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Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume7 Chapter9

2014-10-03T09:33:26Z

Maqhusson: /* Chapter 9 - Pandemonium */

==Chapter 9 - Pandemonium==

===Part 1===

--A few moments after that.

Kamito and his group arrived at the historical site which the «Rupture Division» had formerly used as their stronghold.

"Is this really the place?"

"...Yeah, no mistake about it."

Faced with Ellis' doubtful question, Claire gulped a mouthful of air.

Ellis' question was not without reason. Currently, the surroundings of the ruins was filled with an ominous aura that did not match with a barrier built by an elementalist.

"It seems completely different from the last time we came here..."

Kamito stepped in as he placed a hand on «Terminus Est» at his waist.

"This is already the interior of a witch's barrier -- Be careful."

"It's almost like a spider's lair. The air is rather turbid."

Shao spat out her words.

Entering an elementalist's carefully constructed «stronghold» was like attacking a secure castle. Without sufficient superiority in combat potential, breaching the defenses would be impossible.

(Especially a «stronghold» constructed by a princess maiden skilled in ritual magic--)

Feeling an illusion as if his feet were trudging through a muddy bog, Kamito made his way forward.

The entrance of the ruins lay open like a mouth of darkness, inviting victims to an obvious trap.

"...This is exactly like the «Pandemonium» of legend."

Just as Claire muttered, in that instant--

"...Something's coming!?"

Kamito halted his steps and turned back to look up at the pitch black night sky.

Instantly, numerous magic circles appeared in the air -- the whole area was covered by crimson flashing light.

Then--

From the magic circles, a swarm of innumerable strangely shaped beings burst forth like a tide.

Gigantic eyes with several arms growing out of them. Burning skulls that cackled noisily. Amorphous amoeba that tumbled about. Giants with heads sprouting from their arms and shoulders. Spherical shadows that expanded and contracted incessantly--

"...Demon spirits!"

"We of the «Four Gods» were wiped out by these things!"

In order to protect Linfa, Shao readied her elemental waffe, the «Divine Tiger Fangs».

"But these numbers... Cannot compare to last time!"

Dozens, hundreds, thousands -- the swarm of demon spirits was increasing without bound, forming a pitch black cloud that enshrouded the entire vicinity of the ruins. Even though Sjora Kahn was known as the demon caster, summoning such an enormous number of demon spirits should be impossible. Very likely, the ancient ruins themselves functioned as some sort of summoning device.

"Freezing fangs of ice, go forth and pierce -- «Freezing Arrow»!"

Rinslet unleashed arrows of ice, striking down dozens of demon spirits in succession.

Nevertheless, this was merely a drop in the bucket. The rate of increase in numbers greatly surpassed Rinslet's efforts.

"...This is hopeless. Faced with such numbers of spirits as opponents, this will be never ending."

Claire yelled out as she swept enemies away with Flametongue.

"..."

Watching the cloud-like swarm, Kamito pondered for a while, then said:

"Hey, I've got a suggestion--"

"What?"

"Leaves these things to me. Claire and the others, why don't you go rescue Fianna?"

Slicing the demon spirit before him in half, Kamito suggested.

"...No way! Even for you, Kamito, these numbers are--"

"You'll exhaust your divine power very quickly and become unable to use your elemental waffe!"

Claire and Rinslet instantly objected.

Indeed, «Terminus Est»'s massive consumption of divine power was its one and only weakness.

--But of course, Kamito was already aware of that.

"No problem. After all, we have the great imperial princess here who is highly skilled in ritual dance performances, right?"

"Hmm, you can rely on me."

Clad in the «Kirin»'s elemental waffe of the «Seraphim Feathers», Linfa thumped her paper-thin chest confidently.

"Making use of the «stronghold»'s leylines to obtain blessings is completely effortless."

"I will be in charge of guarding Linfa-sama. Kamito, you focus on destroying these things."

Using the «Divine Tiger Fangs», Shao instantly swept away the demon spirits at the shrine entrance.

"...I understand. Then I'll leave this place to Kamito and the rest here. Let's go!"

Claire took swift action as soon as their decision was made. Nodding briefly in acknowledgement, she rushed towards the shrine entrance together with Ellis and Rinslet.

"I'm relying on you girls to rescue Fianna!"

"Yes, we will definitely bring her back!"

Kamito watched as the three disappeared into the depths of the shrine--

For just an instant, Kamito relaxed his shoulder completely.

"Very well, ''with that, I can now use her sword techniques without any reservation''--"

Licking his parched lips, Kamito grinned fearlessly.

"...Come, third rate flunkies. I will take care of you all no matter how many of you there are."

In the next instant, several hundred demon spirits rushed towards Kamito all at once.

===Part 2===

"--Evil winds, go and rampage!"

"Turn into charcoal, fireball!"

