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Chrome Shelled Regios:Volume9 Chapter5

2010-05-16T14:36:03Z

Finix of Fire:

===Chapter 5 - Chaos===

Vance was more frustrated and bitter than anyone when he saw the filth monsters appearing in this situation. This was the second Military Arts Competition and the chaos in the enemy city far exceeded his predictions. This was something for Zuellni to rejoice over. The first and second waves had already taken complete control of the battlefield. What they needed was to wait for Vance’s defense team to defend against the enemies and obtain victory. However, Vance wasn’t too focused on victory. After all, he was the Leader of the Military Arts course. As the chief commander of Zuellni’s Military Artists, he had to grasp hold of the situation no matter what.

Filth monsters. The larvae had appeared on the outskirts of the city.

“Alchemy technicians, prepare to release the safety locks on the Dites. The team here and the cannon team are responsible for holding up the filth monsters. The rest of the teams, get your Dites’ safety locks released and join the battle,” he gave the orders through the flake and went to stand in front of the troops with a long staff in his hand.

“Listen up. Stop them. But don’t be too reckless,” he roared and jumped into the crowd of larvae.

The report on the invasion of the larvae had reached Karian.

“Who would have thought………. So unlucky,” he said in a small voice as if he didn’t want anyone to hear him. The rest of the Student Council members located in the underground conference room didn’t have to hear what he just said.

“Switch on the city’s defense system. If necessary, we have to use the cannon.”

“But that’s……..” the head of the Business course objected. He couldn’t ignore the consequence of using the cannon that would result in the city losing a large amount of its resources. It didn’t matter that they used some of the resources now, but they needed to preserve the resources that could be used in the reproduction phase. For example, the metal and fuel used for every shot were all precious to the city. They were things that couldn’t be recovered. Although the city could mine more resources in its route, it might sink into a period of a severe lack of resources.

“I understand you. But this is an emergency. It’d be too late if Military Artists became sacrifices.”

“Isn’t he here?”

No one needed to ask who “he” was but Karian shook his head.

“There’s something else we need to be aware of,” he then gave a detailed explanation.

What did it mean for the filth monsters to suddenly appear? Why did Zuellni and Farune hold a Military Arts Competition in the vicinity of filth monsters? Was it simply because both sides hadn’t noticed it? And was this the same as last time with a female filth monster giving birth underground? However, the report said there were only around 30 larvae. The number was far lower than before. According to a report from another psychokinesist, a huge something laid beneath Zuellni’s multi-legs. The larvae seemed to have come from that “something” which was broken. Looking at the damages on the multi-legs, it appeared that “something” had been tossed from a far distance to crash with Zuellni’s multi-legs. If that was the case, could a normal female filth monster undertake a feat like this?

“I don’t think so.”

Felli’s flake was currently heading for that direction. Everything meant this attack wasn’t as simple as it seemed.

“……. Meaning there might be an aged phase filth monster around?”

All members of the Student Council had accepted the knowledge of filth monsters they had heard from Layfon. An aged phase filth monster had given up its reproduction functions. Instead, it turned to evolving.

“I’m not sure. Anyway, the Military Artists are fighting the 30 or so larvae. So just in case, we’ll have to use that insurance,” Karian said and urged everyone to action.

One group rushed out of the conference room and the other group stayed behind to discuss further strategies.

“……… Really, I’ve already acted the villain once to ensure our victory in a Military Arts Competition, and then we have this. So annoying.”

The last time was the Salinvan Guidance Mercenary Gang. This time was filth monsters. What next? He didn’t want to think further, but he still fell into contemplation.

Unfortunately, his prediction had come true.

Zuellni and Farune’s Military Artists all witnessed the coming of the larvae.

“What’s that……….?”

Thanks to the connection between the teams and the speedy work of the Dite technicians, the safety lock releasing procedure had gone ahead smoothly. Zuellni was now in a counterattack mode. Although Layfon had taken care of most of the larvae, Zuellni’s Military Artists had eliminated around 10 larvae when he returned from Farune. It was fortunate that only a few Military Artists had sustained light injuries. This was the result of Vance’s speedy reaction and everyone’s daily training. And luckily, the larvae had gathered in one place. But this wasn’t the time to rejoice over luck.

Everyone’s gaze was now on the thing floating in the air. A black hole that slowly moved as it expanded. Psychokinesists voiced their warnings. A sound grew louder as the hole expanded. When he understood the meaning of that sound, Vance shouted, “Everyone, retreat!!”

Something as massive as a mountain had appeared. All Military Artists began retreating from the city’s outskirts.

An intense and ear-piercing rumbling filled the space, shaking the entire city and making Military Artists’ knees go weak. Pillars of earth rose up from outside the city to meet the sky. Soil particles fell through Zuellni’s air shield.

A moaning of metal sounded behind the retreating Military Artists as the rain of soil hit them. The original form of that noise was finally confirmed. A large pillar on the outskirt of the city… one of the city’s multi-legs broke before their eyes and fell onto the earth.

“Damn!” Vance burst out.

The rain of soil, not yet filtered by the air purification system, fell to make new wounds. It wasn’t enough to cause death, but it was enough to lower the students’ morale.

The rain of soil stopped after the pillar of soil disappeared.

Many more larvae appeared from where the multi-leg had fallen. Vance could deeply feel the impending crisis. Someone had thrown over the larvae. Because whatever huge thing that carried the larvae came from somewhere so far away, even psychokinesists failed to detect it. Vance failed to imagine the power behind this. This attack would never end if they couldn’t defeat the real enemy.

“Damn……….”

The number of new larvae was about the same as the first wave of larvae. Zuellni’s attack power was enough for it. However, they couldn’t predict the location of the third wave. If the third wave came from the side of the city, then Zuellni’s attack power would have to spread out, and that would lower the speed of attacking. And if every time a toss of “something” managed to damage Zuellni………..

“Damn!”

With staff in hand, he gave the order to attack. They must eliminate the larvae before them. But what next?

“ARR!” Vance shouted. As the chief commander, he couldn’t show his weakness here.

Layfon pinched his nose. He remembered this feeling of pollutants burning his nose. Numberous larvae lay beneath him. He could defeat them in one swift moment if he used the steel threads, but Harley currently kept the Safiadite. Thinking that he couldn’t use it, he showed a bitter smile. Harley and Kiriku were making adjustments on the Safiadite, and that would take time. If Layfon returned now and asked someone to fetch the Safiadite for him, he’d probably be granting that person relief.

He looked at the outskirt of the city. A scenery of the wilderness that he was already used to seeing. Since Zuellni was so hot, it must have moved into the tropics. The third wave came straight after the second wave attack. It didn’t cause direct damage to Zuellni, but as Vance had worried, another side of the outskirt was lacking in attack power.

While still counterattacking the second wave, Vance ordered the first unit, led by the 17th platoon, to take care of the third wave larvae.

“Seems we can rest a little bit.”

“……. Seems so,” Layfon nodded at the voice. He turned around and saw tiredness on Nina’s face. Exhaustion was unavoidable since they had been participating in the Military Arts Competition, facing the sudden emergency and now fighting filth monsters.

His nose still hurt.

This level of pollutants wouldn’t bring him any life-threatening danger. Judging by how the outside scenery blurred and twisted, the density of the air filter had increased. No more pollutants would leak into the city. Vance’s orders for other teams sounded from the flake. The first unit was ordered to wait at its location and defend its area. But the Military Artists’ gazes were attracted to the figure outside the air shield. Farune. When Zuellni was fighting against the second wave of filth monsters, Farune had suddenly moved……… Fled. This meant Zuellni had become a target. Farune had chosen to abandon Zuellni and escape.

“……. I can’t blame them.”

“True.”

Complicated feelings filled Nina’s voice. Yes, the people living in Farune were not responsible. Just like the students in Zuellni, they drifted in a region in this wilderness and had to rely on their city alone to survive. The city’s consciousness, the Electronic Fairy, had made the decision to leave. One couldn’t judge an Electronic Fairy. It had only made the best decision to protect the people living in the city, and as such, Zuellni had been left behind. This wasn’t a vile act. It shouldn’t be.

Almost all Military Artists had witnessed the moment of Farune’s leaving. The sound of metal denoted the breaking up of the contact point, and at that moment, two shining things appeared. One was the figure of a young girl. The other was of a grown male. Many people hadn’t seen these two figures before, but they all knew what they were. Zuellni and Farune’s Electronic Fairies. Farune’s aura was like a beast, courageous. On the contrary, Zuellni appeared innocent and naïve with its long hair swaying behind her. But there wasn’t a feeling of inferiority and superiority due to the difference in appearance.

Farune’s eyes were closed. Zuellni gave an imperceptible nod.

Light expanded from the two Electronic Fairies and clashed, vanishing the next moment. Next, Zuellni changed. A sudden intense light blinded her figure, and a teenager girl was revealed.

Then the two Electronic Fairies disappeared. Farune moved away from Zuellni.

“What do you think?”

“How should I put it……..” Layfon said, perplexed. He felt the two Electronic Fairies had said something during that time and had made a decision. The end result was Farune’s leaving. If that was the case, then what had happened? What was the meaning behind Zuellni’s growth?

“……… I think Farune has given the victory to Zuellni.”

“Uh?” he reacted, surprised at Nina’s conclusion.

“I think some kind of relationship exists between Electronic Fairies. The two of them must be discussing, and they made a decision about who won and about the current situation. They might have compromised. That was why they showed themselves.”

Yes. That explanation seemed plausible. The two of them appeared to have discussed something. Finally, Zuellni had accepted something. That probably was just it. In that case, why did Farune give Zuellni the victory? Because Zuellni had the advantage at the time of the Military Arts Competition? Or was it guilt for abandoning its fellow Electronic Fairy? Layfon didn’t understand. Besides, this wasn’t the time to dwell on speculations.

The two of them looked at Zuellni’s broken multi-leg. Either way, this had become a problem.

“Zuellni can’t move?”

“It has lots of multi-legs. I think it can still move even though it’s lost one……..”

But one couldn’t quite make that conclusion since Zuellni wasn’t moving right now. Perhaps it was already having trouble maintaining its balance. Other areas of Zuellni might also have been damaged. Layfon looked at the sky.

“Still haven’t found it?” he said to Felli’s flake. Felli was currently searching for the location of the thing that was throwing the larvae over. Only she could spread out and control flakes both inside and outside the city. Karian had sent out probes too, but they hadn’t found anything.

Two waves of larvae came from the same direction, so what Felli was searching for should be in that direction. If she discovered it, Layfon would immediately move. Only an aged phase filth monster could execute this feat. Probably a very ancient filth monster too.

“Still haven’t found the target within 30 Jimels.”

“I see.”

30 Jimels. It wasn’t possible to cover that distance without a bike. There was the problem of the bike’s speed and the endurance of the suit against pollutants. Compared to that, one should also consider the possibility of a long running fight and being unable to make it back because the city was too far away. But with a bike, one should have a higher chance of returning as the bike could carry food, and the psychokinesist would also be with him. But thinking of how that filth monster could throw something so far from 30 Jimels away………..

His nose still hurt even though the pollutants were gone from the air. No. If this was caused by pollutants, he should have a nosebleed. Then what was it?

“Haven’t you ever thought that the smell in the air changes before a battle?”

Layfon recalled that voice.

“I get excited whenever I feel that. Aah, a strong enemy is coming. I wonder how high of a level my body can reach this time.”

Those lines felt surreal to him, but he could now understand some of that feeling. The tension one felt in face of a strong enemy. In the past, he had never wanted to see how much strength he had. He only focused on the reward he would get after defeating his enemies. Of course, it wasn’t a performance to increase one’s power. An opening would make one weak, and weakness meant death. He couldn’t make money if he died. That was his naïve theory.

For some reason, he felt that if he now possessed the feeling he had during those fights, he might not be able to defeat this filth monster. But if it were that person, he probably wouldn’t think like that. He would only want to fight his enemy.

In the past, Layfon only thought of how to earn rewards. Failure was possible, and his only choice was to flee if he did get trapped in that situation. This meant he had relied too much on Grendan. The current situation was different. If Layfon lost, no one in Zuellni could take his place. No, to say it correctly, this wasn’t a problem of losing or not losing……….

(Over 30 Jimels………..)

He hoped that thing was somewhere close to 30 Jimels. 50 Jimels would take up a lot of time. And what should they do if it was over 100 Jimels? The bike would have to run not on a city’s street, but on the arid land. The burden on the tires would destroy them. Besides, the longer Layfon was away, the more larvae would be thrown to Zuellni. What would the result be if 30 larvae were constantly thrown to Zuellni? The Military Artists would have more strength if not for the Military Arts Competition. Losing to the filth monster wasn’t what made Layfon scared. He was scared that when he returned, Zuellni would already be destroyed.

(Aa, why am I only realizing that now.)

This wasn’t Grendan.

In Grendan, the Queen would ensure the city’s safety even if all Heaven’s Blades were sent outside. But Zuellni’s strength wasn’t as high. It didn’t have a Queen. It didn’t have Lintence, Savaris, Delbone, Cauntia, Reverse, Troiatte, Ruimei, Barmelin, Kanaris, or Tigris. Even though they weren’t here now, Layfon still felt there were people there to take care of the defense behind him.

(Why now…………)

Leerin’s figure appeared in his mind. If something happened to her when he was away... If she became food for the larvae…….. That thought was enough to numb his limbs. He felt like his feet were glued to Zuellni as if they had taken root.

(Please, find it within 50 Jimels.)

But the report that came to him after a few hours failed to grant his wish.

“At 50 Jimels, and no target spotted.”

During Felli’s report, Layfon was fighting the 5th wave.

A positive report finally reached the office of the Student Council the next morning.

“Thanks for the work. You should go and rest.”

“Then I’ll take a rest.”

Karian touched the flake in his breast pocket as a way of comforting his sister. But……. The distance was a problem. 150 Jimels. He could not imagine the power behind that something that could throw a huge rock from 150 Jimels away. He didn’t even have the strength to guess that power. He might glint some information if he asked students from the Alchemy and the General Studies courses, but he had no strength to hear those reports. A Military Artist who could defeat such a foe……..

“Only him.”

But Karian had felt the same uneasiness that Layfon was feeling. 150 Jimels. This was about the same distance the last time when Layfon went to fight the aged phase filth monster. Taking the terrain into consideration, it’d take one day to reach the destination. No one could guarantee what the filth monster would do during that time. Perhaps it would do other things. Even filth monsters had things to take care of. So how long could Zuellni hold? They were now fighting against the 8th wave. Each wave had become slower than its predecessor. But they couldn’t let their guard down.

The Military Artists were exhausted. Karian must make a decision.

They could shoot down the larvae group with the support of psychokinesists, but that had its limit.

“Can I only leave it to him? But………..”

An Electronic voice sounded, coming from the bottom of the building. The female receptionist sounded shaky, saying someone was here to see him. Karian immediately understood her reaction after hearing the name of the guest. He had seen him two times. Once during Zuellni’s madness, and the other time during the match with Myath.

“What’re you planning this time?”

“Nothing. We sell “strength”. This should be essential under this situation,” the electronic voice sounded as the door closed.

A person wearing a cold mask. No one could tell whether it was male or female. However, Karian remained calm despite the uniqueness of this person – Fermaus Foa, the Mercenary Gang’s representative. Not the leader but the representative. Was it because he was a psychokinesist?

Karian nodded. “ I see. You only appear now to push up the price?”

“Not only that. There’s the event in the past too. In truth, this side feels awkward to visit you.”

“Uh, meaning……… you’re willing to help to compensate for the earlier event?”

“……….. I never thought you would be one to hold a grudge.”

“I don’t forget people with bad personalities,” he pushed away the hair from the side of his face. As he had not had any sleep, his hair had lost its shine. He had put aside his glasses too. His countenance right now was extremely exhausted, and the headache that came whenever it wanted urged him to stop thinking, but he kept at it.

He needed the Mercenary Gang, but what was their purpose?

“We can leave anytime, but then we can’t reach our purpose,” Fermaus said.

Karian wondered whether he said it to alleviate the atmosphere or that he had already guessed Karian’s thought.

“This is the best time to obtain the Haikizoku. It’s not interesting to be hated if we fail to retrieve it.”

“…… So you want to control the situation?”

“Yes. We’re on the boundary of winning and losing. Let us reinforce you. Of course, we won’t ask for money in return.”

“The reward is the Haikizoku?”

“According to the situation, it might be the possessed Military Artist,” Fermaus said without holding back.

“…… So you want me to abandon Zuellni’s student? Do you ask for this regardless of how I answer you?”

“You should know that the current situation is different.”

True. They were reducing the number of larvae, but if they kept fighting like this, people might die. They already had 11 students heavily injured, and numerous students sustained light injuries. It was lucky that no one had died so far. But that was just a problem of timing. The possibility of death would rise if Layfon left Zuellni. This was why Fermaus chose this timing to show himself. Felli had said that he was an incredible psychokinesist. He must have also discovered the thing throwing the larvae and so gave his suggestion to Karian based on his speculation? Or, had he hidden a flake in this room and eavesdropped on Karian’s conversation with Felli? Either way, the other side held the upper hand. This masked person seemed to be saying “Here is the fighting power that you want”.

“All right,” he said, nodding slowly.

“Then the deal is sealed,” Fermaus said. Karian watched him leave.

“Are you serious?” the reproachful voice came from the flake in his breast pocket. It appeared Felli hadn’t been resting.

“Shouldn’t you do something before I answer you?”

“I already searched the room. There’s no hidden flake. He might have retrieved it already, or it might not be there in the first place.”

“Good.”

As expected of brother and sister. Satisfaction filled him with his sister’s action. He smiled.

“Don’t try to cover it up.”

“We do need their fighting strength.”

“But……..”

“Yes, but. You don’t think your brother will sacrifice people’s lives?”

“…… That is possible.”

So his sister did harbor such great hate for him. Perhaps Layfon was one of that reasons. That must be it. But, never mind.

“Get Nina Antalk to monitor them.”

He had heard from Nina of the events when she went missing. As long as the Haikizoku was here, Zuellni might go on a rampage. Hence, he had listened to Nina’s explanation. However, Nina also had a stubborn side to her. That wasn’t because she was dissatisfied with the Student Council. She had a mission. As such, not wanting to waste more time, he released her from the room. He wondered whether Fermaus knew that the Haikizoku was now in Nina. The Gang must also have something planned. Zuellni had calmed down with Nina’s return. No one could deny that truth.

“We must protect her when the time comes…. At least until Layfon returns,” he said, even though he felt they wouldn’t do well in resisting the Gang. At the same time, he cursed himself for having no choice but to make such a decision.

<center>◇</center>

“Restoration.”

The Safiadite shone at the cold key word. A Katana. The blade was now thicker to maintain its new form. It was more suitable to call it a Katana used to cut wood. Layfon swung the Katana to feel it, and restored it to the Dite form, putting it back into the weapon harness. Next was the Adamandite. He restored it. A Katana. Not much different from before. The shape of it had changed according to the metal Dite – the Dite that Derek had given him.

“How is it?” Harley asked anxiously. Exhaustion of working for days without sleep showed on his face.

“Good. Very good.”

He restored it and put it into the weapon harness, feeling the weapon harness’s gained weight and the fight looming before him. 150 Jimels was too far away. No matter what, he must reach it before midnight.

(What should I do during that time?)

He had received Karian’s instruction from the flake. Karian had told him that the Mercenary Gang would help, and that Fermaus was in charge of the Gang.

The Gang would do this even though they kidnapped Felli before. But Layfon held gratitude for the Gang’s resolve. The Gang could take care of the larvae even without Haia. However, the enemy could control the number of larvae it threw and the direction it threw from. Nothing was guaranteed even with the Mercenary Gang’s participation. But Layfon couldn’t hope for more. He knew the situation was against them. The longer he dragged it, the worse the situation would become.

After thanking Harley and Kiriku, he headed for the bottom of the city. He would take the bike and drive for the filth monster. He took the lift to the ground floor and put on his protective suit as he traversed the corridors.

Nina appeared underneath the city.

“Captain, don’t you need a rest?”

“You need a rest more than me.”

The team that the 17th platoon led was given time to rest. The short two hours were enough.

“Isn’t it better to take a rest?” Nina said.

“I need rest before the battle, but that’s only if the action hasn’t been shifted ahead.”

The filth monster hadn’t moved for now. But who knew when it would take action?

“I see,” she sighed.

“Compared to that, you should adjust the amount of Kei you use. Reduce the number of times you use external Kei in a long fight. That’s different from Internal Kei as it can’t be recycled. Especially with you, the type who uses heavy weapons………”

“How can you still worry about others now?” she smiled bitterly.

“I’m sorry…..”

“No, you’re not wrong…. It’s just, I’m too unreliable.”

He wanted to say “Not at all”, but he swallowed it.

“Gongoukei and Raijin. I already learned these two moves, but I still can’t support you……”

“Captain……”

“But I can at least guarantee you that we’ll protect Leerin. Please rest at ease.”

“Ah……..”

Did she come here especially to tell him this? So that he could fight without worries. He wanted to say sorry, but he felt that wasn’t what he should be saying now. The Katana was now in his weapon harness. Nina had done everything to persuade him to hold the Katana. What was he like to that Nina at that time? He wanted to apologize, but this wasn’t the time to say sorry. He had already given it.

“Thanks.”

Nina’s eyes widened then she smiled. She smiled as if she was relieved.

He was drawn to that smile of hers.

“…? What?”

“Ah, no….. Nothing. I’ll definitely win and come back.”

“Don’t be reckless.”

“Yeah, I know.”

Nina moved aside. He opened the door. A bike waited for him in the dim space.

“You must return,” she said as the bike took him out. When he turned his head around, the door had already closed.

<center>◇</center>

He had arrived later than he expected. It was deep into the night. He stopped the bike 10 Jimels from the target and hid himself to observe it.

“So huge…….”

This thing was like a monster with four legs. It had lost its wings to only move on the ground. With its abdomen on the ground, it kept a resting pose like a gigantic statue. But the part jutting from its back that looked like a gargantuan chimney didn’t look like part of something living.

“…….. This shoots out the larva,” Felli’s voice came from the flake in his helmet.

“Can’t tell whether it’s male, but this aged phase monster can reproduce,” Layfon said as he continued observing. He wanted to jump in and eliminate it now, but looking at its size, he didn’t know where to begin.

“……… Got it.”

“Eh?”

“I just checked the ground. There’s a huge hole there. I think there’s a female filth monster there.”

“You mean…….”

“Yes, I can’t see it from here, but a tube-like thing connecting its abdomen to the female’s abdomen. That might explain how it sucks in the larvae.”

And shot to Zuellni like bullets.

“In that case, I must first……..” he took out the Adamandite and the Safiadite.

“Fon Fon? Shouldn’t you wait till the morning? You should rest first……..”

“I can take care of the larvae.”

“But it might notice the light when you restore the Dites. You must remain calm when you move.”

Sunlight could cover up the light of the Dite, but not during the night. If he did so, he’d start the battle. How tired was he right now? He hadn’t slept for two nights, but he had just drunk the dense nutrient liquid to replenish his strength, and his Internal Kei flow was in good condition. What about psychologically? He took a deep breath. No problem. It had calmed down. And his Kei vein? He did fight in the Military Arts Competition and against the larvae, but that level of tiredness was light. No problem.

He had the Adamandite. Looking at this filth monster, it was at the level of gaining a name. That thought made him uneasy, but in this situation, he couldn’t have any false hope. All he could do was attempt what he could do.

“I’m going in.”

“Wait…”

He restored the two Dites without waiting for her to finish. The filth monster reacted to the light. Its body shook. However, the skin of a filth monster just climbing out of slumber could not immediately regain its level of hardness. Layfon let the steel threads from his left hand run into the filth monster’s abdomen to move through the tube into the ground. A bad feeling came from the steel threads.

“Tsk.”

The cannon on the filth monster’s back swelled. Layfon tried cutting the tube with the steel threads but failed. The external Kei was deflected. Smoke rose from the abdomen. He jumped up to swing the heavy Adamandite. His target was the mouth of the cannon.

The colossal thing jumped along with the massive pressure. The pressure prevented Layfon from landing on the mouth of the cannon. His Kei move was executed as he lost his balance.

Extermal Kei variation – Sendan.

The Kei cannon rebounded off the filth monster’s body and failed to damage it.

“Wu!”

He adjusted his body for the landing. During this time, the steel threads had killed off the female filth monster and the left behind larvae. But he had only killed some of the larvae. The rest were already in the cannon.

The filth monster stood up, leaving behind the useless tube. The sound of rock breaking came from the massive body. Layfon put the handles of the Dites together. The blade of the Katana pointed to the left of his waist. His left hand held its handle.

Psyharden technique – Flame Cut.

The move he executed earlier, Sendan, had given him an idea of how hard the outer skin of the filth monster was. Hence, he chose to use another technique against it. As long as he managed to cut out a part of the outer skin, he could concentrate on attacking that wound.

A filth monster’s skin was softer once it emerged from its sleep. As tiny cracks ran through the outer skin when the filth monster stood up to spread its limbs, Layfon disappeared, leaving behind flying sand. He reappeared underneath the filth monster’s abdomen.

Flame cut.

External Kei exuded from the blade. Along with the Kei covering his left hand, the two Kei merged to become flame. Pressing those two powers together, he swung the Katana down.

Flame return.

The second swing of the Katana opened the wound further apart. Body liquid spilled. Layfon didn’t stop moving. A Whirl Kei jump took him to the tail end of the filth monster. The enemy bent down at the severe wound, causing the earth to groan intensely. Was it too hurt to move? Or did it want to crush him? Or that it just wanted to protect its wound……

It was too late to give the filth monster a third attack. Layfon defended against the filth monster’s counterattacks as he pulled his distance apart from it. Holding the handle of the Adamandite, he concentrated his strength on the Safiadite. The steel threads were still underneath the enemy’s abdomen. He wanted to cut open the enemy’s body from its inside, but…

“Tsk.”

Trapped in the heavy muscles, the steel threads had failed to move. He only managed to pull them out by pouring external Kei into it. The filth monster leapt, wanting to crush him with its weight. The rebound of its leap kicked up a screen of dust. Layfon jumped away.

As he turned away in his jump, his gaze met that of the filth monster’s. It was a monster, but its mouth didn’t look that ferocious. It had eyes. Multiple eyes that seemed to be its only difference from a human being.

It opened its mouth. Sensing danger, Layfon jumped away again. A loud and shrill sound came from the place that his jump was taking him to.

“What’s that?”

The sharp things shooting from the filth monster’s mouth stabbed the earth.

“Its teeth,” Felli said.

The filth monster had shot a few of its numerous teeth in its mouth.

“So troublesome.”

Who would have thought it had such tools along with its size……. Layfon kept moving, preventing himself from presenting a still target for the monster. His enemy moved to keep up with him and he in turn moved away. This prevented him from attacking it.

“What’s it?”

“It’s hard. It’s huge, and it’s hard to grab a good timing. Difficult,” he replied as he ran. He attempted to ready an attacking pose with the steel threads while drawing a distance from the filth monster. However, it already took too much strength to cut open the outer skin. Not only that. The wound he made earlier had already healed.

“As expected. Amazing revival power,” he said and landed in front of the filth monster.

“Fon…..!” Felli’s voice filled his helmet.

The sharp teeth flew for him. He stepped back to avoid the assault.

“About 500 meters is the shooting range.”

“Fon Fon?” she said, confused.

He didn’t reply. He ran, matching the filth monster that tried to close in on him. If he had wanted, he could draw it away, but he didn’t do that. The certain speed that he maintained dictated the filth monster’s direction.

Someone was watching this fight from far away.

“What’s he doing?”

The man sitting on the bike replied to the flake. “Probably measuring its strength? It seems hard to end the fight quickly, so he must be planning and doing this to figure out his opponent’s true strength.”

“I see,” Fermaus said. “Then aren’t you going to take action? Aren’t you planning to fight it?”

Savaris had done little in the past three months. Today’s scene was what he had been waiting for, but he never thought this would happen so far away from Zuellni. What were they thinking?

“Don’t worry, I’ll obey the Queen’s order……… They should also abide by the agreement.”

“Agreement?”

“Well, that depends on the result. Compared to that, I’m more interested in what Layfon wants to do,” he said in a relaxed manner.

What was this man planning? Fermaus couldn’t tell. Even though Savaris had been in Zuellni for three months, Fermaus didn’t see him much. It seemed Savaris had appeared before Gorneo several times, but he didn’t live with his brother. Fermaus had tried trailing him, but Savaris had easily thrown him off his trail. In the end, he could only give up and wait for the other person to come.

But the Mercenary Gang was impatient. Because of Haia’s actions, the Gang was almost disbanded. Now they wanted to return quickly to Grendan. Savaris’ arrival was to them an urge, but he didn’t say anything to them. It was as if he didn’t care at all. However, he had suddenly appeared before him. The Gang’s morale was low. Fermaus had already explained to the members about what had happened. If not for this filth monster’s attack, he probably couldn’t unite them.

(Because we relied too much on Haia in the past.)

Fermaus couldn’t do this alone. Not because he was a psychokinesist, but because he was firmly seen as a strategist by others. They had already accepted him as a strategist, and he himself was used to supporting the leader. It was hard for everyone to accept his changed role. Besides, Savaris was here to replace Haia, yet Savaris didn’t care to contact them……….

(……. I have to keep this home for him.)

Considering that Haia might return, Fermaus did all he could to keep this home together.

“…….. Never mind,” Savaris said, submerged in heavy feelings.

“Ha?”

“I originally wanted to see what Layfon was doing, but never mind. I’m tired of observing. It’s been three months,” he said and took the bike.

Trouble and annoyance in Fermaus’s mind.

(Aa, that guy has never thought of us.)

Savaris just did whatever his personality wanted.

“Good,” Layfon nodded. He had grasped hold of the filth monster’s strength.

“Then what do you plan to do?” Felli asked. She had been observing him.

“I can’t defeat it with a normal method,” he said.

“No way…”

“The Dite isn’t hard enough. If I don’t use it well, it won’t last.”

It wasn’t because the Dite was bad in its filtering function. Only a Heaven’s Blade could sustain all of Layfon’s Kei.

“Even if I have that, that doesn’t mean I can fully suppress it. After all, the opponent can be given a name……..”

“So, time to escape?”

Her suggestion was the safest option. The larvae he destroyed earlier were the last group, so the danger to Zuellni was gone. That was why he now had time to think through some strategies.

He put the filth monster at bay as he talked with Felli.

“No, if I do that, it’ll probably head for Zuellni.”

“Then…….?”

Though he wanted to drag out the time to weaken his opponent, the first to use up all the strength would probably be Layfon himself. The filth monster could ignore its wounds and let them heal, but with Layfon, he had nothing to defend against the pollutants if his suit was damaged. A long fight was not the best possible decision.

“I’ve a way. Can’t guarantee though…….. How’s Zuellni?”

“…… Who’d have thought you still have the time to worry about that.”

“True…. Sorry,” he apologized. Yes, because he already decided to trust them.

“Stop thinking of other things. Just tell me what you’re planning. If there’s something I can do to help, I’ll do it.”

“Then please set the psychokinesis mine in the place…..” he noticed something.

“What?”

A large flow of Kei suddenly appeared and a figure wearing the coat of the Mercenary Gang stood in the direct line of Layfon’s gaze.

“Haia?” Layfon said and then rejected that thought. The color of the Kei was different. And……

“Bare-handed?”

No, Dites were equipped on his hands and feet. Hand to hand combat. And Layfon had seen him before…….. The man moved. He almost failed to capture this man’s movement.

“Eh? No way……” he doubted his eyes.

