Baka-Tsuki - User contributions [en]

Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 4 Chapter 1

2015-05-22T11:24:24Z

Edwinclement08: /* Chapter 1 - The Dragonslaying Princess */

==Chapter 1 - The Dragonslaying Princess==

===Part 1===

"Nii-san, hurry. We are going to be late."

While running along the path from dormitory to the school, my younger sister Mitsuki urged me. With every step, Mitsuki's long black hair would flutter lightly.

"There's still time. Even if we just walk briskly, we'll still make the first bell."

Holding my school bag which contained a laptop-style portable terminal, I answered in a carefree tone of voice.

"As the student body president, how could I serve as the role model for others students if I arrive at school in the nick of time? No matter how late, I must pass through the school gates five minutes early. Otherwise, it is no different from being late."

"In that case, Mitsuki, you'd better run first. I'm still digesting breakfast, so let me walk at my own pace."

Due to oversleeping, I had just finished breakfast in a hurry. Holding my stomach, I replied.

"Unacceptable! Because I am in charge of supervising you, Nii-san, it is my responsibility if you are late, that is why we must run together."

Mitsuki finished then held my hand matter-of-factly.

"H-Hey."

"We are almost there, Nii-san. Hang in there a little longer."

Holding my hand, Mitsuki quickened her pace.

The sensation of slender fingers, a size smaller than mine, made it hard for my emotions to remain calm.

After the Basilisk battle, only a couple days had passed since the transport ship took us back to Midgard.

Having learned that Mitsuki was not my blood-related sister and listened to her confession of her feelings—I could no longer not notice her.

After Mitsuki declared she would not give up on me, she started to act more proactively, no... More accurately, she had decreased the amount of unnecessary reservations.

Currently, Mitsuki looked very natural. As Midgard's student body president, as my family, she used to adhere rigidly to standards. That kind of life must have been stifling for Mitsuki.

Mitsuki now looked full of vitality. At her urging, I quickened my pace.

Arriving at the intersection between the road to school and the girls dormitories, Mitsuki instantly let go of my hand and switched to a moderate pace. She probably thought that it would be unseemly for the student body president to be rushing through the school gates in a hurry.
[[image:UnlimitedFafnir v04 019.jpg|thumb]]

But having run all the way up to this point, there was plenty of time to spare now. On the towering clock tower which could be seen from anywhere on the island, the minute hand indicated that there were still fifteen minutes until class.

—The clock tower was already restored to normal. Its broken and tilted state earlier seemed like it had never happened.

Recalling how the top portion had been destroyed and the clock tower was in a state of ruin earlier, I could not help but feel impressed inside.

Roughly a month ago, Midgard had suffered severe damage from Kili and Hekatonkheir but while we were away to put down Basilisk, the clock tower had been repaired for the most part.

Precisely because Midgard was the castle of the Ds who fought dragons, they had finished construction as quickly as they could.

Both Mitsuki's room, originally damaged by Kili's blast, and the gym's roof, which had been wrecked by falling debris, were likewise repaired.

The only lingering signs of destruction were probably the trees trampled by Hekatonkheir.

We swiped our ID cards and passed through the school gates to head to our classroom—Brynhildr Class.

Along the way, after we entered the school building, I immediately heard someone call my name from behind.

"Yuu—"

I spun around and looked back to see a young girl with tiny horns on her head. Tia Lightning. Her light-colored hair swaying while she ran towards me, the strands of her hair looked pink under the light in a kind of optical illusion.

"Good morning!"

Tia used the momentum from running to jump and hang onto my neck.

"Oh—G-Good morning, Tia."

I caught her light body and greeted her.

"Ehehe, so happy to see Yuu today again."

Tia smiled and clung tightly to my body.

"Tia-san, please do not make excessive displays of intimacy in public."

Mitsuki put on her student body president face to correct Tia, but Tia pouted unhappily.

"Not excessive, this is within normal for Tia."

"In community life, you need to respect common standards more than personal values. Judged according to that, Tia-san, your actions are excessive."

"Hmph... Mitsuki is too strict."

Tia reluctantly let go of me and stared pitifully at me.

"Yuu, if just a little bit, did your heart flutter because of Tia?"

"Huh? Suddenly getting hugged... Of course a little."

Hearing my describe my feelings honestly, Tia happily closed her eyes partially.

"Great, Tia will continue to make Yuu's heart flutter, then Yuu will love Tia the most!"

"Urgh—"

Confronted with her pure and sincere feelings, I could not help but panic.

Ever since returning to Midgard, Tia had been acting this way. Compared to the previous phase when she pleaded like a child for us to get married, she was now courting me as a girl, making it even harder for me to know how to react.

"Nii-san, what are you losing composure for? Okay, let us get to class."

Mitsuki finished with slight displeasure in her tone, then grabbed my hand and dragged me off.

"Ah! So unfair that only Mitsuki gets to hold hands. So that's not excessive?"

"...Because Nii-san and I are family. This level of contact is very normal."

Mitsuki guiltily shifted her gaze away and answered.

"Then Tia will hold hands with Yuu too! Lisa said that comrades in the same class are no different from family."

"Compared to that, the kind of family I am referring to is... Fine, I suppose the two meanings are not entirely dissimilar."

Mitsuki replied ambiguously.

Thinking back now, I had spotted Mitsuki making similar expressions many times before. So actually, Mitsuki had always been conscious that we were not siblings by blood, it was just that I never noticed.

In the end, Mitsuki and Tia held my left and right hands respectively. The three of us made our way to the classroom.

"By the way, Tia, you came to school alone? What happened to Lisa?"

In the beginning when she first transferred here, Tia refused to leave my side, but now that she had opened her heart to her classmates, she was rooming with Lisa Highwalker.

I looked back along the corridor but could not see any signs of Lisa.

"Lisa says she has to talk to Firill, so Tia came to school alone today."

"Talk to Firill? Did something happen?"

What could have happened that required her to ask Tia to go to school first? Feeling curious, I asked.

"Dunno... But Firill seemed a bit strange."

"Strange?"

"She seems distracted... Oh, and she didn't bring a book today."

"That really is quite strange..."

I frowned and nodded.

As a bibliophile, Firill always had a book in her hand. Something definitely seemed wrong... But right now, there was no way to confirm why.

All I could do was wait quietly for Firill to get to school.

Right before entering the classroom, Mitsuki released my hand and opened the door. Three students were already inside.

"Hi, good morning."

Greeting us in a casual tone was the tomboyish girl—Ariella Lu.

"...Mm."

Then greeting us with just a wave of her hand was the redhead, Ren Miyazawa.

"Good morning."

"Morning!"

Mitsuki and Tia greeted while entering the classroom.

"Good morning, Ariella and Ren."

I greeted the two girls then turned my gaze to the remaining girl in the classroom.

"G-Good morning..."

Stammering her greeting was... Iris Freyja.

"Good morning, Iris."

I smiled and replied, but Iris shifted her gaze away from my face after giving Mitsuki a glance.

Even after I sat down next to her, Iris continued to stare out the window. Previously, Iris would always start talking to me frequently on her own, so this felt quite uncomfortable to me.

"...Nii-san, did you get into a fight with Iris-san?"

Seeing us like that, Mitsuki asked me.

"No, that's not it..."

Actually, Iris and I had grown even more intimate after I confessed my memory loss.

However, in direct contrast to Mitsuki who had started behaving more proactively, Iris no longer initiated intimacy with me like when fighting with Tia for my attention, especially when in front of Mitsuki.

She was probably worried about Mitsuki's feelings.

I think that after she heard my confession, having declared she would retrieve my memories, this was the only thing she could do.

Because of the path she had chosen, perhaps in the end, she must give up on "the current me."

Seeing Iris push herself like that, I felt very useless but I did not know what to do. But there was one thing I could be certain. Something seemed to be off about the current situation.

While I was thinking about the correct thing to do, the bell rang for class. Just before the ringing stopped, only then did Lisa and Firill enter the classroom.

Just as Tia said, Firill was not carrying a book in her hand. She looked very preoccupied with her thoughts.

"It will be fine, Firill-san. I shall help you find a solution."

"Lisa... But—"

"Speak no more. Leave it to me."

There was a heavy atmosphere hanging around Lisa and Firill while they talked and took their seats. Then because Shinomiya-sensei, our homeroom teacher, entered immediately, I did not get a chance to talk to them. Sitting in the center of the last row in this 3x3 arrangement of desks and chairs, I could only look at the backs of the the girls who sat on the left and right ends of the front row.

"Now let's begin with the register."

Including me, Brynhildr Class only had eight students. Although one could tell at a glance who was missing in this small class, Shinomiya-sensei still opened the register and took roll call one by one.

"Lisa Highwalker."

First to be called was Student No. 1, Lisa.

"..."

However, Lisa did not respond straight away. She was staring silently at Firill.

On the other hand, Firill was taking on Lisa's gaze with a lost and hesitant look on her face.

"Lisa Highwalker, are you listening?"

Shinomiya-sensei called her name again. Immediately, Lisa's expression looked like she had made some kind of decision. Turning her gaze away from Firill, she pushed her chair back and stood up.

"Shinomiya-sensei, I have a request for you."

"...You do know that this is homeroom time, right? Save it for later."

"I am terribly sorry but because the matter is of utmost urgency, it cannot be saved for later. Sensei, may I ask that you grant Firill-san permission to exit Midgard as soon as possible?"

Lisa asked Shinomiya-sensei solemnly.

—permission to exit Midgard?

Although I did not know why, this was truly an unreasonable request made all of a sudden. Midgard was both the self-governed organization of Ds—users of dark matter creation—but also an isolation facility at the same time.

Midgard existed both to isolate Ds from all sorts of malevolence as well as to protect ordinary people from getting harmed by Ds.

"What are you suddenly talking about...? You should know that prior to reaching the age of twenty, when powers naturally vanish, Ds are essentially forbidden from leaving Midgard."

Shinomiya-sensei brought up Midgard's rule. Indeed, once arriving in Midgard, Ds must live in this school until they reached adulthood. This decision was chosen to keep friction between them and ordinary people to a minimum, to avoid conflict with the world.

"Of course I know that, but could you make an exception?"

"Do not ask for the impossible. Besides, why on earth—Oh, I see now... Because ''he'' passed away."

Shinomiya-sensei turned her gaze to Firill and spoke.

"Yes, that is why I would like Firill-san to attend the funeral."

It looked like someone related to Firill had passed away. No wonder she was acting differently from normal, but—

"I understand how you feel... But I cannot allow her to enjoy special treatment as a lone exception."

Shinomiya-sensei's answer was just as I expected. There must be quite a few people who had encountered the same situation so far, but Midgard's rules were not lax enough to allow them to make brief outings for such reasons.

Lisa should understand this very clearly, but still, she refused to give up.

"Shinomiya-sensei, that statement is already wrong on many assumptions. Firill-san is a special case. The Principality of Erlia has made huge contributions to Midgard acquiring the right to autonomy. Even now, they are still major sponsors of Midgard. All things considered, she is their—"

"No matter what position she held outside of Midgard, she is only an ordinary student here. Your line of reasoning does not work."

Shinomiya-sensei interrupted Lisa and told her clearly.

"But—"

"...Lisa, forget it. Thank you... That's enough."

Lisa was about to argue back when Firill stopped her.

"Firill-san..."

"Rules must be followed after all. Sorry, Sensei, I made a willful request."

Firill bowed her head and apologized to Shinomiya-sensei.

"No, wanting to attend a family funeral is a most natural request. I'm the one who feels sorry I cannot agree to your request."

Shinomiya-sensei apologized to Firill while Lisa sat down reluctantly.

Hence, homeroom began under a slightly grave atmosphere. Lisa and Firill had evidently given up on arguing, but there was still one thing I did not understand.

Right now, it was hard for me to speak to Iris, so I asked Mitsuki quietly:

"Mitsuki, what did she mean by Firill being a special case?"

"...Nii-san, do not tell me you still have no idea? Surely you must have heard the name of the Principality of Erlia mentioned in class?"

Mitsuki looked at me with an expression of surprise and lamentation.

"Huh? Oh, of course I know the Principality of Erlia... I remember it's the country that lobbied strongly for the restoration of the Ds' human rights, which led to Midgard's independence, right?"

This name was mentioned frequently in the Ds' modern history class. The Principality of Erlia was a small landlocked country in western Europe. Through the export of scarce resources, they had reportedly achieved astounding economic growth in recent years.

Apparently only Japan, where the birthrate of Ds was the highest, and the Principality of Erlia were the two sponsors of Midgard that far outstripped all other countries.

"Although the Principality of Erlia is a democracy, the royal family has been retained as national symbol. And the one who led the movement pushing for the restoration of the Ds' human rights was the current king. So, what is his name, may I ask?"

Mitsuki tilted her head slightly with a mischievous look and posed that question to me.

"N-Name? Well, I've forgotten."

"Seriously... How I worry for your next exam if you cannot even remember this. The correct answer is Albert Crest, but unfortunately—He passed away several days ago."

"Crest? I remember that's..."

I had some recollection of this family name. I looked at Firill sitting in the front row.

Following my gaze, Mitsuki nodded affirmatively.

"Yes, she—Firill-san—is the granddaughter of the late King Albert. She is veritably a true princess."

===Part 2===

—A princess... huh.

During the lunch break, we members of Brynhildr Class went to the cafeteria together. Walking alongside Lisa in front, Firill was still empty-handed. She probably was in no mood for reading still.

The depressed Firill exuded a dreamy impression, making her seem harder to approach than usual. Looking at her now, I could feel an air of nobility in her posture and gait.

—After her grandfather passed away, if her father succeeded to the throne, that would make Firill the king’s daughter.

Princess, the king’s daughter—positions that only appeared in fiction were now presented before my eyes.

It was a strange feeling, lacking in a sense of reality.

"...You've been staring at me for a while now, why?"

She seemed to have noticed me staring at her. Firill slowed down and walked side by side with me.

"Huh? F-Forgive this unworthy peasant."

"Why are you suddenly speaking so deferentially?"

"Oh—I just learned that you're a princess, Firill, so I subconsciously..."

I smiled wryly and replied.

"I see, so you're staring at me because you find princesses very exotic."

Firill asked somewhat sharply.

"Well, I can't deny feeling a bit of that—But what worries me more is that you don't have a book in your hand. That proves that you're really sad, right?"

"Oh..."

Firill stared at her own hands in surprise.

"You only noticed now?"

"...Yes."

Firill nodded gloomily and answered. Now it looked really serious.

"Your grandfather—passed away, right?"

"......Yes, he died, before I could repay him at all."

Firill nodded and murmured quietly.

"Repay?"

Apart from sorrow, her expression conveyed heavy regret as well.

"Grandfather took great pains on my behalf. When he found out I was a D, he said 'How could I allow my granddaughter to be locked away in a some kind of detention facility!?' and threw out the Asgard staff."

"What an amazing grandfather."

Asgard was the international organization commanding Midgard and NIFL. Its express purpose was to oppose dragons. Rejecting Agard's demands was equivalent to opposing the world.

"However, the rules could not be ignored completely... Hence, after that, Grandfather changed his approach and worked towards making Midgard an appropriate home for me. Hence, he got the entire world involved and started a movement to restore the Ds' human rights... Despite his poor health at the time."

"So, it's all thanks to your grandfather's painstaking efforts that we have the current Midgard..."

Through the export of resources, the Principality of Erlia was very well off financially. Over the years, the Principality had also provided great amounts of financial aid to the various European nations plagued by dragon disasters and economic recessions. Perhaps due to such interactions, the Principality was able to exert widespread influence.

"Right... But I have yet to repaid him at all. At least at the end—I really wish I could have said 'thank you' to Grandfather."

She wanted to say "thank you" rather than "goodbye."

I could feel intense feelings of gratitude in those words of "thank you."

If possible, I wanted to take her to the funeral, to allow her to say those words directly. But I had neither that sort of authority nor that kind of power.

"—Don't worry."

Originally listening to our conversation on the side, Ariella suddenly joined in and asserted in a strong tone of voice.

"Ariella?"

Hearing me call her name, she smiled cheerfully and said:

"No matter where you are, Firill, your thoughts will definitely reach your grandfather's soul."

"...Do souls really exist?"

Firill murmured with a complicated look on her face. She was admittedly happy about Ariella's well wishes, but it was probably impossible for her to accept that notion readily.

"Yes, because I've see them myself."

However, Ariella confirmed without hesitation.

With no idea whether she was serious or not, Firill and I could only stare at each other with troubled looks on our faces.

As soon as we entered the cafeteria, I quickly noticed the unusual mood.

"Did something happen...?"

Mitsuki seemed to notice the same sense of dissonance and looked around.

The air was tense in the cafeteria and abnormally quiet.

"There's a lot of people gathered in the lounge."

Iris pointed at the lounge where a large television was installed.

A memory of watching a Basilisk news report in the lounge flashed across my mind. Did a dragon make a move again?

"Although it doesn't feel like anything good... Let us head over to have a look."

Lisa led the way while we followed.

As soon as we neared the crowd gathered around the lounge, I heard voices from the television.

'—What are your views on the incident?'

'Well... Fundamentally, it's certain that the situation resulted from NIFL doing things by force.'

Judging from the fact that NIFL was mentioned, this did not seem to be a topic irrelevant to us.

I tiptoed slightly to get the television into view. Since all the people in Midgard were girls, my view was not blocked in situations like these.

I could see the newscaster and commentators on the screen, discussion a certain topic.

"Yuu, Tia can't see, please let Tia ride on your shoulders!"

Tia tried to climb on my body from behind. Wrapping her arms around my neck, she choked me.

"C-Can't breathe. I got it, let go first."

To make it easier for Tia to get on my shoulders, I knelt down.

"Thanks!"

Tia thanked me and sat down on my shoulders, clamping my head between her thighs, hugging my head tightly. As for the sensation of fabric against my neck...

"...Eh?"

Discovering the absence of something that should be present, I could not help but exclaim in surprise.

"Yuu?"

Sitting on my shoulders, Tia peered at my face from above with an incredulous expression.

"Tia, I'd like to ask you a question..."

"What is it?"

"Don't tell me... you forgot to wear underwear?"

I asked Tia in trepidation.

"Muu, Yuu, you're so rude. Tia is not the kind of little kid who forgets to wear underwear, because Tia is already a mature lady."

"T-That's true... Sorry for asking you a weird question."

Although there was classmate who really would come to school occasionally without remembering to put on panties despite being the same age, normally speaking, that was impossible. She was an exception in many ways.

"Oh, but Tia's are different today."

Tia seemed to recall something and leaned in closer to whisper in my ear.

"...What's different?"

Seeing Tia wary of getting overheard by Lisa, I whispered back as well.

"Lisa was speaking with Firill the whole time today... and did not prepare a change of clothes for Tia. So Tia went to look for panties alone, but couldn't find any... So Tia borrowed Lisa's to wear."

"What... B-But the size won't match, right?"

"Yeah, so Tia chose the type that's string-tied. It won't fall off if tied tightly."

"S-String!"

I raised my voice involuntarily.

"Wearing her panties without permission, it's bad, right?"

"N-No... It can't be helped in this case, I don't think Lisa will be mad."

Seeing Tia quite worried, I reassured her.

"...Thank goodness."

Tia breathed a sigh of relief but to me, this was a huge problem, because I had to carry Tia on my shoulders but she was wearing the type of underwear that others could mistaken for not wearing any.

—Stop thinking nonsense. I must keep my mind clear, keep my mind clear...

I warned myself not to let my thoughts stray while standing up and holding Tia's legs.

"Wow, so high up!"

Tia cheered but ignoring the sensations around my neck was already taking my full effort.

Just as I finally turned my attention and gaze to the television with much difficulty, the commentators' discussion came to a close.

'Then let us return to the situation at the press conference.'

It looked like they were going to play a news video clip. While talking to Tia just now, I had heard almost nothing of the discussion, but now, I could get a grasp on the situation.

Immediately, the screen switched to show a girl.

"Eh—"

Tia's hoarse voice entered my ears. I gasped in surprise too. The worries about underwear earlier were instantly evicted from my mind.

'I sincerely thank this country for accepting me despite this time of mourning for them.'
[[image:UnlimitedFafnir v04 039.jpg|thumb]]

Shown on the television was a girl with long black hair and a prim and proper face. Her intelligent eyes were looking into the camera. I knew clearly who she was.

"Kili..."

Tia called her name in a trembling voice.

Indeed, she was Kili Surtr Muspelheim, the leader of the dragon worshiping cult, the Sons of Muspell. Deemed a disaster, she was also a D that NIFL had targeted for priority elimination.

Roughly a month ago, Kili had disguised herself, taking on the identity Tachikawa Honoka to infiltrate Midgard, intending to take Tia away.

Kili had disappeared without trace after that, so why did she openly make an appearance on television?

The fact that a D was the leader of a terrorist organization was not disclosed to the public, because such news would discredit all Ds if it spread throughout the world.

Hence, the news probably was not reporting on her as a criminal. Then what kind of position exactly was she standing before the cameras of the media?

'I—Kili—am a creator of dark matter. In other words, what everyone calls a D. My position would normally require me to head to the autonomous educational institute of the Ds, Midgard, but due to certain reasons right now, I cannot go to Midgard.'

After listening to Kili's statement, a reporter asked: 'By certain reasons, you mean...?'

Judging from the press conference, Kili was speaking as a D whose powers had awakened, rather than as a terrorist.

'Because NIFL might very well interfere during the process of transportation to Midgard. Until the very end, this NIFL organization opposed Midgard's independence. Even now, when the Ds' human rights have been restored, NIFL still regards us as monsters. I really cannot trust them. Rumor has it—They secretly filter the Ds sent to Midgard... Has anyone heard of this rumor?'

Gathered around Kili, the reporters clamored while cameras flashed nonstop.

'Of course, I don't know if it's true or not. But ever since I started investigating the veracity of this rumor, I've heard several times about the disappearance of Ds. I wouldn't hand myself over to that kind of organization for even a second.'

Gathered around the television, Midgard's students were whispering among themselves.

I heard someone say stuff like "I knew it..."

'But protected by the secure defenses of Midgardsormr, Midgard is in a state of isolation from the outside world without any direct way of reaching them. As a commoner, even trying to contact them is impossible. Hence, I can only rely on this country.'

Kili spoke gravely to the camera:

'Considering the Principality of Erlia that had rejected Asgard and NIFL's demands in the past, concealing their princess who had awakened as a D—I believe they will guarantee my safety if I make such a suggestion.'

"Principality of Erlia...?"

Hearing that name, I looked for Firill who should be nearby. She was completely still, staring intently at the image on the television.

'I hope to be transported directly from the Principality of Erlia to Midgard without going through Asgard or NIFL. If Ds come directly to pick me up, I will be able to hand myself over to them without worry. I hereby request—Please save me.'

Kili bowed deeply with her head down. Then the camera switched scenes.

Inside the recording studio, the commentators began another round of discussion. However, I almost did not register any of their opinions.

"What on earth is going on?"

Kili's goal was completely incomprehensible. For a long time now, Kili had persisted in evading NIFL's pursuit. If it was her, there was no need to seek any side's protection, right? Even if she had some goal requiring her to infiltrate Midgard again, doing it this way would attract way too much attention.

Considering her ability to perform biogenic transmutation, turning herself into a totally different person would be a more practical method.

"Apart from us, no one seems to notice she is Honoka-san..."

Lisa whispered after observing the nearby students.

Indeed, everyone was fervently discussing whether what they just saw was real or not, or whether Midgard would tak e any action. None of them seemed to have realized her identity. Although it was common knowledge by now that Honoka was a terrorist who had infiltrated Midgard, her name being Kili was not disclosed to ordinary students.

When infiltrating as Tachikawa Honoka, she had glasses and was wearing her hair in braids. Despite looking the same, she gave off a completely different impression, which was probably why people failed to associate Honoka with Kili.

Disguised as Honoka, she was timid, quiet and gentle, but in the video, she was completely unafraid and quite outgoing in tone.

"What is she doing... in my country? I must hurry and inform Father and the others of her true identity—"

Firill spoke with anxiety.

"I understand how you feel, but please calm down a bit. If you act recklessly, it could endanger your parents."

Mitsuki placed her hand on Firill's shoulder and cautioned her.

"Kili's strength is enough to oppose NIFL's army. Based on this fact, this is the same as taking Firill's country itself hostage..."

I remarked with deep worry.

If the truth was revealed, forcing the Principality of Erlia to make Kili an enemy, she would probably eliminate all threats mercilessly.

"No way... What should I do...?"

"—It seems that we will be deciding what to do straight away."

Taking out her portable terminal, Mitsuki showed us the screen. Shinomiya-sensei was calling for her.

"Then I shall head over to the conference. Nii-san, everyone, please have lunch first."

Saying that, Mitsuki swiftly left the catering building.

"Yuu..."

Sitting on my shoulders, Tia hugged my head tightly.

Tia had been subjected to Kili's brainwashing education before. The pair of horns on her head were also given to her by Kili through biogenic transmutation. And her parents' murderer was also—

"Don't worry, although it's unknown what Kili's goal is... I don't think she wants to take you away like before, because we already defeated Basilisk."

"...Really?"

"Yeah. Even if you're her target, Tia, I'll still protect you, so don't worry."

I reached out and stroked Tia's head.

"Yeah... Then Tia is relieved."

Tia relaxed her body as though breathing a sigh of relief.

"..."

On the other hand, Firill showed a stiff expression on her face while staring at the next news report. With her grandfather's passing and her home country in danger, it was only natural for her to feel unsettled.

However, I could not offer comforting words irresponsibly without understanding the situation.

The problem was how Midgard would choose to react.

And the only student involved in that decision was Mitsuki as the student body president.

—Mitsuki, I'm counting on you.

Believing in my non-blood-related younger sister, I prayed that she could point out a better path.

Even after the bell rang for afternoon classes, Mitsuki still had not returned. Charlotte B. Lord showed up as the substitute teacher to cover Periods 5 and 6.

The principal's childish appearance meant that she did not look out of place standing among the students. She looked especially happy to be teaching. Although she did not look any older than us in appearance, rumor had it that she was already on this island since Midgard's inception, hence her age likely did not match her appearance.

"—When a D is targeted by a dragon and her dragon mark changes color, she will turn into the same type of dragon just by making contact with the dragon. All of you should know this already. But according to the latest research, a D's dragonification might be brought about by the dark matter generated from her own body."

It was supposed to be History class right now, but she was proudly talking about the latest D research while dressed in a loose-fitting lab coat. Every time she jumped to point out something projected on the blackboard, her blonde hair fluttered lightly behind her.

She mentioned she had a medical license when I received a health examination from her last time, so perhaps her main job was being a researcher.

"This hypothesis means that a D might be using her own dark matter to perform biogenic transmutation to take on a dragon's form. But here's the problem now. A human brain does not have sufficient specs to control and process biogenic transmutation—"

This was a very interesting topic, so I had no complaints.