Using blades of wind released like raging waves, the swarm of demon spirits in the passage were swept clean all at once. Riding on that tornado, scorching flames of conflagration burned intensely.

Although there were still many demon spirits inside the shrine, they numbered far fewer than those outside. Exterminating the demon spirits who kept popping up like bubbles, Claire and her group continued to advance along the passageway.

"Will Kamito be fine?"

"Don't worry about that guy."

As Ellis voiced her concern, Claire shook her head.

(...That's right, that guy will never lose.)

The instant Kamito's face surfaced in her mind, Claire inexplicably found her cheeks getting boiling hot as if being burned by a fire.

Lubdub -- the beating in her chest intensified as well.

(...N-No, th-this isn't anything like that!)

Claire shook her head as if trying to deny the notion.

(D-Damn it, it's all Fianna's fault for saying something weird...)

"Claire, what's the matter?"

"N-Nothing of any importance!"

Claire brandished Flametongue and sent the demon spirits before them flying.

As the sound of their footsteps rebounded off the hard surface of the ground, the trio continued to run along the long passage that seemed to stretch to who knows where.

"...I never knew these ruins were so vast."

Would they be able to find Fianna amidst such vast premises?

Just as Claire began to worry--

Suddenly, the passage opened up to reveal a large spacious hall.

"Be careful. This could very well be a trap."

With a wave of the hand, Claire produced illumination using spirit magic.

Suddenly, a collapsed figure appeared at the depths of the great hall.

"Who is that!?"

Claire readied Flametongue with wariness, then--

"Wait... It's me!"

"...Fianna!?"

Sprawled on the ground was Fianna whose uniform was all cut and tattered.

"W-What happened to you!?"

"Are you injured?"

The trio swiftly rushed over.

Fianna lowered her gaze as if very apologetic.

"Yeah, I was able to find an opportunity to escape, but my foot--"

She displayed an expression of pain. It seemed like she had sprained one foot.

"Are you able to stand?"

"...Uh, yeah."

As Fianna reached out, Claire was just about to hold her hand when--

Suddenly, she was struck with a sense of dissonance.

(--This is wrong!)

Swiftly she withdrew her hand and leaped backwards.

In that instant, a sharp shortsword narrowly missed the top of her head by millimeters.

"...You, you're not Fianna!"

"Fufu, as befits the younger sister of the «Calamity Queen», your senses are quite sharp."

As soon as the sentence was finished, Fianna's image began to quiver like a mirage--

A beautiful girl dressed in a highly exposing outfit appeared.

"...Sjora Kahn!"

Yelling out shrilly, Claire struck out with Flametongue.

Intensely burning crimson flames attacked the witch--

"Ara, what an impatient little lady. Come forth -- demon spirit «Baldanders»!"

"...!?"

From Sjora's shadow, out crept a thin and faceless humanoid.

The humanoid spread its arms to protect its contractor--

Immediately, it was unceremoniously sent flying by Flametongue.

"...Eh?"

Claire paused with disappointment, for she originally expected her attack to be blocked, .

Striking the wall of rock, the humanoid lay tilted and powerless like a puppet. Scorched by the crimson flames, its outer skin that resembled black metal was melting. It struggled desperately, trying to escape from the fire, but--

"Freezing fangs of ice, go forth and pierce -- «Freezing Arrow»!"

Numerous freezing arrows rained down from above, shattering its arm.

(...This thing is the «Demon Caster»'s contracted spirit?)

--Regardless, it was way too weak.

(This seems rather suspicious instead...)

"You think you can defeat us alone?"

"Fufu, the true value of «Baldanders» lies not in brute force but in its other abilities--"

While dodging Rinslet's arrows of ice, the witch recited words for a contracted spirit's releasing.

"--Thou, weakest of the weak and strongest of the strong, heed my command and hereby take form!"

"...I won't let you succeed!"

With a flying leap, Ellis made a thrust using «Ray Hawk» but ended up being a step late.

A pure white mask appeared in the witch's hand.

"Elemental waffe -- «Proteus Masques»."

In the blink of an eye, Sjora's red lips twisted as the image of her figure distorted like a mirage.

Then--

"...!?"

Claire, Rinslet and Ellis gasped at the same time.

Over there was--

With gorgeous black hair and mysterious jet black eyes -- a beautiful girl.

She was dressed in an exotic foreign outfit that had a relatively long lower hem and resembled ritual attire.

In her left hand, she wielded a demon sword of darkness that emanated an aura of disaster.

"How on earth..."

The winner of the Blade Dance festival three years earlier.

--The «Strongest Blade Dancer», Ren Ashbell, was now standing present.

===Part 3===

"Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

The «Demon Slayer» traced out an arc wiping out swarms of demon spirits.

Faced with the onslaught of the abnormally shaped beings, Kamito chopped, slashed and sliced nonstop.

"...Th-That guy, is he really human?"