It wasn’t because the man’s movement was too quick. The color of the Kei, the movement, and………

One swing of the man’s fist sent the filth monster flying.

“Eh? Eh?”

Confused. But if it was that person, he would definitely do this. The man continued to rain down his fists on the side of the filth monster’s abdomen. The enemy’s outer scales fell like flakes. Layfon could tell how happy this person was. A fighting maniac.

“Savaris……. san?”

His only conclusion. Layfon jumped to the ground.

“Fon Fon?”

He increased the density of Kei. Though he didn’t know what just happened, this was the best timing to attack.

Internal Kei variation – Water Mirror.

His figure disappeared in the screen of dust that he himself had kicked up. The next moment, he reappeared on the other side of the filth monster, the other side of where Savaris was attacking. He and Savaris had perfectly sandwiched the opponent between them. Layfon attacked. As if knowing his thought, Savaris pushed the face of his palm into the filth monster.

Psyharden technique – Hamonnu.
External Kei variation – to thoroughly break the monster into pieces – Kouga.

Layfon’s move peeled off the entire filth monster’s outer skin to damage its internal cells. At the same time, Savaris’ attack dealt a heavy blow to the opponent’s internal structure. The filth monster groaned and moaned under the two severe attacks.

“………..Wu.”

Layfon jumped away and kept his distance from the enemy. A part of the blade he was holding had turned red. Black smoke issued from the gap in the weapon. If he kept releasing his Kei, the Adamandite might not last.

“Aa, as I thought. We couldn’t fully suppress it,” Savaris said in a relaxed manner, appearing beside him. The equipment on his hand had also changed color.

“Savaris-san, where’s your Heaven’s Blade?”

“I can’t just take it outside anytime I like.”

“Unbelievable.”

Layfon watched the sky. It was hard to gain powerful reinforcements, yet Savaris was limited in the same way as he was.

“Not at all. I’m quite happy. Don’t you find this great to know how weak the outside Military Artists are? Ah, you’ve already experienced it.”

Layfon watched him with a cold gaze.

“Are you after the Haikizoku?”

“Yes,” he nodded without hiding anything. “But this seems more interesting now.”

“Why did you…… No, the person who delivered Leerin……..”

“Yes, that was me,” he admitted.

“………..”

Strange. No matter how lucky she was, as a normal person, it wasn’t possible for Leerin to traverse the battlefield of the Military Arts Competition. He had thought of her receiving help, yet he never thought it was a Heaven’s Blade successor.

“Why is the Queen doing this to obtain the Haikizoku?”

“Uh, I can’t answer you, especially now that you’ve left Grendan.”

“………..”

“It’s got nothing to do with you,” Savaris said. “Well, let’s put that aside. We’ve to defeat this monster, right? I haven’t fought with you since the battle against Behemoth. At that time we had the Heaven’s Blades and Lintence. We were also on the outskirts of the city, so it was all right to sustain injuries. But now we don’t have Lintence or the Heaven’s Blades. And we’re only wearing this kind of suit. Aaaa, so many disadvantages. I just want to dance.”

“As you wish,” Layfon restored the Adamandite into its Dite form and returned it to the weapon harness. He had to let it cool down a bit before using it again. Instead, he restored the Shimu Adamandite.

“If I can’t defeat it, then it matters not whether you’re here or not.”

“Oh? Well said.”

Even so, Layfon was happy to have Savaris here. The filth monster had been rendered immobile by their simultaneous attacks. This was a good timing to give the Dites some rest.

“Since you don’t plan to interfere, can you help with something?”

“Ohoh, seems like you’ve a plan. Sure.”

Here they made their decision. The filth monster moved once more, opening its mouth to shoot out numerous sharp teeth. Layfon and Savaris split up as they leaped aside to avoid the attack.

<center>◇</center>

If the enemies were only the larvae, then there was a way to solve this crisis. The tragic scream from her right halted Nina’s steps.

“My hand……..!” the man screamed and fainted. Nina pulled him over and let the medical team treat him. The rate of people getting injured had increased drastically in just a day of battle. Feeling the cruelty of reality, Nina changed her direction, attempting to deal a blow to the larva before her. The heavy hit of the iron weapon broke through the larva’s hard shell to strike its body. The hand in the larvae’s arm, which had been separated from its owner, had already been bitten into an unrecognizable state. Nina wanted to attack again but her feet slipped.

Stand firm.

That one opening caused her movement to slow, and the larva took that chance. A massive mouth appeared right before Nina.

“Nina!”

“Wu!”

She stuck the iron whip into the mouth and executed an external burst type Kei move. The entire body of the larva shook and the larva stopped moving. Using the corpse as a shield, Nina used Kei again – Raijin. External burst type Kei executed with extreme high speed. The friction in the air created lightning and destroyed a number of larvae in one split second. Nina immediately leaped back and breathed in deeply.

“Don’t stop.”

“Sorry,” Sharnid said. His bullet earlier had saved her life.

“We don’t have time to drag it out with these guys,” he said, sweat rolling down his face. He was looking at the direction ahead of her. The Kei cannon had played a hand in keeping the larvae at bay, but filth monsters were still approaching the city, and they weren’t larvae.

They were matured form of male filth monsters.

The things shot over at Zuellni earlier were massive egg-like rocks. Inside each rock hid around 20-40 larvae. There had been 15 waves of attack since Felli reported that Layfon had made contact with the filth monster. However, that was just the number confirmed by psychokinesists. In fact, nine battles had been fought altogether since the landing of the first wave. Felli had reported that the group of larvae they fought now was the last wave, making this the 10th battle. The rock of the 5th wave had been shot down and now lay immobile. But now it finally woke from its slumber, revealing not larvae but five male filth monsters. What changes had the inside of the “egg” underwent? Accelerated growth? Or that the larvae had consumed each other to give birth to the male filth monsters? No doubt this posed the greatest threat to the fighting Military Artists.

“How’s Dalshena?”

The liquid splashing from the vibrating wings of the filth monsters gave off a red shine under the sunlight. Dalshena had sustained an injury during the 8th battle and had left the field.

“She’s got a broken leg, but that shouldn’t have any lasting side effects.”

“I see.”

Dalshena wasn’t the only one. Naruki had fainted due to overworking her Kei vein. She used Karenkei too many times when she still hadn’t completely grasped hold of how it worked.

The air shield reflected dusk. The earlier shot of the Kei cannon had missed its target to draw an arc in the sky.

“Don’t shoot another cannon,” Nina said.

“Makes me think of that stingy Head of Business, hugging his head in regret,” Sharnid smiled.

The fact that he could still joke in this situation eased Nina’s heart. Forget the male filth monsters trying to invade the city. They must first destroy the larvae here. Having had her brief rest, Nina jumped back into the frontline. Sharnid’s accurate shots took his bullets through the cracks in the shield of the larvae to either kill them off or slow their movements. And Nina no longer held the fear she held when she first fought the filth monsters. She could now wield the iron whips to deal heavy internal damages and defend herself using Gongoukei.

When she first fought…… she met Layfon and knew of his strength and past. She had fought the larvae after a setback. At present, she had definitely grown compared t the past. She truly felt it in this battle but she didn’t feel happy about it. The enemies were still outside. Even so, Nina and the others had successfully eliminated all larvae in their designated area. Were they to fight the matured forms now?

The male filth monsters that were waiting for their chance outside the air shield were creating a huge negative setback for the Military Artists around them. Exhaustion swiftly turned to despair.

Next came the report that added frost to ice.

“A number of larvae have broken through the outskirt and destroyed the cannon. We can’t use the cannon anymore.”

Felli was concentrating in supporting Layfon. This was another psychokinesist’s voice.

“What!” Nina said in despair at the report.

“What happen to the larvae now?”

Nina was horrified at one other thing even though it was bad they couldn’t use the cannon.

“The filth monsters had broken through the third defensive line. Some people have gone chasing after them but they have yet to eliminate them……”

“Then we’re heading over too!”

“Hey, don’t be reckless! If you don’t rest……”

Nina didn’t listen to Sharnid’s advice.

“I’m leaving this to you!” she left him the defensive job and headed for the inside of the city with part of the team.

Filth monsters entered a city to eat people. She didn’t have to fathom what the larvae’s destination was.

The shelter.

Nina knew the locations of the shelters even without the help of a psychokinesist. She increased her pace as she drew the location of the third defensive line and the shelter around it in her head. She wasn’t thinking of the Military Artists following her at all.

She had promised Layfon to protect Leerin. Of course this wasn’t the only reason. She knew clearly that it was every Military Artist’s job to protect the citizens. But now, all that filled her mind was Layfon’s disappointed face when he returned.

Nina’s speed was faster than others.

One only needed to turn the mechanism on the entrance to open the door. Right now, the door was tightly shut. Humans only needed to look at this sign to know it as an entrance, but the illiterate larvae were heading straight for this shelter. Perhaps they could sense the presence of numerous people. Perhaps they could smell them because of their keen sense of smell.

There were six larvae winging their way in.

Nina arrived earlier than them and she breathed regulated her breathing on top of the shelter. She swung her iron whips and attacked one of the larvae.

“Wu!”

Pain shot up her right arm. Did she twist her wrist? No. Her right arm was tired for having held the heavy weapon for a long time. Her nerves had reached to the attack she dealt the filth monster just then.

“The movement of your right hand is too easy.”

Layfon’s words flashed through her mind. She couldn’t keep swinging this heavy weapon without considering the side effects of rebound, especially when it was a long fight…….. Layfon had reminded her of that.

“Damn!”

Tolerating the pain, she gave the filth monster a fatal strike with her left iron whip.

Five more to go and her reinforcements had yet to arrive.

The remaining filth monsters rushed her immediately.

Combination of external and internal Kei: Kongoukei.

The Kei covering her entire body deflected two larvae. The other two filth monsters didn’t have time to fold their wings before Nina’s consecutive strikes hit them, killing them.

Three more to go.

“Wu……Wu!”

The pain running up her right arm was intensifying, making it unable to move as she wanted. The rebounding Kei caused pain in her joints. She was using her left hand more to cover for her right, and that hand felt heavier than before too. Both of her arms felt heavy.

(Just when…….)

Without her knowing, she had sunk into pondering something that had nothing to do with the fight.

(When did he start calling me Captain?)

Layfon. At first, he called her senpai. Somehow, he had started calling her captain. Just when did it happen? She had only realized it now. But she felt lonely, being called captain.

(What do I want to be called?)

Captain, senpai or Nina?

(So stupid.)

She was in a battle right now.

The three remaining larvae folded their wings and closed off their shells. Clothed in hard black shell, the three huge insects closed in on Nina, their multi-eyes shining emotionlessly.

Nina’s arms felt so heavy. The fingers holding the iron whips shook. But only three more to go.

(It’s ok.)

She was gathering Kei. She had to protect this place.

(Because I’ve promised Layfon.)

She didn’t want to see his sad expression again.

Internal Kei variation – Raijin.

Run.

Lightning pierced the filth monsters. They exploded before they were sent flying away.

Nina could already grasp hold the key of this move. This had before her ultimate move, the move taught by Layfon that she could show to Dixerio.

“I…. did it.”

She tottered on her feet and collapsed onto the ground. She couldn’t move. It was already a miracle that she was still holding the iron whips.

She had protected Leerin.

Completely exhausted, she felt for a split second that she had finished her mission. Yes, just a split second. She only saw some shadow when she looked at the sky, but she then understood what it was.

They were five black spots. Shadows then blocked off the sunlight to shade Nina’s entire body.

Male filth monsters. The five male filth monsters hovering outside the city had finally broken through the air purification shield, and all five were in top condition. As for Zuellni, all of her Military Artists were exhausted for having fought the larvae.

(If this continues……)

Zuellni would be destroyed. Layfon would lose the place to return to. Leerin would die. Not only that, all other students here would die. What was the Mercenary Gang doing?

No…. They had lost Haia. The Mercenary Gang’s prime purpose was the Haikizoku. They weren’t trustworthy. These words echoed in Nina’s heart.

Is this… the real purpose? Did the Mercenary Gang deliberately allow Zuellni to face a crisis so all students sank into despair? So that the Haikizoku in Nina could awake?

“This……..”

Her voice was lost. She was surprised at her own condition. She couldn’t even get up. Right now, her body kept shaking and her flesh refused to listen to her.

She couldn’t lose here. The cannon was useless, but Zuellni still had Vance and Gorneo.

(But, but………)

She couldn’t do anything more. She had promised Layfon, but she was sleeping here. Just why did she want to be strong? She didn’t think it was bad to let others do the work. She had kept training till now to make herself useful in battle. Even so……….

(Even so!)

“This is your true personality,” a sudden voice said. “Though that stubborn wall protects your usual heart, that is your real heart. It is the heart that seeks to protect the city, the heart that hides deep in the side of the hard shell.”

The owner of the voice was next to her, but Nina couldn't turn her head. It was in her blindspot.

“Who… are you?”

“Do you want to cry?”

The words touched Nina’s heart.

“Wh…”

“It’s your promise with the Electronic Fairy. Yes, the promise. You always live in promises. A promise between Military Artists, a promise you made in the childhood and even now, a promise with the person who can touch the most vulnerable part of your heart.”

“Wu…. Wu…”

Who? Who’s speaking?

“You also cannot live on your own. No need to hide that truth. You just need to give voice to your wish. Say you want power.”

Stop the nonsense!

She wanted to shout but she couldn’t. Her body failed to move.

“Let me give it to you. The power that can pierce through a forest of spears. Awake from your body.”

The hand of that voice appeared in Nina’s sight. The hand was holding something. A something filled with complicated curved lines fill her sight.

Then she didn’t see anything else.

A mask had appeared on Nina’s face.

Leerin lifted her head without realizing it.

“?”

She seemed to hear something.

“What’s it?” Mei-Shen asked. She looked paled.

“Ah, nothing.”

It must be her imagination.

Leerin and the others were in one of the underground shelters. She was leaning against the wall. Because she had nothing to do, she was looking at the ceiling, spacing out. Bags for emergency use lay by her feet and piled on top of them were neatly folded blankets. The air-conditioner continued to work but it was useless. The vast, sealed space was filled with the body odors of many people.

The booklet on living in a shelter said to stay in the middle of the shelter, but Leerin had chosen the location near the wall. Mifi and the others agreed with her after knowing why she did it. But Mei-Shen was still hesitant as she was cautious in her approach with things. However, even Mei-She didn’t say much after living in here for three days. She looked at the people in the middle of the shelter with sympathy.

This shelter contained close to 1000 people.

Toilet. Shower. The passages connecting to other facilities were all located by the wall. It was natural for Leerin to choose this place as she had plenty of experience living in a shelter. However, it was different for others. Not that the people staying the middle of the shelters were any better, they were just naively fearing to live in a shelter. On the other hand, Leerin was used to it. She herself must be stranger than anyone else.

“Speaking of which, this time it’s so long,” Mifi said, less careful than her usual self.

Everyone must be very tired. Perhaps they were used to danger now, many more people came to walk in the corridors, and as such, more arguments ensued.

Right now, it was happening somewhere too.

The commotion quieted down quickly. The City Police was taking those people away to another place.

Mifi saw someone familiar among the City Police and waved.

“How’s it? Your spirit still up?” Formed asked.

“Hoho, I’m a bit tired,” Mifi smiled bitterly.

“How’s the situation above the ground?”

“Uh? Going all right. But it takes time to resist successive waves of enemies.”

“Really.”

“Ah~” Mifi lay down on the blanket. At the same time, Mei-Shan fell.

“Mei?” Leerin said, finding it strange.

If it was Mei-Shen, she wouldn’t do something like that.

Mifi found it strange that Mei-Shen was not responding. She looked at her face. Blood had drained from Mei-Shen’s face and she was panting heavily.

The two girls quickly sent her to the clinic.

It appeared she had come down with a fever due to over-exhaustion. The doctor said it was caused by extreme tension. A few people who were diagnosed with the same thing lay on the beds around Mei-Shen.

As she had to look after Mei-Shen, the burden was becoming heavier for Mifi.

(Because Naruki’s not here.)

The three of them were always together. This separation was weakening them. Leerin thought of this as she told Mifi she’d leave and get some food. Mifi nodded tiredly.

Leerin walked out of the clinic and took in a deep breath. Even she herself was about to collapse. Was it because this wasn’t Grendan? Because there weren’t any Heaven’s Blade successors? But Layfon was here. She never once doubted his strength. She could be so calm because of this belief. But what else was she thinking? Was it because her strength hadn’t recovered since she fainted the last time?

Leerin pondered as she headed for the canteen.

Suddenly, she halted her steps. She stopped, not knowing why.

A path branched off before her. It didn’t connect to the toiler, the shower or the canteen. This path led to the outside. For some reason, Leerin had entered this path. At present, the entrance was blocked with numerous heavy metal walls.

But she kept walking in that direction.

No one else was on the path. No one would risk it as filth monsters were still outside.

Leerin stopped after walking a while. Thick walls blocked her way.

“What am I doing?” she said.

She had no idea, but she felt there must be a reason behind her action.

“Wu……..”

All of a sudden, she covered her face with a hand and kneeled down on the floor. Her right eye hurt. This wasn’t the usual pain. The pain was such that she couldn’t even make a noise. It felt as if the nerves in her right eyeball had been cut, and the pain was now individualized, as if her right eye didn’t belong to her anymore. And tears kept leaking from the eye.

(What…?)

The pain prevented her from opening her right eye.

That was what she thought, but she did see the metal wall before her. Even though her hand was covering her eye………

Her mind was blank. This wasn’t even connected to the pain anymore. Who knew when, but the figure of a woman had appeared before the wall. That figure was blurry……. Why so blurry? Because Leerin only saw this woman with her right eye.

Black clothes and black hair. The woman appeared before her as if attending a funeral.

(Who… are you?)

Right eye kept crying tears. Was it too painful? Or because it was suppressing an intense emotion? But, she didn’t know.

This woman did not turn back. She just faced the wall.

What was on the other side?

So slow. No, she hadn’t taken any actions. He knew clearly the filth monsters were attacking, but Dixerio hesitated in front of so many enemies. No matter the consequences of his action, it’d affect many people. What kind of influence would it be? Maybe that was the Wolf Faces’ true aim?

It’d have been good if she knew nothing. But he couldn’t say that now.

The mask danced in the air. Her hands held two iron whips.

Nina Antalk.

But there remained some difference between her mask and those of the Wolf Faces. The shape was the same, even the pattern was the same.

But something was different.

Using the building as a foothold, Nina jumped. The green light that seeped from the mask to envelop her entire body was something that the Wolf Faces didn’t have. This was the proof of a Haikizoku.

“Damn, it’s awakened.”

Dixerio didn’t know how Nina became possessed, but the truth was here before him.

Had she walked the same doomed road as him?

“I won’t let you guys win!”

Dixerio jumped and killed the final filth monster with his weapon. Nina’s iron whips had already eliminated the other four. Corpses filled the land of Zuellni.

Dixerio stood on the head of the filth monster that fell from the sky. On its back stood Nina. The two of them faced each other.

“Hey, you still conscious?”

Nina didn’t reply.

“Give me the mask. You’ll feel more relaxed that way.”

Still no reply.

“Damn, already swallowed up?”

She was the same as him back then…..

“………”

Nina crossed the iron whips before her. How was she viewing Dixerio? As an enemy? A strange creature?

“Well then, guess I’ll have to take it by force. It’s good to take what I want with my power.”

Dixerio readied his metal whip on his shoulder. His other arm was stretched in front of his face. When that arm was removed from his vision…

“And that is the essence of the city of Strong Desire – ss”

The same mask appeared on Dixerio’s face.

The corpse of the filth monster touched the ground.

At the same time, the two Military Artists jumped to cut two green traces in the air.

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| Back to [[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume9_Chapter4|Chapter 4]]
| Return to [[Chrome_Shelled_Regios|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume9_Epilogue|Epilogue]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Chrome Shelled Regios:Volume9 Chapter5

2010-05-16T14:31:36Z

Finix of Fire:

===Chapter 5 - Chaos===

Vance was more frustrated and bitter than anyone when he saw the filth monsters appearing in this situation. This was the second Military Arts Competition and the chaos in the enemy city far exceeded his predictions. This was something for Zuellni to rejoice over. The first and second waves had already taken complete control of the battlefield. What they needed was to wait for Vance’s defense team to defend against the enemies and obtain victory. However, Vance wasn’t too focused on victory. After all, he was the Leader of the Military Arts course. As the chief commander of Zuellni’s Military Artists, he had to grasp hold of the situation no matter what.

Filth monsters. The larvae had appeared on the outskirts of the city.

“Alchemy technicians, prepare to release the safety locks on the Dites. The team here and the cannon team are responsible for holding up the filth monsters. The rest of the teams, get your Dites’ safety locks released and join the battle,” he gave the orders through the flake and went to stand in front of the troops with a long staff in his hand.

“Listen up. Stop them. But don’t be too reckless,” he roared and jumped into the crowd of larvae.

The report on the invasion of the larvae had reached Karian.

“Who would have thought………. So unlucky,” he said in a small voice as if he didn’t want anyone to hear him. The rest of the Student Council members located in the underground conference room didn’t have to hear what he just said.

“Switch on the city’s defense system. If necessary, we have to use the cannon.”

“But that’s……..” the head of the Business course objected. He couldn’t ignore the consequence of using the cannon that would result in the city losing a large amount of its resources. It didn’t matter that they used some of the resources now, but they needed to preserve the resources that could be used in the reproduction phase. For example, the metal and fuel used for every shot were all precious to the city. They were things that couldn’t be recovered. Although the city could mine more resources in its route, it might sink into a period of a severe lack of resources.

“I understand you. But this is an emergency. It’d be too late if Military Artists became sacrifices.”

“Isn’t he here?”

No one needed to ask who “he” was but Karian shook his head.

“There’s something else we need to be aware of,” he then gave a detailed explanation.

What did it mean for the filth monsters to suddenly appear? Why did Zuellni and Farune hold a Military Arts Competition in the vicinity of filth monsters? Was it simply because both sides hadn’t noticed it? And was this the same as last time with a female filth monster giving birth underground? However, the report said there were only around 30 larvae. The number was far lower than before. According to a report from another psychokinesist, a huge something laid beneath Zuellni’s multi-legs. The larvae seemed to have come from that “something” which was broken. Looking at the damages on the multi-legs, it appeared that “something” had been tossed from a far distance to crash with Zuellni’s multi-legs. If that was the case, could a normal female filth monster undertake a feat like this?

“I don’t think so.”

Felli’s flake was currently heading for that direction. Everything meant this attack wasn’t as simple as it seemed.

“……. Meaning there might be an aged phase filth monster around?”

All members of the Student Council had accepted the knowledge of filth monsters they had heard from Layfon. An aged phase filth monster had given up its reproduction functions. Instead, it turned to evolving.

“I’m not sure. Anyway, the Military Artists are fighting the 30 or so larvae. So just in case, we’ll have to use that insurance,” Karian said and urged everyone to action.

One group rushed out of the conference room and the other group stayed behind to discuss further strategies.

“……… Really, I’ve already acted the villain once to ensure our victory in a Military Arts Competition, and then we have this. So annoying.”

The last time was the Salinvan Guidance Mercenary Gang. This time was filth monsters. What next? He didn’t want to think further, but he still fell into contemplation.

Unfortunately, his prediction had come true.

Zuellni and Farune’s Military Artists all witnessed the coming of the larvae.

“What’s that……….?”

Thanks to the connection between the teams and the speedy work of the Dite technicians, the safety lock releasing procedure had gone ahead smoothly. Zuellni was now in a counterattack mode. Although Layfon had taken care of most of the larvae, Zuellni’s Military Artists had eliminated around 10 larvae when he returned from Farune. It was fortunate that only a few Military Artists had sustained light injuries. This was the result of Vance’s speedy reaction and everyone’s daily training. And luckily, the larvae had gathered in one place. But this wasn’t the time to rejoice over luck.

Everyone’s gaze was now on the thing floating in the air. A black hole that slowly moved as it expanded. Psychokinesists voiced their warnings. A sound grew louder as the hole expanded. When he understood the meaning of that sound, Vance shouted, “Everyone, retreat!!”

Something as massive as a mountain had appeared. All Military Artists began retreating from the city’s outskirts.

An intense and ear-piercing rumbling filled the space, shaking the entire city and making Military Artists’ knees go weak. Pillars of earth rose up from outside the city to meet the sky. Soil particles fell through Zuellni’s air shield.

A moaning of metal sounded behind the retreating Military Artists as the rain of soil hit them. The original form of that noise was finally confirmed. A large pillar on the outskirt of the city… one of the city’s multi-legs broke before their eyes and fell onto the earth.

“Damn!” Vance burst out.

The rain of soil, not yet filtered by the air purification system, fell to make new wounds. It wasn’t enough to cause death, but it was enough to lower the students’ morale.

The rain of soil stopped after the pillar of soil disappeared.

Many more larvae appeared from where the multi-leg had fallen. Vance could deeply feel the impending crisis. Someone had thrown over the larvae. Because whatever huge thing that carried the larvae came from somewhere so far away, even psychokinesists failed to detect it. Vance failed to imagine the power behind this. This attack would never end if they couldn’t defeat the real enemy.

“Damn……….”

The number of new larvae was about the same as the first wave of larvae. Zuellni’s attack power was enough for it. However, they couldn’t predict the location of the third wave. If the third wave came from the side of the city, then Zuellni’s attack power would have to spread out, and that would lower the speed of attacking. And if every time a toss of “something” managed to damage Zuellni………..

“Damn!”

With staff in hand, he gave the order to attack. They must eliminate the larvae before them. But what next?

“ARR!” Vance shouted. As the chief commander, he couldn’t show his weakness here.

Layfon pinched his nose. He remembered this feeling of pollutants burning his nose. Numberous larvae lay beneath him. He could defeat them in one swift moment if he used the steel threads, but Harley currently kept the Safiadite. Thinking that he couldn’t use it, he showed a bitter smile. Harley and Kiriku were making adjustments on the Safiadite, and that would take time. If Layfon returned now and asked someone to fetch the Safiadite for him, he’d probably be granting that person relief.

He looked at the outskirt of the city. A scenery of the wilderness that he was already used to seeing. Since Zuellni was so hot, it must have moved into the tropics. The third wave came straight after the second wave attack. It didn’t cause direct damage to Zuellni, but as Vance had worried, another side of the outskirt was lacking in attack power.

While still counterattacking the second wave, Vance ordered the first unit, led by the 17th platoon, to take care of the third wave larvae.

“Seems we can rest a little bit.”

“……. Seems so,” Layfon nodded at the voice. He turned around and saw tiredness on Nina’s face. Exhaustion was unavoidable since they had been participating in the Military Arts Competition, facing the sudden emergency and now fighting filth monsters.

His nose still hurt.

This level of pollutants wouldn’t bring him any life-threatening danger. Judging by how the outside scenery blurred and twisted, the density of the air filter had increased. No more pollutants would leak into the city. Vance’s orders for other teams sounded from the flake. The first unit was ordered to wait at its location and defend its area. But the Military Artists’ gazes were attracted to the figure outside the air shield. Farune. When Zuellni was fighting against the second wave of filth monsters, Farune had suddenly moved……… Fled. This meant Zuellni had become a target. Farune had chosen to abandon Zuellni and escape.

“……. I can’t blame them.”

“True.”

Complicated feelings filled Nina’s voice. Yes, the people living in Farune were not responsible. Just like the students in Zuellni, they drifted in a region in this wilderness and had to rely on their city alone to survive. The city’s consciousness, the Electronic Fairy, had made the decision to leave. One couldn’t judge an Electronic Fairy. It had only made the best decision to protect the people living in the city, and as such, Zuellni had been left behind. This wasn’t a vile act. It shouldn’t be.

Almost all Military Artists had witnessed the moment of Farune’s leaving. The sound of metal denoted the breaking up of the contact point, and at that moment, two shining things appeared. One was the figure of a young girl. The other was of a grown male. Many people hadn’t seen these two figures before, but they all knew what they were. Zuellni and Farune’s Electronic Fairies. Farune’s aura was like a beast, courageous. On the contrary, Zuellni appeared innocent and naïve with its long hair swaying behind her. But there wasn’t a feeling of inferiority and superiority due to the difference in appearance.

Farune’s eyes were closed. Zuellni gave an imperceptible nod.

Light expanded from the two Electronic Fairies and clashed, vanishing the next moment. Next, Zuellni changed. A sudden intense light blinded her figure, and a teenager girl was revealed.

Then the two Electronic Fairies disappeared. Farune moved away from Zuellni.

“What do you think?”

“How should I put it……..” Layfon said, perplexed. He felt the two Electronic Fairies had said something during that time and had made a decision. The end result was Farune’s leaving. If that was the case, then what had happened? What was the meaning behind Zuellni’s growth?

“……… I think Farune has given the victory to Zuellni.”

“Uh?” he reacted, surprised at Nina’s conclusion.

“I think some kind of relationship exists between Electronic Fairies. The two of them must be discussing, and they made a decision about who won and about the current situation. They might have compromised. That was why they showed themselves.”

Yes. That explanation seemed plausible. The two of them appeared to have discussed something. Finally, Zuellni had accepted something. That probably was just it. In that case, why did Farune give Zuellni the victory? Because Zuellni had the advantage at the time of the Military Arts Competition? Or was it guilt for abandoning its fellow Electronic Fairy? Layfon didn’t understand. Besides, this wasn’t the time to dwell on speculations.

The two of them looked at Zuellni’s broken multi-leg. Either way, this had become a problem.

“Zuellni can’t move?”

“It has lots of multi-legs. I think it can still move even though it’s lost one……..”

But one couldn’t quite make that conclusion since Zuellni wasn’t moving right now. Perhaps it was already having trouble maintaining its balance. Other areas of Zuellni might also have been damaged. Layfon looked at the sky.

“Still haven’t found it?” he said to Felli’s flake. Felli was currently searching for the location of the thing that was throwing the larvae over. Only she could spread out and control flakes both inside and outside the city. Karian had sent out probes too, but they hadn’t found anything.

Two waves of larvae came from the same direction, so what Felli was searching for should be in that direction. If she discovered it, Layfon would immediately move. Only an aged phase filth monster could execute this feat. Probably a very ancient filth monster too.

“Still haven’t found the target within 30 Jimels.”

“I see.”

30 Jimels. It wasn’t possible to cover that distance without a bike. There was the problem of the bike’s speed and the endurance of the suit against pollutants. Compared to that, one should also consider the possibility of a long running fight and being unable to make it back because the city was too far away. But with a bike, one should have a higher chance of returning as the bike could carry food, and the psychokinesist would also be with him. But thinking of how that filth monster could throw something so far from 30 Jimels away………..

His nose still hurt even though the pollutants were gone from the air. No. If this was caused by pollutants, he should have a nosebleed. Then what was it?

“Haven’t you ever thought that the smell in the air changes before a battle?”

Layfon recalled that voice.

“I get excited whenever I feel that. Aah, a strong enemy is coming. I wonder how high of a level my body can reach this time.”

Those lines felt surreal to him, but he could now understand some of that feeling. The tension one felt in face of a strong enemy. In the past, he had never wanted to see how much strength he had. He only focused on the reward he would get after defeating his enemies. Of course, it wasn’t a performance to increase one’s power. An opening would make one weak, and weakness meant death. He couldn’t make money if he died. That was his naïve theory.

For some reason, he felt that if he now possessed the feeling he had during those fights, he might not be able to defeat this filth monster. But if it were that person, he probably wouldn’t think like that. He would only want to fight his enemy.

In the past, Layfon only thought of how to earn rewards. Failure was possible, and his only choice was to flee if he did get trapped in that situation. This meant he had relied too much on Grendan. The current situation was different. If Layfon lost, no one in Zuellni could take his place. No, to say it correctly, this wasn’t a problem of losing or not losing……….