However, I wondered: Was it really okay for Midgard's chief administrator to be spending time in this kind of place?

Essentially, I asked her in the beginning, doesn't the principal need to attend the meeting? But she said "since Haruaka is Midgard's commander, that's her job. I'm just the principal."

"Any deficit must be made up somewhere. Most likely during a D's dragonification, a powerful link is formed with the dragon's brain, thereby conferring massive processing power. There is also evidence that a D can feel the dragon's consciousness when her dragon mark changes color. Such testimonies also lend support to this hypothesis."
[[image:UnlimitedFafnir v04 047.jpg|thumb]]

Saying that, the principal turned her gaze to Iris and Tia. They had been targeted by dragons separately and had sensed the thoughts of dragons.

"Excuse me..."

Lisa raised her hand at this moment.

"Yes, what is it? Do you have a question?"

The principal asked Lisa in delight.

"Yes, although I find this hypothesis very compelling... It does raise the question, how is Kili Surtr Muspelheim able to use biogenic transmutation?"

Lisa's question was only natural, because we had witnessed with our own eyes how she used biogenic transmutation to heal her wounds instantly.

Lisa probably recalled that incident after seeing Kili just now.

"Well, there are two kinds of possibilities."

However, the principal raised two fingers and spoke.

"Two kinds?"

"Yes. One is that she is also using some method to supplement her processing power. The other is that she is not human to begin with."

"Not human...? Are you saying that she might not even be a D?"

Lisa exclaimed in surprise but the principal nodded with a nonchalant expression.

"Assuming that without external aid, she is capable of things that are beyond you Ds—That implies she is a different lifeform. She supposedly claimed to be a dragon and I would not be surprised even if that were true."

The principal remarked calmly.

Thinking logically, this was the natural conclusion. But for us, who had thought of Kili as simply a D the whole time, we were rendered instantly rendered speechless.

Inside the classroom where you could hear a pin drop, the bell rang to announce the end of the period.

"Oh, it's time. What a delightful lesson, with the gazes of beautiful maidens gathered upon me, time sure flies."

The principal spoke in a wistful tone of voice. That seemed to be the reason why she was in a good mood.

"—As much as I'd like to continue, that's it for today's lessons. Dismissed."

"Y-Yes. Please rise, everyone."

Since Mitsuki was not present, Lisa took on the role of issuing orders.

"Bow."

"Bye."

The principal started walking and was about to exit the classroom when she stopped before opening the door and looked back at me.

"Mononobe Yuu, come over here. I've got business with you."

"Okay, got it..."

I wondered what it was about while following the principal to the corridor.

"Show me your dragon mark."

Hearing that, I instantly understood the principal's intent.

"—There's nothing unusual."

I showed the back of my left hand where the dragon mark was located while I spoke.

The small wound that had appeared after Leviathan's defeat was now part of my dragon mark.

Since I had gained the ability to create antigravitational matter after the wound appeared, the principal was suspecting a causal relationship between the two.

"Hmm... That seems to be the case. Then has there been any changes in your powers? Are you able to perform new transmutations?"

Stroking my dragon mark with her fingertip, the principal asked.

"None so far..."

"I see. It'd be interesting if you became capable of emulating Basilisk. But since it hasn't been that long since the team defeated Basilisk, perhaps the change will occur later. Report to me instantly if you discover anything."

"Yes."

I nodded affirmatively and the principal instantly turned her gaze to the door of Brynhildr Class.

"Antimatter and mithril was obtained from Kraken while antigravitational matter was obtained from Leviathan. In each battle against the dragons, Ds would gain new powers after victory. This time should be no exception. Apart from you, there could be changes in the others, so you must pay extra attention."

"...Creating new matter unintentionally is very dangerous. I'll be careful."

A suddenly obtained power could go out of control or cause accidents. Hence, I must pay attention and not miss minute symptoms.

"Great, then finally—Could you crouch down slightly."

"Huh? Like this... Is that okay?"

I had no idea what the principal wanted but I still bent down and lowered my posture.

Immediately, the principal placed her hand on my head.

"Mononobe Yuu, you did excellent work. It's all thanks to your contributions that Basilisk could be taken out successfully without sacrificing a single person."

It felt quite embarrassing to have her tiny hand rubbing my head.

"P-Principal, what are you doing so suddenly—"

"Hmm? I'm praising you... You're unhappy with this level of praise?"

"No, I'm not unhappy at all..."

"Then accept it with gratitude. It's extremely rare for me to personally reward a man."

After ruffling my hair for a while, the principal smiled and left.

I returned to the classroom. In the middle of packing their belongings, my classmates all stared speechlessly.

"...Mononobe-kun, your hair is such a mess, fufu... It's so weird."

Having worn a gloomy expression all day, Firill chuckled.

Seeing her smile, I felt somewhat thankful for the principal's reward.

Perhaps getting stroked on the head was not a bad thing once in a while.

===Part 3===

Located some distance from the girls dormitories was a dorm belonging to Mitsuki alone. My accommodations consisted of a room in that building.

Normally, we would have our meals together in the dining hall at seven in the morning and the evening, but today, Mitsuki still had not returned when dinner time came.

Alone, I ate the meal prepared by the housework robots—the auto-maids—then returned to my own room.

After finishing my daily muscle training in my room, I took a shower and just as I was getting sleepy, I got received a message. My portable terminal showed an icon for incoming mail and rang.

'Please come to conference room number one on the first floor of the clock tower immediately.'

The sender was Mitsuki. The email only contained the brief instructions above.

—Head over to school at this hour?

This was surely about handling Kili, right? But why ask me to come over?

Despite not knowing the reason, I still followed instructions and made my way to school.

Although everything was shrouded under the canopy of the night sky, the stars were bright and it was not difficult to find my way.

The school's clock tower, visible from everywhere on the island, was still brightly lit.

I used my portable terminal for identification to get past the gates, then entered the silent campus. Since the usual entrance to the clock tower from the corridor was closed, I entered through the back door

"Conference room number one... That's here, right?"

I looked at the room signs and walked. After finding my destination, I opened the door.

"—You arrived at last. How slow, Mononobe Yuu."

I felt troubled to be suddenly greeted by Lisa's glare, only to see that all of Brynhildr Class had already gathered.

"Nii-san, hurry and take a seat."

Standing in front of the whiteboard, Mitsuki urged me to sit down. Next to her was Shinomiya-sensei while the others were already seated.

"Yuu! Over here!"

Hearing Tia called me, I took the seat next to her.

"Tia, all of you were called here?"

"Yes, we've been waiting for Yuu the whole time."

Since Mitsuki's dorm was farther away than the girls dorms, it looked like everyone ended up waiting for just me.

I looked around the room and met gazes with Iris, who was sitting diagonally in front of me on the right.

"Good evening, Mononobe."

"O-Oh... Good evening."

Iris greeted me shyly in a quiet voice and I replied nervously.

Lisa and Firill were sitting in the front row. Ren was sprawled on the table napping while Ariella shook her shoulder.

"—Looks like everyone is here. Then I will start the announcements. Ren Miyazawa, time to wake up."

Shinomiya-sensei took a step forward whereas Mitsuki retreated to the side.

"Mm..."

Ren rubbed her eyes and looked up.

"Sorry for summoning you at this hour. Although it is very sudden, I would like you all to set off for the Principality of Erlia at 0600 tomorrow."

"What—?"

I was not the only one exclaiming in surprise. Everyone was staring speechlessly at Shinomiya-sensei.

"Currently staying in the Principality of Erlia, Kili Surtr Muspelheim is seeking Midgard's protection and demands to be picked up by Ds. Hence, I have selected you as the pickup team."

After saying that, Shinomiya-sensei looked at each of us in turn.

"Mononobe Yuu and Lisa Highwalker have combat experience against her. Tia Lightning has a long and involved history with her. Mononobe Mitsuki is the captain of the Counter-Dragon Squad whereas Firill Crest is a princess from the Principality of Erlia. Given such a talented group, I believe that Brynhildr Class is the most suited to carrying out this mission."

"H-Hold on! Shinomiya-sensei, are you implying she will be admitted into Midgard again!?"

Lisa asked loudly with disbelief.

It was only natural for her to be worried. Kili had caused serious destruction in Midgard. Welcoming someone like her would be suicidal behavior.

"I know what you are trying to say. However, since her message has been broadcast widely across the entire world, Midgard has no choice but to respond humanely."

"But she's a terrorist, right!?"

"All Ds will be discredited if she were to be exposed as a terrorist. Having covered up their crimes so far, NIFL probably won't disclose the identity of a deemed disaster either. In other words—We cannot treat her as a criminal."

"E-Even so... I still don't agree that this is the correct response."

Lisa argued desperately. Precisely because Lisa cherished her friends more than anyone—cherishing them as family—she could not allow a dangerous person to enter Midgard.

"Yes, it is definitely not the correct response. But to the outside world, we can only act in this manner, then adjust afterwards."

"Afterwards...?"

"Yes, meaning after we take her out of the Principality of Erlia. You will tell her that we will put many restrictions on her freedom if she is to live in Midgard. If she does not accept, you will let her go on the condition that her being a deemed disaster will not be disclosed."

"Restrictions on freedom is an appropriate measure... But is it really okay to let her go if negotiations break down?"

Lisa frowned and asked.

"Midgard is an organization that protects Ds. Even if she is deemed a disaster, we have neither reason nor obligation to kill her. More importantly, I cannot allow any of you to commit murder."

Hearing Shinomiya-sensei's answer, Lisa could not help but fall silent.

To commit murder—Such was the weight behind those words.

"I will continue if there are no other questions. Although Ds are forbidden from stepping out of Midgard's territorial waters, for this special exception, you are granted a five-day exemption. We will use this period to travel to the Principality of Erlia and make contact with Kili Surtr Muspelheim."

"Shinomiya-sensei, I think that kind of duration seems too long for simply transporting Kili."

The five-day exemption bothered me so I raised my hand and asked.

"Indeed, there are grounds for that. Starting the day after tomorrow, the Principality of Erlia will hold a grand funeral for King Albert for three days. And she has openly told the media that she would participate in a flower offering ceremony on the last day, so we will transport her only after the funeral. Before that, I want your team to serve as her bodyguards."

"Bodyguards... Really?"

"NIFL will likely target her life, but while she is staying in the Principality of Erlia, she is purely a D trying to seek help. At least until we negotiate with her, we must not allow her to be killed."

If Kili was treated as a D, Midgard was duty-bound to protect her. I understood this principle quite well, but—

"That Kili... I don't think she needs bodyguards."

Recalling her powerful abilities, I remarked. If killing her was the objective, that would be a separate matter, but in normal combat, she was definitely stronger than me.

"Even so, unexpected things will always come up. Hence, I am counting on you, Mononobe Yuu."

Judging from the way Shinomiya-sensei worded things, the one actually performing bodyguard duties was probably me. I understood this too, because what we needed to guard against were humans. As a former soldier of NIFL, there was no better candidate than me, but... I still felt quite worried.

"...I understand."

Still, giving anyone else this task would be too dangerous. Hence, I sighed and gave up on resisting. Reluctantly, unwillingly, I accepted the job.

After detailed explanations on the itinerary, we were dismissed roughly an hour later.

"We are setting off early tomorrow, so we must hurry and get ready... Nii-san, may I trouble you to pack my luggage for me?"

"No problem, leave it to me."

I nodded to Mitsuki and left the conference room together.

I never expected we would leave Midgard again so soon after defeating Basilisk.

Although it was a journey to foreign lands—I could not feel excitement stirring in my heart.

Feeling that what awaited us was a future impossible to imagine, I wiped my sweaty palms on my clothing.

===Part 4===

At 6am the next morning, led by Shinomiya-sensei, all members of Brynhildr Class departed from Midgard.

First, we took a large high-speed helicopter for several hours to reach an airport somewhere. Then from there, we transferred to a private jet that we had hired.

I slept on the plane. By the time I woke up from an inflight announcement, the sunlight streaming through the window was already the setting sun's glow.

'All travelers—Our plane is set to arrive at the destination in roughly ten minutes.'

Despite having spent almost twenty-hours traveling, the time was still only dusk. This place most likely had a seven to eight hour time difference with Midgard.

I felt weight on my shoulder. Sitting in the neighboring seat, Mitsuki was sleeping with her head resting on my shoulder. Judging from the fact that the announcement had no woken her up, she must have accumulated quite a lot of fatigue.

Thinking I should let her sleep longer as much as possible, I looked outside the window without rousing her.

The plane still seemed to be high in the sky. I could see layers of clouds, dyed orange-red by dusk, covering the distant ground in patches. Protruding from the clouds was a towering mountain range with snow-capped peaks.

"It's all mountains."

"...Because that's the characteristic of the Principality of Erlia."

Firill suddenly poked her head out from the seat in front.

"Woah!?"

Her explanation came unexpectedly, making me exclaim quietly in surprise. She had apparently heard my mutterings.

"Let me tell you, because the Principality of Erlia is surrounded by tall mountains, it's known as the "Landlocked Island" and methods of transportation to the outside world are very limited."

"I had heard that they relied on planes as the chief mode of transportation... But to such an extent?"

"Yes, all land routes basically have to cross mountains. Although there are rivers passing through the mountain range, the rapids only allow one-way traffic exiting the country. Until the airport's construction, it was totally an isolated country."

Firill pointed at the land visible outside the window and explained.

"Actually... Before gaining independence during the chaos after World War II, it was not even a country—simply a part of a large nation's territory. Prior to my great-grandfather, my ancestors were dukes, not kings."

"Ah, so that's why it's called a principality rather than a kingdom."

I remarked in comprehension.

"Indeed. The Crest family has ruled this region for centuries but only started the royal administration not too long ago."

Firill seemed especially excited and talkative, perhaps due to getting close to her homeland.

"I see. So it's currently a democracy?"

I remember Mitsuki mentioning that.

"When Grandfather succeeded the throne, he voluntarily gave up power and opened up state-owned land to the people to extract rare resources... This made the country extremely rich. Grandfather really was an amazing person."

"Apart from that, he was also involved in restoring the Ds' human rights as well as Midgard gaining independence, right? How should I put it...? He is a man who changed countries and the world."

I sincerely admired the accomplishments of Firill's grandfather.

Simply as a single human, he had revolutionized so much. This fact was astounding enough already.

"Yes, everyone respects Grandfather."

"Then I'm sure the Principality's citizens must be very sad..."

I imagined the entire country to be shrouded in sorrow, but for some reason, Firill laughed as though she found it funny.

"I think the citizens will be sad... But definitely, it won't be like what you're imagining, Mononobe-kun."

"What do you mean?"

"You'll know when you see it."

Firill smiled mischievously.

'—Our flight is about to land, please secure your seat belts.'

Another announcement was heard in the plane.

"Once we arrive, I'll take you all to go sightseeing. Mitsuki, time to wake up."

Firill reached out and poked Mitsuki's cheek. Then she retracted her head and sat properly on her own seat.

"Mmm... Nii-san?"

Mitsuki rubbed her eyes sleepily. I told her we were about to arrive while pondering what Firill meant by "You'll know when you see it."

As soon as we exited the plane, I felt cold wind against my face instantly.

"Woah... S-So cold..."

"Mm..."

Ariella and Ren hunched up and rubbed their exposed arms.

"I would have worn thicker clothing had I known earlier..."

Carrying Tia on her back, Lisa exited the plane, speaking with a frown.

On Lisa's back, Tia was soundly asleep, refusing to wake up no matter how much we called to her.

I descended the gangway while looking at the scenery afar. Just as Firill had mentioned, there was a mountain range faintly visible in the distance, enclosing the entire region. The altitude felt quite high too for the air was cold and rarefied.

This was quite a harsh environment for us, coming from a tropical island.

"Wow, so cool and refreshing!"

Iris was taking deep breaths comfortably despite exhaling white mist. Speaking of which, I had never asked where she was from. Perhaps Iris had grown up in a cold country.

As soon as I descended the gangway, I saw an extra long luxury vehicle—probably a stretch limousine—parked before us. It looked like the car had driven directly on the runway to welcome us. Standing next to the car was a woman in a heavy coat.

"Oh!"

Firill instantly rushed down the gangway the instant she saw the woman.

"P-Princess Firill—That is very dangerous!"

"Helen!"

Ignoring the voice telling her to stop, Firill rushed over and hugged the woman.

As soon as we descended the gangway, Firill instantly turned around to face us and introduce her to us.

"—She is Helen, my lady-in-waiting. She used to be my wet nurse during my infancy too."

"My name is Helen Brown. Dressed like that, you must all be cold. Please hurry and get in the car. I will prepare warm clothing for all of you once we reach the palace."

"Thank you. It is a pleasure to meet you."

Mitsuki walked up and bowed to her.

We boarded the vehicle at Helen-san's urging. The heat was on inside the and it was very warm. The interior of the limousine was very spacious with two rows of seats facing each other. After we had settled into our seats, the limo immediately started moving smoothly. Helen-san was the driver.

"—Well then, let's briefly confirm our schedule from here on. Ah, before that, synchronize your timepieces. The time is currently 1823 in this country."

Shinomiya-sensei revealed her radio-controlled watch. After making sure we had all checked our watches or portable terminals with it, she continued:

"Next, we will be welcomed at the palace as state guests. The palace will prepare individual rooms for us. You will get ready in your rooms to attend the dinner party at 2000. During the party, you will probably meet Firill Crest's parents—the next king and queen—as well as Kili Surtr Muspelheim, of course."

Someone gulped.

Meeting ''that'' Kili again—The thought of that instantly dispelled any uplifting feeling of trip abroad.

Since there was no telling what Kili's goal was, nothing could be predicted. If Kili intended to harm someone, we would need to fight her. And in order to stop her, my only choice was to fight her with the intention of killing her.

"The schedule for tomorrow and beyond will be adjusted after we talk to her. Any questions?"

Shinomiya-sensei asked and swept her gaze across our faces.

"Well..."

With the Tia sound asleep, using her lap as a pillow, Lisa raised her hand and spoke hesitantly.

"What is it?"

"How should we face Honoka-san—rather, how should we face Kili?"

"I won't ask you to be friends with her, but for the sake of finding out her goal, please try to talk to her as much as possible. Naturally, I am referring to peaceful and cordial communication. However, do not lower your guard the slightest. In a dangerous situation, please prioritize your own safety when taking action."

"...Understood."

Despite a worried look, Lisa still nodded affirmatively.

The conversation ended there. I turned my gaze outside the window, only to see the limo leaving the airport runway. Passing through the terminal at the front of the airport, the limo drove along a street lined with many large hotels.

Perhaps because it was next to the airport, the street scenery looked unexpectedly modernized. Because I was told that this country was remote and isolated by mountains, I thought the scenery would be more agricultural and countryside.

But before long, brick buildings with distinctive styles became abundant. This seemed to be an area consisting mostly of historic buildings.

Vendor stalls were lined along the sides of the road with huge crowds moving about. I looked out the window during a red light and saw people decorating buildings and the street with electric illumination and colored fabric.

"Looks especially—lively."

Seeing the situation inside of town, I muttered in puzzlement. Clearly the king had died but I could not sense any mourning.

"Yes, because the festivities start tomorrow."

Seeing my reaction, Firill smiled while she spoke, sitting opposite me.

"Eh? Isn't it the king's funeral starting tomorrow?"

"In this country, funerals are the same as festivals. Our custom is to send the deceased off to heaven in a lively celebration."

After the sun set in the western mountains, the city's neon lights were lit. Staring out at the dazzling lights, Firill explained.

"I get it now... So that's why you said earlier I'll know when I see it."

"It will definitely be more fun-filled starting tomorrow, but I fear that person might do something nefarious."

Gloom flashed across Firill's expression. She likely meant Kili by "that person." Firill was probably the most worried person here. After all, her parents had unknowingly taken in a dangerous terrorist.

"Don't worry. As long as I'm here, I absolutely won't allow Kili to do whatever she wants."

I was very worried too but I still had to assert this, because rather than being a question of whether I could do it or not, it was something I must do. Even if Kili had any ulterior motives, I was not going to let sadness or harm come to Firill.

"Mononobe-kun, you're quite reliable sometimes."

"'Sometimes' is redundant."

"Fufu."

Hearing my reply, Firill laughed happily.

Then feeling strong gazes at this moment, I followed them to their source.

For some reason, Mitsuki and Iris were staring coldly at me.

"W-What?"

"Nothing, none at all."

Mitsuki answered, her words inexplicably prickly.

"Mononobe... Somehow without me knowing it, you've become such good friends with Firill-chan."

Iris remarked with a slight sulk.

"N-No, that's not—"

"...We aren't?"

Looking at my face, Firill's question put me at a loss for words.

"Perhaps... I guess it's not entirely..."

In the process of resolving the conundrum between Mitsuki and Iris, I had many opportunities to interact with Firill. It was true that we had become much better friends than before.

"...It must be true, becaue we did ''this'' and ''that'' together."

Firill leaned forward, drew near my face and whispered in my ear.

"Urgh..."

My ears began to feel hot while memories flashed across my mind of how she was touching my body randomly while straddling me on a bed or pressing her bosom against my back in the hot spring.

"Nii-san, do you know that your face is very red?"

"Mononobe... Did something happen between you and Firill-chan?"

Mitsuki and Iris' stares turned even sharper.

"N-Nothing at all! Putting that aside, look, that store's decorations are so pretty—"

I was trying to change the subject forcibly when I stopped mid-sentence.

From among the thick crowds in the street, I sensed an intense stare directed at us.

"What is the matter...? Nii-san?"

I was brought back to reality by Mitsuki calling to me.

However, the scenery rapidly receded into the distance. Trying to find the person staring at us was no longer possible.

"—No, I was just mesmerized by the lovely scenery."

It was probably hard not to be the subject of envy while traveling in this luxury vehicle. Or perhaps, Ds out of Midgard were under surveillance...

Although I could think of many possibilities, since no conclusion could be reached, I vaguely covered things up.

===Part 5===

The limo passed through ancient streets then started crossing a large bridge. The surface of a vast lake was reflecting the setting sun's lingering glow. Looking ahead where the car was going, I saw a brightly lit castle come into view.

Surrounded by tall walls of stone. Countless spires towered.

"...How spectacular. Is that castle the royal palace?"

I asked Firill but she shook her head.

"No, that's Erlia Castle, a World Heritage tourist site. Nowadays, it's only used for special ceremonies."

"I see, so where's the palace?"

"Over on the side, we'll be there soon."

After the limo crossed the bridge, it continued on a road along the castle walls then accelerated. There were no cars coming in the opposite direction and no pedestrians visible either.

Just as Firill had said, a building resembling a palace quickly came into view.

A towering and magnificent palace was adjacent to the castle. Without castle walls and watch towers for defending against invaders, it was less intimidating than the castle, but it still exuded an air of history and grandeur. Its gothic architectural style indicated that the palace was built more recently than the castle.

After passing through the heavily secured main gate where many guards were stationed, crossing a spacious garden, the limo stopped at a side door instead of the front of the palace.

"—It feels like we're sneaking in even though the princess is clearly returning in triumph. We didn't go through official immigrations at the airport either..."

Ariella muttered after she got off the car, looking at the unassuming side door.

"I asked them beforehand not to publicize our visit, because it might cause unnecessary troubles if people found out that several Ds were outside of Midgard."

Shinomiya-sensei answered Ariella's question while waiting for everyone to exit the vehicle.

Carrying Tia, Lisa was the last to alight. Helen-san then led us into the palace.

"Well then, I shall first take you to your rooms."

After stepping into the palace through the side door, I instantly felt myself surrounded by warm air.

The interior had been modernized. The air conditioning was warm and gentle. Perhaps this was supposed to be a corridor used by servants, there were no extravagant furniture or interior decorations.

But as soon as we reached the third floor by the stairs, the impression was much different. The lights on the ceiling had complicated carvings while the floor was covered by a soft velvet carpet.

Helen-san led us to where there were many rooms spaced at regular intervals. Reaching into her pocket, she took out a notebook.

"Shinomiya Haruka-sama, please use this room."

Reading her notebook, Helen-san pointed at the room beside her and opened the door. The rooms were apparently all allocated already.

"Clothes have already been prepared inside the rooms, please use them as you please. The sizes are based on what you provided in advance, but we will prepare alternatives if none prove to be to your liking."

After explaining fluently, Helen-san took us to our respective rooms in order.

The rooms seemed to be assigned according to Student No. essentially.

The only exceptions were Tia rooming with Lisa and Firill getting skipped over.

"Now then, please come with me, Princess Firill."

Called last, she most likely had her own room.

Hence, Firill and Helen-san walked towards the other end of the corridor together.

—A princess' room must be very grand.

Although I felt a bit curious, it was not like I could head over for a peek, so my only choice was to enter my room obediently.

"Wow..."

Since the doors were spaced quite far apart, I already expected it to some extent. However, the luxurious room before my eyes turned out to be even more spacious than I had imagined.

The ceiling had a chandelier as one would expect. The bed in the room was also especially huge. I opened the closet standing on the side of the wall and saw a large amount of menswear made with top-quality fabric and designs.

The windows seemed to open up to a balcony. I tried to open the windows gently and cold wind immediately blew into the room. Although it felt a bit cold since I had not changed yet, I still tried walking in the balcony.

The sun had completely set by now. The stars were twinkling in the sky. Perhaps due to the altitude, the stars looked nearer than usual.

I turned my gaze to the ground and could see a vast garden, meticulously maintained. It did not look like the front garden we saw when the car came in. It was the courtyard that was not visible from outside the palace. There was a fountain in the center. I could hear the sound of flowing water.

—Clack.

I heard someone open a window. Since Tia and Lisa were rooming together, the room on my right was empty while the left one was Iris', which meant that—

I spun left to have a look and instantly met eyes with Iris on the adjacent balcony. Our balconies were not connected. Although there was a gap separating them, there was no partition to block our view.

"Oh..."

Iris showed a slightly surprised look then smiled.

"We think alike, Mononobe."

Iris smiled happily. Leaning out from her balcony, Iris extended her hand towards me.

"H-Hey, that's dangerous, you know?"

"Come—Extend your hand too, Mononobe."

"...?"

Although I had no idea what was the point of doing that, I did as told.

Our fingertips touched slightly.

"Ah, we're touching."

Iris smiled with a happy voice.

"...Yeah, just barely. Then what do you want to do?"

"Hmm? Nothing, it just occurred to me how glad I'd feel if we were able to touch."

Iris widened her eyes and answered.

"Glad...?"

"For our hands to be able to touch when we're clearly in different rooms, doesn't that set your heart racing?"

"Hmm... Not really."

It was hard for me to imagine because such romantic notions did not occur to me.

"Eh, but I already feel my heart racing..."