Watching the blade dance that seemed like it was performed by a fierce god, Linfa's eyes widened as she carried out her ritual dancing.

Ten-odd minutes had passed since the blade dance began -- Terminus Est's light remained bright without waning.

The magic circle drawn on the ground was providing Kamito with power continuously through the «Leylines».

"--That said, given such numbers, it's still quite tiring."

Kamito smiled wryly as he chopped down several demon spirits.

Although he had already defeated hundreds of these demon spirits, the swarm showed no signs of reducing in size.

(I really don't know if my stamina can last until Claire and the girls return...)

At this moment, sensing the presence of an enemy attacking from behind, Kamito turned around and slashed--

However, the slash simply cut through empty space.

"What!?"

In that instant, jet black lightning had been released, reducing the demon spirit to charcoal.

(Did Shao cover me? No, the spirit magic just now was--)

Suddenly, a jet black feather floated down before the tip of Kamito's nose.

"You seem to have your hands full, Kamito. Would you like my assistance?"

The lovely voice reaching his ears stirred him from his very core.

Black hair fluttered in the wind, seeming as if woven from the very night itself.

Twirling the dress of darkness, touching down lightly on the ground was the black-winged angel.

"Restia..."

"Good evening, Kamito."

Seeing Kamito rendered speechless, the darkness spirit girl smiled with a chuckle.

"Finally, my power has recovered to the point where it allows me to assume this appearance. Although I'm far from peak condition, I do have more than enough strength to play with some low level spirits."

"...You really intend to help?"

"Yes. These kinds of fodder won't help your awakening no matter how many you defeat. Let me take this opportunity to play for a bit."

Restia released jet black lightning from her fingertips, turning multiple demon spirits into charcoal.

"You're not going to transform into my sword?"

Kamito joked to his past partner--

"Ara, my jealousy runs deep, you know? Please first rescind your contract with that sacred sword, then we'll talk."

"--Sorry, that really cannot be helped."

"...Fool."

Restia pouted as if sulking and glared at the demon spirits before her, taking out her wrath upon them.

"O black blade of darkness, capable of crushing the scales of dragons, annihilate mine enemies -- «Arc Blast»."

Instantly, numerous flashes of lightning descended from the sky, wiping out all the demon spirits in the area.

"Y-You, still merciless as ever..."

As Kamito's faced twitched, Restia turned around to face him again.

"Hey, you must be listening, right? --Miss Legendary Sacred Sword?"

Restia spoke provocatively.

At this moment, the «Demon Slayer» in Kamito's hand shone with dazzling light.

It was as if it was acting defiantly in response to Restia.

"Why don't we have a contest? Let's see who can ultimately defeat more enemies, you or I?"

The silver-white sword in Kamito's hand shone with even greater brightness.

===Part 4===

--From afar, the faint noise of weapons in action could be heard.

(Kamito-kun and the rest are fighting...)

Chained and restrained, Fianna bit her lip hard.

With the power of the spirit contract sealed away, she was nothing but a weak and powerless girl.

Simply an imprisoned princess waiting to be rescued by her prince.

(I hate this...!)

As she struggled desperately, the metal restraints dug deeper into her wrists.

If she simply shattered her own «Magic Stone», she should be able to spare her teammates from trouble. But with her wrists restrained currently, she could not even do that.

(No, but even if I can return to their side, I am still--)

Perhaps she would end up burdening them instead of helping. Such worries seethed in her mind.

At this moment, suddenly -- the rigid impact of boots resounded within the cave.

"...Who is it?"

Fianna asked towards the darkness.

It could not be Sjora. The witch should still be busy intercepting Kamito and the rest.

Suddenly, a small flame was lit in the darkness.

Illuminated by that flickering light was a scarlet mask.

"...Ren Ashbell!?"

Fianna stared with wide-eyed amazement as the masked girl approached silently.

"What do you intend--"

"Don't move. Unless you want your wrists to become charcoal."

Whispering softly, she then touched the handcuffs with her fiery hand.

The shackles which sealed away the power of spirit contracts easily melted and fell to the ground.

"Why... do this...?"

"You are a key part of my «Plan». I cannot let the witch have you."

Leaving those words behind, the masked girl prepared to turn around and leave.

However.

"Wait... Hold on and wait, Ren Ashbell!"

Stumbling around, Fianna grabbed her hand desperately.

--I can't let her leave just like that.

It was imperative to ask what she intended to do to Kamito.

Fianna stared at the scarlet mask whose gaze bore down coldly upon her.

"Sjora Kahn said that Kamito-kun is the «Demon King's successor» and that Claire and I are the «Darkness Queen» candidates?"

"..."

"What are your intentions for Kamito-kun?"

"The witch spoke too much huh--"

A whisper of annoyance escaped from the dark side of the mask.

"Don't screw around... Kamito-kun is not a tool for you people to use!"