(Over 30 Jimels………..)

He hoped that thing was somewhere close to 30 Jimels. 50 Jimels would take up a lot of time. And what should they do if it was over 100 Jimels? The bike would have to run not on a city’s street, but on the arid land. The burden on the tires would destroy them. Besides, the longer Layfon was away, the more larvae would be thrown to Zuellni. What would the result be if 30 larvae were constantly thrown to Zuellni? The Military Artists would have more strength if not for the Military Arts Competition. Losing to the filth monster wasn’t what made Layfon scared. He was scared that when he returned, Zuellni would already be destroyed.

(Aa, why am I only realizing that now.)

This wasn’t Grendan.

In Grendan, the Queen would ensure the city’s safety even if all Heaven’s Blades were sent outside. But Zuellni’s strength wasn’t as high. It didn’t have a Queen. It didn’t have Lintence, Savaris, Delbone, Cauntia, Reverse, Troiatte, Ruimei, Barmelin, Kanaris, or Tigris. Even though they weren’t here now, Layfon still felt there were people there to take care of the defense behind him.

(Why now…………)

Leerin’s figure appeared in his mind. If something happened to her when he was away... If she became food for the larvae…….. That thought was enough to numb his limbs. He felt like his feet were glued to Zuellni as if they had taken root.

(Please, find it within 50 Jimels.)

But the report that came to him after a few hours failed to grant his wish.

“At 50 Jimels, and no target spotted.”

During Felli’s report, Layfon was fighting the 5th wave.

A positive report finally reached the office of the Student Council the next morning.

“Thanks for the work. You should go and rest.”

“Then I’ll take a rest.”

Karian touched the flake in his breast pocket as a way of comforting his sister. But……. The distance was a problem. 150 Jimels. He could not imagine the power behind that something that could throw a huge rock from 150 Jimels away. He didn’t even have the strength to guess that power. He might glint some information if he asked students from the Alchemy and the General Studies courses, but he had no strength to hear those reports. A Military Artist who could defeat such a foe……..

“Only him.”

But Karian had felt the same uneasiness that Layfon was feeling. 150 Jimels. This was about the same distance the last time when Layfon went to fight the aged phase filth monster. Taking the terrain into consideration, it’d take one day to reach the destination. No one could guarantee what the filth monster would do during that time. Perhaps it would do other things. Even filth monsters had things to take care of. So how long could Zuellni hold? They were now fighting against the 8th wave. Each wave had become slower than its predecessor. But they couldn’t let their guard down.

The Military Artists were exhausted. Karian must make a decision.

They could shoot down the larvae group with the support of psychokinesists, but that had its limit.

“Can I only leave it to him? But………..”

An Electronic voice sounded, coming from the bottom of the building. The female receptionist sounded shaky, saying someone was here to see him. Karian immediately understood her reaction after hearing the name of the guest. He had seen him two times. Once during Zuellni’s madness, and the other time during the match with Myath.

“What’re you planning this time?”

“Nothing. We sell “strength”. This should be essential under this situation,” the electronic voice sounded as the door closed.

A person wearing a cold mask. No one could tell whether it was male or female. However, Karian remained calm despite the uniqueness of this person – Fermaus Foa, the Mercenary Gang’s representative. Not the leader but the representative. Was it because he was a psychokinesist?

Karian nodded. “ I see. You only appear now to push up the price?”

“Not only that. There’s the event in the past too. In truth, this side feels awkward to visit you.”

“Uh, meaning……… you’re willing to help to compensate for the earlier event?”

“……….. I never thought you would be one to hold a grudge.”

“I don’t forget people with bad personalities,” he pushed away the hair from the side of his face. As he had not had any sleep, his hair had lost its shine. He had put aside his glasses too. His countenance right now was extremely exhausted, and the headache that came whenever it wanted urged him to stop thinking, but he kept at it.

He needed the Mercenary Gang, but what was their purpose?

“We can leave anytime, but then we can’t reach our purpose,” Fermaus said.

Karian wondered whether he said it to alleviate the atmosphere or that he had already guessed Karian’s thought.

“This is the best time to obtain the Haikizoku. It’s not interesting to be hated if we fail to retrieve it.”

“…… So you want to control the situation?”

“Yes. We’re on the boundary of winning and losing. Let us reinforce you. Of course, we won’t ask for money in return.”

“The reward is the Haikizoku?”

“According to the situation, it might be the possessed Military Artist,” Fermaus said without holding back.

“…… So you want me to abandon Zuellni’s student? Do you ask for this regardless of how I answer you?”

“You should know that the current situation is different.”

True. They were reducing the number of larvae, but if they kept fighting like this, people might die. They already had 11 students heavily injured, and numerous students sustained light injuries. It was lucky that no one had died so far. But that was just a problem of timing. The possibility of death would rise if Layfon left Zuellni. This was why Fermaus chose this timing to show himself. Felli had said that he was an incredible psychokinesist. He must have also discovered the thing throwing the larvae and so gave his suggestion to Karian based on his speculation? Or, had he hidden a flake in this room and eavesdropped on Karian’s conversation with Felli? Either way, the other side held the upper hand. This masked person seemed to be saying “Here is the fighting power that you want”.

“All right,” he said, nodding slowly.

“Then the deal is sealed,” Fermaus said. Karian watched him leave.

“Are you serious?” the reproachful voice came from the flake in his breast pocket. It appeared Felli hadn’t been resting.

“Shouldn’t you do something before I answer you?”

“I already searched the room. There’s no hidden flake. He might have retrieved it already, or it might not be there in the first place.”

“Good.”

As expected of brother and sister. Satisfaction filled him with his sister’s action. He smiled.

“Don’t try to cover it up.”

“We do need their fighting strength.”

“But……..”

“Yes, but. You don’t think your brother will sacrifice people’s lives?”

“…… That is possible.”

So his sister did harbor such great hate for him. Perhaps Layfon was one of that reasons. That must be it. But, never mind.

“Get Nina Antalk to monitor them.”

He had heard from Nina of the events when she went missing. As long as the Haikizoku was here, Zuellni might go on a rampage. Hence, he had listened to Nina’s explanation. However, Nina also had a stubborn side to her. That wasn’t because she was dissatisfied with the Student Council. She had a mission. As such, not wanting to waste more time, he released her from the room. He wondered whether Fermaus knew that the Haikizoku was now in Nina. The Gang must also have something planned. Zuellni had calmed down with Nina’s return. No one could deny that truth.

“We must protect her when the time comes…. At least until Layfon returns,” he said, even though he felt they wouldn’t do well in resisting the Gang. At the same time, he cursed himself for having no choice but to make such a decision.

<center>◇</center>

“Restoration.”

The Safiadite shone at the cold key word. A Katana. The blade was now thicker to maintain its new form. It was more suitable to call it a Katana used to cut wood. Layfon swung the Katana to feel it, and restored it to the Dite form, putting it back into the weapon harness. Next was the Adamandite. He restored it. A Katana. Not much different from before. The shape of it had changed according to the metal Dite – the Dite that Derek had given him.

“How is it?” Harley asked anxiously. Exhaustion of working for days without sleep showed on his face.

“Good. Very good.”

He restored it and put it into the weapon harness, feeling the weapon harness’s gained weight and the fight looming before him. 150 Jimels was too far away. No matter what, he must reach it before midnight.

(What should I do during that time?)

He had received Karian’s instruction from the flake. Karian had told him that the Mercenary Gang would help, and that Fermaus was in charge of the Gang.

The Gang would do this even though they kidnapped Felli before. But Layfon held gratitude for the Gang’s resolve. The Gang could take care of the larvae even without Haia. However, the enemy could control the number of larvae it threw and the direction it threw from. Nothing was guaranteed even with the Mercenary Gang’s participation. But Layfon couldn’t hope for more. He knew the situation was against them. The longer he dragged it, the worse the situation would become.

After thanking Harley and Kiriku, he headed for the bottom of the city. He would take the bike and drive for the filth monster. He took the lift to the ground floor and put on his protective suit as he traversed the corridors.

Nina appeared underneath the city.

“Captain, don’t you need a rest?”

“You need a rest more than me.”

The team that the 17th platoon led was given time to rest. The short two hours were enough.

“Isn’t it better to take a rest?” Nina said.

“I need rest before the battle, but that’s only if the action hasn’t been shifted ahead.”

The filth monster hadn’t moved for now. But who knew when it would take action?

“I see,” she sighed.

“Compared to that, you should adjust the amount of Kei you use. Reduce the number of times you use external Kei in a long fight. That’s different from Internal Kei as it can’t be recycled. Especially with you, the type who uses heavy weapons………”

“How can you still worry about others now?” she smiled bitterly.

“I’m sorry…..”

“No, you’re not wrong…. It’s just, I’m too unreliable.”

He wanted to say “Not at all”, but he swallowed it.

“Gongoukei and Raijin. I already learned these two moves, but I still can’t support you……”

“Captain……”

“But I can at least guarantee you that we’ll protect Leerin. Please rest at ease.”

“Ah……..”

Did she come here especially to tell him this? So that he could fight without worries. He wanted to say sorry, but he felt that wasn’t what he should be saying now. The Katana was now in his weapon harness. Nina had done everything to persuade him to hold the Katana. What was he like to that Nina at that time? He wanted to apologize, but this wasn’t the time to say sorry. He had already given it.

“Thanks.”

Nina’s eyes widened then she smiled. She smiled as if she was relieved.

He was drawn to that smile of hers.

“…? What?”

“Ah, no….. Nothing. I’ll definitely win and come back.”

“Don’t be reckless.”

“Yeah, I know.”

Nina moved aside. He opened the door. A bike waited for him in the dim space.

“You must return,” she said as the bike took him out. When he turned his head around, the door had already closed.

<center>◇</center>

He had arrived later than he expected. It was deep into the night. He stopped the bike 10 Jimels from the target and hid himself to observe it.

“So huge…….”

This thing was like a monster with four legs. It had lost its wings to only move on the ground. With its abdomen on the ground, it kept a resting pose like a gigantic statue. But the part jutting from its back that looked like a gargantuan chimney didn’t look like part of something living.

“…….. This shoots out the larva,” Felli’s voice came from the flake in his helmet.

“Can’t tell whether it’s male, but this aged phase monster can reproduce,” Layfon said as he continued observing. He wanted to jump in and eliminate it now, but looking at its size, he didn’t know where to begin.

“……… Got it.”

“Eh?”

“I just checked the ground. There’s a huge hole there. I think there’s a female filth monster there.”

“You mean…….”

“Yes, I can’t see it from here, but a tube-like thing connecting its abdomen to the female’s abdomen. That might explain how it sucks in the larvae.”

And shot to Zuellni like bullets.

“In that case, I must first……..” he took out the Adamandite and the Safiadite.

“Fon Fon? Shouldn’t you wait till the morning? You should rest first……..”

“I can take care of the larvae.”

“But it might notice the light when you restore the Dites. You must remain calm when you move.”

Sunlight could cover up the light of the Dite, but not during the night. If he did so, he’d start the battle. How tired was he right now? He hadn’t slept for two nights, but he had just drunk the dense nutrient liquid to replenish his strength, and his Internal Kei flow was in good condition. What about psychologically? He took a deep breath. No problem. It had calmed down. And his Kei vein? He did fight in the Military Arts Competition and against the larvae, but that level of tiredness was light. No problem.

He had the Adamandite. Looking at this filth monster, it was at the level of gaining a name. That thought made him uneasy, but in this situation, he couldn’t have any false hope. All he could do was attempt what he could do.

“I’m going in.”

“Wait…”

He restored the two Dites without waiting for her to finish. The filth monster reacted to the light. Its body shook. However, the skin of a filth monster just climbing out of slumber could not immediately regain its level of hardness. Layfon let the steel threads from his left hand run into the filth monster’s abdomen to move through the tube into the ground. A bad feeling came from the steel threads.

“Tsk.”

The cannon on the filth monster’s back swelled. Layfon tried cutting the tube with the steel threads but failed. The external Kei was deflected. Smoke rose from the abdomen. He jumped up to swing the heavy Adamandite. His target was the mouth of the cannon.

The colossal thing jumped along with the massive pressure. The pressure prevented Layfon from landing on the mouth of the cannon. His Kei move was executed as he lost his balance.

Extermal Kei variation – Sendan.

The Kei cannon rebounded off the filth monster’s body and failed to damage it.

“Wu!”

He adjusted his body for the landing. During this time, the steel threads had killed off the female filth monster and the left behind larvae. But he had only killed some of the larvae. The rest were already in the cannon.

The filth monster stood up, leaving behind the useless tube. The sound of rock breaking came from the massive body. Layfon put the handles of the Dites together. The blade of the Katana pointed to the left of his waist. His left hand held its handle.

Psyharden technique – Flame Cut.

The move he executed earlier, Sendan, had given him an idea of how hard the outer skin of the filth monster was. Hence, he chose to use another technique against it. As long as he managed to cut out a part of the outer skin, he could concentrate on attacking that wound.

A filth monster’s skin was softer once it emerged from its sleep. As tiny cracks ran through the outer skin when the filth monster stood up to spread its limbs, Layfon disappeared, leaving behind flying sand. He reappeared underneath the filth monster’s abdomen.

Flame cut.

External Kei exuded from the blade. Along with the Kei covering his left hand, the two Kei merged to become flame. Pressing those two powers together, he swung the Katana down.

Flame return.

The second swing of the Katana opened the wound further apart. Body liquid spilled. Layfon didn’t stop moving. A Whirl Kei jump took him to the tail end of the filth monster. The enemy bent down at the severe wound, causing the earth to groan intensely. Was it too hurt to move? Or did it want to crush him? Or that it just wanted to protect its wound……

It was too late to give the filth monster a third attack. Layfon defended against the filth monster’s counterattacks as he pulled his distance apart from it. Holding the handle of the Adamandite, he concentrated his strength on the Safiadite. The steel threads were still underneath the enemy’s abdomen. He wanted to cut open the enemy’s body from its inside, but…

“Tsk.”

Trapped in the heavy muscles, the steel threads had failed to move. He only managed to pull them out by pouring external Kei into it. The filth monster leapt, wanting to crush him with its weight. The rebound of its leap kicked up a screen of dust. Layfon jumped away.

As he turned away in his jump, his gaze met that of the filth monster’s. It was a monster, but its mouth didn’t look that ferocious. It had eyes. Multiple eyes that seemed to be its only difference from a human being.

It opened its mouth. Sensing danger, Layfon jumped away again. A loud and shrill sound came from the place that his jump was taking him to.

“What’s that?”

The sharp things shooting from the filth monster’s mouth stabbed the earth.

“Its teeth,” Felli said.

The filth monster had shot a few of its numerous teeth in its mouth.

“So troublesome.”

Who would have thought it had such tools along with its size……. Layfon kept moving, preventing himself from presenting a still target for the monster. His enemy moved to keep up with him and he in turn moved away. This prevented him from attacking it.

“What’s it?”

“It’s hard. It’s huge, and it’s hard to grab a good timing. Difficult,” he replied as he ran. He attempted to ready an attacking pose with the steel threads while drawing a distance from the filth monster. However, it already took too much strength to cut open the outer skin. Not only that. The wound he made earlier had already healed.

“As expected. Amazing revival power,” he said and landed in front of the filth monster.

“Fon…..!” Felli’s voice filled his helmet.

The sharp teeth flew for him. He stepped back to avoid the assault.

“About 500 meters is the shooting range.”

“Fon Fon?” she said, confused.

He didn’t reply. He ran, matching the filth monster that tried to close in on him. If he had wanted, he could draw it away, but he didn’t do that. The certain speed that he maintained dictated the filth monster’s direction.

Someone was watching this fight from far away.

“What’s he doing?”

The man sitting on the bike replied to the flake. “Probably measuring its strength? It seems hard to end the fight quickly, so he must be planning and doing this to figure out his opponent’s true strength.”

“I see,” Fermaus said. “Then aren’t you going to take action? Aren’t you planning to fight it?”

Savaris had done little in the past three months. Today’s scene was what he had been waiting for, but he never thought this would happen so far away from Zuellni. What were they thinking?

“Don’t worry, I’ll obey the Queen’s order……… They should also abide by the agreement.”

“Agreement?”

“Well, that depends on the result. Compared to that, I’m more interested in what Layfon wants to do,” he said in a relaxed manner.

What was this man planning? Fermaus couldn’t tell. Even though Savaris had been in Zuellni for three months, Fermaus didn’t see him much. It seemed Savaris had appeared before Gorneo several times, but he didn’t live with his brother. Fermaus had tried trailing him, but Savaris had easily thrown him off his trail. In the end, he could only give up and wait for the other person to come.

But the Mercenary Gang was impatient. Because of Haia’s actions, the Gang was almost disbanded. Now they wanted to return quickly to Grendan. Savaris’ arrival was to them an urge, but he didn’t say anything to them. It was as if he didn’t care at all. However, he had suddenly appeared before him. The Gang’s morale was low. Fermaus had already explained to the members about what had happened. If not for this filth monster’s attack, he probably couldn’t unite them.

(Because we relied too much on Haia in the past.)

Fermaus couldn’t do this alone. Not because he was a psychokinesist, but because he was firmly seen as a strategist by others. They had already accepted him as a strategist, and he himself was used to supporting the leader. It was hard for everyone to accept his changed role. Besides, Savaris was here to replace Haia, yet Savaris didn’t care to contact them……….

(……. I have to keep this home for him.)

Considering that Haia might return, Fermaus did all he could to keep this home together.

“…….. Never mind,” Savaris said, submerged in heavy feelings.

“Ha?”

“I originally wanted to see what Layfon was doing, but never mind. I’m tired of observing. It’s been three months,” he said and took the bike.

Trouble and annoyance in Fermaus’s mind.

(Aa, that guy has never thought of us.)

Savaris just did whatever his personality wanted.

“Good,” Layfon nodded. He had grasped hold of the filth monster’s strength.

“Then what do you plan to do?” Felli asked. She had been observing him.

“I can’t defeat it with a normal method,” he said.

“No way…”

“The Dite isn’t hard enough. If I don’t use it well, it won’t last.”

It wasn’t because the Dite was bad in its filtering function. Only a Heaven’s Blade could sustain all of Layfon’s Kei.

“Even if I have that, that doesn’t mean I can fully suppress it. After all, the opponent can be given a name……..”

“So, time to escape?”

Her suggestion was the safest option. The larvae he destroyed earlier were the last group, so the danger to Zuellni was gone. That was why he now had time to think through some strategies.

He put the filth monster at bay as he talked with Felli.

“No, if I do that, it’ll probably head for Zuellni.”

“Then…….?”

Though he wanted to drag out the time to weaken his opponent, the first to use up all the strength would probably be Layfon himself. The filth monster could ignore its wounds and let them heal, but with Layfon, he had nothing to defend against the pollutants if his suit was damaged. A long fight was not the best possible decision.

“I’ve a way. Can’t guarantee though…….. How’s Zuellni?”

“…… Who’d have thought you still have the time to worry about that.”

“True…. Sorry,” he apologized. Yes, because he already decided to trust them.

“Stop thinking of other things. Just tell me what you’re planning. If there’s something I can do to help, I’ll do it.”

“Then please set the psychokinesis mine in the place…..” he noticed something.

“What?”

A large flow of Kei suddenly appeared and a figure wearing the coat of the Mercenary Gang stood in the direct line of Layfon’s gaze.

“Haia?” Layfon said and then rejected that thought. The color of the Kei was different. And……

“Bare-handed?”

No, Dites were equipped on his hands and feet. Hand to hand combat. And Layfon had seen him before…….. The man moved. He almost failed to capture this man’s movement.

“Eh? No way……” he doubted his eyes.

It wasn’t because the man’s movement was too quick. The color of the Kei, the movement, and………

One swing of the man’s fist sent the filth monster flying.

“Eh? Eh?”

Confused. But if it was that person, he would definitely do this. The man continued to rain down his fists on the side of the filth monster’s abdomen. The enemy’s outer scales fell like flakes. Layfon could tell how happy this person was. A fighting maniac.

“Savaris……. san?”

His only conclusion. Layfon jumped to the ground.

“Fon Fon?”

He increased the density of Kei. Though he didn’t know what just happened, this was the best timing to attack.

Internal Kei variation – Water Mirror.

His figure disappeared in the screen of dust that he himself had kicked up. The next moment, he reappeared on the other side of the filth monster, the other side of where Savaris was attacking. He and Savaris had perfectly sandwiched the opponent between them. Layfon attacked. As if knowing his thought, Savaris pushed the face of his palm into the filth monster.

Psyharden technique – Hamonnu.
External Kei variation – to thoroughly break the monster into pieces – Kouga.

Layfon’s move peeled off the entire filth monster’s outer skin to damage its internal cells. At the same time, Savaris’ attack dealt a heavy blow to the opponent’s internal structure. The filth monster groaned and moaned under the two severe attacks.

“………..Wu.”

Layfon jumped away and kept his distance from the enemy. A part of the blade he was holding had turned red. Black smoke issued from the gap in the weapon. If he kept releasing his Kei, the Adamandite might not last.

“Aa, as I thought. We couldn’t fully suppress it,” Savaris said in a relaxed manner, appearing beside him. The equipment on his hand had also changed color.

“Savaris-san, where’s your Heaven’s Blade?”

“I can’t just take it outside anytime I like.”

“Unbelievable.”

Layfon watched the sky. It was hard to gain powerful reinforcements, yet Savaris was limited in the same way as he was.

“Not at all. I’m quite happy. Don’t you find this great to know how weak the outside Military Artists are? Ah, you’ve already experienced it.”

Layfon watched him with a cold gaze.

“Are you after the Haikizoku?”

“Yes,” he nodded without hiding anything. “But this seems more interesting now.”

“Why did you…… No, the person who delivered Leerin……..”

“Yes, that was me,” he admitted.

“………..”

Strange. No matter how lucky she was, as a normal person, it wasn’t possible for Leerin to traverse the battlefield of the Military Arts Competition. He had thought of her receiving help, yet he never thought it was a Heaven’s Blade successor.

“Why is the Queen doing this to obtain the Haikizoku?”

“Uh, I can’t answer you, especially now that you’ve left Grendan.”

“………..”

“It’s got nothing to do with you,” Savaris said. “Well, let’s put that aside. We’ve to defeat this monster, right? I haven’t fought with you since the battle against Behemoth. At that time we had the Heaven’s Blades and Lintence. We were also on the outskirts of the city, so it was all right to sustain injuries. But now we don’t have Lintence or the Heaven’s Blades. And we’re only wearing this kind of suit. Aaaa, so many disadvantages. I just want to dance.”

“As you wish,” Layfon restored the Adamandite into its Dite form and returned it to the weapon harness. He had to let it cool down a bit before using it again. Instead, he restored the Shimu Adamandite.

“If I can’t defeat it, then it matters not whether you’re here or not.”

“Oh? Well said.”

Even so, Layfon was happy to have Savaris here. The filth monster had been rendered immobile by their simultaneous attacks. This was a good timing to give the Dites some rest.

“Since you don’t plan to interfere, can you help with something?”

“Ohoh, seems like you’ve a plan. Sure.”

Here they made their decision. The filth monster moved once more, opening its mouth to shoot out numerous sharp teeth. Layfon and Savaris split up as they leaped aside to avoid the attack.

<center>◇</center>

If the enemies were only the larvae, then there was a way to solve this crisis. The tragic scream from her right halted Nina’s steps.

“My hand……..!” the man screamed and fainted. Nina pulled him over and let the medical team treat him. The rate of people getting injured had increased drastically in just a day of battle. Feeling the cruelty of reality, Nina changed her direction, attempting to deal a blow to the larva before her. The heavy hit of the iron weapon broke through the larva’s hard shell to strike its body. The hand in the larvae’s arm, which had been separated from its owner, had already been bitten into an unrecognizable state. Nina wanted to attack again but her feet slipped.

Stand firm.

That one opening caused her movement to slow, and the larva took that chance. A massive mouth appeared right before Nina.

“Nina!”

“Wu!”

She stuck the iron whip into the mouth and executed an external burst type Kei move. The entire body of the larva shook and the larva stopped moving. Using the corpse as a shield, Nina used Kei again – Raijin. External burst type Kei executed with extreme high speed. The friction in the air created lightning and destroyed a number of larvae in one split second. Nina immediately leaped back and breathed in deeply.

“Don’t stop.”

“Sorry,” Sharnid said. His bullet earlier had saved her life.

“We don’t have time to drag it out with these guys,” he said, sweat rolling down his face. He was looking at the direction ahead of her. The Kei cannon had played a hand in keeping the larvae at bay, but filth monsters were still approaching the city, and they weren’t larvae.

They were matured form of male filth monsters.

The things shot over at Zuellni earlier were massive egg-like rocks. Inside each rock hid around 20-40 larvae. There had been 15 waves of attack since Felli reported that Layfon had made contact with the filth monster. However, that was just the number confirmed by psychokinesists. In fact, nine battles had been fought altogether since the landing of the first wave. Felli had reported that the group of larvae they fought now was the last wave, making this the 10th battle. The rock of the 5th wave had been shot down and now lay immobile. But now it finally woke from its slumber, revealing not larvae but five male filth monsters. What changes had the inside of the “egg” underwent? Accelerated growth? Or that the larvae had consumed each other to give birth to the male filth monsters? No doubt this posed the greatest threat to the fighting Military Artists.

“How’s Dalshena?”

The liquid splashing from the vibrating wings of the filth monsters gave off a red shine under the sunlight. Dalshena had sustained an injury during the 8th battle and had left the field.

“She’s got a broken leg, but that shouldn’t have any lasting side effects.”

“I see.”

Dalshena wasn’t the only one. Naruki had fainted due to overworking her Kei vein. She used Karenkei too many times when she still hadn’t completely grasped hold of how it worked.

The air shield reflected dusk. The earlier shot of the Kei cannon had missed its target to draw an arc in the sky.

“Don’t shoot another cannon,” Nina said.

“Makes me think of that stingy Head of Business, hugging his head in regret,” Sharnid smiled.

The fact that he could still joke in this situation eased Nina’s heart. Forget the male filth monsters trying to invade the city. They must first destroy the larvae here. Having had her brief rest, Nina jumped back into the frontline. Sharnid’s accurate shots took his bullets through the cracks in the shield of the larvae to either kill them off or slow their movements. And Nina no longer held the fear she held when she first fought the filth monsters. She could now wield the iron whips to deal heavy internal damages and defend herself using Gongoukei.

When she first fought…… she met Layfon and knew of his strength and past. She had fought the larvae after a setback. At present, she had definitely grown compared t the past. She truly felt it in this battle but she didn’t feel happy about it. The enemies were still outside. Even so, Nina and the others had successfully eliminated all larvae in their designated area. Were they to fight the matured forms now?

The male filth monsters that were waiting for their chance outside the air shield were creating a huge negative setback for the Military Artists around them. Exhaustion swiftly turned to despair.

Next came the report that added frost to ice.

“A number of larvae have broken through the outskirt and destroyed the cannon. We can’t use the cannon anymore.”

Felli was concentrating in supporting Layfon. This was another psychokinesist’s voice.

“What!” Nina said in despair at the report.

“What happen to the larvae now?”

Nina was horrified at one other thing even though it was bad they couldn’t use the cannon.

“The filth monsters had broken through the third defensive line. Some people have gone chasing after them but they have yet to eliminate them……”

“Then we’re heading over too!”

“Hey, don’t be reckless! If you don’t rest……”

Nina didn’t listen to Sharnid’s advice.

“I’m leaving this to you!” she left him the defensive job and headed for the inside of the city with part of the team.

Filth monsters entered a city to eat people. She didn’t have to fathom what the larvae’s destination was.

The shelter.

Nina knew the locations of the shelters even without the help of a psychokinesist. She increased her pace as she drew the location of the third defensive line and the shelter around it in her head. She wasn’t thinking of the Military Artists following her at all.

She had promised Layfon to protect Leerin. Of course this wasn’t the only reason. She knew clearly that it was every Military Artist’s job to protect the citizens. But now, all that filled her mind was Layfon’s disappointed face when he returned.

Nina’s speed was faster than others.

One only needed to turn the mechanism on the entrance to open the door. Right now, the door was tightly shut. Humans only needed to look at this sign to know it as an entrance, but the illiterate larvae were heading straight for this shelter. Perhaps they could sense the presence of numerous people. Perhaps they could smell them because of their keen sense of smell.

There were six larvae winging their way in.

Nina arrived earlier than them and she breathed regulated her breathing on top of the shelter. She swung her iron whips and attacked one of the larvae.

“Wu!”

Pain shot up her right arm. Did she twist her wrist? No. Her right arm was tired for having held the heavy weapon for a long time. Her nerves had reached to the attack she dealt the filth monster just then.

“The movement of your right hand is too easy.”

Layfon’s words flashed through her mind. She couldn’t keep swinging this heavy weapon without considering the side effects of rebound, especially when it was a long fight…….. Layfon had reminded her of that.

“Damn!”

Tolerating the pain, she gave the filth monster a fatal strike with her left iron whip.

Five more to go and her reinforcements had yet to arrive.

The remaining filth monsters rushed her immediately.

Combination of external and internal Kei: Kongoukei.

The Kei covering her entire body deflected two larvae. The other two filth monsters didn’t have time to fold their wings before Nina’s consecutive strikes hit them, killing them.

Three more to go.

“Wu……Wu!”

The pain running up her right arm was intensifying, making it unable to move as she wanted. The rebounding Kei caused pain in her joints. She was using her left hand more to cover for her right, and that hand felt heavier than before too. Both of her arms felt heavy.

(Just when…….)

Without her knowing, she had sunk into pondering something that had nothing to do with the fight.

(When did he start calling me Captain?)

Layfon. At first, he called her senpai. Somehow, he had started calling her captain. Just when did it happen? She had only realized it now. But she felt lonely, being called captain.

(What do I want to be called?)

Captain, senpai or Nina?

(So stupid.)

She was in a battle right now.

The three remaining larvae folded their wings and closed off their shells. Clothed in hard black shell, the three huge insects closed in on Nina, their multi-eyes shining emotionlessly.

Nina’s arms felt so heavy. The fingers holding the iron whips shook. But only three more to go.

(It’s ok.)

She was gathering Kei. She had to protect this place.

(Because I’ve promised Layfon.)

She didn’t want to see his sad expression again.

Internal Kei variation – Raijin.

Run.

Lightning pierced the filth monsters. They exploded before they were sent flying away.

Nina could already grasp hold the key of this move. This had before her ultimate move, the move taught by Layfon that she could show to Dixerio.

“I…. did it.”

She tottered on her feet and collapsed onto the ground. She couldn’t move. It was already a miracle that she was still holding the iron whips.

She had protected Leerin.

Completely exhausted, she felt for a split second that she had finished her mission. Yes, just a split second. She only saw some shadow when she looked at the sky, but she then understood what it was.

They were five black spots. Shadows then blocked off the sunlight to shade Nina’s entire body.

Male filth monsters. The five male filth monsters hovering outside the city had finally broken through the air purification shield, and all five were in top condition. As for Zuellni, all of her Military Artists were exhausted for having fought the larvae.

(If this continues……)

Zuellni would be destroyed. Layfon would lose the place to return to. Leerin would die. Not only that, all other students here would die. What was the Mercenary Gang doing?

No…. They had lost Haia. The Mercenary Gang’s prime purpose was the Haikizoku. They weren’t trustworthy. These words echoed in Nina’s heart.

Is this… the real purpose? Did the Mercenary Gang deliberately allow Zuellni to face a crisis so all students sank into despair? So that the Haikizoku in Nina could awake?

“This……..”