Iris glared at me unhappily. Hearing her upfront confession, I felt my heart rate accelerate. Perhaps as a backlash to keeping her distance when Mitsuki was around, Iris was now expressing her feelings without any hesitation.

"...Heart racing huh."

Hearing me repeat those words, Iris blushed.

"R-Right..."

Iris scratched her cheek shyly.

Silently, we gazed at each other for a while. Then a strong gust of cold wind blew.

"Kyah!?"

Iris' skirt was lifted up by the blowing wind.

My heartbeat accelerated. For an instant, my gaze was drawn to the exposed white fabric.

"......Did you see it?"

Iris frantically held down her skirt and asked me.

"S-Sorry."

Covering up was impossible after all, so I apologized honestly.

Then Iris seemed to breathe a sigh of relief for some reason and touched her chest gently.

"Ah... Luckily, I'm wearing panties today."

"That's what you're concerned about?"

I could not help but ask her that. Iris smiled embarrassedly.

"Because... Mononobe, you mentioned before that seeing panties is like feeling you profited. It's embarrassing for me, but if it makes you happy, Mononobe, then it's not a failure to me, oh... Or are you unhappy to see panties?"

"Uh, nothing of that sort..."

"Then there's no problem!"

Seeing Iris smile sweetly, I could not help but nod in agreement.

"I guess..."

Another strong gust of wind blew, forcing me to shiver. Iris held down her skirt as well. It looked like she felt really cold.

"—It's time we get back into our rooms to change. Staying outside in these clothes is uncomfortable."

"Y-Yeah..."

Shivering, Iris nodded and walked back to the window.

"Mononobe, see you later! Since there are lots of wonderful clothes, you should look forward to it!"

Saying that, Iris closed her window and drew the curtains.

With embarrassed feelings, I returned to my room too. Speaking of which, I had yet to turn on the light.

Hence, I pressed the switch near the entrance. Immediately, the chandelier lit up and the room became bright.

The time was just after 7pm. I walked to the closet to pick out my clothing for the dinner party.

But at that moment, my portable terminal rang.

It was an incoming call but there was no caller ID, which gave me a bad feeling. No, I was certain already.

The same had happened before. Capable of concealing his caller ID, making calls to my Midgard-issued portable terminal, there was only one person I could think of.

"—Hello."

To be honest, I did not want to pick up, but not knowing what might happen afterwards, I reluctantly pressed the call button. An image with static appeared on the terminal's LCD screen.

'Hi, 2nd Lieutenant Mononobe.'

Shown on screen was a man dressed in NIFL's military uniform, staring at me with his slender eyes.

"As expected... It's Major Loki."

I sighed. The caller was just as I suspected, my commanding officer back in my NIFL days, also the man who wanted to cultivate me into the strongest "killer."

'It's been a while—That's not a greeting I need to use given the last time we spoke. First of all, let me commend you for successfully taking out Basilisk. Congratulations. Excellent job. Was Mistilteinn of use?'

"...Yes, thanks to you. But I could not have defeated Basilisk on my own. Getting through the crisis was the result of cooperation."

I had asked Major Loki during the Basilisk battle for a NIFL-developed bomb—Mistilteinn—to be handed over for us to use. That request was made according to Major Loki's verbal promise of a favor no matter what, which he made after the Leviathan battle. This meant that we were even now, but I felt slightly apologetic because my demand much have been too much.

'No no, you were amazing. Now, the defeated dragons number three: "Purple" Kraken, "White" Levithan and "Red" Basilisk. "Black" Vritra has gone missing and "Blue" Hekatonkheir has not surfaced ever since it was driven off from Midgard. The only dragons currently confirmed as active are "Yellow" Hraesvelgr and "Green" Yggdrasil.'

"Yeah..."

Major Loki talked up a storm but I replied briefly.

'You are very fortunate—2nd Lieutenant Mononobe. You are truly fortunate that "Yellow" Hraesvelgr wasn't among the dragons you were forced to defeat earlier.'

"Huh...?"

Unable to understand what Major Loki was getting at, I made a questioning sound.

'Oh my, you're not aware? Hraesvelgr is currently regarded as the dragon that is impossible to fight.'

"No... I've heard that it's the most troublesome opponent, but not to the point that it's impossible to fight..."

'True, that's a position that cannot be approved from Midgard's standpoint. But we of NIFL has come to that conclusion from the standpoint reality."

I had often heard that Hraesvelgr was a formidable foe but this was my first time being told explicitly the dragon was impossible to fight. In charge of handling dragon disasters across the entire world, NIFL possessed vast quantities of data. Perhaps as a result of that, their assessment was far harsher than Midgard's.

"Why can you say with such certainty... it's impossible to fight?"

'The reason is simple, because we have attempted all kinds of attacks to no effect at all.'

"But the same applies to all the other dragons, right? Because they can't be defeated no matter what, that's why humans have suffered from dragon disasters for over twenty years."

'Indeed, apart from Hraesvelgr, NIFL cannot defeat any of the other dragons either, but that stems purely from weapon specs. Even if the opponent was that Leviathan, we could still inflict scratches by using laser weaponry in saturation attacks, but Hraesvelgr is on a completely different level.'

"...What do you mean by that?"

I frowned and asked.

'I said it already, no effect at all. Currently, there is absolutely no method capable of interfering against Hraesvelgr. Had it been Hraesvelgr attacking recently instead of Basilisk... You'd probably be forced to choose a different solution.'

"A different solution—Really?"

I remarked bitterly after realizing what Major Loki implied.

'Your face betrays your skepticism. You don't mean to say... that even if Hraesvelgr were to attack, you'd still fight it?'

"Indeed."

I could answer this question without any hesitation at all. However, Major Loki made a look of disappointment and sighed.

'—2nd Lieutenant Mononobe, that is called a futile struggle, not a fight. Because I've mentioned that fighting is impossible, I wish you could come up with the best solution while taking this as a precondition.'

"......"

I knew what Major Loki's 'best solution' was referring to. Namely, to kill the D targeted by the dragon, but I could not approve of that kind of method at all.

'Your face betrays your wish to differ. Although your contributions to Leviathan and Basilisk's defeats were amazing accomplishments... You seem to have forgotten your real job. Your power exists purely for murder—'

"Major Loki, what business do you have this time?"

I interrupted him and demanded for him to get to the main point.

Because I did not want to listen any further to a conversation that pissed me off.

'Hoo—Are you that unwilling to confront who you are? Fine, let's get to the main point. Your current position should be the Principality of Erlia, right?'

"...Yes."

Having applied for permission to leave Midgard's borders, our actions were naturally known to NIFL. There was no point in hiding things.

'Your objective is to guard Kili Surtr Muspelheim and transport her to Midgard, right? Seriously... Midgard's decision really calls their sanity into question.'

Major Loki sighed deeply then turned his sharp gaze at me.

'—However, it's convenient that the team includes you. I have only one item of business with you, namely, I want to ask you to eliminate Kili.'

I had pretty much guessed what Major Loki was going to say, but I could not agree to his request.

"Your request goes against Midgard's policy."

'Of course I know that, but Kili is a terrorist. Whether to humans, to Ds, or to yourself, she is only a disaster, right?'

Major Loki asserted in a strong tone of voice. I had also predicted what he was going to say, but—

"At least at this point in time, Kili is under our protection. I cannot take hostile action on my own."

'Mm-hmm—So you insist on obeying Midgard's decision. As a member of an organization, that's the correct decision. You're not declining out of a concern for getting your hands dirty... Hence, I can't force you.'

Major Loki spoke suggestively while shrugging.

"I am terribly sorry I cannot agree to your request."

I apologized to him somewhat sarcastically.

'No, it's fine, I was simply looking for an easy solution. However, I guess I have to do my own work after all.'

"Huh...?"

Seeing a smile surface on Major Loki's lips, I could only feel a sense of chill.

'My side will take care of Kili. I hope you won't interfere, if possible... But if you insist on fulfilling your duties loyally, that'll be interesting too. It's not a bad idea to use this chance to make you the complete "Fafnir"—'

—Beep.

Leaving ominous words behind, Major Loki hung up on his own.

I stood there frozen in the room that had returned to silence.

Major Loki was going to take action. In other words, he was going to send his team.

This time, I really was going to fight the special forces team I used to belong to—Sleipnir.

And perhaps...

The figure of a certain man flashed in my mind. He was Major Loki's personal bodyguard and the one with the deepest history with "Fafnir."

Recalling things about ''him'', I could not help but clench my fist.

===Part 6===

From the closet in my room, I picked out a suit that looked the most respectable. After changing swiftly, I exited the room and came to the corridor.

Although there was still plenty of time before the dinner party, I wanted to inform either Shinomiya-sensei or Mitsuki about my conversation with Major Loki.

After hesitating slightly regarding which of them I should report to, I knocked on Mitsuki's door. If I told Mitsuki, Shinomiya-sensei would automatically know, right?

"—Yes, what is it?"

A slightly muffled voice came from the other side of the door.

"Mitsuki, it's me. I need to talk to you."

"N-Nii-san? Hold on, I am currently—Ah... No, on further thought, you came at the perfect time, Nii-san. C-Could you let yourself in?"

Noticing that she sounded a little flustered, but since she allowed me to enter the room, I opened the door.

Mitsuki seemed to be somewhere out of sight from the entrance, so I closed the door and entered.

"U-Umm... I am over here."

I found Mitsuki standing in front of a large mirror next to the closet. However, the sight of her attire took my breath away.

Mitsuki was dressed in a magnificent purple formal dress. Undoubtedly, it was an outfit for attending a dinner party, but this was my first time seeing Mitsuki all dressed up, so—For a moment, I could not help but stare at her in mesmerization.

"Nii-san... Umm, may I trouble you to do the back for me?"

Awkwardly, apparently quite shyly, Mitsuki turned her back to me. It looked like she had been struggling to pull the zipper on her back. From the gap in her dress, I could see her underwear and pale skin.

"Got it..."

Frantically, I approached Mitsuki. Perhaps due to nervousness, I accidentally touched Mitsuki's skin when reaching for the zipper.

"Hyah... H-Hold on, Nii-san, where do you think you are touching?"

Mitsuki glared at me in surprise.

"S-Sorry."

I apologized to her. This time, I cautiously pulled the zipper up, covering up her pale skin with the purple dress.

In the past, I probably would not be this nervous. But having learned of Mitsuki's feelings—knowing we were not siblings by blood—It was impossible for me not to be conscious now.

"Thank you, Nii-san, what is your opinion...? Does it look weird anywhere?"

Mitsuki spun around once then sought my opinion.

"Hmm... No, not weird at all. This dress looks great on you."

"Wonderful, ah—Nii-san, your suit too... Umm, it looks great."

With blushing cheeks, Mitsuki praised my attire. However, she narrowed her eyes as though noticing something and drew closer.

"Still, it could be better, you tie is crooked."

Mitsuki reached for my collar and adjusted my tie's position for me.

"S-Sorry."

Mitsuki was dressed in a lovely outfit and standing within a breath's distance. It was a very surreal scene—yet Mitsuki was undoubtedly right here at my side—This discrepancy between feeling and cognition was making me dizzy.

"Much better... Well then, Nii-san, what did you want to talk about?"

"O-Oh, actually—"

I came back to my senses and told Mitsuki about how Major Loki had called me and sent a team to kill Kili.

"...I see. It is expected that NIFL would make a move, but there is one fact that bothers me—Come to think of it, does NIFL even have the power to threaten Kili-san?"

While taking care not to wrinkle her dress, Mitsuki sat down on the chair in front of the dressing table while offering her view.

I understood what she was saying. Because prior to this, NIFL had been trying to take Kili's life but never succeeded. However—

"Major Loki mentioned before that his team—Sleipnir—was fighting Kili in an intense battle while NIFL took in Tia from the Sons of Muspell facility. Consequently, I don't think they're easy enemies for Kili."
[[image:UnlimitedFafnir v04 087.jpg|thumb]]

"...Understood. I will inform Shinomiya-sensei and discuss the upcoming plans and bodyguard arrangements."

Mitsuki nodded with her Counter-Dragon Squad captain's expression.

Most unpredictable of all was what action Kili would take. Unless her intent and purpose was known, we would most likely end up being manipulated and used by her.

—Kili was probably somewhere in the palace right now.

I involuntarily looked at the ceiling while pondering.

It was almost time for the dinner party. The sensation of burying a sharp object into her abdomen that time was reawakening in the palm of my hand. Even though it was for protecting my friends, at the time, I was fighting her with the intent to kill her.

Although I had deliberately avoided her vitals at the critical moment and Kili had used dark matter for biogenic transmutation to instantly heal her wound—It was also true that I had crossed my line of not killing, one that I had always insisted prior to that.

That fact could not be erased at all.

Meeting her again, would another change come to me? Unable to calm my emotions, I waited for that moment to arrive.

Just before the dinner party started, Helen-san came to welcome us.

The girls were coming out of their rooms one after another, dressed in different styles of dresses that suited them.

"Ooh, this feels kinda weird."

Ariella tugged at her yellow-green dress and touched the skirt's frilly fabric while commenting.

"Mm..."

Ren could not settle down either. She kept inspecting the crimson dress that matched her red hair.

"Worry not, your attire suits both of you very well."

Wearing an elegant pale-yellow dress, Lisa praised the two of them.

However, speaking of suitability, Lisa's dress suited her the best. I got the feeling that she was very used to wearing formal dresses, or rather, she looked more natural in one than the usual uniform.

"What are you staring at, Mononobe Yuu?"

Noticing my gaze, Lisa asked with displeasure in her voice.

"Huh? Oh—I just find your attire extremely natural. A dress looks really good on you. It feels very cool."

"Cool... Huh?"

Lisa frowned.

"No—Sorry, let me pick my words better. What I mean is it's splendid, Lisa, you look very splendid in a dress."

Thinking cool was not the right word for praising a lady, I corrected myself.

"What..."

Lisa instantly blushed and glared at me.

"I-I will not be happy even if you flatter me! You won't gain anything no matter how much you flatter me!"

"I'm not looking to gain anything. Seeing you in a dress is good enough for me."

"...!? Y-You're mocking me, aren't you!?"

Seeing Lisa anger inexplicably, I panicked. Did I say something wrong again?

"I-I'm not mocking you! By the way, what happened to Tia?"

I explained myself while changing the subject. Tia, who was supposed to be Lisa's roommate, had not come out to the corridor.

"...Regarding Tia-san, she is fast asleep in the room. Since I am worried about letting her meet Kili suddenly, I've decided not to force her to wake up."

An expression of displeasure surfaced on Lisa's face while she answered me.

"I see, that does seem to be better."

Tia and Kili had a long history going back. We should first check out Kili's attitude before letting them meet.

This meant that Iris was the only one who had yet to leave her room.

Shinomiya-sensei was wearing a mature and attractive blue dress whereas Mitsuki's was purple. The two of them were checking out Iris' room, calling to her inside.

"Iris Freyja, are you not ready?"

"Iris-san, everyone is waiting for you!"

"—Wah, s-sorry! I'll be over right away!"

Iris exited the room frantically in a panic.

The hem of her dress, as pure-white as fresh snow, fluttered lightly while she walked.

All dressed up, Iris really seemed like a fairy who had escaped from the land of fairy tales. My gaze was strongly attracted to that otherworldly beauty of hers.

I was staring at her silently when our gazes met.

"M-Mononobe... What's the matter?"

"—So beautiful."

I could not think of any other comment apart from that.

Iris exhaled and relaxed as though relieved of her worries.

"I'm so glad..."

Watching our interactions, Lisa glared at me with apparent displeasure.

"Compared to the one offered to me, your comment seems rather upfront in comparison."

Mitsuki also glared at me with eyes of discontent.

"Nii-san, you only said the dress looks great on me... Were you just being polite?"

"N-No, that's not what I meant!"

I frantically explained.

Seeing our situation, Shinomiya-sensei smiled with slight wryness then turned to look at Helen-san.

"—Sorry for adding to your troubles. Please lead the way."

"Understood. Everyone, this way please."

Helen-san nodded then walked in front to guide us.

Using a different staircase from when we got here, we went down one floor, passed through a spacious hall then arrived before a pair of doors. A fragrant aroma instantly greeted us.

Helen-san opened the door and we entered.

Appearing before my eyes was a long and spacious dining table laden with dishes. Four people were seated already. I originally expected a party resembling a continental buffet, but it looked like we were going to sit down to dine normally.

Sitting on the far end at the head of the table was man, most likely Firill's father—the next king. A woman, probably the next queen, and Firill were seated respectively on his left and right.

Firill's formal dress was primarily blue in color. Worn around her neck was a necklace with a large blue gemstone. This attire truly befitted her identity as a princess.

Then sitting next to the next queen was a girl in a black dress, Kili Surtr Muspelheim.

Kili looked straight at us—rather, straight at me—and smiled.

It was impossible to tell what she was thinking from her expression.

The man got up from his seat on the far end and nodded to greet us.

"Welcome, I am Alfred Crest, Firill's father. Since the coronation ceremony will take place after my father's funeral, I am still the Crown Prince—nevertheless, I represent my country in extending a welcome to you all. Please sit wherever you wish."

Prince Alfred invited us to take our seats.

Before anyone else could make a move, I sat down first at what might be the most dangerous spot, the one next to Kili. I could not allow Mitsuki or the others to sit somewhere like this.

"—I knew you'd come. I'm so happy to see you again, Yuu."

Whispering quietly at a volume only audible to me, Kili gazed at me with passionate eyes.

"Frankly speaking... I don't want to see you."

I lowered my voice as well and answered at a volume too quiet for Prince Alfred and the others to hear.

"Oh my, how cold of you. I never forgot you for even an instant."

Kili touched her abdomen and smiled.

That was where I had stabbed her with a metal fragment. Just as I could not forget the sensation of that act, she also remembered the pain of the stab wound very clearly.

"......"

Not knowing how to answer, I turned my gaze away from Kili with bitter feelings.

After confirming that everyone was seated, Prince Alfred sat down again. As though waiting for the moment, this time, it was the next queen who spoke:

"You must all be tired after your long journey. I am Fariel Crest, Alfred's wife as well as Firill's mother. Firill's elders sisters were supposed to join us, but they need to prepare for the festival..."

"No, please don't let that weigh on your mind. We are the ones who feel sorry for making unreasonable demands. I thank you sincerely for permitting our sudden visit to your country."

Shinomiya-sensei expressed gratitude and bowed her head deeply. Seeing Lisa and Mitsuki get up to bow, I hastily followed suit.

After sweeping a glance across each of us, Kili took her turn to speak.

"I, Kili, am truly grateful for all of you to come today at my request. I am deeply moved to have fellow Ds from Midgard come all the way here to welcome me."

Hearing her empty words, Lisa and Mitsuki showed overt distaste on their faces but could not expose Kili's true identity here.

Hence, we all took turns and introduced ourselves, pretending to meet her for the first time. Since the sequence started with Lisa, who was sitting next to Firill, I was the last one.

"—I am Mononobe Yuu, nice to meet you."

I stated my name while seated and bowed. Immediately, Prince Alfred looked at me with eyes filled with interest.

"I have heard rumors due to our relationship with Midgard as sponsors... But to think a male D really existed."

"My dear, it is quite impertinent for you to stare like this. Let us end the pleasantries here and begin the meal. The food will get cold if we don't start."

"—Right, well said."

Persuaded by Princess Fariel, Prince Alfred nodded in agreement.

Hence, the superficially harmonious dinner party began. Of course, none of us was in the mood to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. While eating, we kept paying attention to Kili's movements.

"Are you and Firill close friends?"

"Since we're classmates... I guess we're okay."

Under such circumstances, Prince Alfred kept talking to me for some reason.

"Is tough for you, being the only man among girls?"

"A lot of things were definitely troubling in the beginning... But I'm living quite happily nowadays."

"Oh, but that kind of environment could be problematic, right? How should I put this? Well—Won't there be romantic disputes?"

"Eh...? No, that's—"

Suddenly asked this kind of in-depth question, I could not help but feel troubled.

"My dear, please do not pose such crude and vulgar questions."

"...Father, if you put Mononobe-kun on the spot, please know that I will be mad."

Glared at by Princess Fariel and Firill, Prince Alfred shrank away.

"...Oh, I suppose you're right. My apologies for asking you an impertinent question."

Prince Alfred apologized to me in contrition.

He probably felt worried that a man like me had been added to the place where Firill was living.

"No, umm, it's okay. Nothing happened between us, Prince Alfred, for you to worry about that sort of thing."

I added but Firill smiled mischievously and asked with her head tilted:

"...Eh? Is that really the case?"

"F-Firill!?"

Hearing what Firill said, I panicked.

"What? Something really did happen?"

Prince Alfred shot his sharp gaze at me.

"Father, please don't worry, when the necessary time arrives... I will make him take responsibility and become my prince."

Firill made a shocking statement with a nonchalant expression.

"What... I don't suppose you and Firill have already reached that kind of relationship!?"

"O-Of course not!"

I desperately tried to calm down Prince Alfred.

"Mononobe, something must have happened between you and Firill-chan, right?"

"Nii-san, could you explain in greater detail?"

Even Iris and Mitsuki were glaring at me, interrogating me in a low voice.

"I'm begging you all, please calm down!"

In this manner, which was uncertain whether it could be described as harmonious, the dinner party proceeded relatively peacefully and Kili showed no signs of malevolence.

When Ren, the slowest eater, finished her plate and everyone's conversations had winded down, the dinner party came to a close.

"—We would like to discuss with her about the itinerary henceforth. Could you lend this room to us for a while longer?"

Shinomiya-sensei spoke to Prince Alfred who had gotten up from his seat.

"Sure, no problem. I will order someone to bring drinks slightly later."

Prince Alfred nodded in assent then left the room with Princess Fariel. The cheerful interior of the room was instantly plunged into silence.

More talkative than usual when in front of her parents, Firill now showed a tense expression while she stared at Kili. Despite being the target of everyone's gazes, Kili showed a smile of composure on her face.

Soon after, Helen-san came with a tray of drinks. Just as she exited the room, Shinomiya-sensei finally spoke to Kili.

"So, what is your objective?"

"...How rude to ask that right off the bat. Didn't you guys come to pick me up because I sought Midgard's protection?"

Kili's tone of voice made her sound like a completely different person compared to when Prince Alfred was present.

"Indeed, but pray enlighten me as to the reason."

"I thought I already mentioned the reason on television? Namely, my life is under threat."

"That's not something new in recent days, is it?"

Kili had been active until now as the leader of the Sons of Muspell. It would be far too unnatural for her to seek Midgard's protection at this juncture.

"Definitely, but I'm currently cornered to an unprecedented extent, hence—I hope you will save me."

Instead of looking at Shinomiya-sensei, Kili directed her last sentence to me.

"...Is the enemy so powerful that you feel your life is in danger?"

I took on her gaze and asked.

"Yes."

"What kind of enemy will make you this wary? Sleipnir?"

"Sleipnir?"

Kili frowned as though she was hearing the term for the first time.

"It's the NIFL team that barred your way when they were taken action to get a hold of Tia. Don't you remember?"

"Ah, you mean that inexplicably troublesome team. Yes, they are a threat too."

"Then you mean there are other enemies?"

"Yes, of course. However, it'd take forever I had to list them all out, because I have too many enemies. That is why I have no choice apart from seeking your assistance in order to escape their pursuit and find safety."

Kili looked at each of us then turned her gaze back to Shinomiya-sensei.

"So, first of all, I would like you to tell us everything you know. In particular, unless we verify your relationship with Hekatonkheir, we will not allow you into Midgard."

Shinomiya-sensei spoke in a forceful tone of voice.

Roughly a month earlier, Kili had infiltrated Midgard in an attempt to retrieve Tia. Then as though summoned by her, Hekatonkheir had also made a sudden appearance at Midgard.

Kili had called Hekatonkheir "mother" upon seeing it. Although I did not think the literal meaning applied, some sort of deep relationship definitely existed between them.

"Regarding this matter—I will tell you as soon as we leave this country."

"Then I hope to depart immediately. According to information just received, NIFL's team has apparently mobilized to eliminate you. If you wish for safety, leaving this country ASAP is the wise choice."

"Yes, I'd like to do that too but I already promised to attend King Albert's funeral. I also have a speech scheduled on the last day."

Kili shrugged and replied.

"For someone who claims to be cornered... You seem rather laid back."

"I am indebted to this country for taking me in. Wouldn't it be too fickle to leave as soon as someone came to pick me up? And if I backed out of attending the funeral this late, wouldn't that worsen the outside world's view of the Ds?"

"...So you insist on refusing to disclose your true goal."

Shinomiya-sensei sighed deeply.

"You are too suspicious. What I said was clearly all true."

Kili smiled faintly and sighed as well.

"No helping it—Then we will follow the original plan and guard you until the funeral ends. Let us find a chance to talk again after we leave the country. I hope you will adhere to your promise and tell us everything, including your relationship with Hekatonkheir."

"Yes, I promise you."

Kili made an unreadable smile and nodded.

"—I look forward to you keeping your promise. Then about tomorrow's schedule..."

"I've been confined in this palace for a while now, so I'd like to go outside. Could you take me sightseeing to some of this country's attractions?"

Kili interrupted Shinomiya-sensei and spoke to Firill.

"...Are you even listening? Someone is targeting your life, right?"

Firill asked with a troubled expression.

"It's precisely because someone is targeting my life. They have already mobilized a team. No matter where, I will be attacked sooner or later. In that case, it's preferable to choose a location more suited to battle, right? My combat style is not suited to indoors."

"But..."

"If damage to the surroundings need not be considered while fighting in the palace—I don't mind staying here obediently. But when that happens, your loved ones might get caught in the crossfire."

"......"

Firill could only stay silent in response to Kili's counterarguments.

"Looks like we've reached a conclusion. Let's set off after breakfast tomorrow."

Deciding on the schedule on her own, Kili got up from her seat.

Watching her leave the room with relaxed footsteps, no one stopped her. Then the door slammed shut.

"—I feel like we are being totally used by her."

Lisa remarked unhappily and stood up from her seat.

"Yeah, she's clearly hiding something."

"Mm."

Ariella and Ren concurred. Everyone else nodded in agreement.

Then everyone left together. When going up the stairs, we parted ways with Firill on the third floor. Her room was apparently on the fourth.

"You may experience difficulties in adjusting to the time difference, but please do not oversleep tomorrow."

Mitsuki reminded us loudly. Everyone showed fatigue on their face.

"O-Okay... I'll try my best but I'm not confident."

Iris answered with a wry smile.

Thus, we all entered our respective rooms.

Thinking I'd take a shower first, I loosened my tie while walking to the bathroom. Then I heard a knock at my door.

Did Mitsuki forget to announce something? Guessing that, I opened the door—

"What..."

Standing in front of my room was Kili in her black dress.

"Why are you here...?"

"I secretly followed you because I need to talk to you alone."