"Kazehaya Kamito is my trump card. --For the impending war."

"What on earth...?"

"You are currently unqualified to be privy to the matter. «Lost Queen»."

In the next instant, Fianna found herself suspended in midair.

Still grabbing onto Ren Ashbell's arm, Fianna was thrown onto the hard stone surface of the ground.

"...Guh, ah...!"

Intense pain erupted as if all her bones had shattered. Nevertheless, Fianna still did not let go of her arm.

"Hoh?"

"...I won't let you leave... Until you explain fully about Kamito-kun!"

Her voice trembled. Fianna could feel her heart beating intensely from the frighteningly oppressive presence emanating from Ren Ashbell.

Even so, she still resolved to never let go of that arm no matter what.

"You haven't changed at all from back then."

"...Eh?"

Ren Ashbell's voice changed.

--No longer completely indifferent, slight annoyance had crept into her tone of voice.

"Nonsensical words from the powerless only serve to disgust others."

Pulled by the arm's frightening strength, Fianna was slammed hard against the ground repeatedly.

However, despite her fading consciousness, Fianna still did not let go.

"I understand... In the past, you also failed to protect certain things."

"...What?"

"Unable to protect something precious, you fell into despair!"

Fianna screamed as she panted.

--Four years ago. That particular day when the great shrine of the «Fire Elemental Lord» had been plunged into flames of conflagration.

Fianna had been powerless to stop that particular person she revered and held dear.

Struck down with mental trauma from the fear, Fianna even became disqualified from being an elementalist.

"Indeed. Powerless one, you were unable to protect anything--!"

Intensely burning flames erupted from Ren Ashbell's arm.

The surging wave of hot wind blew Fianna away forcibly, sending her flying into a wall of rock.

"Yah... Ah...!"

"--Back then, I must have warned you. ''Do not appear before me ever again''."

"What...?"

Barely hanging onto her consciousness, Fianna suddenly realized.

The scene from that particular day was vividly replayed in her mind.

'Fianna Ray Ordesia -- Do not appear before me ever again.'

Fianna also remembered how the traitorous «Queen» had made her declaration amidst burning flames of conflagration.

"Impossible... You! Could you actually be her!?"

"--Just like four years ago. You cannot stop me."

From the inner side of the crimson mask, blazing eyes akin to burning flames stared right through Fianna.

These were ruby-red eyes identical to those of Claire Rouge.

Then this girl's true identity must be--

"...I am finding more and more reasons I can't let you leave."

Fianna stood up with staggering steps.

"Claire... She came here precisely for the sake of meeting you!"

"..."

Silence. However--

Even though it was impossible to see her expression behind the mask, Fianna could still notice her overwhelming imposing presence waver.

Pressing down on the throbbing pain of her arm, Fianna stepped forward, one step at at time.

"I am no longer the same as four years ago. Because--"

I now have comrades fighting courageously alongside me. I now have reasons I cannot back down no matter what.

If I retreat now, I will probably return to being that «Lost Queen», most likely.

"I have no wish to repeat my regrets from back then."

Fianna sternly stood before Ren Ashbell.

"Nonsensical. Well then, I shall make you remember again. The flames that brought you to despair on that day."

The wind quivered, bringing a wave of heat. Rumbling and swirling flames were generated in her hand.

This was Claire's specialty of flame type spirit magic -- «Fireball».

However, its size and temperature completely dwarfed Claire's level.

"...!?"

Fianna's entire body broke out in cold sweat.

Her legs became immobile. However, she could not retreat. Absolutely unacceptable.

"Regret your powerlessness, «Lost Queen»!"

Crimson flames with the ability to incinerate everything were released.

Fianna closed her eyes as she recalled the image of that girl in her mind.

--Three years ago, the image of the «Strongest Blade Dancer» who gave her courage when she had lost everything.

These flames could not be blocked using defensive magic. Even a knight spirit's armor would probably melt in their heat.

Even so, she had no choice left but to try her luck -- Let's take a gamble.

"Thou shalt be my sword, thou shalt be my shield, with unlimited towering light, purify and exorcise those belonging to darkness--!"

As if trying to block the incoming flames, Fianna stretched out her arms and recited the words for summoning.

Amidst the darkness enshrouding the great hall, a flash of light beyond comparison burst forth.

The exploding barrier of light scattered the flames and momentarily pushed back Ren Ashbell's body.

"Success, finally...?"

Unbelievable -- With such an expression, Fianna panted as she whispered.

Gripped in her hands was a beautiful rapier that gave off dazzling light.

Fianna had already made substantial progress in training her elemental waffe's release.

The incident four years ago was what caused her to become the «Lost Queen».

In the depths of her heart, it was a traumatic scar that seemed as if it had been smoked by scorching flames.

Now, having completely resolved herself, Fianna was finally able to unleash the true power of her contracted spirit.