Her voice was lost. She was surprised at her own condition. She couldn’t even get up. Right now, her body kept shaking and her flesh refused to listen to her.

She couldn’t lose here. The cannon was useless, but Zuellni still had Vance and Gorneo.

(But, but………)

She couldn’t do anything more. She had promised Layfon, but she was sleeping here. Just why did she want to be strong? She didn’t think it was bad to let others do the work. She had kept training till now to make herself useful in battle. Even so……….

(Even so!)

“This is your true personality,” a sudden voice said. “Though that stubborn wall protects your usual heart, that is your real heart. It is the heart that seeks to protect the city, the heart that hides deep in the side of the hard shell.”

The owner of the voice was next to her, but Nina could turn her head. It was in her blindspot.

“Who… are you?”

“Do you want to cry?”

The words touched Nina’s heart.

“Wh…”

“It’s your promise with the Electronic Fairy. Yes, the promise. You always live in promises. A promise between Military Artists, a promise you made in the childhood and even now, a promise with the person who can touch the most vulnerable part of your heart.”

“Wu…. Wu…”

Who? Who’s speaking?

“You also cannot live on your own. No need to hide that truth. You just need to give voice to your wish. Say you want power.”

Stop the nonsense!

She wanted to shout but she couldn’t. Her body failed to move.

“Let me give it to you. The power that can pierce through a forest of spears. Awake from your body.”

The hand of that voice appeared in Nina’s sight. The hand was holding something. A something filled with complicated curved lines fill her sight.

Then she didn’t see anything else.

A mask had appeared on Nina’s face.

Leerin lifted her head without realizing it.

“?”

She seemed to hear something.

“What’s it?” Mei-Shen asked. She looked paled.

“Ah, nothing.”

It must be her imagination.

Leerin and the others were in one of the underground shelters. She was leaning against the wall. Because she had nothing to do, she was looking at the ceiling, spacing out. Bags for emergency use lay by her feet and piled on top of them were neatly folded blankets. The air-conditioner continued to work but it was useless. The vast, sealed space was filled with the body odors of many people.

The booklet on living in a shelter said to stay in the middle of the shelter, but Leerin had chosen the location near the wall. Mifi and the others agreed with her after knowing why she did it. But Mei-Shen was still hesitant as she was cautious in her approach with things. However, even Mei-She didn’t say much after living in here for three days. She looked at the people in the middle of the shelter with sympathy.

This shelter contained close to 1000 people.

Toilet. Shower. The passages connecting to other facilities were all located by the wall. It was natural for Leerin to choose this place as she had plenty of experience living in a shelter. However, it was different for others. Not that the people staying the middle of the shelters were any better, they were just naively fearing to live in a shelter. On the other hand, Leerin was used to it. She herself must be stranger than anyone else.

“Speaking of which, this time it’s so long,” Mifi said, less careful than her usual self.

Everyone must be very tired. Perhaps they were used to danger now, many more people came to walk in the corridors, and as such, more arguments ensued.

Right now, it was happening somewhere too.

The commotion quieted down quickly. The City Police was taking those people away to another place.

Mifi saw someone familiar among the City Police and waved.

“How’s it? Your spirit still up?” Formed asked.

“Hoho, I’m a bit tired,” Mifi smiled bitterly.

“How’s the situation above the ground?”

“Uh? Going all right. But it takes time to resist successive waves of enemies.”

“Really.”

“Ah~” Mifi lay down on the blanket. At the same time, Mei-Shan fell.

“Mei?” Leerin said, finding it strange.

If it was Mei-Shen, she wouldn’t do something like that.

Mifi found it strange that Mei-Shen was not responding. She looked at her face. Blood had drained from Mei-Shen’s face and she was panting heavily.

The two girls quickly sent her to the clinic.

It appeared she had come down with a fever due to over-exhaustion. The doctor said it was caused by extreme tension. A few people who were diagnosed with the same thing lay on the beds around Mei-Shen.

As she had to look after Mei-Shen, the burden was becoming heavier for Mifi.

(Because Naruki’s not here.)

The three of them were always together. This separation was weakening them. Leerin thought of this as she told Mifi she’d leave and get some food. Mifi nodded tiredly.

Leerin walked out of the clinic and took in a deep breath. Even she herself was about to collapse. Was it because this wasn’t Grendan? Because there weren’t any Heaven’s Blade successors? But Layfon was here. She never once doubted his strength. She could be so calm because of this belief. But what else was she thinking? Was it because her strength hadn’t recovered since she fainted the last time?

Leerin pondered as she headed for the canteen.

Suddenly, she halted her steps. She stopped, not knowing why.

A path branched off before her. It didn’t connect to the toiler, the shower or the canteen. This path led to the outside. For some reason, Leerin had entered this path. At present, the entrance was blocked with numerous heavy metal walls.

But she kept walking in that direction.

No one else was on the path. No one would risk it as filth monsters were still outside.

Leerin stopped after walking a while. Thick walls blocked her way.

“What am I doing?” she said.

She had no idea, but she felt there must be a reason behind her action.

“Wu……..”

All of a sudden, she covered her face with a hand and kneeled down on the floor. Her right eye hurt. This wasn’t the usual pain. The pain was such that she couldn’t even make a noise. It felt as if the nerves in her right eyeball had been cut, and the pain was now individualized, as if her right eye didn’t belong to her anymore. And tears kept leaking from the eye.

(What…?)

The pain prevented her from opening her right eye.

That was what she thought, but she did see the metal wall before her. Even though her hand was covering her eye………

Her mind was blank. This wasn’t even connected to the pain anymore. Who knew when, but the figure of a woman had appeared before the wall. That figure was blurry……. Why so blurry? Because Leerin only saw this woman with her right eye.

Black clothes and black hair. The woman appeared before her as if attending a funeral.

(Who… are you?)

Right eye kept crying tears. Was it too painful? Or because it was suppressing an intense emotion? But, she didn’t know.

This woman did not turn back. She just faced the wall.

What was on the other side?

So slow. No, she hadn’t taken any actions. He knew clearly the filth monsters were attacking, but Dixerio hesitated in front of so many enemies. No matter the consequences of his action, it’d affect many people. What kind of influence would it be? Maybe that was the Wolf Faces’ true aim?

It’d have been good if she knew nothing. But he couldn’t say that now.

The mask danced in the air. Her hands held two iron whips.

Nina Antalk.

But there remained some difference between her mask and those of the Wolf Faces. The shape was the same, even the pattern was the same.

But something was different.

Using the building as a foothold, Nina jumped. The green light that seeped from the mask to envelop her entire body was something that the Wolf Faces didn’t have. This was the proof of a Haikizoku.

“Damn, it’s awakened.”

Dixerio didn’t know how Nina became possessed, but the truth was here before him.

Had she walked the same doomed road as him?

“I won’t let you guys win!”

Dixerio jumped and killed the final filth monster with his weapon. Nina’s iron whips had already eliminated the other four. Corpses filled the land of Zuellni.

Dixerio stood on the head of the filth monster that fell from the sky. On its back stood Nina. The two of them faced each other.

“Hey, you still conscious?”

Nina didn’t reply.

“Give me the mask. You’ll feel more relaxed that way.”

Still no reply.

“Damn, already swallowed up?”

She was the same as him back then…..

“………”

Nina crossed the iron whips before her. How was she viewing Dixerio? As an enemy? A strange creature?

“Well then, guess I’ll have to take it by force. It’s good to take what I want with my power.”

Dixerio readied his metal whip on his shoulder. His other arm was stretched in front of his face. When that arm was removed from his vision…

“And that is the essence of the city of Strong Desire – ss”

The same mask appeared on Dixerio’s face.

The corpse of the filth monster touched the ground.

At the same time, the two Military Artists jumped to cut two green traces in the air.

<noinclude>
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|-
| Back to [[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume9_Chapter4|Chapter 4]]
| Return to [[Chrome_Shelled_Regios|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume9_Epilogue|Epilogue]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Chrome Shelled Regios:Volume1 Chapter3

2009-05-06T07:45:54Z

Finix of Fire:

===Chapter 3: Training===

I’ve finally settled down. How are you over there? It’s irritating how cities can only maintain contact through letters. It’d be great if we could just call, but how do you fix a line between cities? If that could be done, the cities would probably trip on the cables.

Honestly, I’m tired. I’m used to cleaning at the Mechanical Department, but it’s still problematic. I suppose I’ll get used to these irregular hours sooner or later. Right now, all I can do is keep at it.

School life is all right. But I haven’t had much chance to use my brain, so I’m not expecting much for my results.

I regret for not listening to you and doing some serious studying. You must be laughing now. Ok, this is reality, so I can only accept your laughter. I really regret it.

From the day I let go of the Heavens Blade, I’ve turned back into someone normal. Except, it’s difficult to make a fresh start. Sometimes I think that my past lifestyle was relaxing. A voice inside me hopes to return to the old life.

It’s embarrassing. Master won’t let it. Her Majesty won’t allow it. Even I don’t agree with it. Letting go of the Art of Katana was my way of showing my attitude to Master and Her Majesty.

To be forgiven by letting go of the Katana was my biggest…. Uh, what am I saying? Sorry, please just forget it all.

That’s just an excuse. Everything is. I’m really useless.

I won’t send this letter. It isn’t worth reading.

<center>◇</center>

“Are you ok?” Mifi asked.

It was now lunch break. Layfon bent over the table. He didn’t even have the strength to go buy bread.

Mifi drained the pre-packaged milk and without moving a foot, tossed the packet into the rubbish bin. The packet flew through the air and fell into the bin as if it was sucked into it.

“…… Mifi-chan, you’re dirty,” Mei-Shen protested.

The milk left inside the packet had leaked from the straw. Mifi ignored Mei-Shen, who had her handkerchief pressed to the side of her head. Mei-Shen was also looking at Layfon.

“…… Are you all right?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.”

Even Layfon himself wasn’t sure. What he just said wasn’t convincing at all. He saw bags under his eyes in the mirror yesterday, so he was feeling a bit down.

“Talking about yourself with that expression. You’re so unconvincing.”

Naruki returned to the classroom. She held two paper bags and placed one before Layfon.

“Here. I just picked whatever since I didn’t know what you like.”

“Ah, sorry. Thanks.”

“No worries. Remember to pay me back though.”

Naruki smiled as she took back the money from him. She then looked at his waist and saw a Dite hanging from the harness.

“So what’s the reason? Work at the Mechanical Department or is it ‘that’?”

“Uh, work’s ok. It’s surprisingly good.”

Layfon got up slowly and took a bite of the bread from the bag. The dryness of the bread was uncomfortable. He inserted the straw into the packet of milk that was in the same bag.

“So it’s training? Was it hard?”

Mifi took out another packet of milk from her paper bag and inserted a straw into it.

The three girls sat down in the chairs around him. He smiled bitterly and sucked milk from the straw to wet the inside of his mouth.

“It’s training for the upcoming platoon match, right? That must be exhausting,’ Naruki nodded.

“……Platoon match?”

“Ah, I know. I heard about it before, but I've forgotten, so I’m not really sure,” Mifi raised the same question as Mei-Shen. Naruki started her explanation.

As for Layfon--

(Naruki speaks like a senpai. Do all female soldiers speak like that?)

Thinking of this, Layfon didn’t take in anything being said around him.

“I’ve talked about the platoon matches before. They’re to determine the ranks of platoons. The higher your rank is, the more important a position you’ll get in the Military Arts Competition.”

“Is that a good thing?”

“Of course. That means your abilities are acknowledged. Besides, you can really do something for the people in the city. It’s something for Military Arts people to take pride in.”

The way she put it felt like it had nothing to do with what she was talking about.

“But isn’t that dangerous? If it was me, I wouldn’t have chosen to come to such a dangerous place.”

“That’s coz you’re thinking of it from the angle of Military Arts. For example, if you get to run a magazine, you’ll also do what you can to get good results, right?”

“Oh, I see.”

“If it’s Mei-Shen, you’ll also do your best in your cake shop, right?”

“……Yeah.”

They both understood now.

“To get good marks in your specialized area isn’t just about dignity, but also about the evaluation of strength. In strategic planning, you’ve to really know your own strengths. Like whose ability is the best, which platoon excels, those kinds of things. So the best way to get a better understanding of all that is to create real war-like situations, meaning, the platoon matches.”

“So it’s to determine who is the strongest? That sounds like a little kids’ fight.”

Layfon couldn’t help but agree with Mifi. Who is the strongest? Thinking how he got himself involved in this meaningless ranking fight, he couldn’t swallow his bread.

“The matches aren’t conducted in the manner of knockout matches. The purpose isn’t to see who wins the most matches, so you can’t really tell which team is the strongest. Still, we can’t deny that some people really care about the matches. The match is time limited, and with that, you can judge the strength and precision of the teams. If a platoon wins, it’ll get prize money, just like how you get scholarship if you regularly take top place in the General Studies’ test.

“A topic not related to me has appeared.”

Mifi puffed up her face, and the two other girls smiled. Layfon also laughed.

“…… Is training hard?” Mei-Shen asked cautiously with anxiety in her eyes.

“Yeah, um~~”

They’d know even if he denied it, but it looked pretty bad to admit so honestly, so he could only substitute with some vague wordings. Men really are proud creatures. This saddened him. He could only smile bitterly.

“Aa, Layton isn’t training coz he likes it, so you don’t have to force yourself to train so hard! It’s best to just pretend, since training is tiring,” Mifi concluded, after finishing her third packet of milk. Mei-Shen also nodded. Only Naruki was silently nibbling at her bread and eyeing Layfon suspiciously.

He didn’t train because he liked it.

That was the truth. He didn’t like Military Arts anymore. No, seriously, he had never liked Military Arts. It was something he had already lost.

It was the same as how one couldn’t repeat his past and regain what was lost.

Wolfstein. Layfon’s title that the Student President used, was also one of things he had lost. It was not possible to get it back.

The Student President was seeking what could not be taken back.

And, the Nina who knew nothing of it.

“……That’s right.”

Layfon returned his attention to the room.

“Oh, yes.”

“Huh?” from Mifi. In her hand was a fourth packet of milk.

“Do you just drink milk for lunch?”

Mifi angrily conveyed her need to overcome the disadvantage of her body. She gave him quite a thrashing.

<center>◇</center>

Nina’s impatient gaze stabbed his face.

Even so, he couldn’t help it. In the battleground reserved for Military Arts students, Layfon held the restored Dite in his hands, a feeling of directionless uncertainty rising inside him.

Harley had adjusted a sword of green Dite for him. The long,thin blade emitted a teal light. For he who was hiding in the bushes, the gem-like light of the blade made him stand out too much.

He leaned against the trunk of a tree and controlled his breathing. His heartbeat had to be regular, or else the training machine would detect the irregularity and attack him.

The irritation of a plan gone wrong was scolding Layfon. Though he didn’t feel that he was responsible in any way, he was the only one here. Both Felli and Harley were waiting for orders in the rear.

Since meeting the Electric Fairy Zuellni at the Mechanical Department, Layfon had not seen a smile on Nina’s face.

Sharnid was the first reason behind her irritation. He was late for training. He totally ignored her harsh reproach and didn’t even reflect on his actions. All he did was utter a casual “sorry” with dissatisfaction and Restore his weapon.

Sharnid’s weapon was a sniper rifle. On top of the light and white Dite was a large scope. It’d be impossible to avoid the automatic machine’s attack without Sharnid’s support.

Layfon still felt uneasy.

He had no idea what Sharnid’s range was. The breathing irregularity could be because of that. He relaxed his breath.

Next was the unease that came from his uncertainty of the enemy’s location.

The last team member, Felli, was responsible for intelligence support. The doll-like, silver-haired, beautiful girl used a half-transparent staff that was made of heavy alloy. The staff was made up of things that looked like flakes which were scattered when the staff was in operation.

Felli had the power of psychokinesis. She could move things with her mind. Through psychokinesis, she could scatter the flakes over large areas to obtain intelligence and convey the information to her team members.

“Two responses at point 1005.”

Felli’s light and faint voice sounded through Layfon’s earpiece. This was also an item using Felli’s psychokinesis, so it was harder for enemies to eavesdrop.

Without exchanging glances, Layfon and Nina rushed out of the bushes. An arm smashed suddenly into the place where the two had been hiding, then a robot shaped like a barrel with a wooden knife fitted onto its wrist was spraying red paint everywhere.

“Too slow!” Nina called as she retreated. After collecting herself, she lashed out at the machine with her iron whips, and Layfon headed for the other automatic machine was that still in hidden from sight. He moved out of the shadow of the trees to make himself a target so Nina could concentrate on her fight.

As if to answer his prediction, the other robot was about to swing down its weapon. The fake wooden axe chopped down towards Layfon’s head. He took a step back and felt the passing of air at the tip of his nose.

Unexpectedly, he got himself into a fight with another machine. The enemy type was a distant-fighting type. Layfon “uh"-ed at that fact and dipped his head to avoid the axe.

Distracted by another long-range attack from somewhere, and observing Nina suppressing her opponent, Layfon was unable to make an attack.

Noticing his situation, she called angrily into her transmitter, “Still haven’t found it yet, sniper?” While calling, she knocked off the coloured wooden knife and struck the machine with her other iron whip.

Now that Nina had won, Layfon didn’t know what to do next. Should he lead the enemy to her and fight it together, knowing he couldn’t black the fire from the other enemy? No, Nina would become the target of the enemy, and besides, he didn't have the confidence to work with her. In addition, once the captain was defeated, they’d lose the match, so he must take care not to involve her in more danger……Confusion caused Layfon’s movement to slow down. He did avoid the axe, but the way he did it looked so ridiculous that even he was angry about it.

He’d lost his balance.

At that moment, Nina headed straight for him. Perhaps she thought he couldn’t avoid the next strike. He felt the same.

And this was when the long-distance shot came.

The bell signaling the end of the match rang through the air.

Spattered with mud and paint, Nina walked in front, looking displeased. Everyone was tired. The scene now had moved into the Resting Room. With both his wrists on his knees, Layfon sat tiredly on a chair, looking at the floor. Sharnid had lay down on a bench, his eyes covered by a towel. Felli was the only one with a calm expression. She had let down her hair and was combing it.

[[image:CSR vol01 117.jpg|thumb]]

Nina stood before them all, watching them. Anger came through.

“We just formed the platoon a short while ago, so I understand we can’t yet coordinate well. I clearly understand that,” Nina sighed, and relaxed her shoulders.

Then she asked each person:

“Sharnid, why didn’t you cover Layfon?”

“It’s not that easy to avoid shooting your own teammate. It’s not possible with the kind of coordination we’re aiming for, if we can’t even breathe on the same beat! To do that, Layfon has to accurately sense the timing of my shot and move accordingly. Shooting a comrade who’s in an intense fight with the enemy scares me,” Sharnid waved his hand.

“Really?” She looked at Layfon.

“Layfon, why didn’t you lead the enemy to me?”

“If the captain fell then we’d have lost. I could act as bait and draw out the enemy.”

“You should have let me make that decision.”

“Yes, but there wasn’t time.”

Another enemy was attacking him at close range, so he didn’t have the leisure to wait for her order.

“Felli, your searching speed was too slow. Couldn’t you be faster?”

“That was my limit.”

Felli’s reply was unusually cold. Her refusal to respond was like a whip across Nina’s face. Would she howl out in anger? That thought tensed Layfon’s shoulders, but Nina remained silent, glaring at Felli.

Who knew how long this silence would last? Embarrassment and disapproval were thick in the air. Though he felt suffocated, he didn’t feel like breaking that atmosphere.

He was already exhausted.

But……

“Excuse me……”

Harley walked in without knocking. He immediately noticed the atmosphere and halted his steps.

“What’s up?” Nina glared at him.

“Ah……ahah, I came to help Layfon with his setting of the Dite,” he replied, scratching his head. Perhaps speaking up helped him to make up his mind. Harley carried his box to a chair and opened it.

“Since he’s used it for a few days, I think I can get some detailed settings done. If anyone else feels your weapon needs adjusting, you can let me know.”

“No~~ nothing!” Sharnid sat up slowly.

“Harley’s settings are perfect. That I can be so relaxed is all thanks to you.”

“Mine’s ok,” Felli shook her head.

“Really? That’s great. Nina?”

“No. If there’s a need, I’ll let you know.”

“Sure.”

What happened next was just the sound of gears being laid out on the floor. In this very short period of time, everyone was watching Harley’s movement. He definitely felt their weird gazes, but Haryley started to whistle happily.

The atmosphere became more relaxed.

No, perhaps they were only tired of the embarrassment.

“Well……”

Sharnid picked up his bag.

“Where are you going?”

“The training’s finished, right? Even if we’re going to have a meeting, there’s not much to talk about. I’ll go back after a shower. Got a date afterwards.”

“What!”

“Then I’m also leaving,” Felli said, quietly taking her bag.

“Aaaa, Felli’s not gonna wash away your sweat?”

“I don’t sweat as much……Besides, showering here makes me feel like someone’s peeking at me.”

“Haha, what a shame. If Felli doesn’t grow up more, no one will peek at you.”

Ignoring Sharnid’s teasing, Felli left the room. He shrugged and headed for the shower room.

With his head on his hands, Layfon watched Nina standing there. He had nothing to say to her. Her shoulders were trembling. Even so, he couldn’t escape as Harley had already caught him.

But he felt he couldn’t stay silent anymore. Focusing on the gears, Harley seemed oblivious to his surroundings. Nina’s face showed she didn’t know how to end this awkwardness.

“Um……” Layfon made some noise without knowing what to say.

“We have to practise a formation. You come over when you’re done.”

Nina walked out. The irritating sound of the door closing affected the air of the room.

“……Looking at that face of hers, it’d be good if she calmed down a bit,” Harley said, smiling.

Layfon smiled in return.

“Seriously, Nina can act calmly, but she’s impatient now. That can’t be helped.”

His face full of smiles, Harley wrapped a wire around Layfon’s Dite.

“Senpai really understands her.”

“Kind of. We’re childhood friends.”

“Oh……Huh? But I remember Senpai……”

She said she ran away from home.

“Haha, ran away from home? Do you think she wouldn’t know anybody at the place she ran away to?” Harley said cheerfully.

That was true.

“Uh, that’s true. Why didn't I think of that?”

But on second thought, he knew the reason. Nina came here against her parents’ wishes. Such strong determination gave off a proud and lonely air.

So he felt she didn’t know anyone here.

The other reason was that he didn’t know anyone here from Grendan.

(Ah, so that’s why. Her situation’s different from mine.)

After laughing secretly at himself, Layfon forgot his misunderstanding of Nina. Besides, the other three girls that he knew also came from the same city. He felt helpless with his slow intuition.

As per Harley’s instruction, he restored his Dite. The wire around the Dite conveyed its information to the machine. He asked Harley a question, who was looking at the number on the display.

“Why did senpai want to form a platoon?”

“Do you find it hard to believe?”

“Senpai’s only a third year, isn’t she? I heard that most of the platoon captains are fourth year or above. Hasn’t she still got time?”

“Yeah, if you look at the study years, then there’s still time,” Harley nodded. “But who knows whether this city still has time.”

His fingers flying on the keyboard, Harley asked, “You know right? You should have heard of it from the Student President.”

“Yes.”

“He said it was to make us more alert of danger, but he did all that to increase our fighting strength.”

“Is that it?”

“That’s right, but I don’t think that’s all of it. He’s stubborn.”

“……”

“Ah, let’s leave the Student President aside for now.”

Harley clapped his hands, pulling Layfon back into reality. His face had turned green just by remembering the nasty memories about the Student President.

“The time Nina spends here is important to her. You should know since you heard of her running away.”

Layfon nodded. Nina had said that she wanted to see what a majority of people couldn’t see: the world outside the city.

“That’s a precious experience. Yes, it’s a precious experience to come to a city run by students only, but it’s even more precious an experience to understand the outside world. A lot of people can never experience that.”

Even so, there were numerous Academy Cities, enough to conduct the Military Arts Competition – the same type of cities fought for fuel. In other words, this was the proof that the city had enough number of students.

This told Layfon that there were more humans than he thought.

But a majority of people would never see each other. Even Layfon didn’t know everyone at Grendan. Grendan had a population of about a hundred thousand people.

But if people lived in the same city and wanted to meet up, they could. Perhaps if they desired to see each other, even with the filth monsters roaming the earth, they could see the person of another city. But he couldn’t place the level of difficulty of those two types of meeting side by side.

It's rare to get on a roaming bus just to see another city.

It's extremely taxing to travel to another city, and it's dangerous.

Numerous cities spread across the earth like stars, moving back and forth in an isolated world. Thinking of this, it felt so unbelievably hard to comprehend that it confounded him.

“People might have never met, but we were given the chance to meet here. Don’t you find that interesting?”

“……”

“Nina doesn’t want to lose that experience, so she’d try everything within her power. Nina’s the type of person to act.”

“So please don’t hate her too much,” Harley added.

Layfon didn’t think he hated her.

Afterwards, he headed alone for the training complex – in the direction of where he thought the training room was. It didn’t take him long to arrive as it was close to the battleground.

Layfon felt a heavy weight on his shoulders as he neared the entrance of the training complex. He wasn’t sure whether there was a weight. No, he knew he had a burden there. He just didn’t want to realize that it was on him.

If they lost in this Military Arts Competition, the city would lose its fuel source. In other words, the city’s consciousness that he came across at the Mechanical Department – that cute Electric Fairy would face its death.

What a tragic thing.

But he couldn’t really feel that happening. Just like the clear scene reflected in the glassy surface of the door to the training complex, he felt that it was happening in another city. He couldn’t comprehend the fact that what he did would have a direct impact on the life and death of the city.

He went through the door and headed for the training room of platoon 17. The sounds of practice from other training rooms made the entire building tremble. The building was designed to contain the varied powers of the Military Arts students, but it didn’t seem to have good soundproofing.

“Isn’t it time to give up?”

He heard this just as he was about to open to the door to the training room of platoon 17.

He stopped.

There were other students in the room besides Nina.

Three males surrounded her. The tension in the air caressed Layfon’s skin. His wrist moved towards his weapon harness on its own.

Nina’s arms were lowered. She held her restored iron whips tightly. She stared at the three students with an icy gaze, hiding her emotions.

The conversation continued. No one seemed to have noticed Layfon.

“You should know now that it’s not easy to form a platoon,” the person standing right in front of Nina said.

“And your members are…… Sharnid, who can’t coordinate well with his ability, and two others that the Student President forced into Military Arts. Morale itself is already a problem. Do you really think you can form a team with those people and lead them in battle? If that’s the case, then you’re looking down on Military Arts.”

The target person wasn’t him, but Layfon felt pressure bearing down into his stomach. This was an intimidation technique using the Internal type Kei. It was the opposite of External type burst Kei. The Internal type Kei could directly affect one's body.

The voice with Kei made Nina tremble.

“Let me say this for the last time. Join our team, Nina Antalk. The 3rd platoon needs your calm judgement and hard defence. Besides, you only need to be in our team to become strong.”

Nina’s shoulders were shaking, but her eyes showed she was not afraid and threatened.

She didn’t look at the hand stretching towards her. She stared right in the eyes of the young man.

“I thank you for your invitation. Let me thank you deeply for giving me such high evaluation,” she said firmly.

“But if I still want to test my ability. No matter how badly I look in others’ eyes, I still want to test myself through my own strength.”

Her resolute answer tightened up atmosphere again. This time it wasn’t the person before – probably the captain of the 3rd platoon, but the other two people.

Layfon held his breath.

The captain of the 3rd platoon sighed.

“I knew you’d give me that answer.”

He relaxed his shoulders. The other two also lowered their hostility.

“I feel you’re wasting your ability…… really, why did the Student President accept your unreasonable team proposal?”

“Sorry.”

“There’s no need to apologize. It’s not a bad thing for the city if you become stronger.”

“But, I hope you understand that this city doesn’t have the time to watch you grow.”

“…… I understand.”

“Good.”

The captain shrugged, turned from Nina, and walked away. As there was only one exit, Layfon quickly moved aside.

The captain left wordlessly, not even looking at him.

The door closed.

Nina’s gaze pierced through Layfon to the closed door. She didn’t notice his presence. Layfon was painfully aware that he wasn’t in her line of sight.

She wasn’t looking at him.

(Ahah, she’s looking at the other side.)

It was the side of the glass.

He felt he had lost his place there.

Of course, even he felt it was too rich a line coming from him.

Wolfstein – He should have understood the moment he abandoned this title and left Grendan.

So he could pretend the pain in his chest was someone else’s.

Then he could view it as something beautiful.

“Come, Layfon. Time to practise.”

Nina’s line of vision moved to him. There were no traces of confusion in her expression. No traces left of her conversation with the captain of the 3rd platoon.

“Yes,” Layfon nodded and hurried to her side.

But the feeling of standing on the other side of the glass didn’t disappear.

He knew this was a feeling of distance.

“I know there are plenty of opportunities for us to fight together, but we can’t even talk about that if we don’t first coordinate our breathing.”

Those firm looking pupils of hers.

The Kei filling her limbs gave off a painful light from her eyes. This had nothing to do with the quality and weight of her Kei, but with her firm and determined personality.

It was beautiful.

To Layfon, it was as beautiful as a painting.

That was why she stood on the other side of the glass.

Layfon Restored his Dite.

<center>◇</center>

The sun sank down in the west. The complex closing time came, and saved Layfon from Nina’s side. After washing off his sweat, he plodded back to his dormitory……

“Layton sighted! Capture him!”

“Roger, capturing him now.”

Mifi’s shrilled voice and Naruki’s more lowered voice vibrated through his exhausted body.

Next……

“What? Huh?”

When he had collected himself, he was already tied up by a rope. When did that happen? He toppled onto the ground.

“We’ve caught the target. Please give your next order.”

“Parade him around the city.”

“Roger.”

“Hey, stop it!”

“Huh~~”

Layfon calmly intruded. Mifi puffed up her cheeks.

“Uh, that can’t be done. Speaking of which, how come he became like this?”

“That’s my rope-capture technique, passed down by my father. Isn’t it incredible?” Naruki said.

“Brilliant. It’s too brilliant. But why so sudden? I don’t understand what’s happening!”

“Oh, I’m just doing it. I’m not sure myself.”

“Just doing it? And what’s with the rope? Do you carry it with you all the time?”

“As someone who wants to join the police force, it’s a must to carry around a rope all the time.”

“Is that a given?” Layfon asked, but failed to sway Naruki’s confidence.

“So what’s this for?” he said, looking at Mifi and Naruki.

“Oh? I said we were going to drink tea, so we waited here for you.”

“I see…… but why this?”

“Just doing it.”

“Fufufu ~~ I knew Layton doesn’t have to work today. Don’t underestimate Mifi’s intelligence.”

“Yeah, but I didn’t refuse you. Before I got the chance to refuse, I was like this.”

“Ok ok. Stop talking. We’ve invited a special guest today.”

[[image:CSR vol01 133.jpg|thumb]]
They didn’t listen to his words. Mifi pushed a person out from Naruki’s shadow.

He thought it was Mei-Shen.

But…….. no.

“…… Felli senpai?”

“I got caught,” she said without any expression. She was also bound by a rope.

They spaced out like that for a while…

“Hey--!! What were you guys doing!?” Layfon looked around. Luckily, there was no one around but them. He wondered how long those two girls had been hiding here, waiting to ambush them.

“Because ~~ I’ve wanted to talk with her since I saw her.”

“No, I’m saying why did you use this method? It’s a bit extreme. Um, it’s like kidnapping from the perspective of an observer.”

“……She’s the younger sister of the Student President.”

“Meaning……We can get a huge ransom, right?” Mifi asked seriously.