Kili smiled seductively then swiftly entered the room, closing the door behind her. With pleading eyes, she looked up at me.

"...You need to talk to me?"

"That NIFL team that you mentioned—Sleipnir—has probably arrived in this country already. Actually, I was attacked when going out recently. I think they were probably responsible."

I was shocked to hear what Kili said. Major Loki sounded like he was about to mobilize his troops, but now it seemed like things were in motion already. He probably thought of testing the waters to see if I could be used only because I happened to have arrived in the country.

"But the problem came later. I don't know if it was one of them... Or sent by another faction. A tall man with his face obscured by a helmet entered the fight—I almost got killed by him."

"You almost got killed... Really?"

I could not believe instantly so I asked her again.

"It's true. I got a sense that he was very similar to you, that you when you stabbed the piece of steel into my body—"

My heart was beating intensely and my limbs trembled involuntarily.

So Major Loki really deployed ''him'' into battle after all—

"Judging by your reaction, you know who he is?"

"No, well—"

Since this was not something to be disclosed lightly, I answered vaguely.

"Never mind, after all... You are the only one I trust."

Kili smiled and touched my cheek with her right hand. I was a bit surprised by the unexpectedly cold sensation. At the same time, I noticed the fabric wrapped around Kili's right hand.

From the back of her hand to slightly above her wrist, everything was wrapped under a white bandage. Since her fingers were not wrapped and she was wearing a long-sleeved dress, I did not notice earlier.

"Your right hand... It's injured?"

I felt curious while asking her. Since it was Kili, she should be able to heal wounds instantly using biogenic transmutation.

"Oh—This isn't an injury."

Kili smiled wryly and separated from me, hiding her right hand behind herself.

"Then goodnight, Yuu. Surely, you will be able to protect me, no matter who the enemy is."

Leaving such words behind, Kili exited my room.

I still could not fathom what her goals were but judging from the way her eyes gazed at me, I could tell that she was struggling desperately. I suppose her seeking of help was probably real.

"You overestimate me."

I muttered quietly.

The tall man who had almost killed Kili, if he turned out to be the one I predicted—Then he was the only exception whom I absolutely could not defeat.

No, more accurately—''It was impossible for me to defeat him''.

<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 [[Unlimited_Fafnir:Volume_4_Prologue|Prologue]]
| Return to [[Unlimited_Fafnir|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Unlimited_Fafnir:Volume_4_Chapter 2|Chapter 2]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Unlimited Fafnir

2015-05-22T10:25:19Z

Edwinclement08: /* Volume 1 - Dragon's Eden (Full Text) */

{{Status|Active}}

[[File:UnlimitedFafnir v01 Cover.jpg|thumb|300px]]
Unlimited Fafnir (銃皇無尽のファフニール, Juuou Mujin no Fafnir) is a light novel series written by Tsukasa (ツカサ) and illustrated by Korie Riko (梱枝りこ). The series is serialized in Kodansha Bunko with 8 volumes published so far.

Produced by Diomedia, an anime adaptation aired during the Winter 2015 anime season, covering the first three volumes of the light novel but started introducing significant deviations in the events of Volume 2.

''Unlimited Fafnir'' is also available in the following language(s):
*[[Unlimited_Fafnir_(Indonesia)|Unlimited Fafnir (Bahasa Indonesia)]]

== Story Synopsis ==
With the sudden appearance of the monsters that came to be called dragons, the world had completely changed. Before long, supernatural girls with the power of the dragons, called "D", were born within the human race. The secret existence of the only male "D", the boy Mononobe Yuu, was forcefully thrown into the school where the girls of "D" gathered - Midgard, where he saw the naked body of one of the students, Iris. Furthermore, upon meeting his long lost sister Mitsuki, Yuu seems to have been enrolled into this school...!? "When there's really no other choice, Iris, I will—kill you." "Can I really... believe you?" The curtains open as the "one and only story" about the boy who was supposed to become the strongest assassin and the poorly performing girl unfolds—! Unlimited School Battle Action!

-- Back Cover of Volume 1

== Translation ==
=== [[Unlimited Fafnir:Registration Page|Registration]] ===

Translators are asked to [[Unlimited Fafnir:Registration Page|register]] for chapters they want to work on.

=== Format Standards ===
'''Every Chapter (after editing) must conform to the general format guidelines.'''
* [[Format guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]

=== Feedback ===
'''If you enjoyed the translation, why don't you tell us in the [{{SERVER}}/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=7921 Feedback thread]'''

== Updates ==
{{:Unlimited Fafnir:Updates}}
* 20 May 2015 - Volume 7 completed
* 29 April 2015 - Volume 6 completed
* 17 April 2015 - Volume 5 completed
* 6 April 2015 - Volume 4 completed
* 30 March 2015 - Volume 3 completed
* 19 March 2015 - Volume 2 completed
* 13 March 2015 - Volume 1 completed
[[Unlimited Fafnir:Updates|Past updates]].

== ''Unlimited Fafnir'' by Tsukasa ==
Please visit the [{{SERVER}}//forums/viewforum.php?f=73 forums] if you wish to request or post downloadable versions of completed volumes.

[[image:UnlimitedFafnir_v01_001.jpg|right|180px|border|link=]]
=== Volume 1 - Dragon's Eden ([[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 1|Full Text]]) ([http://www.mediafire.com/view/78gpy5ks3euhilc/Unlimited_Fafnir_v1_Dragon_s_Eden.pdf PDF])===
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 1 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 1 Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 1 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Dragon Garden Midgard]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 1 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Witch of Silver Explosions]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 1 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - "White" Leviathan]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 1 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Roaring Fafnir]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 1 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 1 Afterword|Afterword]]
 

[[image:UnlimitedFafnir_v02_001.jpg|right|180px|border|link=]]

=== Volume 2 - Scarlet Innocent ([[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 2|Full Text]]) ===
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 2 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 2 Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 2 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Tia the Dragon Girl]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 2 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Innocent Pursuit]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 2 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Calamitous Flames of Muspelheim]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 2 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Red-Winged Tiamat]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 2 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 2 Afterword|Afterword]]
 

[[image:UnlimitedFafnir_v03_001.jpg|right|180px|border|link=]]
=== Volume 3 - Crimson Catastrophe ([[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 3|Full Text]]) ===
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 3 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 3 Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 3 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - The Invading Basilisk]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 3 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Frontline on Distant Waters]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 3 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Mistilteinn Falling from Heaven]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 3 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Crimson Catastrophe]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 3 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 3 Afterword|Afterword]]
 

[[image:UnlimitedFafnir_v04_001.jpg|right|180px|border|link=]]
=== Volume 4 - Spirit Howling ([[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 4|Full Text]]) ===
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 4 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 4 Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 4 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - The Dragonslaying Princess]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 4 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Silver-Armored Hreidmar]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 4 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - "Yellow" Hraesvelgr]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 4 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Noah of Soul Destruction]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 4 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 4 Afterword|Afterword]]
 

[[image:UnlimitedFafnir_v05_001.jpg|right|180px|border|link=]]
=== Volume 5 - Midgard's Carnival ([[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 5|Full Text]]) ===
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 5 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 5 Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 5 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Unreturned Memories]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 5 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Bubble Engagement]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 5 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - The Disappeared Green Dragon]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 5 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - The Awakened Red Code]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 5 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 5 Afterword|Afterword]]
 

[[image:UnlimitedFafnir_v06_001.jpg|right|180px|border|link=]]

=== Volume 6 - Emerald Tempest ([[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 6|Full Text]]) ===
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 6 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 6 Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 6 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Silent Genius]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 6 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Heart to Heart at a Park]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 6 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Invading Tempest of Green]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 6 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Ether Wind of Gold]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 6 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 6 Afterword|Afterword]]
 

[[image:UnlimitedFafnir_v07_001.jpg|right|180px|border|link=]]

=== Volume 7 - Black Nemesis ([[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 7|Full Text]]) ===
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 7 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 7 Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 7 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Fictional Nostalgia]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 7 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Boy Meets Girl at Dusk]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 7 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Newborn Predator]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 7 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - "Black" Vritra]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 7 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 7 Afterword|Afterword]]
 

[[image:UnlimitedFafnir_v08_001.jpg|right|180px|border|link=]]

=== Volume 8 - Amethyst Reverse  ===
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 8 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 8 Prologue|Prologue]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 8 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Deep Forest Vacation]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 8 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Transformed Awaker]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 8 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - "Purple" Kraken Zwei]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 8 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Neun of Blue-Nine]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 8 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
* [[Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 8 Afterword|Afterword]]
 

== Project Staff ==
* Project Administrator:
* Project Manager:

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

=====Teaser Only=====
* [[User:Jonathanasdf|jonathanasdf]]

=== Editors ===
*[[User:Belatkuro|Belatkuro]]

== Series Overview ==
* Volume 1 - 銃皇無尽のファフニール1　ドラゴンズ・エデン (July 2 2013 ISBN 978-4-06-375312-7)
* Volume 2 - 銃皇無尽のファフニール2　スカーレット・イノセント (October 2 2013 ISBN 978-4-06-375326-4)
* Volume 3 - 銃皇無尽のファフニール3　クリムゾン・カタストロフ (December 27 2013 ISBN 978-4-06-375351-6)
* Volume 4 - 銃皇無尽のファフニール4　スピリット・ハウリング (April 2 2014 ISBN 978-4-06-375363-9)
* Volume 5 - 銃皇無尽のファフニール5　ミドガルズ・カーニバル (July 2 2014 ISBN 978-4-06-375379-0)
* Volume 6 - 銃皇無尽のファフニール6　エメラルド・テンペスト (October 10 2014 ISBN 978-4-06-381406-4)
* Volume 7 - 銃皇無尽のファフニール7　ブラック・ネメシス (December 26 2014 ISBN 978-4-06-381435-4)
* Volume 8 - 銃皇無尽のファフニール8　アメジスト・リバース (April 2 2015 ISBN 978-4-06-381453-8)
[[Category:Kodansha]]

[[Category:Light novel (English)]]

Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 1 Chapter 3

2015-05-21T20:01:10Z

Edwinclement08: /* Chapter 3 - "White" Leviathan */

==Chapter 3 - "White" Leviathan==

===Part 1===

I defied the destiny he had decided for me.

No matter what kind of battlefield I was sent to, I always accomplished the mission without killing anyone.

Perhaps it was like acting obstinately out of spite. Normal common sense and morals would easily crumble against the education I received. In order to protect my beliefs that must not be compromised, relying on logic and conscience was not enough.

I did not want to become the type of person he hoped for. I wanted to continue being Mitsuki's brother. Feelings of this sort supported my obstinacy.

However, no matter how much I struggled, I always felt a premonition that everything would end up in futility.

He did not reprimand me for my persistent resistance. As long as I produced satisfactory results, he even praised me.

Hence, I knew clearly that I was still under his control.

Even if I still managed to keep my hands untainted, from past to present, the day for my hands to be tainted would inevitably arrive.

So long as I continued to fight under NIFL, that destiny was impossible to change.

It was ultimately just a matter of time.

I was sent to battlefields that were countries where public order had broken down due to dragons passing through. Those kinds of places were mostly in civil war to begin with.

Using dragons as excuses, NIFL kept intervening in regional conflicts.

Brothers-in-arms fighting alongside me gradually increased, their numbers finally settled at eight.

They were young men brought from other places, each possessing their own outstanding talents.

Named Sleipnir, my team galloped on numerous battlefields.

According to ''him'', there was apparently an intended enemy we were meant to fight. Putting down guerilla groups was just practice before the real battle. Nevertheless, we were still risking our lives all the time.

In a world where life and death were thinly divided, how much longer could I act obstinately out of spite?

Was defiance more important than my own life?

These thoughts always occupied my mind during fighting.

Also, I was probably still going to turn into a killer in emergency situations. Somewhere in my heart, the notion of giving up had already manifested.

Because I had already become a person who could actually kill provided I wanted to.

I had already been remade into that kind of person.

My trigger finger no longer trembled from my conscience's reprimands. Neither did it hesitate in pity for the target.

Before arriving at NIFL, I had already lost my sense of fear.

I possessed all the requirements to become a killer.

Ironically, the reason why I had the luxury of acting out of spite was because he had made me strong.

Purely because I was not strained, I had the luxury of choosing whether to kill or not, hence I chose not to kill.

Once that slack was lost, my resistance was probably going to end.

That was what I originally thought, but—

"I won't lose!"

The day I was liberated from NIFL, I met the strongest human out of all the opponents I had faced so far—a D—and fought her.

She was actually not that dangerous a person, but from my perspective in ignorance, she was a monster with firepower surpassing tanks.

To eliminate the lethal threat, my body moved on its own. Faster than my thoughts, subconscious intent to kill had already sprung into action in advance.

But that was not my first time encountering a life threatening crisis. Even when faced with a gun in front of my face, I had always handled situations calmly in composure.

The reason why I lost that composure so easily that time... was most likely because she was a D.

Encountering the intended enemy, the monster growing inside me bared its fangs on its own.

But I used my willpower to stop the swing of my arm.

I defied the reason of my own existence.

I chose not to kill her.

I made that choice successfully.

Hence, I owed her a debt impossible to repay.

Because she—Iris—proved that my spite-fueled obstinacy was more important than my own life.

===Part 2===

The day the test ended, dinner was a bit different from usual.

"This is—?"

After the dishes were cleared off the table and I saw the food brought by the housework robot, I asked Mitsuki who was sitting opposite me across the table.

"Is it not obvious? This is dessert!"

"Dessert? Why just today..."

Baked pudding topped with cream. Bits of chocolate were even sprinkled beautifully over it. Looking at this dessert, I inquired of her.

"Although you only qualified as backup, this is to reward you for passing, Nii-san, because I believe that hard work should be commended."

Without looking at me, Mitsuki answered in an indifferent tone of voice.

"Uh, it looks really tasty. Thank you very much... Did you actually make this for me, Mitsuki?"

"W-What, what makes you think that?"

The fork fell from Mitsuki's hand. Unable to hide her shaken heart, she asked me.

"Lisa mentioned it. She said you make lovely sweets, so I wondered whether this was your creation too."

"U-Umm..."

"Judging from your reaction, I guess I'm right?"

"...Yes."

Mitsuki huddled herself and admitted in a small voice.

"Then why not say that from the start? I am very grateful to you."

"Because... It would be very embarrassing if it failed to suit your tastes, Nii-san. Also, I would not hear an honest opinion."

Mitsuki looked away and said with her face red.

"Sheesh... I thought you'd grown braver after becoming the student body president, but you're still so timid on weird issues."

Laughing wryly, I scooped a spoonful of the dessert and tasted it. The gentle and sweet flavor immediately started spreading from the tip of my tongue.

"—Mmm, super good."

"R-Really?"

"Yeah, and the entire schools students have already recognized your skills, right? I think you could be more confident."

"If the person before me says it does not taste good, the opinion of the majority will be completely meaningless."

Mitsuki asserted with a serious expression.

"...I think I'm starting to understand why you're able to become the student body president."

Exhaling in exclamation, I finished all of the dessert.

"—Thanks for the treat. Dessert was lovely. Thank you, Mitsuki."

"Great, you are welcome."

At this moment, the expression on Mitsuki's face reminded of three years ago—that extremely natural and incomparably relaxed smile.

After the meal, I returned to my room to find the lamp on my portable terminal flashing.

Looking at it, I found an email from Iris. This portable terminal was capable of voice calls and email, but the only contacts I had so far were limited to Mituski and Iris.

'I'm waiting for you at the beach.'

That was all she wrote.

I looked at the time displayed on the edge of the portable terminal's screen.

"7:27pm huh... Curfew starts at 8pm so I guess it's fine."

Taking the portable terminal, I left the room, walking while writing an email to Mitsuki.

'I'm going out for a bit. Back by 8pm.'

Because Mitsuki would probably check the dorm's entry and exit records, I thought I had better inform her.

I left the dorm and walked on the road along the shore.

Without any basis at all, I felt that she was probably waiting for me at the place where we first met. Because time was limited, I quickened my pace to hurry on my way.

Countless stars were twinkling in the deep-blue night sky. Waves kept surging and retreating, as though caressing the white beach, playing a regular song of the sea.

My intuition was apparently correct. Iris was standing at the place where our eyes first met. Although she was in uniform, she had taken off her shoes and stockings to go barefoot.

With the waves breaking over the snow-white complexion of those beautiful feet, Iris was staring at the sea surface afar.

I walked over the sand to approach her, resulting in rustling footsteps. Hearing my footsteps, Iris turned her head in my direction.

"Oh... Mononobe, you came."

"Yeah, because your email said you're waiting for me."

I stopped several meters in front of Iris and replied.

"Sorry for calling you out at this hour. Did Mitsuki-chan get angry?"

"I'm supposed to be able to go out before 8pm... But she might be angry when I get back."

"Fufu, because Mitsuki-chan is very strict!"

Seeing Iris' smile, I felt my heart pounding. Bathed under starlight, the silver-haired girl was giving off an even more otherworldly sense of beauty than usual.

"...Then why did you want to see me?"

I asked her while being aware of the nervousness in my voice.

"Oh, umm, first is, umm... I want to thank you, Mononobe."

"If it's thanks, you already thanked me countless times after the test. It's more than enough. Besides, I didn't do anything that needs you to thank me like that."

"You're wrong! If it weren't for you, Mononobe, I definitely would have failed again, so—Thank you!"

Iris bowed her head forcefully to thank me, her long silver hair spreading out in the air.

"I simply trained together with you... Fine, you're welcome."

Further refusal would just be a waste of time, so I candidly accepted her thanks.

"U-Umm, then... I've got something to ask you, Mononobe... Can I?"

Iris looked up stiffly and asked in trepidation.

"I don't mind..."

I nodded and Iris approached me.

"Mononobe, why did you help me?"

"Huh?"

"Being so considerate of me, working hard with me seriously, Mononobe, you're the first person to do that. Everyone else in the class hold themselves and others to strict standards, so I can't rely on them... Although Mitsuki-chan looks after me frequently, I think that's because she's the student body president."

Iris approached me even closer, almost to the point of touching me.

"So, I wanna know... how you feel, Mononobe."

Seeing her gaze at me from so close, I felt my heart beat even faster.

"T-That's because..."

"Because...?"

"Probably because... you're very similar to how Mitsuki was in the past."

I said one of the reasons.

The debt I felt on my own was just my personal feelings after all. If I had to explain it to her, that meant bringing up things from my NIFL days, so I was not going to say much on that front.

"I'm similar to Mitsuki-chan? No way, I'm completely unlike Mitsuki-chan!"

"She used to have similarities with you, Iris, and right now, she is still working as hard as she can, just like you, so... I think that's why I can't leave you to your own devices."

Hearing my answer, Iris looked down and murmured quietly.

"I see... So that's the case, it's a bit unfortunate. But... it's fine, I just have to start trying hard now."

"Iris?"

I called to her because I could not hear her clearly. Iris instantly looked up forcefully.

"Mononobe!"

"W-What?"

"Listen here, I... want to get closer to you, Mononobe, s-so umm... If you don't mind, I want to be frie—"

WOOOOOOOOOOOOO...

Just as Iris was speaking, a loud siren was suddenly heard all around.

'Emergency warning, emergency warning—Level C alert, Type White. I repeat, Level C alert, Type White!'

The announcement explained the key points of the warning.

"Type White—that's 'White' Leviathan, right...? Is a Level C alert very urgent?"

I asked but Iris did not seem like she heard me.

"Leviathan..."

She said the dragon's name with a stiff expression.

Right—Iris had lost her family due to a dragon disaster caused by Leviathan.

'The Counter-Dragon Squad, students selected by the Midgard Defense Department, please man your stations. Prepare to standby for combat operations. All other students and staff, please return to your quarters or the nearest evacuation shelter, especially those currently at shore areas, please evacuate as quickly as possible.'

"Hey, the announcer is telling us to evacuate!"

"...That dragon... is nearby..."

"Pull yourself together! Anyway, we need to get out of here first!"

Iris was in a trance. I grabbed her hand and pulled up up to the breakwater.

A deep noise and vibrations could be felt underfoot.

Looking out at sea, giant rectangular objects surfaced one after another from the originally peaceful sea. Then these objects formed a circle as though surrounding this island.

The displaced seawater formed big waves, rushing up the beach. Smashing against the breakwater, the waves broke into white spray.

"Could that be... Midgardsormr?"

"That's right. What's visible from here is just part of the final defensive line... The first to third defensive lines are farther out at sea."

Probably returning to her senses finally, Iris answered me calmly.

"Iris, you're okay now?"

"Yeah, I'm okay. Sorry for spacing out... We have to hurry and find shelter or else we'll cause other people trouble."

After speaking with a serious face, Iris put on the shoes she had placed on the breakwater before hand, then looked up into the night sky.

Uniformed girls holding weapons were passing overhead, flying towards the sea.

This was probably the Counter-Dragon Squad selected by Midgard Defense Department. By generating wind, they were flying in the sky at high speed.

"That's true, we'll only get in their way if we stay here."

"Right, let's head back to the dorms immediately—Ooh..."

Iris was just about to break into a run when she suddenly knelt down with her hand on her stomach.

"Hey... What happened to you!?"

"A-A sudden stomach ache... Ahaha, maybe I ate too much to celebrate passing the test... Oh... It's gradually getting better..."

Despite the cold sweat already appearing on her forehead, Iris still stood up.

"...Can you walk?"

"No problem... Let's run, Mononobe!"

It seemed to be a momentary stomach ache. Iris took my hand and began to walk briskly.

Iris had to make her way to the shared dormitories located near the school so we separated along the way and I returned to Mitsuki's personal dorm.

"Mitsuki, are you here?"

I called out from the entrance hall, but no one answered. Mitsuki was apparently the Counter-Dragon Squad's captain, so she had probably mobilized already.

Although I was curious about the situation outside, I could not ask her through email because it would obstruct her work. Hence, I decided to wait quietly and returned to my room.

Unable to settle down, I started wanting to find a book to read. The instant I touched the portable terminal, a ringtone was suddenly heard.

I initially thought it was Mitsuki, but the screen did not display the caller's number. No matter how long I waited, the ringing showed no signs of stopping, so I hesitantly pressed the button to take the call.

Immediately, an image with static appeared on the screen to show a young man in military uniform, grinning.

That smile made me feel a chill from the bottom of my heart.

'Hi, it's been a while, 2nd Lieutenant Mononobe.'

"Major Loki... Why—"

I uttered his name in a hoarse voice.

Major Loki Jotunheim—The person who used to be my direct superior until recently.

This man, who could be considered the mastermind behind NIFL, why—

'Well, I wanted to call you earlier... But Midgardsormr's defensive line includes many barriers on electronic communications too. If it weren't for the current battle situation, communicating without Midgard's knowledge would be impossible. Sorry for calling late.'

"Calling late... I wasn't waiting for a call from a guy like you—"

'A guy? In just a brief week, 2nd Lieutenant Mononobe, have you forgotten how to address your former commanding officer?'

Narrow eyes stared straight at me from the screen. Just by doing that, he made me feel like I was pulled back to the past, pulled back to those long, dark days when I was working under him.

"...My apologies, Major Loki."

'Now that's more like it. Still, I can hardly blame you for growing lax. Compared to NIFL, Midgard is like paradise. It's only inevitable that you would be affected, given your ''incompleteness''. Seriously... It is truly unfortunate that I couldn't ''finish you up'' in the end."
[[image:UnlimitedFafnir v01 157.jpg|thumb]]

"You called me... Why?"

'Oh right, I almost went on a tangent. It's like this, I have a favor to ask of you.'

"A favor?"

'Our positions no longer allow me to command you, so this is a favor. 2nd Lieutenant Mononobe, you already know that Ds can turn into dragons, right? This is top secret at NIFL but it should be something that all Midgard students are privy to.'

Smiling artificially, Major Loki asked me.

"...Yes, if a D makes contact with a dragon after her dragon mark changes color, she will turn into the same type of dragon. Are you referring to this phenomenon?"

'Indeed, how terrifying. To think that such monsters could multiply, a most frightful notion chilling to the bone. An outcome that must be prevented at all costs, do you not agree?'

"Y-Yes... Of course."

Despite a foreboding feeling, I still concurred.

'But despite its crucial position, Midgard has not perfected its handling of this matter. After confirming that a dragon mark had changed in color, they send the subject to an underground bunker for isolation, then have other Ds intercept the dragon. This is the tactic they have chosen.'

"That kind of tactic... What's wrong with it?"

'Are you playing dumb? It should be quite clear to you. The most effective countermeasure is to kill the D whose dragon mark has changed in color.'

The chill given off from Major Loki's inexorably cold eyes almost seemed to freeze my heart.

"...No one can support that, whether on grounds of human rights or the social value of Ds. One D's death is a massive loss to the world."

Besides, who would be capable of making that kind of proposal?

Despite the threat of dragons, the world continued to develop slowly, maintaining some measure of peace. It was all thanks to these Ds bolstering energy resources.

'But I believe that the economic and human losses arising from an increase in dragons would dwarf the benefits. But just as you say, it is true that such a method won't be supported by the majority. Because the world fears offending the Ds while the Ds won't abandon one of their own. After all, any one of them could be the next victim.'

"Then—"

'Hence, someone needs to act in secret.'

Major Loki interrupted me, his eyes fixed upon me.

"You're not ordering me, by any chance?"

'Not an order. I am simply asking you to accept the mission as a favor to me. Your reassignment to Midgard was completely unexpected, but I already had prior plans to have someone infiltrate. If you could take on this mission, it saves a lot of work. Don't worry, all you need to do is kill one D if an emergency arises.'

"Please don't... make it sound so easy."

I gritted my teeth and glared at Major Loki.

'It is very easy, at least to the 2nd Lieutenant Mononobe I cultivated. Whether Ds or anyone else, as long as the opponent is human, you won't lose, because you are the strongest Fafnir from our Sleipnir."

"..."

I could not say anything. Major Loki's words were just a curse, not praise.

'You don't have to answer immediately. But if your assistance cannot be secured, I might have to resort to less efficient means, which might cause unnecessary collateral damage. So please consider the matter carefully.'

Zzzt. The call disconnected and the screen went black.

Leaning myself against the back of the chair, I looked up at the ceiling.

The siren still continued to blare.

===Part 3===

The alert of an approaching dragon was finally lifted about three hours later.

But late night arrived and Mitsuki still did not return. The next time I saw her was already the full-school assembly the next morning.

"I believe that everyone should know already that at 7:41pm last night, there was a Level C alert situation. The approaching dragon is 'White' Leviathan that circles the Pacific Ocean along a fixed route. But this time, it has deviated from that route to trespass Midgard's warning zone."

Standing on the podium, Mitsuki explained the situation. This was probably part of the student body president's job.

"Leviathan stayed roughly three hours in the warning zone but returned to its original route without reaching the first defensive line. These irregular exceptions seem to occur once in a while. A year ago, a passenger ship was sunk due to this reason."