"As a princess maiden of the «Divine Ritual Institute», you have manifested your «Elemental Waffe» huh--"

Ren Ashbell's voice was filled with amazement and admiration.

"--I see. I shall take back what I just said... Guh!?"

Suddenly, she collapsed on her knees as she pressed one hand against her heart.

"...Eh?"

"...Time's up, I see. This contemptible body."

Panting painfully, she stood up and made her way towards the depths of the darkness--

"W-Wait up!"

Fianna instantly tried to pursue but was blocked by the intense flames burning before her.

She only halted her steps for but an instant. --Nevertheless, as soon as the flames vanished, Ren Ashbell's figure was gone.

"...My senior. Why do you..."

Just as Fianna stood there in shock, murmuring.

She could hear acute noises of battle coming from afar.

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Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume7 Chapter7

2014-10-03T08:35:24Z

Maqhusson: /* Chapter 7 - The Witch's Strategy */

==Chapter 7 - The Witch's Strategy==

===Part 1===

"Man, what rotten luck..."

After suffering from Rinslet's frozen treatment, Kamito was preparing to return to the tent.

"...Eh?"

Just by chance, he happened to spot Claire exiting the forest.

Her hair, styled into twintails, were standing on end like a blazing fire. Behind her, Scarlet was chasing its master as if trying to keep her master's mood under observation.

(...Well, the fact that she's in a bad mood is easy enough to understand.)

Smiling wryly, Kamito approached Claire.

"Hey, Claire--"

"Uwah, K-Kamito!?"

Turning her head back in response, Claire blushed and screamed as soon as she saw Kamito's face.

"W-What? Stop scaring me!"

"What do you mean? It was just a normal greeting."

"Sh-Shut up, I-I don't feel that way about you--"

Blushing to her ears, Claire suddenly turned her face away.

(...What's going on?)

...Although Kamito was not quite sure what was going on, Claire behaving strangely was nothing new anyway.

"How's Fianna's condition?"

"Hmph, how would I know? That perverted princess whatever."

"Did you quarrel again?"

"..."

Claire pouted, her face still turned away.

Kamito sighed helplessly... Oh well, these two girls quarreling was nothing new either.

The two continued walking side by side for a while--

"Hey, Kamito..."

Claire suddenly spoke up.

"What?"

"This morning when we engaged the «Four Gods» in blade dance, you were using ''her'' sword skills again, right?"

"...What, you're repeating the same subject from yesterday again?"

Despite his shock and surprise, Kamito continued to retort defiantly.

...Clearly her suspicions have not been dispelled completely.

"I'm not talking about that. Otherwise, we'd end up arguing all over again."

"It's nothing serious anyway."

Kamito replied calmly.

"Seeing what happened during that blade dance, it got me wondering. Is it possible that we have become your shackles? Perhaps you'd be able to perform at full capability if you fought alone, like Ren Ashbell, the «Strongest Blade Dancer» three years ago. Stuff like that."

"..."

Claire's eyes were serious.

Kamito could not figure out exactly why she was asking about this.

Most probably, it was a subject brought up during her quarrel with Fianna just now.

Yesterday, Fianna had also agonized over the same issue.

"I--"

Just as he was about to say something, Kamito hesitated.

What he needed to say were not words of comfort.

Hence, he had to consider carefully before he came up with words to say.

(My past self would definitely give a different answer compared to now...)

In the past, Kamito undoubtedly pursued power as an individual.

Back then, he had thought of it as only logical. After all, having people that required protection would cause one to be weak.

Only by eliminating the need to protect anyone or anything would a person brave enough to lay down his own life become the most powerful. That was what was taught at that insane facility.

However, things were different now.

(Precisely because of my comrades fighting by my side have I been able to become this strong.)

This was something he discovered for the first time only after enrolling in the Academy and meeting Claire and the girls.

Even the darkness spirit who had taught Kamito everything he knew had not succeeded in achieving this.

Raising his bowed head, Kamito spoke up.

"The existence of teammates have made me stronger. This is my entire power now. If I were alone, I definitely could not have defeated that «Nepenthes Lore»."

This was neither a lie nor modesty but his sincere feelings.

"Kamito..."

Claire clenched her fists tightly before her chest.

Those bright clear eyes of hers, resembling flawless rubies, seemed mildly moistened... Apparently.

"I-It feels kind of embarrassing, this way..."

"Y-Yeah..."

Who knew who started it, but the two of the them started avoiding eye contact.

"...But anyway, thanks."

"What's the matter, for you to be so honest for once?"

"Sh-Shut up and turn into charcoal!"

With just some slight teasing, Claire was back to form.

(...Oh well, that's the way it should be.)

Kamito smiled wryly to himself.

"Hmm, what are you two doing over there!?"

Suddenly, Ellis arrived from the air via «Flight» magic.