“……”

“……”

Layfon and Mifi looked at each other……

“Police, there’s a kidnapper here.”

“Ok, I'll catch her right away.”

In the next moment, Naruki had also tied up Mifi.

“I just wanted to have dinner with everyone!”

After Mifi had surrendered, Naruki untied everyone. The four of them headed for the busier distract of the city.

“Meishen’s got work today, so we’re waiting for her to finish, and might as well enter the “observe Meishen’s working look” plan.”

“A plan?” Layfon said.

Mifi laughed.

“Well, can you imagine her appearance at work?”

“……That’s a bit difficult.”

It was hard to imagine Meishen working. She was so shy.

“Right? This’ll be my first time seeing her at work. I'm really looking forward to it.”

Mifi skipped on the red bricked path.

“It’s good she’s taking the initiative, but I feel a bit lonely now,” Naruki said, shrugging her shoulders.

“……Have you three known each other for long?”

“Yeah, we were neighbours.”

“Our parents knew each other for a long time too, from their birth.”

“Amazing...” Layfon honestly showed his admiration. He also had a group of childhood friends from the orphanage, but none of them came to Zuellni.

“You three must be very close, coming here together.”

“Yeah[[User:Redlar|^_^;]]It's fate.”

“Yeah.”

“Yes, we won’t feel lonely even if we’re in an unfamiliar place. Our parents agree with that,” Mifi said, and started a conversation about the past with Naruki. Unable to enter the conversation, Layfon kept a distance between them.

Felli was beside him. Silently walking, she stared at the backs of the two girls.

“……Sorry for forcing you to come with us.”

“……It’s ok.”

She didn’t move her gaze away from the backs of the two girls.

“The rope seemed fun.”

“……Was it fun?”

“Yes,” Felli replied, not even moving her eyebrows. Layfon didn’t understand what she was thinking. But it was good that she didn’t get mad. He let out a sigh.

Felli was walking lightly with her hands behind her back. Looking at her childish appearance, he couldn’t imagine that she was older than him. She was older, but her age difference didn’t stand out at all because she was only one year apart. But comparing her with Mifi and Naruki, she looked even younger than them.

“Uh, is senpai working too?”

“No.”

“……I see.”

He couldn’t think of what to say. Even his question was blocked. He knew nothing of her. Unlike Mifi and the others, Felli wasn’t the type to divert with a conversation so long as the atmosphere was right.

“……Just keep doing that,” Felli said as he was thinking of what to say.

“Huh?”

“I meant during training. Just keep doing that.”

“Why?”

“Don't you want to avoid fighting?” The honest and direct question made him speechless.

“If you perform well without the will to fight, other people will have expectations of you.”

“……I suppose,” he nodded.

“It’s ridiculous to do what you don’t want to do.”

Meaning Felli also hadn’t used her true ability in training. The same as him.

He now understood why he was so tired. He couldn’t escape the place he wanted to leave. This feeling took a lot of his strength. He made unnecessary moves because of a lack of concentration, which in turn wasted a lot of his strength.

“Why do I feel as if there's no other road to take?”

He didn’t want to, but he had to. All he could do to resist this was to not put his all in training.

And because of that, he was tired.

“Even so, I have to resist this way. As long as I’m in the Academy City, I can’t escape my brother. Unless he lets me go, I’ve no other choice.”

“…… Do you dislike your own brother?”

He might have asked a meaningless question. She did say she hated him before. But perhaps “dislike” and “hate” were different.

“I dislike him. He doesn’t care about me at all.”

Layfon had nothing to say. Walking beside her gave him an urge to find something to talk about, but she didn’t care about ending a conversation abruptly.

The two girls walking before them had arrived at the shop. They waved back at them.

<center>◇</center>

“……You’re so mean.”

“Never mind. You look cute.”

Mifi was calm in the face of Mei-Shen’s reproachful gaze.

They moved from the coffee shop that Meishen worked at into another nearby shop. In here, senior students were permitted to drink alcohol. Dishes of BBQ skewers and vegetables lay before Layfon and his friends.

Naruki nodded in a serious manner as she put the bamboo sticks back into the bamboo container:

“Yeah, you’re cute. Are you making fun of me coz I can’t wear it?”

“……Of course not.”

“Yeah, I know.”

Meishen’s cheeks puffed up at Naruki’s flippant tone.

When Layfon and the three girls entered the coffee shop earlier, Meishen had stood still on her spot, her face turning green. And whether it was fortunate or not, there were no other female waitresses before break time other than Meishen. Layfon felt bad for her. She was shaking like a small animal while ordering her meal, but Mifi teased her happily.

“But Mei-chan really is cute, isn’t she, Layton?”

“Um?”

He thought back of her look in the coffee shop.

The modest and deep blue uniform in itself wasn’t cute at all, but the Meishen hiding her face behind the tray was cute.

He gave his honest opinion, and Mei-Shen lowered her head, her cheeks red as of boiled water.

“Yeah, yeah, Layton. Well done, you unfaithful~~”

“Why?”

“It’s high level skill to praise the person in question along with the uniform.”

“……Mifi, Naruki, I’ll get mad.”

The three girls argued in their own styles. Layfon sighed and turned his gaze to Felli.

She was silently eating a skewer of BBQ chicken.

She didn’t seem to want to talk. She put the stick back into the bamboo container and examined the dish, thinking of what to eat next like a mathematician tackling a challenging question.

(Here’s another small animal.)

Frankly, her sober eating expression was also cute.

Layfon nibbled at one end of the batter-fried vegetable stems as he listened to the conversation of the three girls.

“Aa, let’s stop teasing Mei-chan. The cake over there was delicious.”

“……Right?”

“It wasn't too sweet. I get why Meishen loves that shop. Well, how’s it going? Are they teaching you things?”

“……Not sure. Seems they’ll teach me later. Really, I’ve always wanted to just stay in the kitchen.”

“Since you showed them your cute look, of course they’d send you out to serve customers.”

“……Mi-chan!”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Um, according to my investigation, no matter which shop it is, it’ll prioritize students getting into the kitchen if they've had real cooking experience.”

“That’s insurance. It guarantees the students must have some level of skill.”

“But it takes at least half a year to get marks.”

“……Wuwu, half a year.”

“Can Mei-chan tolerate half a year as a waitress?”

“……No problem. I’ll steal the recipe.”

“Hahaha, what an audacious declaration.”

“……Never mind me. What about you two?”

“Me~~? I;ve already decided.”

“A magazine?”

“Yeah, though it’s mostly doing errands. Naruki?”

“I’m going to join the City Police force. There’re lots of Military Arts candidates, so I can’t let down my guard.”

“Oh, if you join the police force, then can you get an armed permit earlier?”

“Yes, but you can only carry a baton.”

“Fufufu...But aren’t you happy? You’re really jealous of Layton’s sword~~?”

“Not at all. I just want it because a baton is the pride of a policeman.”

“You really are!”

Layfon was listening to the three. Even here he felt he was very distant from them. Nothing could help him.

Because he stood on the other side of the glass.

He could hear the sound, but he couldn’t step inside it. He squinted at the three, unable to enter that cheerful territory.

There was no chance to speak.

The party ended as the closing hour of dormitories neared.

Student dormitories were spread out across the city. After separating from Naruki and the others since their dormitories lay in a different direction, Lafyon found himself heading in the same direction as Felli.

“……Is senpai going in this direction too?”

“Yes, what a coincidence.”

Layfon nodded. It was that much of a surprise to him.

“Senpai didn’t enter the conversation back then. I’m sorry for being insensitive.”

In the end, he himself passed through that time without speaking. He couldn’t speak up as a special atmosphere encircled the conversation that only familiarity would allow.

Felli shook her head at the apologizing Layfon. “Not at all. I was happy.”

“Really? That’s good.”

It was hard to conclude whether she was truly happy as her face showed no emotion at all.

They alone walked on the path lit by street lights. Layfon felt awkward about it. The sound of footsteps that was usually small and insignificant drifted into their ears.

“I don’t talk, not because I’m not satisfied,” Felli said suddenly.

“Ah, really?”

“I didn’t know what to say because I haven’t had any friends before,” Felli said as she walked past a street light. Layfon glanced at her but couldn’t make out her expression.

Just then, sparks fell from her silvery hair to scatter the dim light. He widened his eyes.

“Senpai!”

“Oh, sorry. I lost control for a little bit.”

She pressed down on her long hair with her hand. Green phosphorescence gathered in her hair, emitting a dull light. Unresponsive and without any heat. Only the tiniest bit of vibration in the air that Layfon could feel with his left wrist.

This was psychokinesis. It was the external type burst Kei and the internal type Kei, but at the same time, it was different from both. It was an inborn ability, a type of Kei flowing in the body that training would never obtain.

He watched her closely. Even her eyebrows and eyelashes emitted phosphorescence.

Hair was the best conductor for the Kei of psychokinesis. There were people who conveyed their Kei to whips made by hair.

(She lost control of it?)

That was shocking. Just that and her hair could emit the light of psychokinesis to the tips of each strand of hair. This meant her ability of psychokinesis was inconceivably powerful.

“Senpai……”

“……This is the reason that my brother transferred me into Military Arts,” she said.

“My ability of psychokinesis goes way beyond the normal standard.”

“I think so too.”

Layfon had also seen psychokinesis phenomenon of glowing hair, but it was only one part of the hair. He had never seen a case like Felli’s, whose whole hair shone without her being aware of it.

“Because of this, I’ve received training in psychokinesis since I was very small. Everyone in my family strongly believed I’d become a psychokinesist. Even I never doubted it.”

“But……” she added. Layfon could feel her shaky emotions.

He was right. The trembling on her lips was different from that of normal conversation.

“I thought that everyone’s future was predestined. I thought that they all knew what they’d become in the future. But this was wrong. Of course, it’s not possible for a criminal to know he can only become a criminal.”

She didn’t laugh at her words. She only said it without much of an emotion. Perhaps this was meant as a joke. Since he wasn’t sure, Layfon decided to not to laugh.

“Once I realized that, I tried to think of what I’d be doing if I wasn't a psychokinesist. No one knows their future, but mine was determined from when I was very young. I became intolerant of that, and eventually left my homecity to come here.”

Her parents took a huge step back for her and allowed her to study at her brother’s Academy City – Zuellni.

“My parents thought it wouldn’t matter much if I didn’t get to train in psychokinesis for six years. I also thought I could find the other me, the me who wouldn’t become a psychokinesist.”

But she was unable to do that.

Because of Zuellni’s present situation and the person who tried to solve the crisis – her brother.

“I hate my brother. I hate my brother who forced me on the path of psychokinesis,” she murmured.

Layfon listened to her silently. He couldn’t hear any emotions in her light tone, but he felt he felt confined, as if a certain being was under pressure and was crying out sorrowfully.

“And I hate myself for only becoming a psychokinesist.”

Because of her exceptional ability, she couldn’t escape her destiny.

“Those kinds of people are too radiant,” she murmured.

Layfon could only nod in agreement.

Because he felt the same.

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</noinclude>

Chrome Shelled Regios (Español):Volumen1 Capitulo 1

2009-04-23T00:56:05Z

Finix of Fire:

Desde que me separe de ti, he estado en el autobús por alrededor de un mes y finalmente he llegado a Zuellni. Logre llegar a la ceremonia de Apertura de periodo. Durante mi travesía hasta aquí he cambiado cinco veces de autobús. Viviendo solamente en una ciudad, nunca imagine que viajar pudiera llegar a ser tan costoso, es realmente cansado y complicado alcanzar a una ciudad, ya que todas las ciudades se mueven en base a sus propias conciencias. Personalmente nunca entendí por que los antiguos alquimistas dotaron de conciencia propia a las ciudades. Pero eso era solo para darles la posibilidad de escapar de las criaturas contaminadas y así salvarnos. Ahora puedo pensar más profundamente en este asunto.

Durante el viaje, vi de cerca a un grupo de criaturas contaminadas, su cruel y peligrosa apariencia es increíblemente atroz.
El simple pensamiento de que el autobús fuera atacado, dejándonos sin lugar a donde escapar era suficiente como para ponerme los pelos de punta.

Pero no te preocupes que nuestro camión no fue atacado. Pienso que nuestro conductor era todo un profesional, mantuvo el autobús parado por tres días para evitar que nos descubriera. En ese momento sentí un gran dolor en mi corazón. Resultaba terrorífico que el autobús fuera atacado por las criaturas contaminadas, pero comparando ese pensamiento era peor que el autobús llegara a recibir severos daños y ser abandonados en esa rojiza y seca tierra, no tendríamos forma de sobrevivir. Aun así, al final logramos llegar a Zuellni.

Escribo esta carta desde un dormitorio de Zuellni. Es un cuarto doble y por suerte soy el único que vive aquí, es la primera vez que tengo un cuarto para mí solo. Estoy muy feliz al respecto.

¿Cómo te va? ¿Acostumbrada ya a tu nueva vida?

Me acabo de dar cuenta que no conozco tu dirección, enviare la carta a tu escuela. Espero que pueda llegar a salvo a tu mano. Seria grandioso que incluyeras tu dirección en tu próxima carta. Aunque he vivió en un orfanato, no creo que el director tenga intención alguna de recibir mi carta.

Bueno….

Deseo paz eterna para tu nueva vida y la ciudad en la que estas.

Para mi querida Leerin Marfes.

Layfon Alseif.

Las autopropulsadas ciudades (regios) se Expanden a lo largo del mundo, en sus propias formas, desde las más simples, que provén todo lo necesario para la supervivencia humana, hasta aquellas que fortalecen áreas en especifico.

Una de esas formas es la Ciudad Académica.

Zuellni - La Ciudad Académica, Zuellni.

Los edificios escolares del centro proveen a la ciudad de las instalaciones necesarias para todas las áreas de estudio. Grandes grupos de estudiantes se dirigían al gran auditorio lo suficientemente grande como para acomodar a todos los estudiantes.

Vestidos casualmente, los estudiantes de asignaturas generales caminaban mientras platicaban con los amigos.

Reacias sonrisas se asomaban de los estudiantes de agricultura y mecánica, quienes no estaban acostumbrados a llevar uniformes que no habían llevado por un largo tiempo.

Los estudiantes de alquimia y medicina usaban sucias batas blancas encima de sus uniformes.

Los estudiantes de artes militares, quienes se diferenciaban de los demás grupos, se dirigían con las cabezas en alto hacia el auditorio.

Los estudiantes con diferentes características fueron introduciéndose al interior del auditorio.

El propósito de esta ciudad autónoma para existir era: para los estudiantes y ser para ser usada por éstos. El día de hoy, se celebraba la ceremonia de apertura para recibir a los nuevos estudiantes de primer año.

Pero parecía que esta sería demorada.

Una hora después.
[[image:CSR vol01 021.jpg|thumb]]
Layfon permanecía con una expresión de confusión en su cara.
"De todas maneras siéntate y charlemos"

"Sss..sí!"

Habiendo dado una respuesta tensa, todavía no se podía sentar en el sofá como se le había ordenado.

El estudiante frente a él se sentaba en un largo escritorio de negocios. Era diferente a Layfon en cuanto a su aura tipo adulta, un cabello blanco-plateado decoraba su cara. Su rostro mantenía una expresión gentil, pero sus calmos e inquisidores ojos se mantenían fijos en el.

Esa penetrante mirada, hizo que Layfon moviera la suya alrededor en pánico. A través de sus zapatos, podía sentir la suavidad de la alfombra bajo el. El sofá y la mesa usados para la recepción se mantenían junto a él. En una de las paredes había un estante, lleno de rollos informativos.

Antes de que Layfon entrara a la habitación, vio que el nombre de la habitación rezaba "Presidente Estudiantil".

"Aún no me presento, mi nombre es Karian Loss, estudiante de sexto año"

Eran 6 años de estudio en Zuellni, así que Loss pertenecía al grado mayor.

Y también era Presidente Estudiantil.

La Persona encargada de la escuela.

"Soy Layfon Alseif."

A manera de contraataque, Layfon dio su nombre claramente. Sintió un sudor frio resbalando por su frente.

Karian sonrió.

Solo los dos se encontraban en la habitación.

"No estaba planeando en castigarte."

La voz conjunta con una amarga sonrisa ayudo a Layfon a relajarse. Había estado tenso todo el tiempo, dado que no tenía idea del porqué había sido llamado a esa habitación.

"Antes que nada permíteme expresarte mi gratitud. Gracias a ti ninguno de los nuevos estudiantes resulto herido"

La ceremonia de apertura fue cancelada debido a una conmoción.

Dos estudiantes de Artes militares, pertenecientes a ciudades enemigas, se habían conocido por casualidad justo antes de la ceremonia, resultando en la conmoción. Empezaron a forcejear y eventualmente a pelear.

Artes Militares: diferentes poderes especiales nacidos para proteger a la humanidad de ser lastimada en este mundo contaminado.

Las artes militares es el área que acogía a los usuarios de dichos poderes.

Si las personas peleaban seriamente entre sí usando dichos poderes, en el peor de los casos, inclusive estudiantes normales podrían haber resultado heridos o inclusive muertos. En los ojos de Karian había genuina gratitud.

"La nueva regla, que solo permite a los nuevos alumno estar armados hasta después de medio año, se debe a que algunos de ellos no comprenden en donde se encuentran ahora... esto es insoportable. Me toma una cantidad impresionante de trabajo arreglar las cosas cada año"

Pero, aún había personas que usaban armas. Algunas veces una simple pelea se podía convertir en un grupo de peleas que podían resultar en derramamiento de sangre.

Para el Presidente Estudiantil quien había estado sonriendo amargamente pero hablando sencillamente y de franca manera, Layfon solo podía contestar confundidamente.

"Hablando de eso, un estudiante de asignatura general que logro superar a unos estudiantes de artes militares. Debes tener algunas habilidades en el tema, ¿no?."

"Es solamente un pasatiempo."

"Ummmm..."

El silencio del Presidente Estudiantil hizo que Layfon pasara saliva.

"Si lo tuyo es solo un nivel de "pasatiempo", entonces debemos incrementar el nivel de admisión en la carrera de Artes Militares"

Las noticias acerca de la pelea entre estudiantes de Artes Militares en la ceremonia de apertura se han divulgado en los estudiantes de otros cursos. Los nuevos estudiantes que llegaban a Zuellni tenían diferentes orígenes. Además de los estudiantes involucrados en la pelea, había extranjeros a quienes a nadie les agradaban. La atmosfera de peligrosidad emanada por el centro de Artes Militares estaba influenciando estudiantes de otros cursos.

La desbordante atmosfera también afecto el área de estudios generales. Los estudiantes cercanos chocaron y se estrellaron entre sí mientras escapaban, encendiendo la ira adolescente dormida en los estudiantes varones.

Justo cuando todo se había salido de control, un enorme sonido hizo eco por todo el auditorio.

Se hizo silencio inmediato, y todas las miradas se dirigieron a la fuente del sonido.

Donde los dos estudiantes que iniciaron la conmoción yacían inmóviles en el piso con Layfon parado junto a ellos.

"Fue cuestión de suerte, estaban cegados por la ira y ni siquiera se percataron de mi"

"Claro, claro."

Karian asintió felizmente a la escusa de Layfon. Estaba sonriendo con su cara, pero no con sus ojos. Otra vez, Layfon sintió que el Presidente Estudiantil había visto a través de él.

Honestamente, no era un sentimiento confortante.

Sintiendo que la presión que soportaba lo llevaría a un lugar peligroso, Layfon intento terminar con la conversación.

"Ya que no he hecho nada malo, entonces regresare a mi clase"

"No puedes!"

Karina evito que Layfon le diera la espalda.

La corta negación detuvo los pasos de Layfon.

"Como dije no tengo intensión alguna de castigarte, Layfon -Wolfstein- Alseif"

El titulo entre el nombre y el apellido provoco que Layfon alzara las cejas.

".....¿A qué se refiere?"

"No me importa si continuas jugando al tonto. Pero te tengo una sugerencia, Layfon Alseif, ¿Que te parece cambiar de Estudios Generales a Artes Militares?"

"¿Qué?"

"Suertudamente, ahora hay dos vacantes en Las Artes Militares gracias a esos dos alborotadores. Tenemos una regla para prevenir que los estudiantes traigan los problemas de ciudades a la academia. Aquellos que firmaron el contrato y lo rompieron en la ceremonia de apertura, no tienen derecho en convertirse en peleadores. Así que ya los he desterrado, en forma de una voluntaria retirada, por supuesto."

"No, por favor espere."

Ninguno de los dos estudiantes le eran importantes a Layfon.

"No planeo cambiar de carrera"

Expresó claramente su opinión. Cambiar a Artes Militares...no le hacía gracia.

"Vine a cursar Estudios Generales."

"Las Artes Militares son también un área de estudio. No, no en realidad no importa en qué curso estés, Estudios Generales es obligatoria hasta tercer año. Incluso si elijes Estudios Generales, todavía tendrías que especializarte en algo después de tres años, así que no estás aprendiendo diferentes cosas cambiándote."

"Ese no es el problema."

"Así que, ¿Cual es el problema?"

Enfrentado a esa pregunta, encontró su aliento atrapado en su garganta.

"...No tengo interés en la Artes Militares."

"Ya veo", Karian asintió exageradamente. Era claramente un acto. La expresión de sus ojos cambio drásticamente, ('''! ''') precisamente una retorcida curva de felicidad.

"Además soy un becario, he aplicado para estudiar y trabajar. Tengo trabajo en todo mi tiempo libre. No tendría energía restante para las Artes Militares."

"Ya veo. Ese es en realidad un buen argumento."

Karian estaba de acuerdo solo con su boca, para nada lucia persuadido.

Saco un documento de su cajón.

"Umm, Layfon Alseif, beca rango D, y trabaja medio tiempo y estudia. El trabajo es limpiar el departamento mecánico... Ya veo, este es un trabajo complicado y que consume mucho tiempo. ¿Tienes idea que la limpieza tiene lugar mientras la ciudad descansa, de la noche hasta pasando la media noche? Muchos de los estudiantes que trabajan odian trabajar ahí. Es un trabajo difícil y las horas son terribles. ¿Lo entiendes? la paga no es tan mala, pero el trabajo es laborioso. Cada año, numerosos estudiantes aplican para trabajar en otra parte, o dejar la academia por no pasar la evaluación. Y la Beca que tienes es de rango D. ¿Has considerado que estarías gastando todo tu paga en tus cuentas escolares?"

"Así es, justo como usted lo dijo."

"Francamente, ¿No sería difícil pasar seis años así?"

"Confío plenamente en mi fortaleza física"

La sonrisa de Karian cambió. A los ojos de Layfon Karian estaba lleno de sonrisas, y percibió algo que se sentía como algo favorable para Layfon.

"Tal vez estés en lo cierto. Deberías tener confianza en tu fortaleza física. Es exactamente por eso por lo que deseo que puedas cambiar a Artes Militares"

"¿Para qué?"

"¿Sabes de la competición de Artes Militares entre las ciudades academia?"

"...No"

Karian hablo sin ninguna desilusión en la falta de conocimiento de Layfon, "Para ponerlo simple, la competición tiene lugar una vez cada dos años."

Layfon podía adivinar que Karian estaba llegando al punto.

"Este es un habito de las ciudades. No tengo idea que era lo que estaban pensando los alquimistas, pero las ciudades pelean por territorio cada dos años. Lo que es más importante es que ellas solo compiten en contra de su mismo tipo de ciudad... ... solo puedo decir que están demasiado bien hechas."

Aunque las ciudades eran las que estaban peleando por territorios, era en realidad las personas que vivían en ellas las que llevaban a cabo las batallas.

"Por supuesto, es llamada "La competición de Artes Militares", pero en realidad, la competición es lo mismo que... ...la guerra que toma lugar entre ciudades estandarizadas"

Guerra. La expresión de Layfon se torno severa.

"Por supuesto, nuestra meta es llevara a cabo una pelea de tipo estudiantil en todo momento. La alianza de Ciudades Académicas supervisa todas las batallas, Se usan armas no letales, las espadas están cubiertas y las balas son anestésicas. Pero ya que es una guerra, no hay mucha diferencia entre que el ganador obtiene algo y el perdedor lo pierde. No es tan trágica como una verdadera guerra, pero al final es lo mismo"

"¿Es a caso la vida... ...de la ciudad?"

"SI", asintió Karian.

Las ciudades tienen conciencia, están vivas. Necesitan comida para seguir con vida, aunque son maquinas, necesitan energía para mantener sus funciones.

La fuente de vida de una ciudad es... su comida, un tipo de metal llamado "Selenium".

"Selenium es un metal nacido después de que la tierra fuera contaminada, y por ende es fácil de obtener. Para ponerlo simple, posiblemente puedas obtenerlo excavando la tierra de por allá. Pero esa es una acción peligrosa con las criaturas contaminadas merodeando. Además, solo podemos obtener Selenium puro de minas con un cierto nivel de energía."

Así que, el ganador toma posesión de la mina y el perdedor la pierde. Al tiempo de incrementar prosperidad de su pedazo propio de tierra, la gente reduce el tiempo de vida de otro pedazo de tierra.

"Cuando entre a la academia, Zuellni tenía tres minas. Ahora tan solo posee una.", dijo Karian.

Lo que significa que Zuellni ha perdido en las últimas dos competiciones y sus Artes Militares era mucho menor que el de las ciudades vecinas.

"Está en duda cuanto Selenium puro podremos extraer de la mina restante. Planeo mandar algunos alquimistas a investigar la próxima vez que la ciudad esté cerca de ella."

"En otra palabras, si perdemos la próxima vez, ¿No hay plan de respaldo?"

"Exactamente. Las ciudades determinan el tema de la siguiente competición.('''! ''') No podemos darnos el lujo de no participar."

Si perdemos... el simple hecho de pensar en ello hizo que Layfon temblara.

Incluso si una ciudad pierde todas sus minas, sus funciones no cesarían debido al Selenium guardado para emergencias.

Pero eso solo retrasaría el hecho algún tiempo.

La ciudad morirá. Los humanos habrían perdido más espacio donde vivir. Una vez que una ciudad moría, esta regresaba a la tierra. Las personas no podían salvarla.

Permitir que una ciudad muriera de hambre era lo mismo que dejar que su gente muriera de hambruna.

Pensando en ello, un repentino escalofrió estremeció el cuerpo helado de Layfon. La ciudad a la que acababa de llegar moriría, aún no tenía un lazo con esta Academia, pero la posibilidad de una ciudad muriendo era escalofriante.

Cuando una persona era joven, si descubría que la ciudad en la que vivía podía morir, estaría lo suficientemente asustado para temblar hasta los huesos. La experiencia seria la misma para cualquiera.

Oyendo eso el miedo que sintió en su niñez se convertiría en realidad, Layfon sintió que en realidad el mismo era un niño, temblando por todas partes.

Pero, aun así...

"YO...."

Pelear... no yo no puedo hacer eso, sí, digamos eso.

Con determinación, bajó la mirada, preparándose para rehusarse al Presidente Estudiantil, que lo veía desde el escritorio.

Pero, las palabras no salían.

El Presidente Estudiantil miro a Layfon.

Las sonrisas en la cara de Loss habían desaparecido. Una expresión inexpresiva parecía estar calma, esta contrastaba con la mirada de hielo que penetraba a Layfon.

Karian, hablo al sin aliento Layfon, "Me gradúo este año. Mientras esta ciudad permanezca como una Academia, nadie puede permanecer en ella después de graduarse. Esto quiere decir que después de graduarme, ya no estoy ligado a esta ciudad. Pero realmente me agrada esta Academia. ¿No crees que es triste perder tu cosa favorita aunque no puedas volver a poner un pie en este pedazo de tierra?"

"Es natural querer proteger lo que es precioso, para aquel que se a vuelto loco de amor. ¿No sientes que es el destino querer obtener esa meta con cualquier método posible?"

Una sencilla sonrisa apareció en el semblante del Presidente Estudiantil. Justa esa, era su manera de bromear en una situación solemne.

"Tu beca se convertirá en una de rango A. Todas tus deudas no aplicaran, lo único que tendrás que hacer será ganar lo suficiente para vivir, si no eres un entusiasta de la moda, así que no tendrás que gastar demasiado y por ende no tendrás que esforzarte demasiado limpiando en el departamento de mecánica. ¿Esta eso bien?"

Su racionalidad le decía que no aceptara pero su instinto le gritaba que lo hiciera.

Poco después, Layfon salió del cuarto con pasos tambaleantes, sosteniendo un uniforme de Artes Militares que de alguna forma había sido puesto en sus manos.

<center>◇</center>

Unos minutos después de haber cerrado débilmente la puerta, vino uno un impaciente golpeteo en su puerta.

"Pase"

Era una joven en uniforme de Arte Militares; de cabello corto, un dorado cabello corto. Una joven con determinación y resolución.

"Disculpa por la interrupción".

Un par de agudos ojos reposaban debajo unas arregladas y delgadas cejas, esos ojos miraban desafiantemente al Presidente Estudiantil. El sonido del cinturón alrededor de su cintura le acompaño a cada paso. Lo que estaba en su cinturón no era una espada, si no que dos cosas en forma de barras. Los hilos en su cinturón indicaban que era un estudiante de tercer año.

La joven se mantuvo inmóvil justo enfrente del escritorio y su mirada se encontró con la del Presidente Estudiantil.

"Soy estudiante de tercer año en Artes Militares, Nina Antalk. Escuche que me estaba buscando."

"Si, te estaba buscando."

Karian sonrió.

"De que se trata"

"¿Has encontrado suficientes miembros?"

La repentina pregunta hizo que Nina frunciera el seño, pero cambio su actitud contesto, "Aún no".

"Sí, eso pensé. Todavía no me has enviado el reporte de los miembros de tu equipo, desde el día en que tomaste la forma de aplicación. La ceremonia de apertura a terminado, si no te apuras y generas una lista de los miembros de tu equipo, no podrás participar en la próxima competencia de ciudades. En ese caso, te convertirás en el soldado con más bajo rango en la próxima serie de competencias de escuadron."

"Perdóneme, Presidente Estudiantil, si no me equivoco la ceremonia de apertura a sido pospuesta, ¿No?"

"A sido cancelada, gracias a otros programas. Es una pena, no voy a volver a llamar a nadie al auditorio de nuevo. Por la competencia de Artes Militares de este año, hay demasiadas cosas que hacer."

La cara de Nina palideció. Permaneció en silencio.

"Creo que fue suficiente con observar a los nuevos estudiantes en la ceremonia de apertura. ¿Qué piensas?"

"Ninguno nos sirve. Todos se vieron muy afectados por la atmosfera. No puedes predecir que pasaría en batalla.”

Nina había observado la conmoción entera del día de hoy. Todos los nuevos estudiantes de Artes Militares habían sido afectados por los dos que empezaron a discutir. Las expresiones violentas en sus rostros reflejaban su intención de unirse a la discusión y hacer el revuelo más grande.

Ser atrapados por el enemigo de esa manera seria lo mismo que cavar sus propias tumbas.

"¿En serio no hay nadie adecuado?"

Nina no respondió inmediatamente, su confundida mirada se movió de arriba a abajo.

"No..."

En su vacilación una imagen del nuevo estudiante le vino a la cabeza. Aquel que sobrepaso a los dos alborotadores sin que nadie se diera cuenta, suprimiendo el centro de la conmoción para prevenir que las violentas emociones se extendieran, ya al mismo tiempo, exagero su reacción para amenazar a las personas que fueron atrapadas por la conmoción. Ella encontró su respuesta muy acertada.

Pero...

"Esta en Estudios Generales."

El nuevo estudiante portaba uniforme de Estudios Generales. De esta manera no podria participar en la competición.

Pero el Presidente Estudiantil sonreía felizmente.

"Sí, eso es cierto al menos hasta ahora."