A year ago... Ship... Would that be the dragon disaster that Iris had been caught up in?

Looking at silver hair, I wondered to myself. Since students were lined up according to their Student No., Iris was in front of me.

Iris did not react to what Mitsuki had just said. With her hand on her stomach, perhaps that stomach ache from yesterday was still persisting.

"If Leviathan attacks, it will be quite an arduous battle. Leviathan is considered second only to 'Yellow' Hraesvelgr in how troublesome they are to handle. Wielding the power of universal repulsion known as antigravity, Leviathan presents a great challenge, be it approaching or attacking its body. However—"

Mitsuki leaned forward and slowly swept her gaze over all the students of the school.

"Even if one of you were to attract Leviathan, causing it to attack, the Counter-Dragon Squad will still fight fearlessly. We will not abandon you no matter what. Consequently, if any of you feel that your dragon mark has changed, please do not hesitate. Step forward and let us know. I will put my life on the line to protect you."

Mitsuki declared clearly. Strong conviction could be felt from her words. It was not simply a sense of obligation.

Thunderous applause started up.

However, Iris did not clap even though she had felt moved by Mitsuki's previous speech. Her slender shoulders were shivering while she had her head lowered.

"Eh, where's Iris?"

After the assembly, I returned to the classroom to find Iris missing.

"Who knows? She was apparently feeling unwell, so she probably went to the infirmary, right?"

Lisa's gaze met mine while she answered with displeasure.

"Oh, you also noticed Iris didn't look her usual self, Lisa?"

"Of course. Rather, you seem quite concerned about about Iris-san. You wouldn't be harboring ulterior motives, would you?"

Lisa gazed at me with eyes of suspicion.

"Just like you, Lisa, I'm simply worried about her."

"What... I-I am not—"

At a loss for words, Lisa looked away.

Just at this moment, Mitsuki entered the classroom. I decided to ask her about Iris' whereabouts.

"Iris is missing. Did you hear anything, Mitsuki?"

"No, I have not..."

If Iris had gone to the infirmary, she should have asked me or Mitsuki to tell the teacher. My heart began to grow inexplicably uneasy.

"I'll go look for her. Tell the teacher for me, okay?"

"Hey wait, Nii-san!"

Leaving behind Mitsuki who called me frantically, I entered the corridor. Next period was about to begin and there were almost no students out in the hallways.

I made my way quickly to the infirmary first. I knew where to go because I brought Iris there last time when she fainted from the explosion. Reaching the adjacent building, I went to the corner of the first floor and opened the door marked "Infirmary," but Iris was not there.

"Sheesh... Where did she go?"

Did her stomach ache hurt so much that she could not move? I tried searching along the path to the gym but still could not find her.

"Maybe... in a washroom?"

If she was in a washroom, there was nothing I could do. It was also possible that my worries were unnecessary. I decided to return to the classroom first so I turned back from the gym.

There was a corridor linking the gym and the school building. From there I could see tropical flowers blooming in the courtyard. Just as I shifted my gaze upwards, I suddenly discovered a figure on the school building's roof.

"What...?"

A strong breeze was blowing beautiful silver hair. The girl was quietly staring at the ground below.

Seeing her like that, I instantly felt the surge of an ominous feeling. Immediately, I sprinted.

Dashing into the school building, I rushed up the stairs and smashed myself against the door to reach the roof.

The loud crash caused the silver-haired girl, leaning against the roof railing, to look back.

"Mononobe?"

"Sure enough, it's you, Iris..."

Iris's eyes were wide open. Looking at her, I sighed. When I saw her just now, for just an instant, I thought she was going to jump, but I suppose I was worrying too much.

"Why did you come here?"

"I want to ask you the same question. It's almost class time, you know?"

"I... will skip next period."

Iris smiled wryly and sat down on the concrete. Her hand was still pressed against her stomach.

"What exactly is the matter?"

"I need time to calm down."

On closer examination, what Iris was holding was her flank. I recalled her nude body and its snow-white complexion that I saw by chance the first time we met. Speaking of which, her dragon mark happened to be near that spot—

"...Iris, do you have a stomach ache?"

"..."

"If you don't mind, could you show me where you're hurting?"

"Mononobe, you're so perverted."

Iris huddled her body and glared at me.

"Oh, no, you misunderstand me."

I was trying to find an excuse when Iris chuckled then exhaled gravely.

"—I know. Sorry for saying something malicious like this."

Iris pulled up her uniform to expose her abdomen.

My heart instantly raced like mad. My gaze getting drawn to Iris' skin was admittedly one of the reasons, but the bigger reason was surprise. The dragon mark branded on Iris' flank was shining with faint silver-white light.

"That... Starting when—"

"I only discovered it this morning, but I think it already started changing last night."

Iris spoke in monotone.

"You still haven't told anyone?"

"...I haven't."

Iris nodded with a gloomy expression.

"Why? Mitsuki said she absolutely won't abandon anyone. She'll put her life on the line to protect you!"

"That's why I didn't confess. 'White' Leviathan is one of the dragons which have no effective countermeasures for, but if for my sake... if everyone has to fight for the sake of protecting someone like me, is it really okay...?"

Iris gazed out into the distance on the other side of the railing.

"No way—Are you planning to jump off the building to commit suicide before the situation reaches that point?"

I grabbed Iris' shoulder and pulled her back, because I feared what she might do if I did not hold her tightly.

But Iris smiled wryly and shook her head.

"I thought of that too... But I'm too scared, can't do it. I'm not a girl with that kind of mental strength."

"...Thank goodness you're a coward, Iris."

"Jeez, what do you mean by that!?"

Iris pouted.

"Even if you kill yourself now, it's possible that another D might get targeted soon enough. That wouldn't accomplish anything except postponing the problem. Unless the dragon is defeated, it doesn't solve the problem at the root."

—The most effective countermeasure is to kill the D whose dragon mark has changed in color.

Major Loki's words flashed through my mind.

It definitely could resolve a crisis momentarily. In terms of preventing the worst-case scenario, this might be the safest method. However, if this were to be repeated, all the Ds would go extinct eventually.

"Yeah... I know that too but even so, I'm still afraid."

"You don't believe in Mitsuki and the others?"

"That's not it... I'm afraid of the fact that I won't be able to kill myself. Once the final defensive line is breached, when we really are out of options... Unable to commit suicide, I'll surely become a dragon. In that event, I'll harm everyone! I don't want that... Anything but that..."

Irisi hugged me, speaking words from the heart. Precisely because she felt such a strong sense of duty towards fighting dragons, she was this scared of becoming a dragon disaster herself.

—Someone needs to act in secret.

Major Loki's voice sounded deep in my ear again.

No matter what, the world could not run normally unless someone did the dirty work. It felt very paradoxical, but it was the truth.

The people of Midgard were not stupid. Despite what she said, Mitsuki had probably prepared a last resort to use for emergencies.

If that was the case, there should not a problem with me taking on that job. At the same time, I could also restrain Major Loki, to prevent him from unnecessarily interfering.

"Don't worry, Iris, you absolutely won't turn into a dragon."

I committed my determination and hugged Iris tightly.

"Eh...?"

Indeed, now was the time to return my debt.

Iris had proven my obstinacy, telling me that even if I had to weigh my own life against it, I was still capable of choosing not to kill.

That time, because I was facing Iris, that was probably why I managed to regain self-control.

Because I was attracted to her beauty in the instant of our encounter, that was why I could regard her as just a girl instead of a D.

It made me feel that I would rather die than kill her.

Hence—

"If the situation worsens so much that we're out of options, I will do it—I will kill you, Iris."

I made my choice by my own will again.

If it was for Iris' sake, I will kill Iris.

I will put the obstinacy, which I had adhered to for the past three years, on the line.

To this date, I had avoid tainting my hands, but it was only for the sake of guarding my heart.

Iris' wish of not wanting to harm others was far more noble than mine.

And I wanted to help her achieve her wish.

"Mononobe, you...?"

"Yes, so you can relax and let Mitsuki's team protect you for now. Until the final moment arrives, I absolutely won't give up either."

I gently stroked her soft, silver hair and replied. Iris looked up with moistened eyes at me.

"Can I... believe you?"

"Leave it to me. Although I've kept quiet about it so far, I'm actually the world's strongest assassin—The candidate for that."

Hearing me say that, Iris was stunned for a moment before her lips curled lightly to smile.

"Fufu—You must be kidding!"

After that, I accompanied Iris back to the classroom and explained the situation to Mitsuki.

Then Mitsuki immediately declared a Level A alert state of emergency.

===Part 4===

On this liberating island in the south with beautiful weather, the atmosphere and scenery changed dramatically. The windows in buildings had shutters lowered to defend against shockwaves. Normally kept underground, anti-air weapon stations popped out all over the island.

The concentric defense system of Midgardsormr had entered interception mode completely. Its intimidating formation had the entire horizon covered.

In contrast, the school disappeared. The school building and the clock tower, where the most important facilities were located, were all hidden underground, sealed inside partitions made of mithril.

Entering school premises required passing through underground passages connected to the various dormitories and emergency. It was only today that I finally learned that Mitsuki's personal dorm also had an entrance to an underground passage.

"So late..."

I was sitting on the stairwell at the entrance hall, staring at the ajar door in the wall beside me, leading to the underground passage.

It was currently 2am. I would normally be asleep so my eyelids felt very heavy.

I could hear faint sounds of airplanes outside. These were probably reconnaissance planes patrolling in Midgard's surroundings.

While I was half asleep, the door leading underground opened on its own with an electronic sound.

"Welcome back, Mitsuki."

I called to my sister whose face showed exhaustion.

"...!? N-Nii-san? Please do not startle me. Have you not gone to bed?"

Staring at me, Mistuki seemed seriously surprised.

"I was waiting for you, Mitsuki. Are preparations complete to intercept Leviathan?"

After I asked, Mitsuki replied with seriousness returned to her face:

"Although it is not perfect by any stretch... Leviathan has entered its route circling the Pacific Ocean. It is expected to approach again thirty-three hours from now. Before that, we should be able to reach full readiness."

Thirty-three hours later...

I repeated it silently in mind in order to commit this information to memory. Then I asked another question:

"So... How's Iris?"

"She had been receiving body checkups and diagnoses until just now. After all, she is the first person to have her dragon mark change color in the past two years, so there is a dearth of information. Being targeted by a dragon is very terrifying, but Iris-san has been cooperating with us without panicking at all."

It was most likely because Iris had already resolved herself. If that was the case, I had better keep my promise.

"Mitsuki, what should I do?"

"Nii-san... because you only passed as a reserve member in the Basilisk drill, you will not be summoned for the Counter-Dragon Squad. Presumably, you will be asked to stay on standby in shelter like ordinary students."

Nothing to do, in other words? In that case, perfect.

"If that's the case... Can you assign a job for me, who has nothing to do?"

"A job?"

"Yes, as Iris' bodyguard."

I made this demand which I would have found it impossible to bring up in the classroom with everyone present.

Mitsuki frowned in surprise.

"The Counter-Dragon Squad is fighting to protect Iris-san. Your participation is not needed, Nii-san."

"That's against dragons as opponents, right? By bodyguard, I mean protecting Iris from threats other than dragons."

Hearing what I said, Mitsuki's expression instantly froze. She seemed to understand immediately.

"You are saying... that someone might target Iris-san's life?"

"At least NIFL doesn't trust Midgard. They might interfere unnecessarily."

Mituski narrowed her eyes after hearing what I said.

"Judging from your tone, Nii-san, you seem to have some kind of concrete evidence?"

"Yesterday, my commanding officer at NIFL, Major Loki, contacted me."

"What..."

Mitsuki gasped in surprise.

"The Major has apparently made up his mind to prevent an increase in dragons. Just by assigning me as Iris' bodyguard, NIFL will be reassured to some extent."

"In other words, at a critical moment, Nii-san, they will have you kill Iris-san?"

Mitsuki stared at me with eyes of determination.

"Yes, ''but that critical moment will be decided by me''. Until then, I will not allow anyone to kill Iris, no one at all."

I took on Mitsuki's gaze directly and answered her that way.

"...Your description makes yourself sound like the grim reaper, Nii-san."

"Yeah... But in a certain sense, that's precisely my ''original job''. Mitsuki, you're probably aware given your position, right? Although I was never deployed in an actual operation of that sort... The reason why Sleipnir, the team I used to be part of, was established, its real purpose was to target Ds who've been deemed as disasters, to assass—"

"Enough!"

Mitsuki cried out loudly to interrupt me.

"...Please say no more. I wish to hear none of that from your own mouth especially. Nii-san, please remain the Nii-san I know."

With tears glimmering in her eyes, Mitsuki pleaded to me.

"Mitsuki..."

"Regarding the bodyguard matter... I permit your request, because it seems to be the only way right now to keep NIFL restrained, but I have one condition."

"Condition?"

Seeing Mitsuki's gloomy eyes, I asked uneasily.

"If the situation reaches the point when Iris-san's dragonification is truly unavoidable—I shall do it then."

"What... No way! I can't let you do that kind of thing, Mitsuki!"

I yelled frantically but Mitsuki smiled wearily and shook her head.

"—It is fine, because my hands are already tainted."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Two years ago, the one who killed the fellow D who had turned into a dragon... That was me."

After saying that, Mitsuki walked past me and swiftly went up the stairs.

By the time I regained my senses from the shock and looked back, Mitsuki was already out of sight—

'—Really, you will accept this mission? That's really great help for me. And to think you've already secured the job as bodyguard to the target, you really work fast. I'm so fortunate to have such an outstanding subordinate like you. Ahhh, but you're not my subordinate anymore.'

Hahaha, Major Loki laughed superficially. Ignoring him, I continued.

"Anyway, because of that, please don't interfere anymore. I will definitely accomplish the mission."

'Very well, I understand. I will not do anything to obstruct you. Well then—I trust you, 2nd Lieutenant Mononobe.'

Zzzzt, the call disconnected.

"There is no one least suited to speaking the word 'trust' than you."

Muttering sardonically to myself, I laid myself on the bed.

After the conversation with Mitsuki ended, i returned to my room to get ready for bed, but as though aiming for this opportunity, Major Loki called at this time.

Because I already decided there was a need to contact him again, this timing turned out just right, except it felt a little terrifying.

"I can't lower my guard..."

Looking up at the ceiling, I spoke.

Mitsuki's words were also occupying my mind the whole time.

Just like I had gone through great changes over the past three years, Mitsuki must have experienced a lot.

Although no matter what things had happened, no matter what sins she was shouldering, I had no intention of handing Iris over to Mitsuki.

I had said to Iris: Leave it to me.

And three years ago, I had also said to Mitsuki: Leave everything to me.

I will not break... that promise.

===Part 5===

The next day, I went to school through the underground passage from the dormitory.

That being said, given the current emergency, lessons were naturally suspended at school. Walking through quiet and deserted hallways, I took the elevator and pressed the button at the bottom.

After experiencing the long descent, I finally reached the shelter that was located even deeper than training site number three. In front of a door in the corridor ahead, I could see a blonde girl standing there.

"It seems it's true that you will be in charge of monitoring Iris-san."

The girl—Lisa—looked at me with disdain.

"I'm not monitoring her, just a bodyguard. Have you accompanied Iris all this time since yesterday?"

My question prompted Lisa to puff out her chest and nod.

"Because we are classmates. When a classmate is in need, extending a helping hand is only natural."

"I see, you are considerate for your friends after all, Lisa."

"W-What do you mean by after all!? What do you know about me anyway!?"

Lisa glared at me with her face red.

"We've spoken so many times, it's only natural I'll gain a certain level of understanding. Right now, you're staying by her side because you're worried about Iris, right?"

"...For people like us who are living outside, separated from parents, classmates are equivalent to family. How could I not worry about her?"

Lisa shifted her gaze away, murmuring her answer quietly.

"Since you care about her so much, why not treat her more gently day to day...? Iris is always hard on herself for being called a poorly performing student."

Lisa whimpered "ooh..." then shook her head forcefully as though pulling herself together before glaring at me again.

"T-Those known as older sisters often act strict towards their younger sisters! Only family members can speak their minds without reservation, right?"

Her allegation made me think inside.

Indeed, gentle treatment was not the only expression of love and care. Iris was probably able to work so hard because someone existed to point out her flaws mercilessly.

"...I guess. Perhaps it's better if you continue with what you're doing, Lisa. Now that I think about it, you're quite an excellent older sister."

"Y-You will not gain anything from flattering me!"

Perhaps out of embarrassment, Lisa was speaking in a shrill voice.

"I'm not looking to gain anything either."

I shook my head wryly.

"That better be the case. Oh, just for the record, I still have not acknowledge you as a member of the class, so familial affection does not apply to you. Please do not forget that."

"—Got it. Anyway, I'll take your place from now on. You haven't slept since yesterday, right? It's best that you rest in preparation for battle."

Hearing me, Lisa made a displeased look.

"I will do that without needing you to tell me. Frankly speaking, although you do not reassure me, you do get along with her the best. I suppose Iris-san will have an easier time staying calm with you by her side."

After saying that, Lisa left towards the elevator.

But I suddenly remembered something and called to her.

"—Lisa, do you know about the Kraken battle two years ago?"

"Of course I do. I was fighting on the frontlines then."

Lisa stopped before the elevator and answered without looking back.

"The one who defeated Kraken was... Mitsuki, right?"

"Yes, indeed. Mitsuki-san shot and killed two Krakens. Through her accomplishments from that time, she rose to her current position."

I felt that Lisa's tone of voice had become stiff.

"It sounds like you don't approve?"

"—I approved because there was no other choice back then. But emotions are a separate matter. I cannot forgive Mitsuki-san who has murdered family."

"Family...?"

"Oh dear, so your knowledge is limited. Two years ago, the one who was turned into a dragon was Student No. 4 of Brynhildr Class, Shinomiya Miyako. She was Shinomiya-sensei's younger sister."

Lisa spoke in a calm tone of voice, then entered the elevator. Without looking back, she said:

"Then I shall leave Iris-san in your hands."

The elevator doors then shut. Just as I was stunned on the spot, I heard a door open. The door behind me had opened.

"Mononobe..."

Seeing Iris dressed in a flimsy nightgown, I instantly felt my heart rate rise.

"I-Iris, you heard everything?"

"Yeah... I was waiting to thank Lisa-san, because she treated me so nicely yesterday, but I couldn't find a chance to interrupt—"

Scratching her head, Iris smiled wryly.

"You already knew about what we mentioned just now?"

"I've only heard others talk about it, because I only came to Midgard a year ago... By then, Mitsuki-chan was already the student body president."

"I see now... But let's put that aside. If you just got out of bed, get changed first. Otherwise, I won't know where to look."

The fabric of Iris' nightgown was very sheer and offered faint glimpses of her body's curves.

"...It's a bit embarrassing, but I'm okay with it if it's you, Mononobe. Don't mind it. Come in."

"You're asking me not to mind—Hey, hold on!?"

Iris grabbed my arm and pulled me into the room. The interior was bigger than I imagined. Because it was a shelter, I originally thought it would be more plain, but it felt no different from the dormitory rooms.

Inside the room was a very comfortable looking bed, a desk with a breakfast tray on it, and a large closet. There was also a door that seemed to lead to the toilet and bathroom.

There were no windows after all, but instead, there was a large monitor installed on the wall. The screen was divided into multiple screens, displaying the situation around Midgard.

"Come, Mononobe, sit down here."

Iris plopped herself on the bed and patted the spot next to her.

"...Sit there?"

"Yes."

Iris nodded with a serious expression, so I nervously sat down beside her.

Then Iris leaned herself against me and hugged my arm.

I could feel my arm surrounded by a soft sensation.

"H-Hey?"

"—Let me stay like this for a while. There will be more tests starting noon again, so let me lean against you until then..."

Hearing the words Iris squeezed out desperately, I exhaled. Although Mitsuki had mentioned earlier that Iris had cooperated calmly, she would still feel afraid and uneasy, right?

If doing this could give her a bit of strength, then I'll let her lean like this for now without making a fuss.

To prevent my imagination from getting carried away, I turned my attention to the island scenery shown on the screens.

One view seemed to be taken by a satellite from above. It showed Midgardsormr surrounding the island in four layers. Many ships could be seen outside of the first defensive line. Those were probably NIFL's battleships and carriers.

Other images showed the girls of the Counter-Dragon Squad, patrolling the island's airspace. Firill, Ren and Ariella could be seen among them.

"Oh!"

Seeing something inappropriate, I could not help but cry out.

"You saw... Firill's panties, didn't you?"

Perhaps following my gaze to see the same view, Iris remarked quietly.

"N-No, but it's an image shown on screen, so it can't be helped. Rather, it's weird to be flying in the air while wearing a skirt, right?"

"Sure enough, guys are happy to see panties, right?"

Iris looked up at me and asked.

"What...? No way... how could that be possible!?"

"Ah, you looked away! Sure enough, you enjoy it, right?"

Iris leaned against me even more, forcing her gaze to meet mine.

"Doesn't the way you put it make me out to be a pervert!? Rather than enjoy, it's just a feeling of slightly profiting."

"Meaning that... You enjoy it a lot?"

"Urgh..."

Under her cold gaze, I could not speak for a while.

Staring at me like that for a while, Iris then asked in a barely audible voice:

"...Mononobe, will you be happy to see my panties too?"

"W-What are you saying so suddenly—"

Ignoring my panic, Iris continued with a blush:

"If you like it, Mononobe, I could show you? Because I've always wanted to... thank you."

Saying that, Iris lifted the hem of her nightgown.

My gaze was uncontrollably drawn to her.

Eh? Hey, hold on—

I gasped. My heart raced. I subconsciously gulped.

The hem was gradually lifted. I could not tear my eyes off that gradually exposed snow-white skin.

Iris' fingers trembled lightly. With her face bright red, she pulled the nightgown's hem even higher.

Her thighs, looking so soft and seductive, kept shaking my rationality. Finally, her nightgown was lifted up to near the base of the thigh.

Any further lifting and I would really see—

"Y-You don't need to thank me like that!"

Coming to my senses at the last second, I held Iris' hand down.

"Mononobe... You don't want to see mine?"

Iris was asking with a displeased look.

"It's not a matter of whether I want to see or not. What I mean is you shouldn't do something like that so lightly. Man are far dangerous creatures than you can imagine, Iris."

"...I am not doing this lightly. I had to gather a lot of courage to speak my mind."

"That's even worse. You have to treasure yourself more."

Perhaps Iris simply wanted to show me, but that would awaken even stronger desire. If I were to lose to desire, I would be sent to a tribunal meeting. But enduring on, refusing to succumb to desire was also quite painful. If following either path led to hell, then turning back would be the correct decision.

"Oooh, Mononobe, you're so malicious."

"I didn't say that because I'm malicious..."

I scratched my head, out of ideas. Right now, I was mustering all my effort to suppress my impulse. I was not confident I could withstand further stimulation.

I turned my attention back to the monitor, but things would be bad if I saw something I should not again, so I fixed my gaze on the screen that displayed the sea.

"I clearly wanted to reward you, Mononobe..."

Iris was murmuring in her lips, leaning her body against me. Through the sheer fabric, her body warmth was transmitting to me distinctly.

I looked for conversation topics to change the subject.

"I-Iris, what's that one screen that's showing the sea surface? The image seems to be moving, so it's not a fixed camera right—"

I rapidly asked Iris but her face instantly became shrouded in gloom.

"Oh... That seems to be the one monitoring Leviathan. Because the dragon can't be seen deep in the sea, it's right there—under the seawater."

I realized I had changed the subject to something bad.

"...Sorry, I made you feel worse."

"No. It's okay, because by doing this, I'll cheer up soon enough."

Smiling, Iris hugged my arm even tighter—

Just as Iris mentioned, when it was almost noon, a school nurse arrived.

Iris had changed into her school uniform. I accompanied her to the examination room but since I could not go in after all, I stood outside the door, waiting for the examination to end.

This was originally the first floor of the school building, but since it was now underground, all the windows were covered by metal shutters.

Because I had nothing to do, I generated some dark matter and practiced altering its form to pass time.

"I knew it, I'm still not used to guns weighing this light..."

I sighed and crushed the dark matter in Siegfried's form inside my hand. Then I heard footsteps approaching.

Someone was walking from the other end of the corridor. With long flowing hair, head raised, chest out, walking in a very prim and proper manner, she was—

"Mitsuki."

As soon as I called out to her, Mitsuki instantly stopped. This was our first time meeting since last night. I recalled what Lisa had said about what happened two years ago.

"Nii-san..."

"You need me for something?"

"...Yes, although I actually wish to avoid broaching this topic."

Mitsuki nodded with a gloomy expression.

"It's best to get unpleasant things over with quickly, right?"

I urged her by using a tone of levity.

"Good point... Well then, I have several questions for you, Nii-san. Did you use your full ability during the test last time?"

"Of course I did, Mitsuki. You saw during my training, right? You should know that's my limit."

Hearing my answer, Mitsuki continued to ask:

"So, according to your methods... Nii-san, without using fictional armaments, can you easily crush that block of diamond?"

"...No, I think I already demonstrated in the first training session. My method is to use an anti-materiel rifle and that's the most effective means."

I knew roughly what Mitsuki wanted to ask about.

So I prepared myself and waited for her to ask.

"Well then... Three years ago, Nii-san, how did you repel Hekatonkheir? Can you no longer accomplish the same thing?"

"..."

Finally. Ever since my reunion with Mitsuki, I expected to be asked this question eventually.

That day, I challenged "Blue" Hekatonkheir in order to defend the town—

"If possible, I have no wish to dig up what happened then. I would like to keep that incident buried in my heart too. You would probably be forced into an even more awkward position if that incident came to light. Because what you did that time was so unusual, a miracle so unbelievable, Nii-san, but..."

Mitsuki continued with a leader-like expression.

"As captain of the Counter-Dragon Squad, I must maintain a grasp on all currently available combat potential. If incorrectly used or managed, strong powers have the potential to hurt oneself instead. I am very afraid, unsure of what you might do next, Nii-san, so—"

"I understand... I'll answer you honestly."

Because Mitsuki looked extremely sad, I interrupted her and nodded.

"...Sorry, Nii-san."

"No need to apologize, you're just doing what you have to do as the captain. About your question just now, my answer is no. Currently, I'm unable to singlehandedly repeat what happened three years ago."

"Unable to singlehandedly... Is that so? I see now. I can probably imagine the usage condition required back then."

Mitsuki said with a somewhat enlightened expression.

"That's so fast. But even if that condition is fulfilled, I probably still can't defeat Leviathan. That's what my power is like."

Three years ago, I ultimately failed to kill Hekatonkheir. Despite the heavy price I paid, it was still beyond me.

Precisely because of that, I found Mitsuki to be an extremely dazzling sight. Because destroying a dragon was a power that I could never possess, no matter how many more heavy prices I paid, I would still be inferior to Mitsuki.

