehabilitate, they should be able to return to their everyday lives. The problem is their mind.

"Have they been broken because of too much fear? "

"yes"

With a serious look Kirika agreed to the question that was supposed to be a joke. For a short while, Ayano petrified with her frozen smile in place.

"What? "

"It seems Kazuma tried to infer Pandemonium's location directly from the memories of those people. And extracted first hand information directly from their brains using a strange esoteric tool. "

"Directly from their brains, you say? "

"Directly in the literal sense. By thrusting his fingers inside the brain and stirring it up, it seems he somehow collects memories this way. "

"Weeh........"

Inadvertently imagining that spectacle, Ayano turned pale. But at the same time, she remembered a small problem hearing those words.

"Don't humans die after someone stuck fingers in their brains? "

"Well, depends on the place. "

In the world there are very strong people who walked into hospitals with steel frames running through their heads. The brain is the most vital organ but it doesn't mean that once it's damaged it results in certain death.

"Besides, in this situation there's no physical damage to the brain. There's no hole in the head. But, it seems the pain is very unusual. Everyone lost their sanity. "

".......will they heal? "

"''Only god knows'', right? "

"..............................Kazuma.........................."

Never before so bitter and so heavy, Ayano naturally called out the name of the man she called her partner.

The more she heard about him, the behavior of that man was totally different from the Kazuma she knew.

Honestly, she doesn't believe it - no, she doesn't want to believe it.

"Is that really Kazuma? "

"There are quite a few eye witnesses. The unidentified <<Wind User>> is quite the talk among the <<Seeds>>"

"I see........hmm? Wait, but..........? "

"What? "

"When you said he's thoroughly hunting them down, does that mean only those who class chaged at the new Pandemonium? "

"No"

Immediately and with clarity, Kirika denied.

"Wouldn't that be pointless? "

For example, even if the <<Seeds>> have some sort of information, if it's about the old Pandemonium, it's worthless. Because that one already became extinct.

"What is he thinking? "

"We won't know exactly unless asking the person itself but will you listen to my reasoning? "

Ayano urged for the continuation with a small nod.

And then, Kirika started talking.

"He's playing with Pandemonium - with Bernhardt. "

"He's playing? "

"Yeah. I cannot imagine the basis for his self-confidence and composure but Bernhardt is playing with the angered Kazuma even now. Right now Pandemonium doesn't make an appearance but it's not hiding itself. It's waiting to be discovered. "

An RPG character collects hints via quests, in order to discover the Devil King's castle -

"Kazuma understands this. That's why he's surely thinking ''Pandemonium can't possibly conceal itself perfectly. If I were to collect information and solve the mystery, I can establish its specific location'' or something. "

At those last words, Ayano's shoulders dropped suddenly.

"''or something'', huh? "

"Isn't it reasonable? I have no proof. ", retorted Kirika calmly.

"But, let's assume this explanation for the time being. At least, if that Kazuma lost himself in anger, I don't think he would notice something like that. "

"..........that may be, huh? "

"So, since it's like that, I'm counting on you♥ "

"........."

Ayano glared Kirika with half opened eyes, pushing an unthinkable burden onto her with a smiling face. Suddenly shifting her gaze Izumi's figure came into focus, similar to the boss next to her.

With all due respect, since she was probably easily manipulated by Kirika and won't find a drop of sympathy in her, deeply, deeply, Ayano breathed a sigh.

"What are you trying to tell me to do? "

Of course, there was no reply.

=== Part 4 ===

<noinclude>

{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
| Back to [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume5_Chapter 2|Chapter 2]]
| Return to [[Kaze_no_Stigma|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume5_Chapter_4|Chapter 4]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

User talk:Avenaei

2013-07-18T13:30:11Z

Avenaei: Created page with "Can't translate only thing I can do is edit. Thanks for putting up with me."

Can't translate only thing I can do is edit. Thanks for putting up with me.