"...que quiere decir con eso?"

"Acaba de cambiarse a Artes Militares."

Una expresión de desaprobación apareció en la cara de Nina.

"No puedo permitirme desperdiciar semejante material."

"¿Así que ignoraste su deseo?"

"Yo no lo ignore. Le mostré el nivel más alto de sinceridad, debe de estar muy satisfecho con el."

"¿Enserio?"

Nina entendió cuan difícil podía llegar a ser la Actitud del Presidente Estudiantil. Durante la última carrera por el puesto de Presidente Estudiantil, Karian no estaba nominado, sin embargo en el momento en el que el había sido gloriosamente nominado había peleado una rara pelea de inteligencia con sus oponentes, causando que todos perdieran.

"No importa cual se la verdad. ¿Qué piensa ahora que él es parte de las Artes Militares? Esa es la única respuesta que quiero oír."

"¿Que vas a hacer? a este paso, no tendrás suficientes miembros. Planeas experimentar la vergüenza como la ultima vez, ¿pero esta vez como un soldado de bajo nivel?"

Nina apretó los dientes.

"No tengo semejante intención."

"¿Entonces qué es lo que harás? Creo que la respuesta está clara."

Karian deslizo un documento a Nina por encima del escritorio. Era un historial con el nombre de "Layfon Alseif" escrito en el. El documento estaba claramente en la estructura de un historial, junto con una foto cercana de Layfon.

"Por favor, discúlpame."

Habiendo dado en vistazo al documento, Nina le dio la espalda a Karian y abandono el cuarto. Él le sonrió a la espalda de la joven que no le había contestado.

Solo otra vez, Karian saco un nuevo documento y lo dejo junto al historial de Layfon. Era también un historial, pero con el nombre de Nina Antalk en el.

"Si las cosas iban bien este se convertiría en el equipo más fuerte. El problema ahora reside en cómo manejarlo....", murmuro. No lucia alegra para nada.

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En el camino de regreso a su clase, Layfon se cambio de uniforme en una clínica de salud que encontró. El Presidente Estudiantil le amenazo con que si continuaba caminando sin el uniforme sería considerado como si estuviera cometiendo fraude.

Sosteniendo el uniforme de Estudios Generales, entro a su salón de clase para recoger su mochila. De un uniforme al que todavía no se había acostumbrado a uno todavía mas infamiliar.... todavía no se acostumbraba a este uniforme, pero le dio un intrigante sentimiento.

Además el nuevo uniforme le quedaba perfectamente.

"Demonios, esto debió de haber sido planeado."

Caminando por el corredor, Layfon no pudo evitar maldecir en voz alta. Su peso y estatura eran los estándares para un hombre de su edad, pero su brazo derecho era ligeramente más largo que el izquierdo. Su uniforme de Estudios Generales había tenido que ser arreglado para encargarse de esa diferencia, pero ¿Cómo era posible que el uniforme de Artes Militares que le había sido entregado a la mitad del clímax del momento estuviera arreglado para que le quedara perfectamente?

Lo que significaba - que la verdad no podía cambiarse.

"Por que .... ¿Cómo se dieron cuenta?"

La ansiedad le apreso, había venido a cursar Estudios Generales, a buscar un mundo que no tuviera nada que ver con las Artes Militares pero en su primer día había vuelto a entrar en el mundo que había dejado atrás.

"Ah Ah! ¿Porque no se había negado? Soy todo un cobarde... ... cobarde!",grito Layfon.

Apenas hoy había sido la ceremonia de apertura, así que no había nadie en el corredor. Sin pararse a considerarlo, grito de nuevo, "¿Como se lo debí de haber dicho? Ese Presidente Estudiantil da mucho miedo!! ¿Qué tipo de mirada era esa? Realmente me aterra. ¿Cómo me podía haber resistido a ese tipo de persona?"

Habiéndose desahogado, Layfon llego a su salón de clase. Ah, significa eso que su salón seria diferente ahora .Pero el Presidente Estudiantil no menciono nada al respecto. ¿Qué debería hacer? Layfon abrió la puerta.

La puerta se abrió y la escena de adentro paso a su campo de visión.

"Ah!"

El sonido le llego.

Todavía había estudiantes adentro del salón.

"Mira, mira. La realmente está en Artes Militares. Sii es mi victoria, tengo suerte!"

Una de las jóvenes salto de emoción. De pelo color castaño, y amarrado con dos coletas a cada lado, se sacudió con su movimiento.

Solo tres muchachas permanecían en el interior.

Sus curiosas miradas estaban pegadas a Layfon sin ningún tipo de reserva. Layfon detuvo sus pasos.

"¿¡Por que!? ¿Que no estaba usando el uniforme de Estudios Generales? Eso fue engañoso", dijo una muchacha Pelirroja. Ella portaba el mismo uniforme que Layfon, y como este, un cinturón vacio se balanceaba alrededor de su cintura.

"No tengo un uniforme de Estudios Generales. Hey, ¿De qué se trata esto?", le pregunto como si lo estuviera interrogando.

"Uh, algo paso...."

"¿En serio? quieres decir que no conseguí ese uniforme, ¿Por qué no soy linda?, ¿Es eso?('''! ''')

Aunque me preguntaras eso, no puedo hacer nada al respecto. En lo referente a la chica, era más guapa que linda. Comparado con el uniforme de Estudios Generales diseñado para lucir lindo, Layfon pensó que los bordes puntiagudos del uniforme de Artes Militares le lucian mejor.

Pero la chica estaba insatisfecha.

"Espera un momento, Gelni, tranquilízate. Le estas causando problemas a Mi-chan", concluyo la muchacha con dos coletas. La muchacha pelirroja hizo una pausa, como si hubiera pensado en algo entonces se movió a un lado para dejar ver a la otra joven.

"Tienes razón. Apúrate Mei-Shen"

Con una mano en la espalda de la tercer muchacha, la pelirroja la empujo hasta que estuvo frente a Layfon.

[[image:CSR vol01 043.jpg|thumb]]

La tercera muchacha tenía un largo cabello ondeante que sobrepasaba sus hombros, parecía tímida y gentil. Con su cara mirando al suelo, parecía temerosa con sus cejas curveadas como si estuviera a punto de llorar. Su cara estaba ligeramente roja.

"Uh much.....muchas gracias." el simple hecho de pronunciar esas palabras parecía que le quitaba toda su energía. La muchacha de cabello negro se escondió detrás de la pelirroja, con su cara enrojecida.

"Lo siento ella siempre ha sido así de tímida."

"Aun así, ella quiere darte las gracias por salvarla en la ceremonia de apertura, ¿no es eso verdad?" dijo la muchacha de dos coletas.

La joven de cabello negro oculto su cara en la espalda de la pelirroja.

Layfon no tenia recuerdo alguno de algo semejante, solo recordaba haber empujado a esas personas que estaban a punto de ser atrapadas en la pelea. Él pudo haberla salvado en ese momento.

La pelirroja suspiró, "Esta niña... bueno, todavía no me he presentado, soy Gelni Naruki y estoy en las Artes Militares."

"Yo soy Mifi Rotten y la que está jugando a las escondidillas es Mei-Shen Triden. Las dos estamos en Estudios Generales. Las tres venimos de la ciudad trafico Joeldem ¿Acaso la conoces?"

"Claro, es el centro donde los autobuses errantes se reúnen. He estado ahí en mi camino hacia acá. Yo soy Layfon Alseif, ('''! ''') de la "Ciudad Protegida por la Lanza", Grendan."

"Vaya, es ahí donde las Artes Militares nacieron. Eso explica porque eres tan fuerte."

"No, no es eso..." contesto Layfon vagamente. Justo cuando pensaba como explicarlo

"Ah, ¿No solo se queden ahí platicando, tengo hambre. Vamos a buscar algo bueno para comer."

"¿Otra vez? ¿También tienes que hacer mapas de esta área?"

"Por supuesto! Mapas para comida, moda territorio... tan largo como se pueda dibujar, yo lo hare. Como estaré aquí por seis años, no me quiero perder por no tener un mapa. Es mi pasatiempo obtener información. Si quieres averiguar algo, solo pregúntame. Y si no lo sé, lo investigare y lo descubriré."

"Es cierto, tengo hambre... ...además, tengo cosas que preguntarte, ¿Como eso que estas cargando?"

Con un par de agudos ojos, Naruki veía el Uniforme de Estudios Generales que Layfon estaba sosteniendo.

No tuvo tiempo para hablar, ellas lo decidieron por él.

"O bueno...., mira. Esto es complicado para Mei-Shen. Y tu dijiste que ella era tímida."

"....Estoy bien con ello" dijo Mei-Shen desde detrás de la espalda de Naruki.

"Ok. Entonces está decidido."

Y eso fue decidido.

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Así, la locación escogida fue una cafetería cercana, estaba hecha de ladrillos rojos y diseñada de tal manera que no resaltara mucho. Como ya había pasado la hora del almuerzo, la tienda estaba casi vacía. Los cuatro, de alguna manera, lograron llegar a la hora del lunch especial. Mientras comían Layfon explico por qué había sido transferido a las Artes Militares - sin mencionar el hecho de haber sido forzado a ello.

Estaban comiendo el postre.

Solo Layfon no estaba comiendo, solo bebiendo un jugo.

"Oh, estaba preocupada de que la Ciudad Académica sólo tuviera comida saludable para estudiantes. Es excelente que mi preocupación fuera infundada" dijo Mifi con satisfacción y su boca llena de pastel.

"Realmente vale la pena dibujar un mapa para esto."

"Y yo que me preguntaba cómo sería una ciudad operada por estudiantes, quien diría que es realmente muy organizada", comento Naruki con admiración.

En realidad, muchas tiendas se alineaban en las calles que iban de los dormitorios a la escuela, pero como era una Ciudad Académica, la mayoría de las tiendas estaban cerradas durante las horas de clase. Una vez que las clases terminaban, las tiendas se llenaban de gente. Estas tiendas eran atendidas por estudiantes de último año de Estudios Generales que estudiaron comercio o administración. Otros estudiantes venían a trabajar como empleados.

La comida era hecha por estudiantes de Gastronomía.

"También hay un Departamento de Policía y una Corte. Sí, yo creo que probare suerte en la Policía"

"El sueño de Gelni es ser una mujer policía."

"De hecho"

"Y para mi, el periódico. Como es algo referente a la publicación, tratare de encontrar algún lugar donde se publiquen noticias. ¿Qué hay de ti Mei-chan?"

".....Algún lugar en el que hagan postres"

"Entonces tendrás que encontrar algún lugar donde hagan comida deliciosa. Oh, pero comiendo mientras caminas... ... evita engordar"

"¿Está bien que tu temperatura sea alta?"

"Um, ¡que significa eso?, Gelni está toda sudada por el ejercicio. Hueles algo..."

"Eso es el aroma de la juventud."

"Wa, no te entiendo."

La conversación se extendía, y Layfon la observaba con un sentimiento distante. Esas tres eran de la misma ciudad, y por su conversación, parecía que ya se conocían desde antes de venir aquí. Dejado al margen de la conversación, Layfon sorbió su jugo.
Mifi, de repente le dirigió una pregunta."Eso es cierto ¿En dónde vas a trabajar, Layton?"

“.... ¿Layton?"

Perplejo ante el repentino cambio de nombre, Layfon abrió los labios con jugo todavía en su boca, casi derramándolo.

"Claro, Layton. Es mas fácil pronunciarlo, ¿No es cierto?" dijo Mifi alegremente.

"Gelni, Mei-chan. Layton y yo soy Mi-chan. ¿Esta eso bien?"

"Ni siquiera pensaste a fondo esos nombre. Y regresando a ello, mi nombre sigue siendo el mismo"

"Es aburrido pensar en un sobrenombre para mí misma. Además, si fuera a decir "solamente llámame Mimi", ¿No sonaría eso horrible?

"Horrible, Al menos yo no quisiera ser amiga de esa persona."

"Exactamente. Entonces está decidido, Layton ahora se llama Layton"

"Si, Layton, Layton."

"...Layton"

Incluso Mei-Shen le estaba llamando por ese nombre. Por alguna razón sintió como si hubiera venido de un logar muy lejano. ¿En donde se encontraba? ¿En qué extraña dimensión se encontraba perdido?

Hasta ahora, ninguna de sus amigas le había llamado así. Inclusive su amiga más cercana solo le llamaba por su primer nombre. Como apodo, solo le llamaba "Lay".

Layton... Layfon se encontraba estupefacto.

"Así que, ¿En dónde vas a estar trabajando, Layton?"

Solo podía contestar la pregunta, porque sabía que no era posible resolver el problema del nombre.

En es momento, ninguna palabra salió de su boca.

Hablando de eso, alguien acababa de decir que su beca acababa de ser subida de grado. Así que no importaba si no iba a trabajar.

"No me digas, que ¿Está bien si no trabajas?"

"No, tengo trabajo", dijo sacudiendo la cabeza, “Estaré trabajando en el Departamento Mecánico."

Las tres jóvenes soltaron de repente un "Waa" y fruncieron el ceño"

"¿Por qué semejante trabajo tan difícil?"

"Escuche que necesitas muchas fuerzas para las Artes Militares. Este tipo de estilo de vida terminara por dañar tu cuerpo. ¿Estás seguro al respecto?"

“....No será algo cansado?"

Las tres expresaron sus preocupaciones, Layfon solo pudo sonreír amargamente.

Aunque el sabia que sería un trabajo pesado, era peligroso confiar totalmente en el Presidente Estudiantil. Si algo pasara y se tuviera que oponer al Presidente Estudiantil, su beca seguramente sería cancelada, se convertiría en el peor escenario, quedarse sin dinero, incapacitado para continuar sus estudios.

"Si lo sé, pero no puede ser evitado. Soy huérfano, y no tengo nada aparte de esta beca."

Pensó que la manera en la que lo había expresado había sido natural y discreta.

Pero la palabra "huérfano" causo que las tres jóvenes abrieran los ojos. Embarazadas, sus inquietas miradas miraron alrededor.

"Ah ya veo. Lo siento, da lo mejor de ti."

"Sí, sí hay algo que pueda hacer por ti, te ayudare"

"...Si yo también"

"Está bien, no piensen en ello."

Su actitud hizo que se sintiera incomodo.

"No encuentro la situación particularmente difícil, encuentro más incomodo dar lastima."

Aun así, Mifi y Mei-Shen Intercambiaron miradas llenas de ansiedad. Por experiencias previas, Layfon Sabia que no era posible hacerlas entender enseguida, así que no estaba molesto por su reacción.

"Ok, lo entiendo. No me preocupare al respecto", Naruki asintió inmediatamente. Su rápida respuesta fue una sorpresa para el.

"¿Uh? ¿Qué? ¿Acaso no dijiste que no pensáramos mucho al respecto?"

"Sí, eso es cierto."

Estaba claro que Naruki no solo estaba hablando. En realidad ella lo sentía, Layfon asintió inseguramente, entonces no pudo aguantarlo mas y se rio.

"¿Qué?"

"Nada, es solo que actúas como una hermana mayor."

"¿Qué dijiste?"

Naruki frunció el seño, pero Mifi estuvo de acuerdo.

"Ah. Yo entiendo, entiendo. Genli's obtuvo ese sentimiento de ella('''! '''). Ella es increíble."

".... y es popular con las mujeres."

"Sip, ella siempre recibe muchos regalos y cartas de amor."

"Siempre me ha traído problemas. Nunca he sabio que hacer con eso."

Aunque lo dijo seriamente, Layfon se volvió a reír.

(La atmosfera se sentía bien.) Pensó Layfon mientras se reía. Aunque lo que había pasado en la ceremonia de apertura había sido un revés para el, de la conversación con las chavas, sintió como si estuviera de nuevo en camino.

"Uh... discúlpenme."

Una voz rompió a través de las risas.

En el momento en que sus ojos encontraban al poseedor de la voz, todos no pudieron hacer otra cosa que sostener su aliento.

[[image:CSR vol01 053.jpg|thumb]]

Parada junto a la mesa había una mujer. Su cabello plateado caía hasta su cintura brillaba reflejando la luz de la cafetería. Tenía una piel blanca como la nieve y una barbilla en forma de corazón. Un vistazo justo adentro de su collar revelaba un pequeño y delicado cuello y un tipo de aura peligrosa. Unas largas cejas temblaban por encima de su ligeramente baja mirada de esos ojos plateados.

Una joven que era tan hermosa y delicada como una muñeca.

Ninguno de ellos se percato que estaba usando un uniforme de Artes Militares.

La primera que finalmente se dio cuenta fue Naruki.

"¿Que no eres un grado mayor que nosotros? ¿Buscas algo?", dijo Naruki.

Layfon se dio cuenta de que los hilos en su cinturón eran diferentes de los que llevaba el suyo. Del cinturón colgaba una larga y delgada vara.

"¿Eres tu Layfon Alseif?"

Ojos plateados capturaron la imagen de Layfon.

"Si"

"Tengo algo de que hablarte. ¿Puedes venir conmigo?"

"...ok"

Layfon se levanto naturalmente, obligado por esa voz a obedecer.

La muchacha le dio la espalda para abandonar la cafetería. Layfon pudo haberla seguido de esa manera, pero regreso a su asiento. Tomo su bolsa y de su cartera, dejo algo de cambio en la mesa para pagar su jugo.

"Lo siento, me tengo que ir."

"Seguro. Ve.", Naruki dijo en sustitución de sus, aun silenciosas, compañeras.

"Sí, claro, pero que es lo que..."

Sin palabras, Layfon se apuro a ir detrás de la chica de cabello plateado. La campana colgada en la puerta del café toco unas escuetas notas mientras pasaba. Pensando en lo confundido que parecía estar Layfon, Naruki sonrió amargamente.

"Qu...Que es lo que acaba de pasar", dijo Mifi entre dientes.

"Por supuesto, se ha convertido en un blanco, después de esa elegante presentación en la ceremonia de apertura."

Mifi no entendió de lo que Naruki acababa de decir, volteo a ver a su amiga con preguntas en la cara.

"¿No había una insignia diferente en el pecho de la senpai?"

"¿Si?, ¿Enserio?", Mifi frunció el seño.

"...Esa cosa plateada redonda?"

"Exacto"

Mei-Shen la vio.

Había un numero 17 en el.

"Una insignia que solo una persona perteneciente a un escuadrón pueden tener."

"Un escuadrón... ¿qué es eso?"

"Para ponerlo en términos simples son los candidatos a oficiales, en el curso de Artes Militares. Trae consigo el significado adicional de un peleador con un alto nivel de habilidad"

"Um... ¿En serio?"

Naruki explico. "Son los equipos principales en la competición de Artes Militares. Justo por debajo del Cuartel General están los escuadrones... Son llamados equipos comandantes, debajo de ellos están los equipos largos, y ellos toman se hacen cargo de aquellas personas que no pertenecen a ningún equipo, en otras palabras, estudiantes normales de Artes Militares como yo..."

"Wow, si eso es cierto, es como ir subiendo escalones hasta la cima", dijo Mifi, juntando sus manos.

"Pero no es tan fácil cuando estás en el ámbito"

"¿Por qué?"

"¿Que no lo mencione? La insignia guarda el significado de lo que significa ser un peleador de alto nivel. Estudiantes pertenecientes a un escuadrón deben destacar en una cierta área, desde dirigir hasta el control de la psicoquinesis. Mayoritariamente, se especializan en algún tipo de arma. Además las habilidades individuales son juzgadas, y la fuerza de cuán bien el equipo lo hace es también evaluada. Si una persona puede trabajar en equipo también es evaluada. De esa manera, hay una competición ocurriendo entre los equipos por la lista de rankin. En otras palabras, es una pelea entre estudiantes de la carrera. Durante esas peleas, si un equipo no rinde bien, la peor de las situaciones es que llegue a ser desbandado. Candidatos a Oficiales degradados a estudiantes normales. Los peleadores por lo general tienen una gran autoestima. si alguno regresa a ser estudiante normal, las demás personas dirían que ha caído de las nubes al fondo del valle('''! ''')... nadie podría soportar es tipo de revés. Su vida en la Academia se convertiría en algo muy doloroso como para soportar."

Naruki volteo a ver la puerta que Layfon justo acababa de dejar atrás, ningún cliente había entrado. La campana permaneció callada.

"...Layton dijo que iba a limpiar el Departamento Mecánico", dijo Mei-Shen.

"Ah, va ser muy cansado para él!",dijo Mifi. "¿Estará bien?"

"Claro, será muy fácil para él", Naruki solo podía dar ese tipo de respuesta. Ella sumergió la ultima rebanada de pastel con te rojo.

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Lo que Naruki les dijo a las otras dos en la cafetería, también llego a oídos de Layfon. Pero de la terrorífica muchacha de cabello dorado.

La bella joven de cabello plateado llevo a Layfon muy adentro de los dormitorios de primer año, a un cierto edificio con una viejo y desgastado sentimiento acerca de él.

Layfon fue llevado a uno de los cuartos y recibido por una terrorífica joven con cabello dorado.

"Mi nombre es Nina Antalk, capitana del Decimo Séptimo escuadrón", dijo la joven firmemente.

El cuarto en el que estaba Layfon había sido dividido por una gran pared, así que el espacio era solamente el doble de largo de un salón de clases.('''! ''')En la pared colgaban diferentes tipos de armas. Incluyendo a Layfon, había cinco personas en la habitación.

La primera persona era Nina Antalk, parada justo después de Layfon. Junto a ella estaba la joven que le había traído. La bella joven de cabello plateado se había posicionado en una esquina inmediatamente después de haber llegado.

El resto eran dos estudiantes hombres. El chico más alto yacía perezosamente en un rincón, el otro vestía un traje oscuro de color verde obscuro que estaba manchado con aceite de motor y otro tipo de líquido relacionado con maquinaria.

Nina le dio al confundido Layfon una explicación acerca del escuadrón.

Layfon medio escucho, con su mente en otro lugar.

"¿Entiendes?"

"¿Ahh, sip?

Regresando su mirada a Nina, Layfon le dio una rápida respuesta sin siquiera pensarlo el simplemente lo dijo.

"¿Entonces para que fui llamado aquí?"

Layfon entendió que todos allí eran candidatos oficiales.

Pero, eso era lo único que sabía.

La mitad de la ceja de Nina temblaba como si tuviera un calambre.

"No entiendo. Entiendo por tu explicación es que todos aquí son elite. Pero, si ese es el caso... …debido a eso, no entiendo porque yo, como estudiante de primer año, fui llamado aquí.", dijo Layfon tratando de mediar la atmosfera. Nina cerro su boca abierta, su hombros se movieron como si fuera a respirar profundamente, luego la abrió para hablar de nuevo.

Pero antes de poder decir palabra alguna -

"Jajajajajajajajaja"

El muchacho alto se soltó a reír desde su lugar.

"Sharnid senpai!!"Grito Nina, con sus hombros temblando de ira.

"Jaja jeje jiji ah mi estomago duele! Nina, es todo tu culpa, por darle demasiadas vueltas al asunto y darle al nuevo estudiante la oportunidad de hacerse el tonto"

"Umm"

Nina apretó los dientes.

"Heh!" Sharnid se levanto de un salto, mirando a Layfon frívolamente.

"Me llamo Sharnid Elipton, soy de cuarto año y soy un sniper."

"Ah, gusto en conocerte"

"Bueno, déjame explicarte claramente en lugar de nuestro capitán. Layfon Alseif, te hemos pedido que vinieras por que necesitamos el número correcto."

"¿Cómo?"

"Hey, hey, hey. Para de pretender. Todo el mundo vio tu actuación en la ceremonia de apertura, la excusa de que eres un estudiante nuevo y no tener suficiente habilidad no funcionara. Ya has probado que tienes suficiente potencial. Pensamos que eres bueno, así que te queremos en nuestro equipo."

Sharnid le dio a Nina una mirada significativa.

Nina se aclaro la garganta y se paro frente a Layfon de nuevo.

"Layfon Alseif. Te ordeno que te conviertas en un miembro del equipo decimo séptimo escuadrón. Ninguna excusa será aceptada. El presidente Estudiantil ya ha dado su permiso y te ha propuesto formalmente al puesto. De todas maneras, aquellos que estudian Artes Militares, no se les está permitido acción tan pobre como lo es rechazar entrar a un escuadrón."

Qué discurso tan decidido, la implacable actitud de Nina significaba que Layfon no tenia forma de zafarse de eso.

"Ahora mismo llevaremos a cabo un test para decidir cuál es la posición que mejor te queda en el escuadrón."

Nina saco dos bastones de su cinturón de armas. Apunto a Layfon con un bastón agarrado fuertemente en su mano derecha.

"Escoge cualquier arma que prefieras!"

Perturbado por la seriedad en los ojos de Nina, Layfon se volteo para examinar las armas de la pared.

El precio de colegiaturas gratuitas.... ....que beca de nivel A.

Chrome Shelled Regios (Español):Volumen1 Capitulo 1

2009-04-23T00:52:09Z

Finix of Fire: New page: Desde que me separe de ti, he estado en el autobús por alrededor de un mes y finalmente he llegado a Zuellni. Logre llegar a la ceremonia de Apertura de periodo. Durante mi travesía hast...

Desde que me separe de ti, he estado en el autobús por alrededor de un mes y finalmente he llegado a Zuellni. Logre llegar a la ceremonia de Apertura de periodo. Durante mi travesía hasta aquí he cambiado cinco veces de autobús. Viviendo solamente en una ciudad, nunca imagine que viajar pudiera llegar a ser tan costoso, es realmente cansado y complicado alcanzar a una ciudad, ya que todas las ciudades se mueven en base a sus propias conciencias. Personalmente nunca entendí por que los antiguos alquimistas dotaron de conciencia propia a las ciudades. Pero eso era solo para darles la posibilidad de escapar de las criaturas contaminadas y así salvarnos. Ahora puedo pensar más profundamente en este asunto.

Durante el viaje, vi de cerca a un grupo de criaturas contaminadas, su cruel y peligrosa apariencia es increíblemente atroz.
El simple pensamiento de que el autobús fuera atacado, dejándonos sin lugar a donde escapar era suficiente como para ponerme los pelos de punta.

Pero no te preocupes que nuestro camión no fue atacado. Pienso que nuestro conductor era todo un profesional, mantuvo el autobús parado por tres días para evitar que nos descubriera. En ese momento sentí un gran dolor en mi corazón. Resultaba terrorífico que el autobús fuera atacado por las criaturas contaminadas, pero comparando ese pensamiento era peor que el autobús llegara a recibir severos daños y ser abandonados en esa rojiza y seca tierra, no tendríamos forma de sobrevivir. Aun así, al final logramos llegar a Zuellni.

Escribo esta carta desde un dormitorio de Zuellni. Es un cuarto doble y por suerte soy el único que vive aquí, es la primera vez que tengo un cuarto para mí solo. Estoy muy feliz al respecto.

¿Cómo te va? ¿Acostumbrada ya a tu nueva vida?

Me acabo de dar cuenta que no conozco tu dirección, enviare la carta a tu escuela. Espero que pueda llegar a salvo a tu mano. Seria grandioso que incluyeras tu dirección en tu próxima carta. Aunque he vivió en un orfanato, no creo que el director tenga intención alguna de recibir mi carta.

Bueno….

Deseo paz eterna para tu nueva vida y la ciudad en la que estas.

Para mi querida Leerin Marfes.

Layfon Alseif.

Las autopropulsadas ciudades (regios) se Expanden a lo largo del mundo, en sus propias formas, desde las más simples, que provén todo lo necesario para la supervivencia humana, hasta aquellas que fortalecen áreas en especifico.

Una de esas formas es la Ciudad Académica.

Zuellni - La Ciudad Académica, Zuellni.

Los edificios escolares del centro proveen a la ciudad de las instalaciones necesarias para todas las áreas de estudio. Grandes grupos de estudiantes se dirigían al gran auditorio lo suficientemente grande como para acomodar a todos los estudiantes.

Vestidos casualmente, los estudiantes de asignaturas generales caminaban mientras platicaban con los amigos.

Reacias sonrisas se asomaban de los estudiantes de agricultura y mecánica, quienes no estaban acostumbrados a llevar uniformes que no habían llevado por un largo tiempo.

Los estudiantes de alquimia y medicina usaban sucias batas blancas encima de sus uniformes.

Los estudiantes de artes militares, quienes se diferenciaban de los demás grupos, se dirigían con las cabezas en alto hacia el auditorio.

Los estudiantes con diferentes características fueron introduciéndose al interior del auditorio.

El propósito de esta ciudad autónoma para existir era: para los estudiantes y ser para ser usada por éstos. El día de hoy, se celebraba la ceremonia de apertura para recibir a los nuevos estudiantes de primer año.

Pero parecía que esta sería demorada.

Una hora después.
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Layfon permanecía con una expresión de confusión en su cara.
"De todas maneras siéntate y charlemos"

"Sss..sí!"

Habiendo dado una respuesta tensa, todavía no se podía sentar en el sofá como se le había ordenado.

El estudiante frente a él se sentaba en un largo escritorio de negocios. Era diferente a Layfon en cuanto a su aura tipo adulta, un cabello blanco-plateado decoraba su cara. Su rostro mantenía una expresión gentil, pero sus calmos e inquisidores ojos se mantenían fijos en el.

Esa penetrante mirada, hizo que Layfon moviera la suya alrededor en pánico. A través de sus zapatos, podía sentir la suavidad de la alfombra bajo el. El sofá y la mesa usados para la recepción se mantenían junto a él. En una de las paredes había un estante, lleno de rollos informativos.

Antes de que Layfon entrara a la habitación, vio que el nombre de la habitación rezaba "Presidente Estudiantil".

"Aún no me presento, mi nombre es Karian Loss, estudiante de sexto año"

Eran 6 años de estudio en Zuellni, así que Loss pertenecía al grado mayor.

Y también era Presidente Estudiantil.

La Persona encargada de la escuela.

"Soy Layfon Alseif."

A manera de contraataque, Layfon dio su nombre claramente. Sintió un sudor frio resbalando por su frente.

Karian sonrió.

Solo los dos se encontraban en la habitación.

"No estaba planeando en castigarte."

La voz conjunta con una amarga sonrisa ayudo a Layfon a relajarse. Había estado tenso todo el tiempo, dado que no tenía idea del porqué había sido llamado a esa habitación.

"Antes que nada permíteme expresarte mi gratitud. Gracias a ti ninguno de los nuevos estudiantes resulto herido"

La ceremonia de apertura fue cancelada debido a una conmoción.

Dos estudiantes de Artes militares, pertenecientes a ciudades enemigas, se habían conocido por casualidad justo antes de la ceremonia, resultando en la conmoción. Empezaron a forcejear y eventualmente a pelear.

Artes Militares: diferentes poderes especiales nacidos para proteger a la humanidad de ser lastimada en este mundo contaminado.

Las artes militares es el área que acogía a los usuarios de dichos poderes.

Si las personas peleaban seriamente entre sí usando dichos poderes, en el peor de los casos, inclusive estudiantes normales podrían haber resultado heridos o inclusive muertos. En los ojos de Karian había genuina gratitud.

"La nueva regla, que solo permite a los nuevos alumno estar armados hasta después de medio año, se debe a que algunos de ellos no comprenden en donde se encuentran ahora... esto es insoportable. Me toma una cantidad impresionante de trabajo arreglar las cosas cada año"

Pero, aún había personas que usaban armas. Algunas veces una simple pelea se podía convertir en un grupo de peleas que podían resultar en derramamiento de sangre.

Para el Presidente Estudiantil quien había estado sonriendo amargamente pero hablando sencillamente y de franca manera, Layfon solo podía contestar confundidamente.