"...I understand now. You have said enough."

Mitsuki exhaled lightly and nodded. Then she gazed into my eyes.

"If I raised your hopes up... I'm sorry. But even if I can't defeat a dragon, I might be able to help in some way. Because that power needs a stable footing, it can't be used from the air or on a ship. Because of that, even if I can participate in attacking, I think it'll have to be near the final defensive line—"

"No, there is no need, Nii-san, you only need to focus on protecting Iris-san. My goal was to ask you to avoid using that power as much as you can if concealing it was your original intention."

Mitsuki's response greatly surprised me. I thought she was hoping my power could defeat Leviathan.

"If I used my power... will something bad happen?"

"Yes, if I remember correctly, three years ago, Nii-san, what you used was a firearm-like weapon. If that type of weapon were to be used carelessly, not only will it fail to defeat Leviathan... Worse comes to worst, it might end up deflecting back."

"Deflecting back?"

"...You will understand once the battle begins. Please watch the screens in the shelter carefully."

Mitsuki turned her back to me after speaking.

"You're leaving?"

"Yes, because I still have a pile of work to do."

"I see... Don't strain yourself too much."

I actually wanted to ask about the girl named Shinomiya Miyako, but I could not bear adding more to Mitsuki's mental burden, so I swallowed my words.

"This I cannot agree. If I do not strain myself now, when else? I have promised to everyone at the full-school assembly—I will put my life on the line."

Rather than a sense of mission, her expression seemed to carry resolve of a more heavier nature. After saying this, she headed down a dark corridor to leave on the other side.

Unable to say another word, I could only see her off, watching that slender back that was shouldering so much.

"Ah, so tired..."

After the tests, Iris came to my side and stretched.

"Good work. Let's go back to the shelter for dinner."

Iris naturally put her arm around mine. While trying my best not to think about her body warmth, I walked over towards the elevator.

Then at the school building's entrance hall on the first floor, we met familiar faces.

"...Oh!"

The one who exclaimed softly was Firill. Ren and Ariella were by her side too.

Ariella raised her hand and spoke to us.

"You came at the right time. Because it's break time, we were thinking of heading to the shelter."

"To the shelter? Why?"

Hearing my question, Ariella frowned.

"What's so strange about visiting a classmate to see how she's doing?"

Next to her, Ren nodded frequently to concur, her red hair swaying.

"No, it's not weird at all. Sorry, I asked a pointless question."

Lisa had said that fellow classmates were equivalent to family. Ariella and the others seem to be holding the same sentiment.

Firill then approached Iris and peered at her face.

"...You look very exhausted. Are you doing okay?"

"Y-Yeah, I"m fine. It's just that the testing dragged on for too long, I'm hungry."

Iris answered with a nervous expression. She was probably unused to being treated so gently.

"...Really? Then please take this."

Firill handed a small bag of something to Iris. Accepting it, Iris opened it and immediately showed excitement on her face.

"Wow, it's chocolate!"

"...This is the chocolate I bought overseas through the internet, not too long ago."

"Eh? Then isn't it expensive?"

Hearing Iris, Firill nodded.

"Yes, but you can have it."

"...Thank you, Firill-chan."

Iris thanked her with tears in her eyes then Ren and Ariella also presented small gifts from the side.

Ren's was candy while Ariella's seemed to be cookies.

"Umm... Is it really okay for me to have this?"

Iris accepted them in trepidation and asked them.

"Mm."

Ren kept nodding with an expression that seemed to say "of course you can."

"I feel bad that I can only do this kind of thing for you, but tomorrow, I will fight my hardest to protect you."

Ariella spoke with a serious expression.

"Ren-san, Ariella-san... Thank you."

Iris was finally moved to tears.

"...Don't cry."

Firill passed her handkerchief to Iris.

Seeing that handkerchief, Iris found it even harder to stop her tears.

After a while, Iris finally stopped crying and everyone waved and took their leave. Watching their backs as I saw them off, I said:

"They're really great classmates."

"...Yeah."
[[image:UnlimitedFafnir v01 195.jpg|thumb]]

"Mononobe, the bathwater is ready! Let's take a bath together!"

That night, after eating dinner and the snacks from Firill and the others, Iris regained her cheerfulness and suddenly announced.

The shelter instantly fell into a brief silence, because it took me a while to understand what Iris was saying.

"...I refuse."

I exhaled greatly. Evidently, Iris had completely failed to understand what I said this morning.

"You refuse to protect me in the bathroom? I'll be afraid if I'm alone..."

"Urgh..."

Seeing her show a worried look, I felt a bit guilty, but this was a line I could not compromise.

"...I'll be in the room. Just hang in there for now."

"Aww... Fine, then let's bathe separately. Mononobe, you go first. Since we're staying in the same room, I hope you'll wash yourself very clean."

Looking slightly displeased, Iris urged me to to take a bath.

"I don't mind going first, but why me first?"

"Because if I let you go after me, you'll lick the tub I used and drink the water I washed with, right? After all, that still would make me feel... embarrassed."

"Like hell I'd do that! Are you still looking at me in that way...?"

Hearing her say that, I walked to the bathroom, feeling hurt. Taking off my uniform, I entered the bathroom naked. The tub was already filled with hot water.

I sat down on a bathing stool then poured warm water over my head. At this moment, I sensed someone's presence in the changing area's direction.

"No way..."

I had a bad feeling. Looking up, I saw a white figure behind the frosted glass.

Before I could stop her, the door slid open and Iris entered, wrapped in a towel.

"M-Mononobe! I came to help you scrub your back! It's because I still wanna repay you—"

Her slightly nervous voice was cut off mid-sentence. Seeing my completely exposed naked body, Iris had her mouth opening and closing inexplicably—

"Kyahhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

Covering her eyes, she screamed.

"Don't go barging in without permission then scream! You've reversed our positions!"
[[image:UnlimitedFafnir v01 199.jpg|thumb]]

I hastily covered up my crotch with a towel while grumbling at her.

"B-But... But..."

Her face bright red, Iris peeked at me through the gaps between her fingers.

Fidgeting awkwardly, she was rubbing her snow-white thighs together, exposed under her bath towel. That was too stimulating a sight. I hastily shifted my gaze away.

"Okay, hurry and leave. I'll shower then come out straight away."

As much as I wanted to drive her out by force, the towel I brought in was not enough to wrap around my waist, making it impossible for me to stand up.

"N-No way... I can't give up because of something like this."

Clenching her dainty fist in front of her chest, Iris shook her head.

Then mustering extraordinary willpower, she circled over to my back with stiff footsteps, then froze at this moment.

"Hey... Mononobe."

"W-What?"

I answered nervously.

"Back scrubbing... How do I scrub?"

"You... You wanted to help me scrub without knowing how?"

I asked in exasperation.

"I only heard that this kind of custom exists in Japan... I don't actually know the details. Do I just pour hot water over you?"

"Pour hot water, then use a soaped towel to scrub... I think that covers it."

"Eh!? I didn't bring additional towels! M-Must I untie this one?"

Iris was just about to untie the towel wrapped around her body.

"No need to untie! Just use your hands directly if you don't have a towel—No wait, you don't need to do this at all, now that I think about it. Get out now!"

"No need to be shy, Mononobe, because I'm not forcing myself to do something I dislike."

Saying that, Iris rubbed her hands together to make the soap lather, then started washing my back.

"Woah!?"

Feeling someone else's touch on my back was more ticklish than I imagined.

"Fufu—Mononobe, you shuddered."

Initially a bit inexperienced, she gradually grew bold. Because she seemed like she was not going to give up no matter what, I decided to indulge Iris until she was satisfied.

"Monobe, your back... is so wide."

"..."

Iris' little hands, which were scrubbing my back, made me realize again the fact that she was a ''girl''.

To be honest, it did not feel unpleasant at all, but... Suppressing instincts continuously was extremely taxing for the mind. When I promised Mitsuki I was not going to engage in inappropriate interactions between genders, I never expected this kind of predicament at all.

Rather, this could be considered "inappropriate" already, right?

Although such a thought crossed my mind, I still told myself that it should still count barely within bounds.

"It's not very visible under clothing, but your muscles are quite firm. It's unexpected."

"...Well, that's because I went through training in the army."

"Is that why? ...Training must be tough, right?"

"Yeah, I almost died."

"Thank goodness you didn't die, Mononobe."

Hearing Iris' almost nonsensical response, I could not help but smile wryly.

"What are you smiling for?"

"...It's just a bit ticklish."

"Oh, then I'll wash the front next."

Perhaps deciding that the back was washed enough, Iris circled around to my front.

"Hey, that's no good! Iris, you came to scrub my back, right? In that case, I don't need you to wash the front!"

"Consider it a freebie! A freebie! Don't be shy, Mononobe."

Iris smiled at me innocently.

"I'm not being shy... W-Washing the front yourself is part of manners!"

"Manners? It's true, I definitely haven't heard anything about a custom of washing the front..."

"That's right, the back is the only part you can entrust to others. You've heard of the saying, 'letting others cover your back,' right?"

"Y-Yeah... But it feels like you're using twisted logic..."

Iris looked up at my face from below. The cleavage visible from her bath towel was shaking my sanity.

If I allowed her wash my front in these circumstances, an irreversible situation was going to develop.

I desperately persuaded Iris, finally convincing her with much difficulty.

However, there were even harsher trials awaiting me that night.

"Mononobe... Let's sleep together tonight."

Seeing Iris invite me to bed while dressed in a sexy nightgown, I felt my consciousness leave me for an instant.

"Tonight... might be my very last, so to me, this may or may not be my final remaining time... I don't want to spend it alone."

—That was such an unfair way of putting it. How could I possibly ignore her?

But even so, I desperately tried to resist.

"Can't you ask someone else? For example, if it's Lisa—"

"I prefer you, Mononobe, I don't want anyone else! This is my request of a lifetime!"

"How can you make unreasonable demands like a child...?"

"I don't care if it's an unreasonable demand! If my life is ending tomorrow, then it's too much of a waste if I don't use up my request of a lifetime now!"

I realized what Iris was trying to convey really was "a request of a lifetime" literally.

"Why... are you choosing someone like me?"

Unable to comprehend this, I asked her.

"—Because you've treated me with kindness."

"Huh?"

"Because you've treated me with the most kindness, Mononobe. You're the first person to extend a helping hand to me. If you must ask for a reason, that's pretty much all I can answer. Is this kind of reason... not enough?"

Seeing her ask me with tears in her eyes, I could not help but take a few steps back.

"No... Nothing like that—"

"Please, I beg you, Mononobe, even if it's just lending me your back for me to lean against, aren't backs for entrusting to others?"

To think she was bringing up the excuse I had used in the bathroom, I had no choice but to surrender.

"...I got it. If showing my back to you is fine, I'll stay with you, Iris, until you fall asleep."

I prepared myself, climbed onto the bed and lay down with my back facing her.

"Thank you... Mononobe."

Iris leaned herself against me and whispered in my ear. The softness and warmth I was feeling against my back was making my consciousness boil.

Surrounded by sweet fragrance, my rationality was almost flying away. Despite the fact that we were both clearly clothed, it felt even more dangerous than in the bathroom.

"So this is your scent, Mononobe... I knew it, the real thing is better..."

Iris pressed her face against my clothing, murmuring to herself.

"...Real thing?"

"Eh? N-Nothing, d-don't mind me."

Behind me, Iris was especially flustered.

"Speaking of which, the shirt I lent you the first time we met... What happened to it?"

"Frightened!?"

"...I've never heard anyone yell 'frightened' as an exclamation before."

I smiled wryly as I spoke.

"N-No! I didn't take the shirt to sniff it, to hug against my bosom, or use it as sleepwear!"

Iris argued in quick succession to defend herself.

"...I never knew you were that perverted."

"I said I didn't do it! If you must have it back, I'll return it next time. I'll even give you special permission to sniff and lick it out of my sight."

"Like hell anyone's gonna do that! Besides, that was mine to begin with. I don't have any weird fetish of getting aroused from my own clothing that someone else had worn! Returning the shirt is only going to cause me a headache. You can have it as a gift!"

Although it was no big deal, I had no desire of wearing something that I had no idea what had been done to it.

"...Thank you! Sure enough, you're so kind, Mononobe."

"Uh, if you say I'm kind for something like this, you'll only give me a headache..."

Because what I said totally did not stem from kindness, I had no idea how to react.

"No, Mononobe... You're very kind... Extremely kind."

Saying that, Iris leaned even tighter against me. Two soft sensations could be felt pressing against my back more strongly.

"I-Iris, it's touching me! It's touching!"

Although accusing her like this did not feel proper, at this rate, my rationality really was going to reach a limit, which was why I yelled at her.

"Yeah... I know"

But Iris remained unfazed. Quietly, she spoke:

"Mononobe, there are three ways to prevent a D from turning into a dragon. The first is to defeat the dragon. The second is death. And the third is... to stop being a D."

"That's—"

I recalled the conditions Mitsuki had mentioned about Ds losing their power. Instantly, my heart rate jumped.

"That's right... Reaching twenty years old or so, or getting pregnant, that's how we become ordinary people, so—"

Iris whispered softly in my ear.

"S-So...?"

"..."

I asked her but Iris did not answer.

She simply pressed her fiery hot body tightly against me.

The sound of heartbeats seemed to be pulsating next to my ear. My mind went blank.

In this quiet room, all we could hear was each other's breathing.

Unable to say anything or do anything, I could only let time pass like this.

My sanity was getting worn away bit by bit.
[[image:UnlimitedFafnir v01 207.jpg|thumb]]

But just as I was about to reach my limit, Iris laughed from behind.

"Sorry—Saying it that way was a bit underhanded just now."

"Huh?"

"...Actually, even if Ds get pregnant, their power weakens gradually rather than losing it all at once. It takes roughly three months for a D to lose her power completely, so it's too late once you're targeted by a dragon."

"Don't say such things that'll make others misunderstand..."

I almost lost control because of that.

"Fufu, Mononobe... Your heart was beating so fast just now, because I had my ear against your back, I heard it clearly."

"...I heard your heartbeat too, Iris."

"Ehhh! No way!?"

Iris began to panic behind me.

"If you're leaning so close, of course I'll hear you. Also, if you're going to play pranks like earlier, I'm going to sleep on the floor or outside."

"Oh... S-Sorry! Mononobe, please don't go!"

Iris grabbed me desperately.

"H-Hey!"

"I'm not going to play a prank... I just wanna say... If you really want to do that, Mononobe... But halfway through, I felt afraid again."

"Oh come on... Maybe you're trying to repay me again, but that's going way too far. If an accident happened, you might lose the power to fight dragons, you know?"

Iris felt a strong sense of duty towards the matter of fighting dragons. She trained desperately to hone her power for the test. I did not want her to give up on that power so easily.

"But... If I die tomorrow, it doesn't matter..."

"Rather than thinking about the case of dying, it's more constructive if you think about the case of surviving."

"That doesn't sound like something coming from the one who promised to kill me, you know...?"

Iris spoke in a tone of disagreement.

"Yeah, on the one-in-ten-thousand chance of that happening, I will kill you before you turn into a dragon. But you've got to try thinking about the rest of the ten thousand, right?"

"The rest of the ten thousand?"

Iris did not seem to understand, so I continued:

"Suppose the total is ten thousand, after taking out that one chance, there are nine thousand nine hundred and ninety remaining, in other words, that many futures where I won't have to kill you, Iris."

"You're just playing word games."

Iris disagreed quietly.

"Really? I think that's how high the chances are. Mitsuki, with her accomplishment of having defeated dragons, is also standing on our side. You should put a bit of faith in my little sister at least."

I said cheerfully without looking back. Although half of what I said was bluffing, the remainder was serious.

I could feel Iris' arm relaxing, followed by a tiny laugh.

"Fufu—How unbelievable. After hearing that from you... Mononobe, I'm beginning to feel that perhaps you might be right."

"In that case, sleep earlier tonight. This is for the sake of tomorrow—and beyond."

I felt her nod in agreement.

"...Yeah, goodnight, Mononobe."

"Okay, goodnight—Iris."

Soon after I responded, I could hear the breathing from her sleeping soundly. Perhaps she had been unable to sleep the previous night.

Because Iris was still clinging to me tightly, I could not even get out of bed quietly.

Despite acting cool earlier, I was still bothered by the warmth and suppleness of Iris' body. It was impossible to sleep at all.

Fighting a protracted war of resistance from then on, I only fell asleep just as dawn approached.

<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 [[Unlimited_Fafnir:Volume_1_Chapter_2|Chapter 2]]
| Return to [[Unlimited_Fafnir|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Unlimited_Fafnir:Volume_1_Chapter_4|Chapter 4]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 1 Chapter 2

2015-05-21T19:35:18Z

Edwinclement08: /* Chapter 2 - Witch of Silver Explosions */

==Chapter 2 - Witch of Silver Explosions==

===Part 1===

Seeing the white room, I was reminded of my first encounter with ''him''.

Yes, it was three years ago.

After I surrendered myself as a D, I was injected with some kind of drug and fell unconscious. By the time I woke up, I was in a cramped room.

The ceiling, floor and walls were all pure white. Standing in front of me was a young man in military uniform.

—Who is he? Someone I know? Or someone I just met?

I had no idea no matter how hard I thought. With one exception, everything seemed so fuzzy and unclear.

Staring at me, the man then spoke:

"...Although the cause is unknown, you happen to be broken just right. That plus your rare talent makes me like you very much."

The man's voice was very loud, strong and forceful as though he did not permit anyone to miss his words.

"How about it? Do you want to work under me? It's very meaningful work. You'll be able to save hundreds, thousands, even tens of thousands of people. You are definitely very suited to the job."

I was unable to answer despite being asked a question.

Because I was gagged. My arms and legs were tied up too.

Looking at me, the man smiled and extended his hand towards me. I thought he was going to take out the object stuffed in my mouth—But the man ended up grabbing me by the hair.

Forcing my head down with a push, he compelled me to nod.

"Really? So you agree? Thank you. From today onwards, you are my subordinate."

The man smiled while he spoke.

An indescribable chill instantly ran along my spine. This was not a conversation, it was merely a formality.

Only then did I finally realize that my fate had already been decided.

Coming from this man's mouth was my future, my destiny ahead.

"You'll definitely achieve it. You'll definitely become a killer who can save thousands, billions—"

===Part 2===

"Eh, where is this place?"

"Sigh... You finally woke up. It's already after school. This is the infirmary, Iris. I brought you here after you fainted."

Iris blinked and stared at the white ceiling while I explained to her.

After the explosion from the failed transmutation of mithril, Shinomiya-sensei instantly contacted the administration. A woman calling herself the school nurse soon arrived.

Although the nurse said Iris was fine without significant injury, she was still sent to rest in the infirmary just to be on the safe side. I stayed behind voluntarily to look after her.

Later on, that nurse had to go out to attend to certain matters, thus leaving Iris and me alone at the moment.

"Mononobe...? Ahhh... I messed up again, right?"

She seemed to be linking up her memories. With a gloomy expression, Iris murmured.

"Yeah, the explosion blew you away completely. A big failure that couldn't be more simple and obvious."

"You're so blunt... Shouldn't you encourage and console me at a time like this?"

Iris said with a wry smile.

"Half-assed encouragement to give you baseless hope would only make you repeat the same failure—or it could even make things worse. People who can't confront their failures tend to die early—That's what I learned at NIFL."

"Confront failures..."

"Yeah, Iris, besides, you were probably thinking you'd succeed as long as you tried hard, right?"

"H-How did you know!?"

Iris made a look surprise.

"I could tell from the way you looked before the training."

"A-Am I a big failure?"

"Yeah, you were a big failure today, Iris."

I nodded in agreement. Iris slumped her shoulders and asked again in a small voice:

"An idiot, airheaded and useless?"

"Currently speaking, perhaps there's no way you can deny these kinds of criticisms."

"Really...? Then I guess it's impossible for me to join the Counter-Dragon Squad..."

Iris sighed heavily.

"You want to join the Counter-Dragon Squad, Iris? But that's the most dangerous job, putting yourself on the frontlines, you know?"

"Yes... Because that's my reason for coming to Midgard."

Iris nodded to confirm then spoke as though looking out into the distance:

"I... until a year ago, I've always lived an ordinary life in the outside world. But when I was on a ship with my family, the white dragon—'White' Leviathan—happened to pass nearby... Causing our ship to sink."

"A dragon disaster huh..."

I muttered angrily. Disasters caused simply from the movement of dragons were called dragon disasters. Three years ago, Mitsuki and I had similarly encountered a dragon disaster caused by "Blue" Hekatonkheir.

"That's right... Because of the dragon disaster, everyone died. My powers awakened for the first time then... I was the sole survivor."

The smile surfaced on Iris' face did not carry her usual cheerfulness. Instead, it contained an element of self-deprecation.

"Because no one saw me use my powers at the time, I could have kept quiet and continued living outside... But I admitted my identity as a D on my own."

"...You intend to take revenge against the dragons?"

"How should I say this...? Actually, I don't have any negative obsession like hatred in my heart... But I think I must step forward to fight. It's for this reason that I survived."

Looking at me, Iris' eyes shone with strong determination.

Seeing those unwavering eyes, I could not help but gasp. Back in the past when Mitsuki declared she would protect the town, she had shown the same eyes too.

"...That means you still don't intend to give up, right?"

"Huh?"

"Although you just said that joining the Counter-Dragon Squad is impossible, you don't intend to give up on the test, right?"

"T-That goes without saying! Even though I might still fail... I will try my hardest!"

Hearing the expected answer, I smiled.

"Like I said, just working hard isn't enough. You've got to avoid repeating the same mistakes."

"Urgh... I understand this logic, but even if I understand, I still can't do it..."

Seeing Iris disheartened, I made a decision in my heart.

"Iris, how many training sessions are there before the test?"

"Uh, I think there won't be any more chances to use training site number three... We'll just have basic training in smaller spaces from now on."

"Hmm... That's not good. We're out of options if there's no time to practice. Is self-directed practice after school allowed here?"

"Using training sites requires authorization and someone to supervise."

"Oh okay, anyway, I'll discuss with Mitsuki first. If authorization is granted, let's start training together after school starting tomorrow."

"Eh... Training together?"

Iris' mouth gaped wide in surprise.

"Yeah, today's training was forcibly interrupted. I'm a total novice in the area of fighting dragons, so I have to learn Midgard's combat methods as quickly as possible."

"Mononobe..."

Tears welled up in Iris' eyes.

"H-Hey! Why are you crying?"

"I-I dunno..."

Seeing her tears flowing nonstop, I hurried to comfort her.

But Iris simply would not stop crying for a long time...

===Part 3===

"Training after school... Is that so?"

Due to accompanying Iris the whole time until her emotions stabilized, I returned late. As soon as I got back to the dormitory, I went directly to the dining hall to pitch the afterschool training idea to Mitsuki.

It was just after 7pm. Arranged on the dining table were dishes prepared by the housework robots, but they looked untouched. Mitsuki had probably been waiting all along for my return.

"Yeah, I heard that we could practice as long as we obtained authorization."

"Indeed, such a rule exists... In any case, we should start the meal first and you can tell me about it. The food is getting cold."

Mitsuki pointed at the dinner laid out on the table.

"You're right. Sorry for making you wait. Let's begin."

"Yes, bon appetit."

Mitsuki clapped her hands together then picked up her chopsticks. While picking up food with chopsticks, I continued to converse.

"We need time to train. Iris' state is obvious from today while I don't know anything because I just transferred. At this rate, it doesn't take a genius to predict next week's test results. We won't pass."

"That is true indeed..."

For some reason, Mitsuki was reacting a bit sluggishly. Sticking her chopsticks in the roasted saury, she was half-heartedly engaged in the conversation.

Tonight's cuisine was pure Japanese style. The table was laden with my favorite dishes. If anything, Mitsuki's preference lay in western food, so she must have prepared this for me.

"So I guess we have to discuss directly with Shinomiya-sensei?"

"No, my position is sufficient to grant authorization. No need to trouble Shinomiya-sensei, but... Nii-san, why are you trying so proactively to help Iris-san?"

Mitsuki asked in a slightly sulking tone of voice.

"Do I look like I'm favoring Iris that much?"

"Yes, quite."

Mitsuki gazed at me with narrowed eyes. Her response came with no hesitation at all.

"If that's the case... I guess it's because Iris has been trying as hard as she can."

"Trying as hard as she can?"

"Yeah, someone who tries as hard as they can... It somehow feels impossible to ignore people like that."

Just like Mitsuki three years ago—

I added these words silently in my mind while smiling at Mitsuki.

"Hmm... N-Nii-san, you are too nice, but... It is commendable that you are not doing this for ulterior motives. No helping it, then I shall take on the role of supervisor—"

In the middle of Mitsuki's sentence, an alarm suddenly sounded in the surroundings.

"W-What?"

I looked out the dining hall window in surprise, only to see the academy clock tower at the island's center, flashing a red warning light.

'Emergency warning, emergency warning—Level E alert, Type Yellow. I repeat, Level E alert, Type Yellow!'

The urgent voice was coming from speakers inside the dormitory but Mitsuki did not get up from her seat. Instead, she continued her meal gracefully.

"Mitsuki, is it time to be eating leisurely now? There's an alert!"

"Yes, but the alert mentioned Type Yellow, which ought to be 'Yellow' Hraesvelgr approaching this island."

"What are you talking about!?"

"But seeing as it is Level E, that means Hraesvelgr simply brushed past the warning zone, that is all. Since Hraesvelgr flies at high-speed in the stratosphere, this type of approach happens roughly once or twice a month. Relax, it will end very soon."

No sooner had Mitsuki finished than the alert sound stopped. The red warning light also shut off.

'Target has left the warning zone. All units, please return to regular stations.'

This time, the announcer's voice was calm. I breathed a sigh of relief and returned to eat at the dining table.

"Gave me quite a fright... I thought a dragon was going to attack. It's because I heard during the daytime that dragons target this place."

"Dragons start their advance after the dragon mark of one of the Ds changes color. Currently, I have yet to receive reports of that sort."

After finishing this sentence, Mitsuki drank her miso soup and ended the meal.

I hastily shoved the rest of the food into my mouth.

"—What a wonderful meal."

"Fanksh fo' da food..."

With food in my mouth, I mumbled a response to Mitsuki.

"This is very impolite, Nii-san. Neglecting etiquette will worsen others' impressions of you, so please pay attention. Come, do over."

"—Thanks for the food."

"Pass. So, Nii-san, I shall make a trip to the school. Although nothing happened, there are aftermath matters to handle. I will take this opportunity to complete the procedure for training site usage."

"Thank you, Mitsuki!"

I stood up to thank her.

"This is not something worth thanking me for. As the student body president, it is only natural to assist students who are striving to improve."