Landing on the ground with a thud, she rapidly made a thrust with her sword towards Kamito's neck.

"Kamito, what sort of outrageous act did you commit again?"

"What the heck are you talking about? I never do anything like that!"

"Th-That's right. I-Indecency, nothing of that sort was being done!"

"What, to think you would mention indecency?"

"Claire, saying something like that while blushing would only cause misunderstandings!"

Hearing Kamito's snide remark, Claire awkwardly turned away from Ellis.

"By the way, Ellis, did something happen on your watch?"

Kamito did not think the serious and hardworking captain of the knights would simply cast her duties aside.

...Something must have happened.

"Ah yes, just now a wind spirit reported--"

Ellis switched to a serious expression and waved to summon a petite spirit in her service.

It was a translucent spirit shaped like a butterfly.

"Apparently, Her Highness the imperial princess has exited the «Barrier»."

"Fianna?"

"What did you say!?"

Kamito and Claire cried out in surprise simultaneously.

The forest at night was extremely dangerous. Fianna should know that very well.

"Why would this happen..."

Halfway through her question, Claire suddenly opened her eyes wide.

"Could it be because she quarreled with me...?"

"No, Fianna wouldn't act like that... It's not like she's you, Claire."

"Wh-What the heck!?"

Kamito decided to ignore Claire's pouting.

"But what is going on? Entering the forest alone is really--"

"...Apparently she did not go alone."

"Huh?"

"Apparently, Her Highness the imperial princess went out into the night forest together with Kamito."

"......"

This statement brought forth a lengthy silence.

"......Huh?"

"L-Like I said, Her Highness the imperial princess was together with Kamito!"

Ellis glared sharply at Kamito as she screamed.

"Kamito, y-you..."

Rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble...!

Claire's crimson hair blazed like a great fire.

Kamito felt like there was some kind of bizarre misunderstanding -- or more accurately, he had been framed.

"W-Wait a minute, don't you find this is too weird!?"

Kamito frantically protested.

"Until just earlier, I was helping Rinslet with the dishes."

"...Hmm, that's true now that you mention it. I only parted ways with Fianna just a short while earlier."

"Then the Kamito that the wind spirit saw was..."

Realizing the strangeness of the situation, the two girls puzzled with their heads tilted.

"--Say, if this is really true, then this is a very serious situation, yes?"

"...Indeed, this is even worse than if she went out alone."

Nodding, Claire pondered with her hand supporting her chin.

"If that is the case, then someone disguised as Kamito had taken Fianna outside the barrier. Due to bearing Kamito's appearance, the spirits on watch did not react."

"In other words, Her Highness the imperial princess was kidnapped? But even if appearances were altered using spirit magic I do not think it is possible to neutralize the «Barrier»'s alarm."

"In principle, yes, but do remember this is the «Blade Dance» where elite elementalists gather from various countries. It won't be surprising even if there are magic users who can emulate appearances and even trick spirits."

"Even so, why would Fianna be singled out..."

Kamito muttered in deep thought.

--Complely incomprehensible, why she would be kidnapped.

Supposing «Magic Stones» were the aim, then hers could have been taken on the spot. Kamito had also thought of the other possibility of her being taken hostage as a bargaining chip, however--

(...That's too improbable. After all, the risk is too high.)

The «Blade Dance» was not a pure combat festival but a ritual ceremony for making offerings to the Elemental Lords.

If someone were to use despicable methods equivalent to defiling this fundamental principle, not only would they be condemned by all the spectating countries, they would even bring about the Elemental Lords' displeasure depending on the situation.

In actual fact, in the history of past «Blade Dance» festivals, there did exist cases when teams obtained victory through underhanded means, thereby bringing calamity upon their home countries.

"Anyway, let's go search for her! And call Rinslet too."

"Yeah."

Leaving Claire to find Rinslet, Kamito went to the tent to pick up Est.

Entering inside, Kamito found Est sleepiing soundly on Kamito's bed.

"...Bean curd, bean curd~"

...Looks like she's having quite a wonderful dream.

It felt quite a shame to rouse her awake right now.

"Est, I'm sorry, it's time to get up."

"...Huah, Kamito, are we going out?"

Dressed in western style pajamas and still in a dreamy haze, Est rubbed her sleepy eyes and woke up.

"Yeah. Est, your power is essential."

Seeing Kamito nodding, Est woke up completely.

Without asking anything, she lightly held Kamito's hand.

"--I am your sword. Your will be done."

Est's cute body was enveloped by particles of light as she took on the form of a sacred sword in Kamito's hand.

"...Thanks, Est."

"Kamito, everyone has gathered. Are you ready?"

Claire and the girls had converged before the tent.

"I've heard what happened already. Leave the tracking to Fenrir."

By Rinslet's side, the white wolf howled.

"...Next, I think it's better if we split into two teams."