"Hablando de eso, un estudiante de asignatura general que logro superar a unos estudiantes de artes militares. Debes tener algunas habilidades en el tema, ¿no?."

"Es solamente un pasatiempo."

"Ummmm..."

El silencio del Presidente Estudiantil hizo que Layfon pasara saliva.

"Si lo tuyo es solo un nivel de "pasatiempo", entonces debemos incrementar el nivel de admisión en la carrera de Artes Militares"

Las noticias acerca de la pelea entre estudiantes de Artes Militares en la ceremonia de apertura se han divulgado en los estudiantes de otros cursos. Los nuevos estudiantes que llegaban a Zuellni tenían diferentes orígenes. Además de los estudiantes involucrados en la pelea, había extranjeros a quienes a nadie les agradaban. La atmosfera de peligrosidad emanada por el centro de Artes Militares estaba influenciando estudiantes de otros cursos.

La desbordante atmosfera también afecto el área de estudios generales. Los estudiantes cercanos chocaron y se estrellaron entre sí mientras escapaban, encendiendo la ira adolescente dormida en los estudiantes varones.

Justo cuando todo se había salido de control, un enorme sonido hizo eco por todo el auditorio.

Se hizo silencio inmediato, y todas las miradas se dirigieron a la fuente del sonido.

Donde los dos estudiantes que iniciaron la conmoción yacían inmóviles en el piso con Layfon parado junto a ellos.

"Fue cuestión de suerte, estaban cegados por la ira y ni siquiera se percataron de mi"

"Claro, claro."

Karian asintió felizmente a la escusa de Layfon. Estaba sonriendo con su cara, pero no con sus ojos. Otra vez, Layfon sintió que el Presidente Estudiantil había visto a través de él.

Honestamente, no era un sentimiento confortante.

Sintiendo que la presión que soportaba lo llevaría a un lugar peligroso, Layfon intento terminar con la conversación.

"Ya que no he hecho nada malo, entonces regresare a mi clase"

"No puedes!"

Karina evito que Layfon le diera la espalda.

La corta negación detuvo los pasos de Layfon.

"Como dije no tengo intensión alguna de castigarte, Layfon -Wolfstein- Alseif"

El titulo entre el nombre y el apellido provoco que Layfon alzara las cejas.

".....¿A qué se refiere?"

"No me importa si continuas jugando al tonto. Pero te tengo una sugerencia, Layfon Alseif, ¿Que te parece cambiar de Estudios Generales a Artes Militares?"

"¿Qué?"

"Suertudamente, ahora hay dos vacantes en Las Artes Militares gracias a esos dos alborotadores. Tenemos una regla para prevenir que los estudiantes traigan los problemas de ciudades a la academia. Aquellos que firmaron el contrato y lo rompieron en la ceremonia de apertura, no tienen derecho en convertirse en peleadores. Así que ya los he desterrado, en forma de una voluntaria retirada, por supuesto."

"No, por favor espere."

Ninguno de los dos estudiantes le eran importantes a Layfon.

"No planeo cambiar de carrera"

Expresó claramente su opinión. Cambiar a Artes Militares...no le hacía gracia.

"Vine a cursar Estudios Generales."

"Las Artes Militares son también un área de estudio. No, no en realidad no importa en qué curso estés, Estudios Generales es obligatoria hasta tercer año. Incluso si elijes Estudios Generales, todavía tendrías que especializarte en algo después de tres años, así que no estás aprendiendo diferentes cosas cambiándote."

"Ese no es el problema."

"Así que, ¿Cual es el problema?"

Enfrentado a esa pregunta, encontró su aliento atrapado en su garganta.

"...No tengo interés en la Artes Militares."

"Ya veo", Karian asintió exageradamente. Era claramente un acto. La expresión de sus ojos cambio drásticamente, ('''! ''') precisamente una retorcida curva de felicidad.

"Además soy un becario, he aplicado para estudiar y trabajar. Tengo trabajo en todo mi tiempo libre. No tendría energía restante para las Artes Militares."

"Ya veo. Ese es en realidad un buen argumento."

Karian estaba de acuerdo solo con su boca, para nada lucia persuadido.

Saco un documento de su cajón.

"Umm, Layfon Alseif, beca rango D, y trabaja medio tiempo y estudia. El trabajo es limpiar el departamento mecánico... Ya veo, este es un trabajo complicado y que consume mucho tiempo. ¿Tienes idea que la limpieza tiene lugar mientras la ciudad descansa, de la noche hasta pasando la media noche? Muchos de los estudiantes que trabajan odian trabajar ahí. Es un trabajo difícil y las horas son terribles. ¿Lo entiendes? la paga no es tan mala, pero el trabajo es laborioso. Cada año, numerosos estudiantes aplican para trabajar en otra parte, o dejar la academia por no pasar la evaluación. Y la Beca que tienes es de rango D. ¿Has considerado que estarías gastando todo tu paga en tus cuentas escolares?"

"Así es, justo como usted lo dijo."

"Francamente, ¿No sería difícil pasar seis años así?"

"Confío plenamente en mi fortaleza física"

La sonrisa de Karian cambió. A los ojos de Layfon Karian estaba lleno de sonrisas, y percibió algo que se sentía como algo favorable para Layfon.

"Tal vez estés en lo cierto. Deberías tener confianza en tu fortaleza física. Es exactamente por eso por lo que deseo que puedas cambiar a Artes Militares"

"¿Para qué?"

"¿Sabes de la competición de Artes Militares entre las ciudades academia?"

"...No"

Karian hablo sin ninguna desilusión en la falta de conocimiento de Layfon, "Para ponerlo simple, la competición tiene lugar una vez cada dos años."

Layfon podía adivinar que Karian estaba llegando al punto.

"Este es un habito de las ciudades. No tengo idea que era lo que estaban pensando los alquimistas, pero las ciudades pelean por territorio cada dos años. Lo que es más importante es que ellas solo compiten en contra de su mismo tipo de ciudad... ... solo puedo decir que están demasiado bien hechas."

Aunque las ciudades eran las que estaban peleando por territorios, era en realidad las personas que vivían en ellas las que llevaban a cabo las batallas.

"Por supuesto, es llamada "La competición de Artes Militares", pero en realidad, la competición es lo mismo que... ...la guerra que toma lugar entre ciudades estandarizadas"

Guerra. La expresión de Layfon se torno severa.

"Por supuesto, nuestra meta es llevara a cabo una pelea de tipo estudiantil en todo momento. La alianza de Ciudades Académicas supervisa todas las batallas, Se usan armas no letales, las espadas están cubiertas y las balas son anestésicas. Pero ya que es una guerra, no hay mucha diferencia entre que el ganador obtiene algo y el perdedor lo pierde. No es tan trágica como una verdadera guerra, pero al final es lo mismo"

"¿Es a caso la vida... ...de la ciudad?"

"SI", asintió Karian.

Las ciudades tienen conciencia, están vivas. Necesitan comida para seguir con vida, aunque son maquinas, necesitan energía para mantener sus funciones.

La fuente de vida de una ciudad es... su comida, un tipo de metal llamado "Selenium".

"Selenium es un metal nacido después de que la tierra fuera contaminada, y por ende es fácil de obtener. Para ponerlo simple, posiblemente puedas obtenerlo excavando la tierra de por allá. Pero esa es una acción peligrosa con las criaturas contaminadas merodeando. Además, solo podemos obtener Selenium puro de minas con un cierto nivel de energía."

Así que, el ganador toma posesión de la mina y el perdedor la pierde. Al tiempo de incrementar prosperidad de su pedazo propio de tierra, la gente reduce el tiempo de vida de otro pedazo de tierra.

"Cuando entre a la academia, Zuellni tenía tres minas. Ahora tan solo posee una.", dijo Karian.

Lo que significa que Zuellni ha perdido en las últimas dos competiciones y sus Artes Militares era mucho menor que el de las ciudades vecinas.

"Está en duda cuanto Selenium puro podremos extraer de la mina restante. Planeo mandar algunos alquimistas a investigar la próxima vez que la ciudad esté cerca de ella."

"En otra palabras, si perdemos la próxima vez, ¿No hay plan de respaldo?"

"Exactamente. Las ciudades determinan el tema de la siguiente competición.('''! ''') No podemos darnos el lujo de no participar."

Si perdemos... el simple hecho de pensar en ello hizo que Layfon temblara.

Incluso si una ciudad pierde todas sus minas, sus funciones no cesarían debido al Selenium guardado para emergencias.

Pero eso solo retrasaría el hecho algún tiempo.

La ciudad morirá. Los humanos habrían perdido más espacio donde vivir. Una vez que una ciudad moría, esta regresaba a la tierra. Las personas no podían salvarla.

Permitir que una ciudad muriera de hambre era lo mismo que dejar que su gente muriera de hambruna.

Pensando en ello, un repentino escalofrió estremeció el cuerpo helado de Layfon. La ciudad a la que acababa de llegar moriría, aún no tenía un lazo con esta Academia, pero la posibilidad de una ciudad muriendo era escalofriante.

Cuando una persona era joven, si descubría que la ciudad en la que vivía podía morir, estaría lo suficientemente asustado para temblar hasta los huesos. La experiencia seria la misma para cualquiera.

Oyendo eso el miedo que sintió en su niñez se convertiría en realidad, Layfon sintió que en realidad el mismo era un niño, temblando por todas partes.

Pero, aun así...

"YO...."

Pelear... no yo no puedo hacer eso, sí, digamos eso.

Con determinación, bajó la mirada, preparándose para rehusarse al Presidente Estudiantil, que lo veía desde el escritorio.

Pero, las palabras no salían.

El Presidente Estudiantil miro a Layfon.

Las sonrisas en la cara de Loss habían desaparecido. Una expresión inexpresiva parecía estar calma, esta contrastaba con la mirada de hielo que penetraba a Layfon.

Karian, hablo al sin aliento Layfon, "Me gradúo este año. Mientras esta ciudad permanezca como una Academia, nadie puede permanecer en ella después de graduarse. Esto quiere decir que después de graduarme, ya no estoy ligado a esta ciudad. Pero realmente me agrada esta Academia. ¿No crees que es triste perder tu cosa favorita aunque no puedas volver a poner un pie en este pedazo de tierra?"

"Es natural querer proteger lo que es precioso, para aquel que se a vuelto loco de amor. ¿No sientes que es el destino querer obtener esa meta con cualquier método posible?"

Una sencilla sonrisa apareció en el semblante del Presidente Estudiantil. Justa esa, era su manera de bromear en una situación solemne.

"Tu beca se convertirá en una de rango A. Todas tus deudas no aplicaran, lo único que tendrás que hacer será ganar lo suficiente para vivir, si no eres un entusiasta de la moda, así que no tendrás que gastar demasiado y por ende no tendrás que esforzarte demasiado limpiando en el departamento de mecánica. ¿Esta eso bien?"

Su racionalidad le decía que no aceptara pero su instinto le gritaba que lo hiciera.

Poco después, Layfon salió del cuarto con pasos tambaleantes, sosteniendo un uniforme de Artes Militares que de alguna forma había sido puesto en sus manos.

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Unos minutos después de haber cerrado débilmente la puerta, vino uno un impaciente golpeteo en su puerta.

"Pase"

Era una joven en uniforme de Arte Militares; de cabello corto, un dorado cabello corto. Una joven con determinación y resolución.

"Disculpa por la interrupción".

Un par de agudos ojos reposaban debajo unas arregladas y delgadas cejas, esos ojos miraban desafiantemente al Presidente Estudiantil. El sonido del cinturón alrededor de su cintura le acompaño a cada paso. Lo que estaba en su cinturón no era una espada, si no que dos cosas en forma de barras. Los hilos en su cinturón indicaban que era un estudiante de tercer año.

La joven se mantuvo inmóvil justo enfrente del escritorio y su mirada se encontró con la del Presidente Estudiantil.

"Soy estudiante de tercer año en Artes Militares, Nina Antalk. Escuche que me estaba buscando."

"Si, te estaba buscando."

Karian sonrió.

"De que se trata"

"¿Has encontrado suficientes miembros?"

La repentina pregunta hizo que Nina frunciera el seño, pero cambio su actitud contesto, "Aún no".

"Sí, eso pensé. Todavía no me has enviado el reporte de los miembros de tu equipo, desde el día en que tomaste la forma de aplicación. La ceremonia de apertura a terminado, si no te apuras y generas una lista de los miembros de tu equipo, no podrás participar en la próxima competencia de ciudades. En ese caso, te convertirás en el soldado con más bajo rango en la próxima serie de competencias de escuadron."

"Perdóneme, Presidente Estudiantil, si no me equivoco la ceremonia de apertura a sido pospuesta, ¿No?"

"A sido cancelada, gracias a otros programas. Es una pena, no voy a volver a llamar a nadie al auditorio de nuevo. Por la competencia de Artes Militares de este año, hay demasiadas cosas que hacer."

La cara de Nina palideció. Permaneció en silencio.

"Creo que fue suficiente con observar a los nuevos estudiantes en la ceremonia de apertura. ¿Qué piensas?"

"Ninguno nos sirve. Todos se vieron muy afectados por la atmosfera. No puedes predecir que pasaría en batalla.”

Nina había observado la conmoción entera del día de hoy. Todos los nuevos estudiantes de Artes Militares habían sido afectados por los dos que empezaron a discutir. Las expresiones violentas en sus rostros reflejaban su intención de unirse a la discusión y hacer el revuelo más grande.

Ser atrapados por el enemigo de esa manera seria lo mismo que cavar sus propias tumbas.

"¿En serio no hay nadie adecuado?"

Nina no respondió inmediatamente, su confundida mirada se movió de arriba a abajo.

"No..."

En su vacilación una imagen del nuevo estudiante le vino a la cabeza. Aquel que sobrepaso a los dos alborotadores sin que nadie se diera cuenta, suprimiendo el centro de la conmoción para prevenir que las violentas emociones se extendieran, ya al mismo tiempo, exagero su reacción para amenazar a las personas que fueron atrapadas por la conmoción. Ella encontró su respuesta muy acertada.

Pero...

"Esta en Estudios Generales."

El nuevo estudiante portaba uniforme de Estudios Generales. De esta manera no podria participar en la competición.

Pero el Presidente Estudiantil sonreía felizmente.

"Sí, eso es cierto al menos hasta ahora."

"...que quiere decir con eso?"

"Acaba de cambiarse a Artes Militares."

Una expresión de desaprobación apareció en la cara de Nina.

"No puedo permitirme desperdiciar semejante material."

"¿Así que ignoraste su deseo?"

"Yo no lo ignore. Le mostré el nivel más alto de sinceridad, debe de estar muy satisfecho con el."

"¿Enserio?"

Nina entendió cuan difícil podía llegar a ser la Actitud del Presidente Estudiantil. Durante la última carrera por el puesto de Presidente Estudiantil, Karian no estaba nominado, sin embargo en el momento en el que el había sido gloriosamente nominado había peleado una rara pelea de inteligencia con sus oponentes, causando que todos perdieran.

"No importa cual se la verdad. ¿Qué piensa ahora que él es parte de las Artes Militares? Esa es la única respuesta que quiero oír."

"¿Que vas a hacer? a este paso, no tendrás suficientes miembros. Planeas experimentar la vergüenza como la ultima vez, ¿pero esta vez como un soldado de bajo nivel?"

Nina apretó los dientes.

"No tengo semejante intención."

"¿Entonces qué es lo que harás? Creo que la respuesta está clara."

Karian deslizo un documento a Nina por encima del escritorio. Era un historial con el nombre de "Layfon Alseif" escrito en el. El documento estaba claramente en la estructura de un historial, junto con una foto cercana de Layfon.

"Por favor, discúlpame."

Habiendo dado en vistazo al documento, Nina le dio la espalda a Karian y abandono el cuarto. Él le sonrió a la espalda de la joven que no le había contestado.

Solo otra vez, Karian saco un nuevo documento y lo dejo junto al historial de Layfon. Era también un historial, pero con el nombre de Nina Antalk en el.

"Si las cosas iban bien este se convertiría en el equipo más fuerte. El problema ahora reside en cómo manejarlo....", murmuro. No lucia alegra para nada.

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En el camino de regreso a su clase, Layfon se cambio de uniforme en una clínica de salud que encontró. El Presidente Estudiantil le amenazo con que si continuaba caminando sin el uniforme sería considerado como si estuviera cometiendo fraude.

Sosteniendo el uniforme de Estudios Generales, entro a su salón de clase para recoger su mochila. De un uniforme al que todavía no se había acostumbrado a uno todavía mas infamiliar.... todavía no se acostumbraba a este uniforme, pero le dio un intrigante sentimiento.

Además el nuevo uniforme le quedaba perfectamente.

"Demonios, esto debió de haber sido planeado."

Caminando por el corredor, Layfon no pudo evitar maldecir en voz alta. Su peso y estatura eran los estándares para un hombre de su edad, pero su brazo derecho era ligeramente más largo que el izquierdo. Su uniforme de Estudios Generales había tenido que ser arreglado para encargarse de esa diferencia, pero ¿Cómo era posible que el uniforme de Artes Militares que le había sido entregado a la mitad del clímax del momento estuviera arreglado para que le quedara perfectamente?

Lo que significaba - que la verdad no podía cambiarse.

"Por que .... ¿Cómo se dieron cuenta?"

La ansiedad le apreso, había venido a cursar Estudios Generales, a buscar un mundo que no tuviera nada que ver con las Artes Militares pero en su primer día había vuelto a entrar en el mundo que había dejado atrás.

"Ah Ah! ¿Porque no se había negado? Soy todo un cobarde... ... cobarde!",grito Layfon.

Apenas hoy había sido la ceremonia de apertura, así que no había nadie en el corredor. Sin pararse a considerarlo, grito de nuevo, "¿Como se lo debí de haber dicho? Ese Presidente Estudiantil da mucho miedo!! ¿Qué tipo de mirada era esa? Realmente me aterra. ¿Cómo me podía haber resistido a ese tipo de persona?"

Habiéndose desahogado, Layfon llego a su salón de clase. Ah, significa eso que su salón seria diferente ahora .Pero el Presidente Estudiantil no menciono nada al respecto. ¿Qué debería hacer? Layfon abrió la puerta.

La puerta se abrió y la escena de adentro paso a su campo de visión.

"Ah!"

El sonido le llego.

Todavía había estudiantes adentro del salón.

"Mira, mira. La realmente está en Artes Militares. Sii es mi victoria, tengo suerte!"

Una de las jóvenes salto de emoción. De pelo color castaño, y amarrado con dos coletas a cada lado, se sacudió con su movimiento.

Solo tres muchachas permanecían en el interior.

Sus curiosas miradas estaban pegadas a Layfon sin ningún tipo de reserva. Layfon detuvo sus pasos.

"¿¡Por que!? ¿Que no estaba usando el uniforme de Estudios Generales? Eso fue engañoso", dijo una muchacha Pelirroja. Ella portaba el mismo uniforme que Layfon, y como este, un cinturón vacio se balanceaba alrededor de su cintura.

"No tengo un uniforme de Estudios Generales. Hey, ¿De qué se trata esto?", le pregunto como si lo estuviera interrogando.

"Uh, algo paso...."

"¿En serio? quieres decir que no conseguí ese uniforme, ¿Por qué no soy linda?, ¿Es eso?('''! ''')

Aunque me preguntaras eso, no puedo hacer nada al respecto. En lo referente a la chica, era más guapa que linda. Comparado con el uniforme de Estudios Generales diseñado para lucir lindo, Layfon pensó que los bordes puntiagudos del uniforme de Artes Militares le lucian mejor.

Pero la chica estaba insatisfecha.

"Espera un momento, Gelni, tranquilízate. Le estas causando problemas a Mi-chan", concluyo la muchacha con dos coletas. La muchacha pelirroja hizo una pausa, como si hubiera pensado en algo entonces se movió a un lado para dejar ver a la otra joven.

"Tienes razón. Apúrate Mei-Shen"

Con una mano en la espalda de la tercer muchacha, la pelirroja la empujo hasta que estuvo frente a Layfon.

[[image:CSR vol01 043.jpg|thumb]]

La tercera muchacha tenía un largo cabello ondeante que sobrepasaba sus hombros, parecía tímida y gentil. Con su cara mirando al suelo, parecía temerosa con sus cejas curveadas como si estuviera a punto de llorar. Su cara estaba ligeramente roja.

"Uh much.....muchas gracias." el simple hecho de pronunciar esas palabras parecía que le quitaba toda su energía. La muchacha de cabello negro se escondió detrás de la pelirroja, con su cara enrojecida.

"Lo siento ella siempre ha sido así de tímida."

"Aun así, ella quiere darte las gracias por salvarla en la ceremonia de apertura, ¿no es eso verdad?" dijo la muchacha de dos coletas.

La joven de cabello negro oculto su cara en la espalda de la pelirroja.

Layfon no tenia recuerdo alguno de algo semejante, solo recordaba haber empujado a esas personas que estaban a punto de ser atrapadas en la pelea. Él pudo haberla salvado en ese momento.

La pelirroja suspiró, "Esta niña... bueno, todavía no me he presentado, soy Gelni Naruki y estoy en las Artes Militares."

"Yo soy Mifi Rotten y la que está jugando a las escondidillas es Mei-Shen Triden. Las dos estamos en Estudios Generales. Las tres venimos de la ciudad trafico Joeldem ¿Acaso la conoces?"

"Claro, es el centro donde los autobuses errantes se reúnen. He estado ahí en mi camino hacia acá. Yo soy Layfon Alseif, ('''! ''') de la "Ciudad Protegida por la Lanza", Grendan."

"Vaya, es ahí donde las Artes Militares nacieron. Eso explica porque eres tan fuerte."

"No, no es eso..." contesto Layfon vagamente. Justo cuando pensaba como explicarlo

"Ah, ¿No solo se queden ahí platicando, tengo hambre. Vamos a buscar algo bueno para comer."

"¿Otra vez? ¿También tienes que hacer mapas de esta área?"

"Por supuesto! Mapas para comida, moda territorio... tan largo como se pueda dibujar, yo lo hare. Como estaré aquí por seis años, no me quiero perder por no tener un mapa. Es mi pasatiempo obtener información. Si quieres averiguar algo, solo pregúntame. Y si no lo sé, lo investigare y lo descubriré."

"Es cierto, tengo hambre... ...además, tengo cosas que preguntarte, ¿Como eso que estas cargando?"

Con un par de agudos ojos, Naruki veía el Uniforme de Estudios Generales que Layfon estaba sosteniendo.

No tuvo tiempo para hablar, ellas lo decidieron por él.

"O bueno...., mira. Esto es complicado para Mei-Shen. Y tu dijiste que ella era tímida."

"....Estoy bien con ello" dijo Mei-Shen desde detrás de la espalda de Naruki.

"Ok. Entonces está decidido."

Y eso fue decidido.

<center>◇</center>

Así, la locación escogida fue una cafetería cercana, estaba hecha de ladrillos rojos y diseñada de tal manera que no resaltara mucho. Como ya había pasado la hora del almuerzo, la tienda estaba casi vacía. Los cuatro, de alguna manera, lograron llegar a la hora del lunch especial. Mientras comían Layfon explico por qué había sido transferido a las Artes Militares - sin mencionar el hecho de haber sido forzado a ello.

Estaban comiendo el postre.

Solo Layfon no estaba comiendo, solo bebiendo un jugo.

"Oh, estaba preocupada de que la Ciudad Académica sólo tuviera comida saludable para estudiantes. Es excelente que mi preocupación fuera infundada" dijo Mifi con satisfacción y su boca llena de pastel.

"Realmente vale la pena dibujar un mapa para esto."

"Y yo que me preguntaba cómo sería una ciudad operada por estudiantes, quien diría que es realmente muy organizada", comento Naruki con admiración.

En realidad, muchas tiendas se alineaban en las calles que iban de los dormitorios a la escuela, pero como era una Ciudad Académica, la mayoría de las tiendas estaban cerradas durante las horas de clase. Una vez que las clases terminaban, las tiendas se llenaban de gente. Estas tiendas eran atendidas por estudiantes de último año de Estudios Generales que estudiaron comercio o administración. Otros estudiantes venían a trabajar como empleados.

La comida era hecha por estudiantes de Gastronomía.

"También hay un Departamento de Policía y una Corte. Sí, yo creo que probare suerte en la Policía"

"El sueño de Gelni es ser una mujer policía."

"De hecho"

"Y para mi, el periódico. Como es algo referente a la publicación, tratare de encontrar algún lugar donde se publiquen noticias. ¿Qué hay de ti Mei-chan?"

".....Algún lugar en el que hagan postres"

"Entonces tendrás que encontrar algún lugar donde hagan comida deliciosa. Oh, pero comiendo mientras caminas... ... evita engordar"

"¿Está bien que tu temperatura sea alta?"

"Um, ¡que significa eso?, Gelni está toda sudada por el ejercicio. Hueles algo..."

"Eso es el aroma de la juventud."

"Wa, no te entiendo."

La conversación se extendía, y Layfon la observaba con un sentimiento distante. Esas tres eran de la misma ciudad, y por su conversación, parecía que ya se conocían desde antes de venir aquí. Dejado al margen de la conversación, Layfon sorbió su jugo.
Mifi, de repente le dirigió una pregunta."Eso es cierto ¿En dónde vas a trabajar, Layton?"

“.... ¿Layton?"

Perplejo ante el repentino cambio de nombre, Layfon abrió los labios con jugo todavía en su boca, casi derramándolo.

"Claro, Layton. Es mas fácil pronunciarlo, ¿No es cierto?" dijo Mifi alegremente.

"Gelni, Mei-chan. Layton y yo soy Mi-chan. ¿Esta eso bien?"

"Ni siquiera pensaste a fondo esos nombre. Y regresando a ello, mi nombre sigue siendo el mismo"

"Es aburrido pensar en un sobrenombre para mí misma. Además, si fuera a decir "solamente llámame Mimi", ¿No sonaría eso horrible?

"Horrible, Al menos yo no quisiera ser amiga de esa persona."

"Exactamente. Entonces está decidido, Layton ahora se llama Layton"

"Si, Layton, Layton."

"...Layton"

Incluso Mei-Shen le estaba llamando por ese nombre. Por alguna razón sintió como si hubiera venido de un logar muy lejano. ¿En donde se encontraba? ¿En qué extraña dimensión se encontraba perdido?

Hasta ahora, ninguna de sus amigas le había llamado así. Inclusive su amiga más cercana solo le llamaba por su primer nombre. Como apodo, solo le llamaba "Lay".

Layton... Layfon se encontraba estupefacto.

"Así que, ¿En dónde vas a estar trabajando, Layton?"

Solo podía contestar la pregunta, porque sabía que no era posible resolver el problema del nombre.

En es momento, ninguna palabra salió de su boca.

Hablando de eso, alguien acababa de decir que su beca acababa de ser subida de grado. Así que no importaba si no iba a trabajar.

"No me digas, que ¿Está bien si no trabajas?"

"No, tengo trabajo", dijo sacudiendo la cabeza, “Estaré trabajando en el Departamento Mecánico."

Las tres jóvenes soltaron de repente un "Waa" y fruncieron el ceño"

"¿Por qué semejante trabajo tan difícil?"

"Escuche que necesitas muchas fuerzas para las Artes Militares. Este tipo de estilo de vida terminara por dañar tu cuerpo. ¿Estás seguro al respecto?"

“....No será algo cansado?"

Las tres expresaron sus preocupaciones, Layfon solo pudo sonreír amargamente.

Aunque el sabia que sería un trabajo pesado, era peligroso confiar totalmente en el Presidente Estudiantil. Si algo pasara y se tuviera que oponer al Presidente Estudiantil, su beca seguramente sería cancelada, se convertiría en el peor escenario, quedarse sin dinero, incapacitado para continuar sus estudios.

"Si lo sé, pero no puede ser evitado. Soy huérfano, y no tengo nada aparte de esta beca."

Pensó que la manera en la que lo había expresado había sido natural y discreta.

Pero la palabra "huérfano" causo que las tres jóvenes abrieran los ojos. Embarazadas, sus inquietas miradas miraron alrededor.

"Ah ya veo. Lo siento, da lo mejor de ti."

"Sí, sí hay algo que pueda hacer por ti, te ayudare"

"...Si yo también"

"Está bien, no piensen en ello."

Su actitud hizo que se sintiera incomodo.

"No encuentro la situación particularmente difícil, encuentro más incomodo dar lastima."

Aun así, Mifi y Mei-Shen Intercambiaron miradas llenas de ansiedad. Por experiencias previas, Layfon Sabia que no era posible hacerlas entender enseguida, así que no estaba molesto por su reacción.

"Ok, lo entiendo. No me preocupare al respecto", Naruki asintió inmediatamente. Su rápida respuesta fue una sorpresa para el.

"¿Uh? ¿Qué? ¿Acaso no dijiste que no pensáramos mucho al respecto?"

"Sí, eso es cierto."

Estaba claro que Naruki no solo estaba hablando. En realidad ella lo sentía, Layfon asintió inseguramente, entonces no pudo aguantarlo mas y se rio.

"¿Qué?"

"Nada, es solo que actúas como una hermana mayor."

"¿Qué dijiste?"

Naruki frunció el seño, pero Mifi estuvo de acuerdo.

"Ah. Yo entiendo, entiendo. Genli's obtuvo ese sentimiento de ella('''! '''). Ella es increíble."

".... y es popular con las mujeres."

"Sip, ella siempre recibe muchos regalos y cartas de amor."

"Siempre me ha traído problemas. Nunca he sabio que hacer con eso."

Aunque lo dijo seriamente, Layfon se volvió a reír.

(La atmosfera se sentía bien.) Pensó Layfon mientras se reía. Aunque lo que había pasado en la ceremonia de apertura había sido un revés para el, de la conversación con las chavas, sintió como si estuviera de nuevo en camino.

"Uh... discúlpenme."

Una voz rompió a través de las risas.

En el momento en que sus ojos encontraban al poseedor de la voz, todos no pudieron hacer otra cosa que sostener su aliento.

[[image:CSR vol01 053.jpg|thumb]]

Parada junto a la mesa había una mujer. Su cabello plateado caía hasta su cintura brillaba reflejando la luz de la cafetería. Tenía una piel blanca como la nieve y una barbilla en forma de corazón. Un vistazo justo adentro de su collar revelaba un pequeño y delicado cuello y un tipo de aura peligrosa. Unas largas cejas temblaban por encima de su ligeramente baja mirada de esos ojos plateados.

Una joven que era tan hermosa y delicada como una muñeca.

Ninguno de ellos se percato que estaba usando un uniforme de Artes Militares.

La primera que finalmente se dio cuenta fue Naruki.

"¿Que no eres un grado mayor que nosotros? ¿Buscas algo?", dijo Naruki.

Layfon se dio cuenta de que los hilos en su cinturón eran diferentes de los que llevaba el suyo. Del cinturón colgaba una larga y delgada vara.

"¿Eres tu Layfon Alseif?"

Ojos plateados capturaron la imagen de Layfon.

"Si"

"Tengo algo de que hablarte. ¿Puedes venir conmigo?"

"...ok"

Layfon se levanto naturalmente, obligado por esa voz a obedecer.

La muchacha le dio la espalda para abandonar la cafetería. Layfon pudo haberla seguido de esa manera, pero regreso a su asiento. Tomo su bolsa y de su cartera, dejo algo de cambio en la mesa para pagar su jugo.

"Lo siento, me tengo que ir."

"Seguro. Ve.", Naruki dijo en sustitución de sus, aun silenciosas, compañeras.

"Sí, claro, pero que es lo que..."

Sin palabras, Layfon se apuro a ir detrás de la chica de cabello plateado. La campana colgada en la puerta del café toco unas escuetas notas mientras pasaba. Pensando en lo confundido que parecía estar Layfon, Naruki sonrió amargamente.