"Even if that's the case, I'm still grateful to you."

I thanked again. Mitsuki avoided eye contact.

"I-I was interrupted just now. I am supervising to prevent you from engaging in any behavior with Iris-san that goes against public morals, Nii-san. I will watch you two carefully."

"What are you talking about? We're just training."

"Who knows if that is really the case... From what I saw, today's warm-up exercises were very suspicious already."

Mitsuki glared coldly at me.

"Ugh... Don't worry, I'll be careful. I won't let that kind of thing happen again."

"Please, Nii-san. Since this is a fundamental matter but too delicate for me to bring up in front of other girls... Do know that inappropriate interaction between genders is strictly forbidden! Rather than a matter of public morals, it stems from more serious losses."

"Losses?"

"You know this, right? We Ds lose the power to create dark matter once we reach twenty years old or so—or become pregnant."

Mitsuki spoke, her cheeks reddening slightly.

"I've heard that kind of rumor before... Then it's true?"

I was surprised. Essentially, only Midgard held correct information regarding Ds. Many of the rumors circulating in the world were completely fabricated. I originally thought the pregnancy rumor was one of them.

"What...? So that is your level of knowledge? How fortunate that I decided to remind you beforehand as a precaution... If you were to take away someone's powers, Nii-san, you would probably be handed over to a tribunal meeting and sentenced to harsh punishment. Please, you must... you must pay attention."

Mitsuki glared at me harshly from extremely up close, warning me again and again.

Confronted with such pressure, I had not choice but to nod in response.

===Part 4===

Second day of my school life...

Because I was woken up by Mitsuki at 7am yesterday, I set my alarm clock for 6:30am today. Roused from bed by the noisy alarm, I washed my face and changed into uniform, then made my way to the dining hall.

"Good morning, Nii-san."

Greeting me, Mitsuki was sitting in the same seat as last night.

"Good morning..."

This feeling of family members greeting each other good morning felt quite unbelievable.

Rather than nostalgic, it felt quite new instead. That was the extent that my memories had been eroded.

After finishing the simple breakfast of only toast and salad, I picked up my school bag and exited the dormitory. Inside the bag were the portable terminal and gym clothing issued to me by the school. All the materials required for class were stored in the portable terminal, eliminating the need for textbooks.

The two of us walked on the road along the shore.

Like the first day, as soon as we went left the house, Mitsuki virtually stopped talking, hence we were essentially silent the whole time.

But incredibly, there was no feeling of awkwardness.

Looking out at sea, I could see cumulonimbus clouds rising from the horizon.

It was currently sunny but there might be showers later today.

The road took us away from the shore and as we gradually neared the center of the island, girls from other dorms began joining us on their way to school. Although hair colors and complexions varied widely, the majority of students were Asian girls.

It was said that the occurrence of Ds tended to increase the closer a location was to places where Vritra had passed through. Hence, Japan, where Vritra had first appeared, was where the greatest number of Ds had been born. It was also for this reason that Japanese was used as the lingua franca at Midgard.

"Good morning, Mitsuki-sama!"

"You're beautiful as usual today, Mitsuki-sama!"

"Your speech yesterday was so touching, Mitsuki-sama!"

Many students were greeting Mitsuki with excitement in their eyes.

"Good morning, everyone."

Mitsuki responded to them with a smile. Although I had already sensed it yesterday, Mitsuki really was quite a popular student body president.

The girls kept stealing glances at me while I walked with Mitsuki, but they hesitated and dared not talk to me. I guess it was difficult for them to relax and approach because of my male gender, but—

"Good morning to you too, Y-Yuu-sama!"

After greeting Mitsuki, one of the girls also spoke to me. It was a glasses-wearing girl who looked serious in personality.

"Oh, good morning."

Hearing my slightly nervous answer, the girl instantly fled with her face red. As soon as she met up with her friends in the distance, I could hear cries of joy along the lines of: "Kyah! I said it! I said it out loud!" "Well done, Mayumi!" "How does it feel up close!?"

Although it felt like being treated as an exotic animal, I did not feel particularly displeased.

"Nii-san, you are making a lewd expression. You wouldn't have forgotten my advice last night, have you?"

Mitsuki quietly reminded me as though reading my mind.

"I-I remember, it's just that I felt a bit happy that someone greeted me for the first time."

Inappropriate interactions between genders were forbidden. I knew that very well. But having lived in a world far from girls for so long, I simply got a little carried away from someone speaking to me. This was understandable, right?

The school's entrance resembled an automatic ticketing turnstile. I placed my student ID on the panel sensor and entered.

"Can I ask a question, Mitsuki?"

I asked her while we made our way to the classroom.

"Please go ahead, Nii-san. I can answer anything as long as it is not inane or top secret."

"...Just checking something about school life. You mentioned when you handed this student ID to me that it can be used for shopping. What's the limit?"

"Naturally, it depends on the funds in your own bank account. One difference between Midgard and most schools is that students receive a salary. Apart from minimum living expenses, students are rewarded according to their accomplishments when taking on matter creation requests or NIFL missions. All of this is deposited into personal bank accounts."

Mitsuki took out her own student ID to show me while explaining fluently.

"Learning how to transmute rare metals and energy resources is a shortcut to making money, because requests of that sort are always more numerous than can be handled. But in your case, Nii-san, I doubt there is any urgency for you to earn money that desperately. Your bank account balance can be viewed from your portable terminal. Please have a look, Nii-san."

"Oh, I'll check it out."

I took out my portable terminal from my bag and tried to check my account information.

However, the figure shown there was far bigger than I imagined.

"Eh... Is there a mistake in the number of zeroes?"

I could not help but ask Mitsuki.

"No, the figure is correct. It includes your living expenses for this month as well as your wages from the three years working at NIFL. In consideration of the hardship you went through, Nii-san, it is actually on the low side."

Mitsuki clenched her fist as though squeezing out these words took much difficulty.

Judging from the side of her face, she seemed to be desperately enduring something.

How much did Mitsuki know exactly about my three years there?

As much as I felt concerned by this question, I was unable to ask her.

Because I was afraid of the answer.

Like that, we walked in silence and reached Brynhildr Class. I was greeted by a gaze completely unlike those along the way to school.

Because the blonde girl—Lisa—suddenly glared at me.

"G-Good morning."

I tried to greet her but she went "hmph" and turned her head away.

"...Good morning."

"Hmph."

I tried again but she turned her head even farther.

"Good morning."

The third try.

"Hm—Guh..."

Lisa tried to turn her head away for the third time but suddenly choked. She had apparently forgotten that there was a limit to her neck's rotation angle.

"A-Are you trying to kill me!?"

Lisa held her neck and complained.

"No, I just wanted to greet you."

"So irritating! You ought to show consideration for my neck! No matter how many times you repeat this, I shan't greet you!"

"Why?"

Hearing my question, Lisa glared harshly at me.

"Because I still have not approved the matter of your staying at Midgard."

"...I see, then there's nothing I can do about that. Thanks."

Hearing my word of thanks, Lisa looked surprised.

"Why are you thanking me?"

'Huh? Because even though you didn't greet me, you still answered my question."

"What...? H-How dare you mock me!?"

Lisa gnashed her teeth in chagrin.

"No, it's not as extreme as mocking, right..."

"I absolutely refuse to forgive you! Remember that, Mononobe Yuu! Hmph!"

Lisa extended her finger, pointing at me, then turned her head away again.

Continuing the conversation seemed difficult, so I went over to my seat. I will try my hardest. One day, she will approve of me.

I took out my portable terminal from my bag to get ready for class. At this moment, the classroom's door opened lightly and Iris poked her head in, looking extra apprehensive than usual.

Shifting her gaze, Iris seemed to be looking for someone. When she made eye contact with me she instantly made a panicking look.

"Oh! Mononobe, g-good morning!"

For some reason, Iris' voice sounded very frantic as she greeted me. What was with her apprehensive look just now? Then I saw her coming over to me in a panic.

Perhaps she was concerned about crying yesterday but I was not so tactless as to confirm that with her.

I decided to ignore the unnecessary and responded to her greeting as though nothing had happened.

"Good morning, Iris. I've obtained authorization so we can start our special training today."

Hearing me say that, Iris blushed and nodded.

"Great! We'll do our best, Mononobe!"

Classes in the morning were no different from an ordinary school's.

Mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry taught at the level of first year high school. These were core subjects because some of the knowledge could be applied towards matter creation.

The afternoon consisted of Shinomiya-sensei teaching about subjects related to Ds, but instead of practicals, it was carried out in lecture format.

"—To accommodate our new student, we will review during the lesson. Let us begin from the theory of transmutation techniques, Firill Crest. What type of transmutation has the widest range of applications?"

Called upon, Firill stood up and replied.

"...Air. By adjusting directionality and compression ratio, air can be used for defense and movement in addition to attack."

"Excellent. The transmutation of air is accompanied by the generation of wind. With appropriate adjustments, one could even fly in the sky. For those in the vanguard, this method of flying is virtually a required method of movement—"

The teacher was talking about systematized dark matter transmutation techniques and ways to use our powers in hypothetical battles against dragons. This knowledge felt very refreshing and new to me.

"—Furthermore, there are many substances that can only be created through the transmutation of dark matter, of which mithril and antimatter are particularly useful in battle. Mithril is theoretically the toughest alloy while antimatter can be used to destroy any type of matter in an annihilation reaction. Very well, Ariella Lu, between these two substances, ultimate offense and the ultimate defense, which is stronger?"

Called upon, Ariella answered concisely:

"Antimatter."

"Indeed. This type of situation is where offense is stronger because if antimatter is used to attack, even mithril cannot withstand it. However, there is currently only one person in the Counter-Dragon Squad who is capable of transmuting antimatter—"

In consideration of my circumstances, Shinomiya-sensei was reviewing the basics while conducting her lesson to let me understand simple key points.

Using the creation of air to fly. Powerful long range attacks.

These two were apparently the most highly prized abilities in anti-dragon combat.

In other words, next week's test involved assessing one of them: testing students' skill in long range attacks. Because the target was diamond, simply hitting it was not enough. At the same time, attacks needed firepower that would not weaken after being shot from afar.

As relief measures, the auxiliary test also involved a high-difficulty skill. If it was just making a shield, ordinary transmutation was enough, but it was a totally different matter to manifest it at a distance of 50m.

Parameters were too different from combat against humans.

By this point, I finally became painfully aware that this was training for the sake of defeating ''dragons''.

Next, after school, accompanied by Mitsuki, I went to the training site with totally tensed nerves.

Despite it being practice, Iris seemed to be nervous again.

Perhaps other homerooms had been training, a block of diamond was still located 100m out front.

"You are allowed to use this training site from 5 to 6:30pm. I have obtained authorization for today, the day after tomorrow, as well as the day before the test. A total of three days. The other days were either booked or did not fit in my schedule. For that, I am deeply apologetic."

Mitsuki bowed her head to apologize to us.

"Ehhhh!? Three days is enough for practice! Sorry, Mitsuki-chan, you're accompanying us even though you're so busy. I'm so grateful to you!"

Iris held Mitsuki's hands and thanked her with a radiant smile.

"—No, responding to the requests of students is part of the student body president's responsibilities."

Mitsuki struggled free uncomfortably and separated from Iris.

"Even so, I still thank you!"

"No need for thanks. Hurry and begin to train. Time is limited, yes?"

"R-Right! So... Then you start first, Mononobe. You didn't get to take part in the training yesterday because you were taking me to the infirmary."

"—Got it."

I nodded and stood at the marked position. Anyway, I tried using my ''past methods'' to see how far they could go, then decide on the next step based on that.

First was the construction of a barrier. As a newcomer and novice, accepting the auxiliary test would be the more appropriate choice.

Standing at the prescribed location, I created a baseball's volume of dark matter.

This black mass was not any kind of matter or phenomenon yet. According to physical definitions, it did not even count as existing.

Nevertheless, it was definitely on my palm.

Only Ds were capable of sensing their existence.

But not ordinary humans. Hence, scholars proposed a hypothesis.

Namely, the dark matter conjecture.

For example, humans were able to photograph an object from different angles using a camera. They were able to capture a three dimensional object into an arbitrary two dimensional planar photograph.

Similarly, this black substance could be transmuted into any arbitrary substance from the three dimensional world.

Hence, it was believed that this could be a higher dimensional substance—ergo, it was named dark matter.

Supposing dark matter was a fourth dimensional substance, then defining its existence would require four axes.

What would the fourth axis be? It was still currently unknown, but the most convincing suggestion was that it was something closely related to the mind.

Because dark matter's form would change according to the creator's will.

Despite having no mass, the dark matter on my hand produced a sensation.

Probably, Ds used their minds to sense dark matter.

Hence, just by adding force of willpower to the body's movements, a throw towards a location 50m away was possible!

"Y-You threw it!?"

Iris exclaimed in surprise but I ignored her. My gaze followed the black sphere closely.

I did not have the ability to generate dark matter suddenly at the far distance of 50m. Hence, I threw it then judged the distance visually. This was the best method I could currently think of.

...Slight deviation to the right.

When the sphere arrived above the marker, I transmuted the dark matter.

Voicing silently in my mind, I imposed limits on the possibilities of the dark matter that could turn into anything.

The image formed in my mind was a shield of iron. Acquiring mass, the dark matter fell almost vertically with a clang, planted on the ground.

If it were still dark matter, it would not make any sound, vanishing as soon as it touched mass. Hence, the sound of impact was evidence of transmutation.

Although it had fallen to the right of the marker, standing upright there was exactly the shield I had imagined.

However, it was only two meters in length, which was fine when fighting humans, but somewhat worrying against dragons.

Also, it was lacking in thickness. Rather than a shield of iron, it would be more apt to call it a plate of iron.

"..."

Mitsuki silently went to verify my shield. Because it was some distance away, I had nothing to do for the moment, so I turned to face Iris.

"Mononobe, that was way too..."

Iris was looking at me in exasperation.

"No good, I guess?"

"Yeah... Hmm, I think you'll get it after Mitsuki-chan explains."

Iris sighed. At this moment, Mitsuki returned with rapid footsteps.

"Nii-san."

Mitsuki stared coldly at me.

"Man... Don't make such a scary look. I did manage to make a shield."

"Yes, indeed it is a shield of iron, however—It is not only too small but also too thin. Something like that cannot be used as a shield. Added to that is the fact that throwing dark matter is a completely pointless move. It wastes too much time before transmutation completes and there was also a deviation from the target location."

"In other words, failure?"

"Indeed."

Mitsuki nodded clearly.

I guess using my usual method really did not work. Just as Mitsuki said earlier, my methods were apparently considered unorthodox in Midgard.

"Kyah! Mononobe failed too! We're comrades!"

"Don't get so happy over there!"

I retorted back at Iris who was overjoyed to find someone else in the same boat as her.

"Then next, Nii-san, please attempt to destroy the diamond, even though I have a bad feeling about this."

At Mitsuki's behest, I stood at the spot for aiming at the diamond. This time, the distance was 100m.

If attacking a target at long range, I could not think of anything apart from guns.

Anti-materiel armament—AT Ishtar.

I let the blueprint in my mind flow into the extracted dark matter, turning it into a long ranged anti-materiel weapon.

What appeared in my hand was an anti-materiel rifle similar in appearance to the Nergal.

The gun's body was longer than Nergal's. The grip was not meant to be held in one hand and the gun had to be held with the stock against the shoulder.

Although its design differed from ordinary firearms, its mass production model was also used by NIFL.

While the rifle's heavy mass weighed on my arms, my entire body instantly felt enveloped in a light sense of fatigue.

A D's ability was not an endless power.

Extracting dark matter required concentration and transmutation caused strain to the mind. Repeated use would cause extreme stress to accumulate in both the body and the mind.

"Sigh..."

I heard Mitsuki's heavy sigh from beside me.

It looked like this method was unorthodox too.

Although I felt the result was already decided, I still took a prone posture on the ground and aimed at the target. Ishtar's effective range easily exceeded a kilometer. Sniping a block of diamond 100m away was a piece of cake.

I pulled the trigger to snipe the diamond.

The gunshot echoed throughout the training site while a small amount of diamond fragments flew apart.

"How's that? It caused a bit of damage—"

I looked up at Mitsuki and inquired, but seeing her expression that read "utterly hopeless," I could not bring myself to finish my sentence.

"So wrong it is absurd, Nii-san. Lack of firepower is admittedly an issue, but if weapons were going to be used, there would be no need to deploy Ds in the first place. Just leave things to soldiers equipped with existing weapons. What we are hoping for are more practical and destructive ways of attack."

"Even if you say that... I can't think of any other ways. I can only make a shield of that size. Mitsuki, you should know the amount of dark matter I can generate each time, right?"

Although I was answering Mitsuki, Iris was the one who reacted.

"Really? How much can you generate each time, Mononobe?"

"In the case of transmutation, roughly ten kilograms after conversion. That's my limit."

"T-Ten kilograms!? Are you using the wrong unit!? Ignoring issues of control, every D without exception can make at least ten tons, you know?"

"Kilogram is the right unit. Do you wanna have a look at my dragon mark? The size of a dragon mark will change according to the ability to generate dark matter. After seeing it, you'll understand the gap between us."

With self-deprecation, I showed her the back of my left hand.

"Eh? Where is it?"

"Here... This is it."

"No way—This tiny pattern? Liar... Is yours that tiny, Mononobe? So tiny... Too tiny!"

"Stop calling me tiny! It's very hurtful!"

Her words stabbed into my heart. I cried out while enduring the mental trauma.

"I like Nii-san's dragon mark. It is like a little snake, very cute."

"Uh... Your defense actually makes me feel worse."

Mitsuki's comment made me hang my head in dejection. Iris left me on the side and walked over to the auxiliary test position.

"Iris-san, are you intending to use mithril to create a shield again?"

"Eh, that is my intention..."

Upon hearing Iris' answer, Mitsuki made a strict look. I thought she was going to tell Iris to stop, but after some consideration, Mitsuki said:

"Indeed, it would not be training if there is a fear of failure... But considering the possibility of explosions, please lower the transmutation amount as much as possible."

"O-Okay. I get it."

Hearing Mitsuki's serious suggestion, Iris nodded in agreement then manifested her staff of dark matter.

"Caduceus!"

Aiming the staff at the target, she chanted words like an incantation.

"Come, come, fragments of the Far Beyond..."

Multiple pieces of dark matter appeared near the target marker. As before, her precision was the only thing correct.

"O holy silver, transform!"

BOOM!

Just like last time, an explosion happened in the middle of transmutation.

I knew it...

Because the result was as expected, Mitsuki and I were not surprised. Due to the smaller amounts, the air current from the explosion only managed to blow strands of hair.

"A-Ahaha... Umm, Mitsuki-chan... Can I try the attacking test too?"

Iris smiled dryly and asked Mitsuki.

"No problem... But do not perform excessively dangerous transmutations, okay?"

"Okay, no problem! Because what I'm transmuting is the safest substance, air."

Iris forced a smile and replied then moved to the marked location.

Will she be okay?

Attacking a block of diamond should be harder than making a shield.

I watched over Iris in worry.

Iris faced the diamond, raised her staff and chanted an incantation. This time, dark matter appeared in front of her staff.

She intended to accelerate the mass transmuted from dark matter to smash into the diamond, right? It would not count as an attack unless the impact was raised in such a painstaking manner.

Staring at the target, Iris called out in a shrill voice:

"O bullet of wind, crush it!"

Powerful wind began to blow in Iris' surroundings. The blowing dust made the wind's currents vaguely visible. Iris looked like she intended to fire a projectile of a massive amount of compressed air.

Diamond was surprisingly fragile against pure shock, hence this was not a bad choice. Depending on the air's compression ratio and speed, perhaps it could produce an impact capable of breaking diamond.

But things would be bad if this move failed...

Although she was using harmless air, in order to create a projectile of compressed air, she had transmuted quite a large amount, if she were to accidentally lose control—

BOOM!!

"Kyawa!?"

The foreboding feeling came true. The compressed air exploded, blowing Iris into the air.

"Iris!"

Prepared in advance, I instantly dashed towards where she was going to fall.

Arriving calmly this time, I caught the falling Iris.

"Seriously... You're always getting blown away."

I supported Iris' body with both arms and sighed.

"T-Thank you... Mononobe."

Perhaps feeling ashamed of her failure, she was blushing when she thanked me. That look of hers was especially adorable, forcing me to become aware of the current situation. Feeling Iris' body warmth and suppleness up close, it made my heart begin to pound.

"Although I expected it... You're not good at controlling the transmutation of air, right? It exploded in front of you just now, didn't it?"

"Yeah... Because air is so intangible, it's difficult to imagine... It feels like even if I want to control it, the air slips out from between my fingers... Then it explodes in a weird place."

"That's really... tough."

"It is very tough..."

We both sighed heavily.

At our first encounter at the beach, Iris was probably blown away in a similar manner.

"Nii-san, Iris-san, how much longer do you plan on sticking to each other?"

Mitsuki walked over and glared at us harshly.

"Oh..."

Iris and I looked at each other from up close then frantically separated.

"Helping each other is a good thing but please refrain from excessive skin contact."

"Y-Yes..."

"Very well, after witnessing your practice attempts, I think I can offer some advice based on what I saw."

Saying that, Mitsuki pointed at me first.

"Given Nii-san's volume of dark matter generation, making an acceptable shield is impossible. Hence, please give up on the auxiliary test."

"Man... You're totally merciless. That means I can only try the diamond breaking challenge?"

"Correct, but the use of real firearms and ammunition is forbidden. Please take the test by creating a fictional armament like the rest of us. As for the form of your armament... Right, how about a gun, since you are so adept at using guns? If you fire dark matter by picturing a bullet, your speed and accuracy should increase."

Apparently, damaging the diamond by shooting it with a gun like just now was not within assessment standards.

However, that could not be helped. If anti-materiel rifles of this level worked in actual combat, NIFL would have taken out Basilisk a long time ago.

In order to pass the test, there was no other way apart from learning effective attacks against dragons in the Midgard way of doing things.

"A fictional armament as a gun huh... I remember you said it's best to reference weapons of legend as the prototype, right? But there aren't any legends about guns, a modern weapon, are there?"

"I think not... Just interpreting it loosely is fine. Ultimately, what matters is that you do not cause accidental transmutation, so even a fictional firearm of your own creation would be fine."

"That's really vague..."

I grumbled, only to see Mitsuki's displeased look.

"Precisely because you need to make a vague fictional weapon, that is why it is better to be more vague. But for you, Nii-san, whose imagination is lacking, perhaps it might be too tall an order. Shall I help you think of one?"

"Sure... You're right, Mitsuki. Thanks."

Because I did not think I was suited to the task either, I agreed with Mitsuki's suggestion.

"Understood. Then let us first decide the name, let me think... I believe Siegfried is a very cool name."

Mitsuki gazed at me with especially excited eyes. I think I might have turned on some kind of weird switch in her.

"Siegfried, you say... I remember that's a hero's name rather than a weapon, right?"

"Although not a weapon, he is a master archer. Close enough in traits!"

"Close enough...?"

I tilted my head in puzzlement, but Mitsuki ignored me and continued:

"It is an image! Just an image! Please think of it as a powerful gun. You get too hung up on trivial details, Nii-san. Do you not find your blood boiling with excitement after hearing this name!?"

Mitsuki clenched her fist before her chest while she asserted to me forcefully.

In the end, so that was the most important point.

Mitsuki liked acting cool since a long time ago. Simply stated, she was predisposed to eighth grader syndrome and the it looked like the precursor of that syndrome had been quietly growing for the past three years.

"...Got it, anyway, so let's name it Siegfried."

Under Mitsuki's hard sell, I reluctantly agreed.

"Great! I will sketch the overall shape for you later! Please use it for reference when imagining it!"

Mitsuki nodded especially happily. The way she looked still showed a little of her innocence from three years ago remaining.

Then Mitsuki came back to her senses, controlled her expression and coughed lightly.

"Ahem, so next is Iris-san."

"Yes!"

Iris instantly stood with her back very straight, waiting for Mitsuki's advice.

"Because your air projectile is too unstable, Iris-san, you should probably focus on shield construction in the auxiliary test. However... Even if you do that, it is honestly quite uncertain whether you could succeed in time for the test next week. After all, I have never heard of any precedent for explosions arising in the process of transmuting mithril."

I interjected and asked:

"Is mithril exploding that rare?"

"You can say it is impossible. Mithril is the most sturdy and stable substance. Even if the transmutation failed, the metal proportions might be wrong or changed into similar metals... Probably something along those lines. The chances of mixing an explosive substance into it are extremely low."

"In a certain sense, she is quite amazing huh..."

"Yes, perhaps it could be called a kind of talent. Although people might be better or worse at transmutation due to variations in personality or inborn disposition, since it involves one's imagination... Iris-san is the only D who causes explosions no matter what she transmutes."

Mitsuki nodded somewhat sardonically.

However, her comment brought a flash of inspiration to me.

"In short, Iris cannot do what is perfectly natural, but unintentionally achieves what other Ds can't do even if they wanted to?"

"Wah!?"

Iris looked like she was almost into tears.

"Rather than a talent... It would be better to call it a disposition that is completely opposite. If that's the case, it's probably futile no matter how much you practice something you're not suited to."

"Mononobe... You're so mean, don't put it so bluntly..."

Iris looked at me like she was about to cry.

"Don't get the wrong idea, I'm not trying to put you down, rather, I'm praising you. Iris, you have a talent that's unique to you. Seeing as that's the case, you only need to hone that talent. There's no need to force yourself to do the same things as the other people around you."

"A talent... unique to me?"

"Yeah, Iris, instead of shield construction, you should focus on your talent—Blow up that thing."

I smiled proudly and pointed to the block of diamond.

===Part 5===

Everyday life was something that would pass day by day before you knew it, as soon as time started to flow.

Whether the tropical island scenery that I initially mistook for a parallel world, the school filled with female students, or the vibes of not fitting in the class, everything gradually became so matter-of-fact.

In just a few days, I already felt like I had been living this current life since a long time ago. The previous everyday life seemed so distant instead.

Getting up every morning at 6:30 to eat breakfast with Mitsuki then go to school, attending lessons on ordinary subjects, taking care of lunch through the snack shop or the cafeteria, attending D-related courses in the afternoon, staying after school to train on days when the training site was free.

The days passed like that and it was finally the day before the test.

Because it was a holiday today, there were no classes and the whole day could be used for training.

Under Mitsuki's supervision, Iris and I had been carrying out our final special training since morning.

"Ahhh, I'm so hungry... I can't move anymore, Mononobe..."

Using up all her physical energy on repeated transmutations, Iris was lying on the ground, looking at me with hopeful eyes.

"...I'm hungry too. I'm heading to the snack shop so let me buy you something while I'm at it. What do you want?"

Left without a choice, I could only ask her proactively. Iris suddenly sat up and recited her demands.