"Good idea. Then Rinslet and I will search the west side while Kamito and Ellis take the east. Violent spirits roam the forest at night, so be careful."

Claire gave clear and concise orders like a team commander. Combining Ellis' excellent tracking skills and Kamito's specialization in covert operations on one hand. Teaming up Claire and Rinslet together, on the other hand, offered substantial tracking ability from both members as well as excellent coordinated offensive capability. In this manner, Team Scarlet was split into relatively balanced sub teams.

Kamito nodded and began to sprint with Ellis through the night forest.

===Part 2===

...Drip.

Fianna woke and opened her eyes as result of the icy cold sensation of falling water droplets.

"Hmm, this place... is...?"

Still in a hazy state of consciousness, she swept her gaze back and forth across her surroundings.

This was a space enclosed by sturdy walls of rock. It seemed to be a natural cave.

Massive spirit crystals were arranged all around. The cave was illuminated by dim light.

"Why am I in a place like this..."

Fianna felt her head hurting sharply. Only when she tried to move her body did she notice.

Her hands could not move away from the wall of rock.

Fianna looked up in surprise to find her hands cuffed by metal shackles, pinned securely to the rock face.

"...Wait, what on earth is going on!?"

She struggled hard but achieved nothing except for ear-splitting noise from the shackles.

"R-Right, all I need to do is summon «Georgios»..."

Thinking that, she began to summon her knight spirit.

As the spirit seal on her chest shone with light, a magic circle's glow appeared by her feet--

"--Eh?"

But the magic circle suddenly disappeared.

As a sense of total exhaustion filled her body, the summoning «Gate» also closed.

"Why...?"

"Fufu, you have awakened, Your Highness the imperial princess."

Suddenly a voice was heard in the darkness.

"...!?"

"Although unfortunate, summoning your contracted spirit is indeed impossible. Because a sealing barrier has been erected in this place."

"You are..."

Appearing out of the darkness was the girl who had transformed herself into Kamito's form.

"Second-in-command of «Team Inferno» representing the Alphas Theocracy -- Sjora Kahn."

"Sjora..."

The elementalist who had sent out her familiar into Team Scarlet's barrier yesterday.

...Clearly, Fianna had become her captive.

"...!"

Fianna bit her lip hard.

(I became a burden to my teammates again...)

As Fianna's lower jaw shook out of chagrin, Sjora lifted it lightly.
[[image:STnBD V07 173.JPG|thumb]]

"Fufu, what a great expression. It excites me so."

"...How regrettable, I have no value as a hostage. Sjora Kahn."

As tears appeared in her dusk-colored eyes, Fianna resolutely glared back at Sjora.

"Ara, then you are surely selling yourself short. As the «Calamity Queen»'s successor, you were chosen as the Flame Queen candidate."

Sjora jeered as if greatly amused as she drew her face near Fianna's ear.

"Be proud of yourself. You are the top candidate for the «Darkness Queen» who will be serving the Demon King, you know?"

"...Darkness... Queen...?"

The unfamiliar term caused Fianna to frown.

...It was an ominous sound which was sufficient to cause one to feel revulsion instinctively.

"Yes, Kazehaya Kamito -- the Demon King's successor awakened in this world. And then there is the «Darkness Queen» in charge of controlling him. Although little miss hell cat is also qualified as a candidate, ''that woman'' seems to prefer choosing you."

"...Kamito-kun is the Demon King's successor?"

"That's right. The savior our great Hierarch has been awaiting for over a thousand years."

--What on earth was she talking about? Fianna could not comprehend at all.

Even so, her instincts as a princess maiden alerted her that these were not simply delusional dreams.

(...Hell cat, that refers to Claire, right?)

"Hey, imperial princess. For the sake of our great Hierarch, I will bring the «Demon King» under my control. Neither that woman's, nor the darkness spirit's. Hence--"

With a rapturous expression, Sjora's tongue crept over Fianna's neck.

"...Yah!"

"...Whether your mind or your body, let them all become mine."

Sjora Kahn's fingertip slid across Fianna's neck to touch her forehead.

Instantly, Fianna felt her consciousness being eroded with a sense of being completely overwritten.

"...Ah... Ahhhhhhhhhh!"

If this continued, most likely she would be completely dominated from the core depths of her mind--

Hastily, Fianna severed her consciousness by her own willpower.

After all, training to protect one's mind was a required subject for all princess maidens at the «Divine Ritual Institute».

"Eh, as befitted the original Queen candidate. I knew it wouldn't be that easy to succeed."

Sjora distorted her lips cruelly as she muttered.

"--However, how long can you endure?"

===Part 3===

--Kamito and his teammates soon left the «stronghold» to search the forest.

The one who took Fianna away had not left behind any trails resembling footprints.

Tracking had to be left to wind spirits that served Ellis.