"Qu...Que es lo que acaba de pasar", dijo Mifi entre dientes.

"Por supuesto, se ha convertido en un blanco, después de esa elegante presentación en la ceremonia de apertura."

Mifi no entendió de lo que Naruki acababa de decir, volteo a ver a su amiga con preguntas en la cara.

"¿No había una insignia diferente en el pecho de la senpai?"

"¿Si?, ¿Enserio?", Mifi frunció el seño.

"...Esa cosa plateada redonda?"

"Exacto"

Mei-Shen la vio.

Había un numero 17 en el.

"Una insignia que solo una persona perteneciente a un escuadrón pueden tener."

"Un escuadrón... ¿qué es eso?"

"Para ponerlo en términos simples son los candidatos a oficiales, en el curso de Artes Militares. Trae consigo el significado adicional de un peleador con un alto nivel de habilidad"

"Um... ¿En serio?"

Naruki explico. "Son los equipos principales en la competición de Artes Militares. Justo por debajo del Cuartel General están los escuadrones... Son llamados equipos comandantes, debajo de ellos están los equipos largos, y ellos toman se hacen cargo de aquellas personas que no pertenecen a ningún equipo, en otras palabras, estudiantes normales de Artes Militares como yo..."

"Wow, si eso es cierto, es como ir subiendo escalones hasta la cima", dijo Mifi, juntando sus manos.

"Pero no es tan fácil cuando estás en el ámbito"

"¿Por qué?"

"¿Que no lo mencione? La insignia guarda el significado de lo que significa ser un peleador de alto nivel. Estudiantes pertenecientes a un escuadrón deben destacar en una cierta área, desde dirigir hasta el control de la psicoquinesis. Mayoritariamente, se especializan en algún tipo de arma. Además las habilidades individuales son juzgadas, y la fuerza de cuán bien el equipo lo hace es también evaluada. Si una persona puede trabajar en equipo también es evaluada. De esa manera, hay una competición ocurriendo entre los equipos por la lista de rankin. En otras palabras, es una pelea entre estudiantes de la carrera. Durante esas peleas, si un equipo no rinde bien, la peor de las situaciones es que llegue a ser desbandado. Candidatos a Oficiales degradados a estudiantes normales. Los peleadores por lo general tienen una gran autoestima. si alguno regresa a ser estudiante normal, las demás personas dirían que ha caído de las nubes al fondo del valle('''! ''')... nadie podría soportar es tipo de revés. Su vida en la Academia se convertiría en algo muy doloroso como para soportar."

Naruki volteo a ver la puerta que Layfon justo acababa de dejar atrás, ningún cliente había entrado. La campana permaneció callada.

"...Layton dijo que iba a limpiar el Departamento Mecánico", dijo Mei-Shen.

"Ah, va ser muy cansado para él!",dijo Mifi. "¿Estará bien?"

"Claro, será muy fácil para él", Naruki solo podía dar ese tipo de respuesta. Ella sumergió la ultima rebanada de pastel con te rojo.

<center>◇</center>

Lo que Naruki les dijo a las otras dos en la cafetería, también llego a oídos de Layfon. Pero de la terrorífica muchacha de cabello dorado.

La bella joven de cabello plateado llevo a Layfon muy adentro de los dormitorios de primer año, a un cierto edificio con una viejo y desgastado sentimiento acerca de él.

Layfon fue llevado a uno de los cuartos y recibido por una terrorífica joven con cabello dorado.

"Mi nombre es Nina Antalk, capitana del Decimo Séptimo escuadrón", dijo la joven firmemente.

El cuarto en el que estaba Layfon había sido dividido por una gran pared, así que el espacio era solamente el doble de largo de un salón de clases.('''! ''')En la pared colgaban diferentes tipos de armas. Incluyendo a Layfon, había cinco personas en la habitación.

La primera persona era Nina Antalk, parada justo después de Layfon. Junto a ella estaba la joven que le había traído. La bella joven de cabello plateado se había posicionado en una esquina inmediatamente después de haber llegado.

El resto eran dos estudiantes hombres. El chico más alto yacía perezosamente en un rincón, el otro vestía un traje oscuro de color verde obscuro que estaba manchado con aceite de motor y otro tipo de líquido relacionado con maquinaria.

Nina le dio al confundido Layfon una explicación acerca del escuadrón.

Layfon medio escucho, con su mente en otro lugar.

"¿Entiendes?"

"¿Ahh, sip?

Regresando su mirada a Nina, Layfon le dio una rápida respuesta sin siquiera pensarlo el simplemente lo dijo.

"¿Entonces para que fui llamado aquí?"

Layfon entendió que todos allí eran candidatos oficiales.

Pero, eso era lo único que sabía.

La mitad de la ceja de Nina temblaba como si tuviera un calambre.

"No entiendo. Entiendo por tu explicación que todos aquí son elite. Pero, si ese es el caso... …debido a eso, no entiendo porque yo, como estudiante de primer año, fui llamado aquí.", dijo Layfon tratando fe mediar la atmosfera. Nina cerro su boca abierta, su hombros se movieron como si fuera a respirar profundamente, luego la abrió para hablar de nuevo.

Pero antes de poder decir palabra alguna -

"Jajajajajajajajaja"

El muchacho alto se soltó a reír desde su lugar.

"Sharnid senpai!!"Grito Nina, con sus hombros temblando de ira.

"Jaja jeje jiji ah mi estomago duele! Nina, es todo tu culpa, por darle demasiadas vueltas al asunto y darle al nuevo estudiante la oportunidad de hacerse el tonto"

"Umm"

Nina apretó los dientes.

"Heh!" Sharnid se levanto de un salto, mirando a Layfon frívolamente.

"Me llamo Sharnid Elipton, soy de cuarto año y soy un sniper."

"Ah, gusto en conocerte"

"Bueno, déjame explicarte claramente en lugar de nuestro capitán. Layfon Alseif, te hemos pedido que vinieras por que necesitamos el número correcto."

"¿Cómo?"

"Hey, hey, hey. Para de pretender. Todo el mundo vio tu actuación en la ceremonia de apertura, la excusa de que eres un estudiante nuevo y no tener suficiente habilidad no funcionara. Ya has probado que tienes suficiente potencial. Pensamos que eres bueno, así que te queremos en nuestro equipo."

Sharnid le dio a Nina una mirada significativa.

Nina se aclaro la garganta y se paro frente a Layfon de nuevo.

"Layfon Alseif. Te ordeno que te conviertas en un miembro del equipo decimo séptimo escuadrón. Ninguna excusa será aceptada. El presidente Estudiantil ya ha dado su permiso y te ha propuesto formalmente al puesto. De todas maneras, aquellos que estudian Artes Militares, no se les está permitido acción tan pobre como lo es rechazar entrar a un escuadrón."

Qué discurso tan decidido, la implacable actitud de Nina significaba que Layfon no tenia forma de zafarse de eso.

"Ahora mismo llevaremos a cabo un test para decidir cuál es la posición que mejor te queda en el escuadrón."

Nina saco dos bastones de su cinturón de armas. Apunto a Layfon con un bastón agarrado fuertemente en su mano derecha.

"Escoge cualquier arma que prefieras!"

Perturbado por la seriedad en los ojos de Nina, Layfon se volteo para examinar las armas de la pared.

El precio de colegiaturas gratuitas.... ....que beca de nivel A.

Chrome Shelled Regios (Español):Volumen1 Prólogo

2009-04-22T23:01:42Z

Finix of Fire: New page: Todo el mundo sostuvo el aliento, sellando el flujo de terror en sus gargantas. "......." Nina se mantenía tranquila. Sentada en la última fila del errante autobús, miro por la vent...

Todo el mundo sostuvo el aliento, sellando el flujo de terror en sus gargantas.

"......."

Nina se mantenía tranquila.

Sentada en la última fila del errante autobús, miro por la ventana, esforzándose por ver mas allá del pequeño gordo hombre de negocios que se sentó enfrente de ella y qué estaba abrazando su cabeza con brazos temblorosos.

Del lado sucio de la ventana había una vasta tierra salvaje.

Las grietas se abrían paso a través de la tierra seca. Los bordes afilados de la tierra apuntaban hacia el cielo.

Una gran montículo se imponía en la parte frontal de su visión.

Una montaña tan alta como una torre.

Pero todos en el autobús sabían que no era una montaña.

"Esta es.....Peligi", murmuro el hombre sentado en el medio de la fila. El observo la figura obscura a través de un par de binoculares. Desde el punto de vista de Nina ella observo dos grandes gotas de sudor que le resbalaban por su cara, su manzana de adan temblando con el movimiento de la saliva que pasaba.

Hecho un vistazo al montículo obscuro.

Esa no era una montaña. Esa era una ciudad.

Lo que parecía el pico de una montaña era en realidad el pico de una torre. En la punta de la torre había una bandera destrozada, hondeando al viento. Nina no pudo determinar el emblema de esa bandera, que debería ser el nombre de la ciudad, no podía estar segura de que el nombre de la ciudad fuera aquél que el hombre había murmurado.

Un viento fuerte azoto contra el autobús, meciéndolo. "¡Oye!"

Asustados y sorprendidos, los pasajeros se pusieron bajo los asientos y protegieron sus cabezas.

Cada pasajero se encrespo en su asiento sosteniendo la respiración, como si no quisieran ser encontrados en ese lugar.

Nina no protegió su cabeza, pero sostuvo su aliento y una vez más miro a la ciudad, tratando de sentir alguna respuesta viniendo desde arriba.

La ciudad ya estaba muerta.

Las múltiples piernas del autobús se pusieron de rodillas, inmóviles.

Los edificios de la ciudad eran los mismos. Marcas de terribles heridas fueron grabadas en la mayoría de los edificios cercanos a los límites de la ciudad.

Ella podía ver que esa parte del límite de la cuidad había sido cortada aparte, formando una montaña de escombros.

Columnas de humo se levantaban por toda la ciudad.

Quizás no había pasado mucho, desde que esta ciudad había sido atacada.

Viéndolo desde este lado del autobús no era posible determinar si había algún sobreviviente.

Pero, si es que había alguien convida... ella no poda acercarse para confirmarlo.

Afuera de la ciudad, la existencia del autobús era pobre e insignificante.

Además de que, Nina entendió que era imposible que alguien siguiera con vida. ('''! ''')

Habiendo perdido el escudo de aire que protegía a la ciudad, los humanos ni siquiera eran capaces de respirar aire.

Junto a ella, Harley dijo con voz ansiosa: "Nina......"

"No te preocupes. Todavía no hemos sido encontrados"

Nina se dio cuenta que su voz sonaba temblorosa. No pudo hacer otra cosa que querer mojarse los labios, pero ella se trago el sonido de ese movimiento, miro decididamente a los atacantes que surcaban el cielo por encima de la ciudad.

Un frio sudor broto por su piel a pesar de que su boca estaba seca.

"Este es el mundo en el que vivimos, Harley"

Le dijo a Harley quien estaba lleno de resentimiento, pero no consiguió respuesta de su amigo de la infancia.

La casual pose voladora de los atacantes, les otorgaba un aura de realeza.

Los atacantes… eran llamados los reyes de la naturaleza, las "Criaturas contaminadas". Volaban bajo, lentamente entre los edificios.

"Ahora", alguien grito estridentemente.

El conductor arranco la maquina.

Las multi-piernas se elevaron, y levantaron el cuerpo del autobús.

El campo de visión de Nina se volvió más alto, y después el autobús comenzó a moverse como si estuviera saltando.

Era mejor dejar esta ciudad. El autobús continúo su camino.

Nina observo a la ciudad alejarse.

Después de que hubieran puesto distancia entre la ciudad, Harley suspiro aliviado, "Ahora estamos bien".

En la atmosfera de relajación, Nina juntó sus puños fuertemente y dijo,"....somos demasiado débiles."

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Al borde de de la ciudad, el sonido de unos pies enormes pisoteando el piso sacudían los oídos.

Las pisadas de la ciudad ahogaban los demás sonidos, incluyendo el furioso rugir del viento.

"¿Vas a continuar con esto?"

Así que la se veían obligados a hablar en voz alta.

La muchacha hablo fuertemente al muchacho en la estación del autobús errante en la ciudad. Un viento fuerte engancho su cabello dorado. De azules y claras pupilas, su mirada se poso directamente en el chico. La cara de ella, que parecía mas joven de lo que en realidad era, estaba llena de desaprobación e inquietud. Observo con la mirada fija, al chico parado en la estación del autobús.

Pareciendo preocupado, el chico continuo mirando de un lado a otro entre la chica y el autobús esperando para salir. Una cadena mantenía encadenadas las largas multi-piernas del autobús que estaban plegadas y dobladas. El cuerpo del autobús se mecía junto con el movimiento de la ciudad, revotando contra los cojinetes acolchados. Como no era una broma cuando la ciudad se movía, el conductor y todos los pasajeros sólo podían esperar en la pequeña sala de espera. Este tipo de autobús estaba hecho para aguantar el movimiento de arriba a abajo, pero no podía parar de mecerse de izquierda a derecha.

"Layfon!"

El único pasajero con aún no estaba en el área de espera -Layfon, hecho un vistazo al autobús.

Tenía el cabello de color te y los ojos de color azul. Una cierta expresión, asociada con la maduración de la adolescencia, se reflejaba en su cara, acompañada de una sonrisa sin fuerza.

"Aun así, no puedo permanecer mas aquí, Leerin"

Layfon no alzó su voz, así que Leerin se acerco un paso. Incluso con sus ojos expresivos frente a él, Layfon no pudo sentir, el aire atractivo del sexo opuesto proveniente de su amiga de la infancia.

"¡Pero no tenias por que elegir una escuela tan lejos!"

"Inclusive aquí..." De nuevo, el sonido de la ciudad moviéndose ahogo su voz. Un fuerte viento paso por ellos. Layfon puso una mano en el hombro de Leerin, para evitar que se moviera.

"No es algo que pueda ser evitado. El único lugar en el que pude obtener una beca fue en Zuellni. Y el dinero del orfanato no puede ser gastado en mi, ¿o sí?"

"¿Pero tenias que forzarte a elegir un lugar tan lejano? Hay otros lugares cercanos a los que pudiste haber asistido. Si tratas el examen para la beca el próximo año, seguramente encontraras una mejor escuela, que además este cerca, ¿verdad? así te puedes quedar aquí, conmigo..."

Sin importar que palabras siguieran, nada podía cambiar la determinación de Layfon. Para enfatizar ese punto, agito su cabeza lentamente.

"No puedo evitar irme"

Leerin sostuvo su aliento. El no pudo soportar ver tal sufrimiento en sus ojos claros, así que movió su mirada a su mano posada en el hombro de ella. Era una mano como la de un hombre viejo, dura y áspera.

"Lo he decidido y no voy a cambiar de parecer. Nadie lo querría, ni siquiera yo mismo. Su majestad quiere que experimente el mundo exterior. Además, ella no desea mi presencia aquí."

"Yo la deseo!!!"

Esta vez, las palabras poderosas y persuasivas de Leerin, fueron las que causaron que Layfon fuera el que sostuviera su aliento.

"La luz es mi deseo. ¿Es que eso no es suficiente?"

Para Layfon, la mirada llorosa y las palabras de Leerin era demasiado astutas ('''! '''). Trató de encontrar palabras para sobrellevar la situación, pero no pudo encontrar ninguna. Sintió el dolor, presionándolo para expresar sus sentimientos.

Los labios de Layfon temblaron, así como los de Leerin.

Ambos trataban de encontrar palabras que decir.

Al final, se dieron cuenta que las palabras de consuelo ('''! ''') no existían. Sin importar quien quisiera que Layfon se quedara, nada podría cambiar el hecho de su partida. Ni siquiera Layfon mismo tenía intensiones de quedarse, así que nadie sería capaz de evitar el desenlace.

Era imposible no herir a Leerin y hacerla estar de acuerdo con él.

Un silbato sonó, estridentemente detrás de él.

Como desgarrándolos, el simple sonido del silbato traspaso entre el sonido de las pisadas de la ciudad y ese furioso gruñido del viento, e hizo eco en la estación de autobús.

Era el aviso de que el autobús estaba a punto de partir.

El chofer, habiendo sonado el silbato, entro al autobús. Prendió el motor. Una vibración diferente a la de la ciudad lleno los alrededores y sacudió el cuerpo del autobús. Los pasajeros en el área de espera tomaron su equipaje y se dirigieron hacia el vehículo.

Los labios de Layfon dejaron de temblar. Quito la mano del hombro de Leerin para tomar el equipaje, junto a sus pies.
Eso era lo único que poseía en ese momento. Sus otras pertenencias habían sido dadas a los niños del orfanato o sencillamente tiradas a la basura.

"Debo irme", dijo Layfon a, la ya con ojos rojos, Leerin. Como sintiendo esto fuera verdad que ella no podía cambiar('''! '''), el temblor de Leerin tambien termino.

Ella le miro con los ojos enrojecidos.

"Ya que la decisión ha sido tomada, quiero empezar una nueva. No puedo regresar al orfanato o al lado de su majestad. Esta es la consecuencia de mis acciones. Y me hare responsable por ellas sin importar cuanto tenga que pagar. Pero nadie quiere eso, ellos solo quieren que desaparezca. Pero inclusive así, las cosas no pueden ser resueltas con mi partida...."

El no pudo continuar con sus palabras. No quería decir tonterías, aun así, aunque fuera a decir la verdad solo sonaría como una excusa. Se odiaba a sí mismo por actuar de esa manera.

"Realmente, ni siquiera yo he fijado mis propósitos"

Añadió débilmente, "Aunque quisiera empezar de nuevo en varias áreas....."

"¡Basta!" Leerin le interrumpió fríamente. Layfon se aferro a su equipaje, sin atreverse a mirarla.

El conductor soplo su silbato de nuevo. El tiempo de partir se acercaba.

"Ya me voy" ('''! ''')

Abatido, le dio la espalda a Leerin.

"Espera!"

La pequeña voz le detuvo.

Lo siguiente que paso fue un simple y breve momento.

Leerin tomo a Layfon de su hombro y lo obligo a darse la vuelta, su cara estaba muy cerca a la suya.

Fue solo un momento en el que éstas se traslaparon.

La brusca pero suave presión domino a Layfon.

En ese veloz momento mientras él estaba entumecido y alucinando, Leerin se separo. Su sonrisa era rígida, pero esa significativa expresión de haber jugado una broma le era bastante familiar a él.

"Sin embargo debes mandar cartas. No creo que todos quieran que te vayas", dijo ella, y salió corriendo.

Mirando su figura pasar volando en un revuelo de faldas, Layfon se dio cuenta por que se sentía tan extraño.

(A ya veo... es porque trae puesta una falda....)

A la alegre Leerin no le gusta usar falda, pero ella uso una hoy.

Y además estaba esa dulce y suave sensación de ese veloz momento que permanecía en sus labios. Como si sintiera cierta calidez en ellos, el se toco los labios con su dedo.

(Tan ingenuo)

Se dijo mientras se burlaba de sí mismo, rápidamente fue hacia el autobús.

Escribiré en cuanto llegue.

Si. El se había decidido.

El autobús encendió. Deseando dar un último vistazo de la escena, Layfon se sentó en la última fila, observando la ciudad en la que siempre había vivido hasta ahora.

<center>◇</center>

Las Regios podían ser vistas en cualquier parte del mundo. La existencia de estas ciudades era tan natural como respirar aire.

Numerosos edificios fueron construidos en una superficie parecida a una mesa, extendiéndose y reduciéndose en altura, desde el centro donde se encontraba la estructura más alta de todas. Localizada debajo de la meza estaban las piernas. Enormes piernas metálicas alineadas por debajo de la meza. Caminando con precisión, esas piernas se movían juntas como si trataran de llevar a la ciudad lo más lejos posible del autobús.

Layfon observo al edificio, tipo torre, más alto en el medio de la ciudad.

La enorme bandera posada en el pico del edificio sufría la presión del viento. En una cara había un dragón con el cuerpo de un león. Parecía que estaba rompiendo una espada con sus dientes pero la espada era implacable.

La bandera con ese emblema ondeaba en la superficie, danzando una salvaje danza con el viento.

Layfon miro la enorme bandera, preguntándose acerca de lo que le escribiría a Leerin en la primera línea de su carta.

Chrome Shelled Regios ~ (Spanish)

2009-04-22T22:38:06Z

Finix of Fire: New page: Cover for Vol 1 Las series de ''Chrome Shelled Regios'' están también disponibles en: *English (Inglés) Pagina de proyecto e...

[[Image:CSR.jpg|300px|thumb|Cover for Vol 1]]

Las series de ''Chrome Shelled Regios'' están también disponibles en:
*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios|English (Inglés)]]

Pagina de proyecto en Español de "Chrome Shelled Regios".

==Sinopsis==

Regios were moving cities, sheltering humanity on the barren and polluted earth that was populated by filth monsters. Tired of fighting monsters and for particular reason not yet revealed, Layfon left his home city to arrive at Zuellni, a city which excelled in the academics and was operated by students alone. Full of expectation of living a normal life, he was tested on the first day of his arrival. Caught up in a fight that was rapidly getting out of hand, Layfon settled the commotion without anyone's help. Spotted by the Student President for his martial prowess, Layfon was forced to enter the 17th platoon.

Once again, Layfon was forced back into the world of filth monsters and defending the city he lived in. But the secrets of this world were yet to surface...

[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrome_Shelled_Regios Chrome Shelled Regios @ wikipedia]

== Traducción ==

=== [[Chrome Shelled Regios:Registration Page|Registro]] ===

Todos aquellos que deseen contribuír se les pide contactar a un supervisor de antemano.

'''Todos los traductores deben [[Chrome Shelled Regios:Registration_Page_Espa|registrar]] los capítulos en los que están trabajando.'''

===Estándares de formato===
'''Cada capitulo (después de editarse) debe seguir el formato general.'''
*[[Format_guideline|Formato general]]

==Actualizaciones==
*22 Abril, 2009 - Completado Volumen 1, Capitulo 1.
*22 Abril, 2009 - Completado Volumen 1, Prologo.
*22 Abril, 2009 - Creada la Pagina de Proyecto.

==''Chrome Shelled Regios'' series by Shūsuke Amagi==

=== Volumen 1 - Chrome Shelled Regios===
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume1 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios_%28Espa%C3%B1ol%29:Volumen1_Prologue|Prologo]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios_%28Espa%C3%B1ol%29:Volumen1_Capitulo_1|Capitulo 1 - La Escuela Comienza]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios_%28Espa%C3%B1ol%29:Volumen1_Capitulo_2|Capitulo 2 - La vida como estudiante]]
::*Chapter 3 -
::*Chapter 4 -
::*Chapter 5 -
::*Chapter 6 -
::*Epilogue
::*Author's Notes

==Miembros del Proyecto ==

*Project Administrator:
*Project Supervisor:

===Traductores===
'''ACTIVE'''
:* [[User:Finix of Fire|Finix of Fire]]

===Editores===

==Información de las Series==
* Volumen I - Chrome Shelled Regios (Marzo 25, 2006 ISBN 978-4-8291-1803-0)
* Volumen II - Chrome Shelled Regios (Mayo 25, 2006, ISBN 978-4-8291-1827-6)
* Volumen III - Chrome Shelled Regios (Julio 25, 2006, ISBN 978-4-8291-1846-7)
* Volumen IV - Chrome Shelled Regios (Octubre 25, 2006, ISBN 978-4-8291-1871-9)
* Volumen V - Chrome Shelled Regios (Enero 25, 2007, ISBN 978-4-8291-1892-4)
* Volumen VI - Chrome Shelled Regios (Mayo 25, 2007, ISBN 978-4-8291-1926-6)
* Volumen VII - Chrome Shelled Regios (Octubre 25, 2007, ISBN 978-4-8291-1967-9)
* Volumen VIII - Chrome Shelled Regios (Marzo 25, 2008, ISBN 978-4-8291-3269-2)
* Volumen IX - Chrome Shelled Regios (Junio 25, 2008, ISBN 978-4-8291-3300-2)
* Volumen X - Chrome Shelled Regios (Septiembre 25, 2008, ISBN 978-4-8291-3329-3)
* Volumen XI - Chrome Shelled Regios (Diciembre 25, 2008, ISBN 978-4-8291-3359-0)
* Volumen XII - Chrome Shelled Regios (Marzo 25, 2009, ISBN 978-4-8291-3382-8)

Chrome Shelled Regios

2009-04-22T21:59:43Z

Finix of Fire:

[[Image:CSR.jpg|300px|thumb|Cover for Vol 1]]

The ''Chrome Shelled Regios'' series is also available in the following languages:
*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios_%7EVersi%C3%B3n_Espa%C3%B1ola%7E|Español (Spanish)]]

Chrome Shelled Regios project page

==Story Synopsis==

Regios were moving cities, sheltering humanity on the barren and polluted earth that was populated by filth monsters. Tired of fighting monsters and for particular reason not yet revealed, Layfon left his home city to arrive at Zuellni, a city which excelled in the academics and was operated by students alone. Full of expectation of living a normal life, he was tested on the first day of his arrival. Caught up in a fight that was rapidly getting out of hand, Layfon settled the commotion without anyone's help. Spotted by the Student President for his martial prowess, Layfon was forced to enter the 17th platoon.

Once again, Layfon was forced back into the world of filth monsters and defending the city he lived in. But the secrets of this world were yet to surface...

[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrome_Shelled_Regios Chrome Shelled Regios @ wikipedia]

== Translation ==

=== [[Chrome Shelled Regios:Registration Page|Registration]] ===

Those who wish to contribute are asked to first notify a supervisor beforehand via the [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/index.php forum].

'''Translators please [[Chrome Shelled Regios:Registration Page|register]] for chapters they want to work on'''

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

==Updates==
*19 April, 2009 - Completed Volume 1, chapter 2.
*11 April, 2009 - Completed Volume 1, chapter 1.
*11 April, 2009 - Completed Volume 1, prologue.
*11 April, 2009 - Created project page.

==''Chrome Shelled Regios'' series by Shūsuke Amagi==

=== Volume 1 - Chrome Shelled Regios===
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume1 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume1 Prologue|Prologue]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume1 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - School begins]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume1 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Life as a student]]
::*Chapter 3 -
::*Chapter 4 -
::*Chapter 5 -
::*Chapter 6 -
::*Epilogue
::*Author's Notes

==Project Staff==

*Project Administrator:
*Project Supervisor:

===Translators===
'''ACTIVE'''
:* [[User:Blewin|Blewin]]

===Editors===

==Series Overview==
* Volume I - Chrome Shelled Regios (March 25, 2006 ISBN 978-4-8291-1803-0)
* Volume II - Chrome Shelled Regios (May 25, 2006, ISBN 978-4-8291-1827-6)
* Volume III - Chrome Shelled Regios (July 25, 2006, ISBN 978-4-8291-1846-7)
* Volume IV - Chrome Shelled Regios (October 25, 2006, ISBN 978-4-8291-1871-9)
* Volume V - Chrome Shelled Regios (January 25, 2007, ISBN 978-4-8291-1892-4)
* Volume VI - Chrome Shelled Regios (May 25, 2007, ISBN 978-4-8291-1926-6)
* Volume VII - Chrome Shelled Regios (October 25, 2007, ISBN 978-4-8291-1967-9)
* Volume VIII - Chrome Shelled Regios (March 25, 2008, ISBN 978-4-8291-3269-2)
* Volume IX - Chrome Shelled Regios (June 25, 2008, ISBN 978-4-8291-3300-2)
* Volume X - Chrome Shelled Regios (September 25, 2008, ISBN 978-4-8291-3329-3)
* Volume XI - Chrome Shelled Regios (December 25, 2008, ISBN 978-4-8291-3359-0)
* Volume XII - Chrome Shelled Regios (March 25, 2009, ISBN 978-4-8291-3382-8)

Chrome Shelled Regios

2009-04-22T21:58:37Z

Finix of Fire:

[[Image:CSR.jpg|300px|thumb|Cover for Vol 1]]

The ''Chrome Shelled Regios'' series is also available in the following languages:
*[[Zero_no_Tsukaima_%7EVersi%C3%B3n_Espa%C3%B1ola%7E|Español (Spanish)]]

Chrome Shelled Regios project page

==Story Synopsis==

Regios were moving cities, sheltering humanity on the barren and polluted earth that was populated by filth monsters. Tired of fighting monsters and for particular reason not yet revealed, Layfon left his home city to arrive at Zuellni, a city which excelled in the academics and was operated by students alone. Full of expectation of living a normal life, he was tested on the first day of his arrival. Caught up in a fight that was rapidly getting out of hand, Layfon settled the commotion without anyone's help. Spotted by the Student President for his martial prowess, Layfon was forced to enter the 17th platoon.

Once again, Layfon was forced back into the world of filth monsters and defending the city he lived in. But the secrets of this world were yet to surface...

[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrome_Shelled_Regios Chrome Shelled Regios @ wikipedia]

== Translation ==

=== [[Chrome Shelled Regios:Registration Page|Registration]] ===

Those who wish to contribute are asked to first notify a supervisor beforehand via the [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/index.php forum].

'''Translators please [[Chrome Shelled Regios:Registration Page|register]] for chapters they want to work on'''

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

==Updates==
*19 April, 2009 - Completed Volume 1, chapter 2.
*11 April, 2009 - Completed Volume 1, chapter 1.
*11 April, 2009 - Completed Volume 1, prologue.
*11 April, 2009 - Created project page.

==''Chrome Shelled Regios'' series by Shūsuke Amagi==

=== Volume 1 - Chrome Shelled Regios===
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume1 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume1 Prologue|Prologue]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume1 Chapter1|Chapter 1 - School begins]]
::*[[Chrome_Shelled_Regios:Volume1 Chapter2|Chapter 2 - Life as a student]]
::*Chapter 3 -
::*Chapter 4 -
::*Chapter 5 -
::*Chapter 6 -
::*Epilogue
::*Author's Notes

==Project Staff==

*Project Administrator:
*Project Supervisor:

===Translators===
'''ACTIVE'''
:* [[User:Blewin|Blewin]]

===Editors===

==Series Overview==
* Volume I - Chrome Shelled Regios (March 25, 2006 ISBN 978-4-8291-1803-0)
* Volume II - Chrome Shelled Regios (May 25, 2006, ISBN 978-4-8291-1827-6)
* Volume III - Chrome Shelled Regios (July 25, 2006, ISBN 978-4-8291-1846-7)
* Volume IV - Chrome Shelled Regios (October 25, 2006, ISBN 978-4-8291-1871-9)
* Volume V - Chrome Shelled Regios (January 25, 2007, ISBN 978-4-8291-1892-4)
* Volume VI - Chrome Shelled Regios (May 25, 2007, ISBN 978-4-8291-1926-6)
* Volume VII - Chrome Shelled Regios (October 25, 2007, ISBN 978-4-8291-1967-9)
* Volume VIII - Chrome Shelled Regios (March 25, 2008, ISBN 978-4-8291-3269-2)
* Volume IX - Chrome Shelled Regios (June 25, 2008, ISBN 978-4-8291-3300-2)
* Volume X - Chrome Shelled Regios (September 25, 2008, ISBN 978-4-8291-3329-3)
* Volume XI - Chrome Shelled Regios (December 25, 2008, ISBN 978-4-8291-3359-0)
* Volume XII - Chrome Shelled Regios (March 25, 2009, ISBN 978-4-8291-3382-8)

User talk:Blewin

2009-04-20T04:57:24Z

Finix of Fire: minor question

a question is it Lili or Leerin here on "To Dear Lilin Marfes. "