"Yakisoba bread, curry bread, porkchop cutlet sandwich, club sandwich and a donut for dessert!"

"...That's a lot."

"Because I'm so famished!"

"I'm not responsible if you get fat."

I reminded her, causing Iris to immediately go "ooh" and fall silent.

"I-It's okay! I will work even harder to consume the calories I ate!"

"Fine. Mitsuki, how do you want to take care of lunch?"

I asked Mitsuki who seemed to be working on her portable terminal.

"Please buy me bread. Apart from curry bread, anything will do. Also, a drink."

Afraid of spicy food, Mitsuki answered without even looking at me.

"Got it, then I'll go buy the stuff."

I left them behind in the training site and took the elevator to the first floor of the school building.

The snack shop was located in the catering building linked to the school building through a corridor. To accommodate the different ethnicities and nationalities of the Ds, the catering building was divided into Japanese, French, Chinese, Vietnamese and other areas.

Arranged in the first floor of the catering building was a cafeteria as well as all kinds of vendor spaces.

After buying lunch for Iris, Mitsuki and myself, I was just about to return directly to the training site when I noticed familiar students seated inside the cafeteria.

My classmates Lisa, Firill, Ren and Ariella were sitting around the same table.

Although I felt hesitant on what I should do, presented with this rare opportunity, I walked over to them.

Though I did not expect a friendly response even if I greeted them, I knew I would never be able to get closer to my classmates if I let fear prevent me from taking steps forward.

"Uh, ''hello''~"

"...Why are you suddenly speaking in English?"

Probably having noticed my presence early on, Lisa glared viciously at me as soon as I greeted them.

"Uh, I was thinking you seem European-born, Lisa."

"You are indeed correct... But there is no need for you to think so much. That would only fill me with disgust."

"Really? Then good day to you."

"Yes, good day to you—Oh no, I greeted accidentally! You laid another trap for me!"

Lisa accused me angrily. She probably remembered her declaration to never greet me.

"Sorry, I did that on purpose just now."

I replied honestly.

"Eww! What pleasure is there in making fun of me!?"

"I'm not making fun of you. But to be honest, it makes me glad that I can talk to you."

"What..."

Lisa's face went red, her mouth opening and closing, unable to speak.

"After all, Lisa, you're the only one who answers me..."

I sighed and looked at my other classmates. Although they all saw me, none of them responded, unlike Lisa.

But I did not get disheartened here. Renewing my spirits, I said to Firill who was sitting opposite to Lisa:

"It's rare to see you girls gathered together outside of the classroom."

"...Really?"

Originally eating a sandwich, Firill paused and tilted her head in puzzlement. Her neat bangs swayed accordingly.

"Yeah, because all of you tend to leave the classroom separately during lunch breaks, right? I thought you would never do things together."

Hearing that, Firil looked at me, somewhat displeased.
[[image:UnlimitedFafnir_v01_119.jpg|thumb]]

"...Nothing of that sort. It's very normal to have lunch together if we meet up by coincidence."

"It's coincidence?"

Firill nodded.

Someone tugged my sleeve from the side. Ren showed me her portable terminal.

'While Ariella and I were having lunch, Lisa and Firill happened to come, but we didn't call for you.'

Ren glared at me a little uneasily.

"...You're right, you didn't call for me, but there shouldn't be any problem with chatting, right? Eh? There's something on your face."

I reached out and took off the bread crumb stuck on Ren's cheek.

"!?"

Ren instantly went red in the face and shook her head, making "Mm! Mm!" growls in her mouth.

"Oh sorry, I couldn't help it..."

Accidentally doing what I used to do with Mitsuki when we were young, I apologized to Ren.

"Mm!"

Ren pouted and waved her hand to shoo me away.

"...I got it. I won't disturb your meal anymore."

I sighed but just as I turned around to leave, a unexpected voice stopped me.

"Hold on."

I looked back to see Ariella staring straight at me.

"What's up?"

"I remember you are currently doing something like special training with Iris, right?"

"Not something like special training, we are just training. We started since this morning. I came here to buy lunch."

I showed Ariella the bag filled with bread.

"Oh... Any progress?"

"You're curious?"

I asked her in return and Ariella nodded honestly.

"Yeah. Currently, Iris might not only fail to bolster our forces but even drag us down. If her abilities have improved, I'd feel very glad."

"You don't sound very hopeful."

Hearing me, Ariella shrugged.

"Can't be helped, Iris hasn't improved at all in the past year after transferring here. I don't think a few days of special training could change her much."

"...You're so upfront with your words, Ariella."

"Are you offended?"

Ariella peered at me and asked.

"No, I'm not. I like this kind of personality."

"L-Like?"

I answered her honestly but for some reason, Ariella acted awkwardly.

"What's wrong?"

"I-Is that a confession? It's a confession, right!?"

Hearing Ariella ask me with a red face, I panicked as well.

"Huh? How did things get to that kind of topic?"

"N-No...? Y-You are such a thoughtless guy. Don't say this kind of thing lightly to girls."

Ariella glared at me with a serious look.

"Although it wasn't a confession, I didn't say it lightly either. I simply said what I actually thought. So, what I'm going to say next is serious too. Ariella, in the test tomorrow, Iris will surely surprise you. I guarantee that to all of you."

Hearing me, Lisa and the others frowned. All of them showed skepticism on their faces.

Amidst all this, Ariella laughed with delight.

"How confident you are, but I still don't believe you, so I can't believe what you just said. Tomorrow, if I find out you're not lying, I'll revise my opinion of you."

"Good, you should look forward to it."

I nodded but Lisa interrupted at this time.

"You keep talking about Iris-san, but what about yourself? Since you are doing special training, I hope you will show us some results."

"I basically have results already. I finally managed to make a fictional armament not too long ago."

Hearing my answer, Lisa only felt exasperated.

"What...? Isn't that the most basic of basics!? You are training from that level? In such a state, you can't possibly pass the test!"

"It is very difficult for sure, but I will do my best. Bye now."

I waved and left their table for real this time.

Feeling their gazes against my back, I walked out of the catering building to get back to Iris and Mitsuki.

After lunch, we resumed the special training.

===Part 6===

"Well then, let the test begin to select the Counter-Dragon Squad for the battle against Basilisk."

Shinomiya-sensei's voice echoed in the vast underground space.

After spending a whole day on special training, I slept especially well and the next day, the test, arrived in the blink of an eye.

Like last time, we were gathered in training site number three. Volunteers began the test first.

"I shall show off first."

The first to be tested was Lisa Highwalker. Tossing her long blonde hair, she walked up front.

"Watch, Mononobe Yuu! I will make you understand what is called a gap in levels!"

Perhaps thinking of yesterday's conversation, Lisa stared only at me when she spoke.

The very image of confidence, she walked over there with her chest out and head held high, arriving at the spot to target the diamond.

"Gungnir!"

Lisa's fictional armament was apparently a spear. Holding the golden shining spear at waist height, she aimed the sharp spear tip at the block of diamond.

"Here I go—Pierce, flare!"

The spear tip emitted a brilliant glow, shooting out a flash of light. The light pierced the diamond, boring a hole in the wall behind.

"A-A laser beam..."

Watching from afar, I could not help but mutter in shock. Diamond was not a particularly heat-resistant material, hence attacking with heat was a correct decision. But to instantly bore a large hole in diamond, that firepower was extraordinary.

Rather than a laser, this move would be closer to a positron cannon.

Lisa achieved the task easily and returned to the standby area proudly.

"Hmph."

Lisa leaned her back against the wall, taunting me with her gaze. Her expression seemed to be saying: Just try it if you think you can.

This competitiveness was not a bad thing. Back in my NIFL days, this was commonplace. It filled me with fighting spirit instead.

Next to be tested was the bibliophile, Firill. Gazing at the diamond with tired eyes, she raised one hand in front of her chest.

"Come—Necronomicon."

Firill shaped the dark matter into a book's form and held it on her hand. As though reciting an incantation, she said:

"Aero Blast Quartet."

I heard four consecutive sounds of heavy impacts then shattered diamond fragments scattered in the air.

It was probably four shots of extremely compressed air projectiles, aimed at the exactly same place. A truly astounding show of force.

Apparently, like Iris, she pictured magic to perform transmutation. Judging from this, so-called picturing magic seemed to offer much more freedom than using a weapon.

Then it was Ren. She apparently chose to break diamond instead of participating in the auxiliary test.

"...Mjolnir."

Ren raised her slender arm to the air and lightly spoke the name of the fictional armament to be manifested. Then a hammer several times her body size appeared in her hand.

The hammer could be seen growing gigantic in size, almost reaching the ceiling. Even though I knew in my mind that it was massless dark matter, it was still a strange scene lacking in balance.

That kind of generated volume was extraordinary. Converted into matter, let alone ten tons, it might even reach a hundred times more than that.

"Mm."

Ren then swung the enlarged hammer down. In the process of falling, the hammer grew even larger. Finally, the hammer's tip arrived on top of the diamond.

Then the hammer's tip glowed red and started to materialize. Obtaining mass, the hammer accelerated towards the diamond, drawn by gravity.

Unable to withstand that kind of shock and weight, the diamond shattered.

Ren walked back nonchalantly. Next to step up was Ariella. She walked over to the auxiliary test's position.

"Sensei, I choose this side."

Ariella informed Shinomiya-sensei of her intent to take the shield making challenge. Raising her right hand to shoulder height, she called out sharply:

"Aegis."

Dark matter instantly covered Ariella's right arm. Her fictional armament looked like a gauntlet.

"Deploy shield."

Ariella swung her right arm and yelled. Spherical dark matter instantly appeared over the marked spot 50m away. Like Iris, Ariella seemed to have excellent spatial awareness.

The dark matter gradually turned into a giant wall and not just one, it was a multi-layered structure.

Compared to the thin iron plate I created earlier, it was on a completely different level.

Ariella easily passed the test. When returning, she whispered to me:

"...Show me proof of what you said yesterday."

"Yeah."

I nodded affirmatively.

Because Mitsuki seemed to be standing in the same position as Shinomiya-sensei, supervising the test together, only Iris and I were left.

"So Iris, I'll go first?"

"Sure, good luck! Mononobe, do your best!"

With Iris' energetic blessing, I walked over to the diamond side.

"What... Are you serious?"

Lisa cried out in disbelief. She probably did not expect me to choose the more difficult side.

"I'm serious, because this is the only test which I have a chance of passing."

I smiled wryly at Lisa and answered, then stood in position.

I knew quite well this was very difficult.

But to give courage to Iris who was taking the test next, I hoped I could succeed.

"—Siegfried."

I focused to change the form of the generated dark matter.

Appearing in my right hand was a large-caliber ornamental gun.

This was the fictional armament belonging to me, based on the sketch Mitsuki had given me.

Because the gun's body seemed quite small compared to its caliber, were it a real gun, one would worry whether such a design could withstand the recoil of a shot, but since this was purely dark matter whose shape had been altered, there was no need to worry about practicality.

The gun glowed with faint phosphorescence. Although I was trying hard to keep it in the dark matter stage, due to sensing the image in my mind, the gun's body still caused some slight transmutation.

That was the reason why dark matter, which was supposed to be black, had color after being turned into fictional armaments.

Holding this Siegfried, I was finally standing at Midgard's starting line.

But this fictional armament probably could not be used in the same way as Lisa's and the other girls'.

My dark matter generating capacity was extremely low. To create Siegfried, I had already used almost my entire output.

Even after making their fictional armaments, Lisa and the others still had spare capacity to perform another summoning of dark matter. Consuming the dark matter in the fictional armament would be an emergency measure only used as a last resort.

But I had no choice but to use that emergency last resort. Even by keeping consumption at a minimum, including the amount used to create Siegfried, the amount of dark matter I could fire as bullets was only three shots at most. And firing consecutively was not possible either. Once consumed, even the fictional armament itself would disappear.

That meant I had to repeat the step of creating Siegfried all over again. This dead time could sometimes be fatal in real combat.

Hence, I must use these three shots of dark matter cautiously. However—

It would be pointless to save on consumption here. I had to gather all my dark matter to concentrate in one shot.

I aimed the muzzle at the block of diamond 100m away.

Even so, I did not know if this would bring the result I sought.

Although I had practiced repeatedly before the test, my success rate was below 50%.

Right now, all I could do was try my best. That was all.

Telling myself that, I started to conceptualize the image.

Then I was going to perform the initial transmutation of air.

I chose air not because it was simple but because even a dark matter generating capacity of merely ten kilograms would have a volume of over ten thousand liters once transmuted into air. By compressing that air, it was possible to obtain a massive amount of heat as well as the necessary hardness.

But that also required controlling it well—

"Air Bullet."

I spoke as though tracing out the outline of my mental image.

When performing transmutation, the step of voicing things out was not particularly required, but language would help stabilize the image. For the sake of raising the success rate as much as possible, I had to use words to describe what I was transmuting next.

I slowly increased the pressure on the trigger and transmitted the image over.

Without a sufficient compression ratio, the bullet would not bring out enough power.

Conversely, if the compression ratio was too high, particle collisions would turn the superheated air into plasma, releasing all the energy and disappearing before it struck the target.

I had always performed pure transmutation in the past, so my control of this type of thought-driven power was quite crude.

Fire.

Speaking softly in my mind, I pulled the trigger.

In that instant, the dark matter in the fictional armament was completely transmuted into a bullet of air. Siegfried vanished.

The air bullet that was fired was not supposed to be visible to the naked eye.

But my eyes captured some faint white light.

Crap, did it create plasma?

Then silence spread.

There was no sound of an air bullet striking the block of diamond. The plasmafied bullet probably had not struck the diamond.

"See, all bravado without a plan. It's not too late to start now. I believe you would be best advised to attempt the auxiliary test instead."

Lisa broke the silence and spoke as though boasting of victory.

Shinomiya-sensei nodded too and said as though trying to persuade me:

"Indeed, this test is too difficult for a novice. How about you switch to constructing a shield?"

Even if they said that, a large enough shield was impossible due to my low dark matter generating capacity. Hence, for me, that test was completely impossible to pass.

As much as I hated to admit defeat, this was the best I could do. I could only give up on the test.

"No, I have already—"

I was about to decline Shinomiya-sensei's offer of the auxiliary test.

However, Mitsuki interrupted this time.

"Excuse me, please wait a moment. I believe it is too soon to discuss results."

Mitsuki walked over to the block of diamond with clearly heard footsteps.

Seeing that, Lisa frowned and scolded her.

"Mitsuki-san, have you not given up yet? Even if he is your relative, one would be hard pressed to approve of your prejudice in favoring him."

"I am not favoring him but merely inspecting fairly."

Mitsuki walked while answering, stopping next to the diamond.

Anyone would think it was a failure from a glance, but Mitsuki seemed to have sensed something unusual.

She carefully examined the diamond then turned her head back to us and said loudly:

"Next to the hole bored by Lisa-san, I have discovered an inconspicuous but carbonized portion! Since it is found on the front and back of the diamond, it is very likely the traces left behind by the penetration of a super high-temperature object."

"What..."

Lisa exclaimed in shock but I was equally surprised.

"Oh...?"

Shinomiya-sensei's expression changed and she walked over to Mitsuki.

The two of them conversed at the diamond for a while then returned before me.

"Hmm... There is indeed a carbonized portion but there is no mark on the wall behind... The bullet probably plasmafied only during the instant of penetrating the diamond. Mononobe Yuu, was this an outcome within your expectation?"

Shinomiya-sensei directed her sharp gaze towards me.

"Huh? Oh no... I only did it by chance."

If I claimed it as my own power now, perhaps I might pass the test, but I answered honestly.

What I originally predicted was striking the diamond with the air bullet, shattering it. I did not think of using plasmafication's heat to carbonize the diamond.

Even if I was asked to do it again, due to the difficulty in adjusting the timing and compression, I would probably fail.

"Hmm, that's quite a shame. Judging purely from this one attack, this would be very intricate and efficient transmutation... The probability of causing effective damage to Basilisk is very high. But if you can't do it at will, you have not reached the level required for the Counter-Dragon Squad."

"Then I guess I failed, after all?"

Hearing me ask that, Shinomiya-sensei crossed her arms and made a troubled look.

"Hmm... But you did succeed during the test after all. In any case, I'll pass you and have you listed as a reserve member. Although you cannot be considered combat potential right now, depending on your future growth, promoting you to take part in the battle against Basilisk is not impossible, so work hard and strive for progress."

"T-Thank you very much!"

My stiff shoulders instantly relaxed then I thanked Shinomiya-sensei.

But when I returned to the standby area, Lisa glared at me like she found things difficult to accept.

"A mere coincidence on one occasion, I shall not approve! And even if you could use that attack in a well-trained manner, the fact of your vast inferiority to me is still clearly evident!"

Lisa pointed at the diamond and declared.

The laser-bored hole was visible clearly even at this distance, but the carbonized hole was almost invisible. This indicated the gap between our firepower.

"Yeah, you girls are amazing, Lisa. I understand that clearly now, after this test. It's true that I am vastly inferior to you girls."

"M-My, you are unexpectedly honest."

Lisa showed surprise on her face as she tilted her head in puzzlement.

"I am accepting results honestly. But though I am a reserve member, since the teacher passed me, it means there are things I can accomplish. As a member of Midgard, I will work hard to assist everyone."

"Hmph... We have no need of your power! Having us is enough."

"But Shinomiya-sensei told me to work hard and improve."

Hearing that, Lisa wavered a little but immediately retorted.

"That is... merely etiquette! The teacher only said that to be considerate for Mitsuki-san's feelings!"

"Considerate for Mitsuki... There's no need, right? Shinomiya-sensei's rank is higher."

I felt speechless but Lisa puffed out her chest and asserted as though she had some kind of proof:

"She must be worried about not getting to eat Mitsuki-san's sweets again! As reluctant as I am to admit it, the sweets Mitsuki-san occasionally makes for us are quite a delicacy! Addictive with just a single bite, even Shinomiya-sensei must find it impossible to resist that kind of temptation."

"Wow... Are Mitsuki's sweets that delicious?"

This was my first time hearing of this. Because the menus were usually left to the housework robots, I did not know that Mitsuki's cooking had improved so much.

Perhaps these sweets were an important contribution to Mitsuki's overwhelming popularity.

Bribery with food... These words crossed my mind.

"Your face suggests you are thinking something rude, you know?"

"...You're overthinking things. But anyway, please confirm your allegations regarding sweets with Shinomiya-sensei herself."

Lisa's grumbling looked like it was going to continue for a long time, so I prepared to leave.

"Wait! Mononobe Yuu! I haven't finished talking yet!"

Getting rid of the persistently harassing Lisa, I returned to my original spot, only to see Iris clapping to greet me.

"Clap clap, Mononobe, congratulations!"

Seeing Iris smiling happily for me as though she had passed the test herself, I suddenly felt embarrassed.

"I only passed as a reserve member. Okay, you're next, Iris."

"Y-Yes... I will do my best!"

Iris stood up and walked over to the block of diamond.

"Just do the same as during training. Give everyone a big surprise. Let them never dare call you a poorly performing student again."

"Yes!!"

Iris looked back and nodded in agreement then reached the spot to aim at the diamond.

After informing Shinomiya-sensei she was not taking the auxiliary test, she manifested her staff of dark matter.

"Caduceus!"

Iris pointed the staff's tip at the diamond then focused. Seeing that, Lisa came to talk to me.

"...Mononobe Yuu."

"What's the matter? If you still want to continue the conversation just now, I'll have to ask you to give me a break."

"No, shelve that conversation for now. What is important now is... Aren't you going to rescue Iris-san? She will surely be blown away again, won't she?"

Rather than sarcastic, her tone was more worried. I smiled and nodded.

"Yeah, that's right, it will probably be blown away—I mean the diamond."

"What... Are you serious? You heard Ariella-san yesterday at the cafeteria, didn't you? Iris-san is hopeless as a poorly performing student. Her memory is poor, she is not smart enough. No matter how hard she tries, she is just a silly kid who is wasting her effort."

Seeing that I had made no move to help Iris, Lisa frantically tried to persuade me.

"Yeah... I guess that might be true. But even while saying that, you're actually observing her quite closely."

"N-Nothing of that sort! We have been in the same class for a year already, so understanding her is only natural. Ever since transferring here, Iris-san has never succeeded in using her power before, even the most basic air bullet also—"

"What Iris wants to do is not transmuting dark matter into air."

I interrupted Lisa.

"Eh... Could it be a transmutation of even greater difficulty? That would be even more impossible!"

"Okay, just watch. You'll surely be surprised."

Saying that, I turned my gaze back to Iris.

She could be heard chanting a spell quietly.

"Come, come, fragments of the Far Beyond—"

Multiple black spheres of dark matter appeared in the diamond's surroundings. Iris' excellent spatial awareness had correct judged the distance of 100m.

Then staring at the diamond, Iris recited:

"—O holy silver, explode!"

The dark matter gathered in a point then turned into mithril shining with silver luster.

It was like how she wanted to create a shield last time. But during transmutation this time, countless bulges appeared on the mithril.

Then the entire thing expanded—It exploded.

BOOM!!

The mithril's sharp fragments were sent flying, accompanied by a silver-white explosion. Mithril of maximum hardness smashed and penetrated the diamond, causing it to break apart.

That destructive power far surpassed my plasma bullet. Because Iris had giving them directionality, the fragments only flew forward.

After the special training after school, we came to understand one thing. As long as Iris was aiming for an explosion, she could control things to a certain extent.

"What a... unique talent."

I said with a wry smile. From a dragon's standpoint, it would be like a mithril grenade suddenly appearing in front of it. This would most likely become a means of attack to inflict definite damage on dragons.

"No way... To think that Iris-san would...?"

Lisa looked at the destroyed diamond, her entire body stunned. Normally expressionless, Firill and Ren also showed surprised looks on their faces.

Ariella stood up to applaud for Iris. She had no patience for those lacking in power but conversely, she would offer her respect if one could win her approval. That seemed to be Ariella's personality.

"Iris Freyja, you pass."

Shinomiya-sensei also seemed to be in a state of surprise as she announced the test result to Iris.

Hearing this, Iris instantly had a smile all over her face. Then turning towards me, she dashed at full speed.

"H-Hey!?"

"I did it! Mononobe!!"

With momentum from her sprint, she hugged me. In order to dissipate the impact, I spun her several times, keeping my balance with much difficulty.

"What are you doing so suddenly—"

I was just about to complain when I saw Iris' face in front of my eyes. Feeling the warmth from her body, tightly pressed against me, I could not help but forget what I was going to say.

"Thank you, Mononobe... Thank you!"

Leaning her face against my chest, Iris kept thanking me.

—Was she that happy?

During this past year, Iris had always been treated as a poorly performing student. I could not imagine what it felt like. Despite a strong will to keep trying, her power did not reach standards. This chagrin was something only Iris herself could understand.

However, the emotional stress accumulated would be quite heavy.

—Anyway, I'll just wait until her emotions calm down.

Although the surrounding gazes concerned me too, I could not bring myself to push Iris away by force. I could only pat her silver hair gently and praise her for passing the test.

"Nii-san, remember what I said about refraining from excessive skin contact—"

Hurrying over, Mitsuki also sighed after seeing the way Iris looked.

"—Thirty more seconds only."

Then Mitsuki feigned indifference and said that.
<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 [[Unlimited_Fafnir:Volume_1_Chapter_1|Chapter 1]]
| Return to [[Unlimited_Fafnir|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Unlimited_Fafnir:Volume_1_Chapter_3|Chapter 3]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 1 Prologue

2015-05-21T18:22:19Z

Edwinclement08: /* Prologue */

==Prologue==

Crushed. The familiar landscape, the neighbouring town across the river—had been trampled.

The skies shook. The ground gave way, swallowing up houses, cars, trees.

Those tremors even reached the boy on an overlook of a distant hill, etching cracks into the concrete by his feet.

"Go away... please go away..."

Beside the boy, a girl cried. Collapsed on the ground, she begged as tears flowed down her face.

Begged towards the being that had tread over the neighbouring town.

But there was no way that the voice from such a tiny human would reach.

The giant foot that easily flattened a whole town. The long arm that lightly swept away mountains. The head, hidden within clouds, invisible.

It was a large, unbelievably large thing.

One of the supernatural creatures called ''Dragons''.

In particular, the blue dragon — Hekatonkheir.

Though it was named after the legendary giants, probably the only similarity it shared with them was that it walked on two feet.

Its whole body was covered with blue scales and when it moved, a part of the scales lit up, forming a strange pattern. Furthermore, the head that occasionally peeked out from the gaps in the clouds had neither eyes nor a nose nor a mouth, instead there existed just a single horn-like bulge.

There was no way to label such a being under the existing biological classification framework. That was why it was a ''Dragon''.

The blue dragon that wandered the world on its whim — the headless giant.

Unfortunate towns that end up in its path can do nothing but wait to be destroyed. Those who lived there could only run away before they were crushed.

However, the girl was the only one who did not turn away from the giant. She was the only one that headed towards the Overlook in order to face the monster.

The boy had come to bring the girl back, but what he had witnessed was the ''Battle'' between the girl and the giant.

"Gooo Awaaaaaaaaay——!!"

The girl screamed. Raising her head, staring at the giant, she squeezed her voice out.

As she did so, a black sphere appeared in front of the girl's eyes, and shot towards the giant.

A few seconds later, a bright flash filled the world and the air shook. When colour returned to the surroundings, a part of the giant's left arm and flank had disappeared, almost as if it were gouged out.

However, that lasted but a brief moment.

As the girl took another breath, the left arm and flank had returned to normal.

"...!"

Even then, the girl continued to glare at the giant, biting down on her teeth.

"Mitsuki—why don't you give up?"

The boy called to her in a calm voice.

"There's no way I can... give up."

Hoarsely, the girl replied.

"But why? Our parents have already evacuated. Everyone else have probably long since escaped too. There's nothing that you need to protect like—"

"There is! Our house is still there! That town is where our family belongs!!"

Drowning out the boy's voice, the girl yelled.

The giant seemed to be getting ready to take yet another step. In front of it was the town that the boy and the girl had lived in for thirteen years.

Six years as neighbours, and seven years as family, the two had lived together.

"...I see."

With a small sigh, the boy patted the girl on the head.

The girl looked up towards the boy with a confused face.

"Nii-san?"

"Leave ''everything'' to me."
 
Even now, three years later, the girl did not understand what had happened then.

But it was true that the boy had fulfilled his words.

He drove away Hekatonkheir, saved the town, and shouldered the result all by himself.

It was not until afterwards that the girl realized what the thing she most wanted to protect was.

Not until after she had lost the boy—.

<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 [[Unlimited_Fafnir:Volume_1_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
| Return to [[Unlimited_Fafnir|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Unlimited_Fafnir:Volume_1_Chapter_1|Chapter 1]]
|-
|}

</noinclude>