Ellis was currently conversing with a flock of butterfly-shaped spirits that had gathered on tree branches. Listening to the voices of wind spirits could be said to be her special skill.

Finally, Ellis stood up and walked towards Kamito.

"How is it?"

"Looks like no spirits in this area had seen those two."

"...Is that so? Then they probably didn't come here."

"However, given a skilled elementalist, deceiving the eyes of spirits is nothing difficult. If that is really what happened, what we should do is track down the traces left behind by the usage of spirit magic but that is beyond the domain of wind spirits. My apologies."

"There's no need for you to apologize, Ellis. Speaking of which, I'm the one who can't do anything here."

Kamito shook ahead and disagreed with Ellis who was disheartened by her own excessive seriousness.

"But we are definitely out of ideas. Perhaps we should contact Claire and Rinslet on the west side."

"Hmm, that is true."

--Just at this moment.

Kamito suddenly sensed a presence.

"--Ellis, lie down now."

"...!?"

Taking Ellis' hand, Kamito pushed her against the ground.

"Wha... K-Kamito, this is not the time...!"

"Q-Quiet!"

"Oh no... B-But, th-the first time really should be done on the bed..."

Ignoring Ellis who mumbled with her face all red, Kamito focused his attention on observing the surrounding presences.

(...This is not a spirit but the presence of an elementalist.)

While erasing his own presence, Kamito placed his hand on the «Demon Slayer».

Kamito's serious expression made Ellis stop talking.

The presence could be sensed across the thicket and was approaching them.

Most likely, the other party had already noticed Kamito and Ellis.

Was this just an opposing team patrolling at night? If possible, Kamito hoped that they could leave each other alone, but the other party seemed quite determined.

(If we get into an encounter battle right now...)

Even though there was little chance of losing, time was currently of the essence.

(...In that case, I will make the first move and finish it instantly!)

Kamito made his decision as he infused divine power into Terminus Est.

Silver-white light illuminated the dark night. Sensing the other party's momentary fear from the brightness, Kamito dashed into the depths of the thicket.

Pushing forward like a gale, he slashed with godlike speed.

The sound of metal clashing rang out as intense sparks scattered in the darkness of the night.

(...I was blocked!?)

Such reaction speed was not normal. The other person was clearly quite accomplished.

Furthermore, even though he had not used maximum power, the opponent had managed to survive the «Demon Slayer»'s attack after all.

(...Could it be, this person is!)

Illuminated by the sacred sword, the opponent's appearance finally entered Kamito's view.

The one who blocked Kamito's sword with one hand, equipped with gauntlets, was--

Her white hair particularly striking in the darkness, she was the girl with azure eyes.

"...Shao Fu of the «White Tiger»?"

"You are actually... Kazehaya Kamito?"

They both spoke at the same time.

"..."

"..."

For a brief period, they both maintained their elemental waffen in this engaged posture, not moving at all--

At this time, a series of footsteps was heard from deeper in the thicket.

"Shao, what on earth... Ah, y-you are--!"

The one who appeared was the «Four Gods»'s sovereign. Her Highness Linfa Sin Quina the imperial princess.

"Bestial king of lust Kazehaya Kamito! Why have you made your presence here!"

"B-Bestial king of lust, what the heck..."

Kamito slumped his shoulders as if completely drained.

...He felt like all vigor had been lost.

"Kamito, what on earth is going on..."

Pursuing from behind, Ellis also arrived.

Shao used her other arm to restrain Linfa.

"Linfa-sama, please stay back--"

"..."

Still wielding his sword in a stance, Kamito frowned.

(...This looks quite unusual.)

Why would the «Four Gods» leave their «stronghold» and appear in this place during a time like this?

Also, it was most unnatural for Linfa to have only Shao as her lone bodyguard.

"I did not expect to encounter you here..."

Shao gritted her teeth, as if intending to guard Linfa with her life.

(...Looks like something must have happened.)

Based on the situation, perhaps a pointless fight could be avoided.

"Hey, Shao, could you wait a little bit?"

"...Why?"

"To be frank, I have no intention of fighting. Your side should be the same, right?"

Saying that, Kamito slowly withdrew his sword--

"Yeah..."

With an expression of mild surprise, Shao relaxed from her combat stance.

...I knew it. Neither of us wanted to attack.

"Right now, I have no intention to battle you. If we can leave each other alone in peace, that would be a great help."

Reassured, Shao exhaled with relief.

...On further examination, Kamito found her dress torn and tatterered, and she had numerous wounds on her arms and legs.

This damage were definitely not sustained during the blade dance this morning.

"For an elementalist of your level, who could have injured you to this level? Where are your other comrades?"

Hearing Kamito's question--

Shao bit her lip as if suppressing intense chagrin.

"The «Four Gods» have been vanquished. We fell into the witch's trap."

"...!?"

---Shocking words have been uttered.

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