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Madan no Ou to Vanadis:Volume 08

2014-10-08T11:18:26Z

Mr Mo:

{{:Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis:Volume08_Illustrations}}
{{:Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis:Volume_08_Prologue}}
{{:Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis:Volume_08_Chapter_1}}
{{:Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis:Volume_08_Chapter_2}}
{{:Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis:Volume_08_Chapter_3}}
{{:Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis:Volume_08_Chapter_4}}
==Translator's Notes and References==
<references/>
<noinclude>
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|-
| Back to [[Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis:Volume_07|Volume 07]]
| Return to [[Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Madan_no_Ou_to_Vanadis:Volume_09|Volume 09]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Absolute Duo:Volume 2 Chapter 7

2014-03-29T17:11:36Z

Mr Mo: /* Part 1 */

==Chapter 7 『Give Me 《{{Furigana|Soul|Power}}》』==

===Part 1===

“Sorry…………….I, became a hindrance………..”

Tachibana was lying on the floor painfully and said that apologetically.

It seems the mental damage she received when she got shot by the <<Soul>> is quite something.

On top of being shot at her stomach, she was attacked with a strong fatigue and barely maintaining her consciousness is all she can do.

“I am sorry. It’s because I got close recklessly………….”

“You don’t have to mind it-------I guess it’s probably useless if I say that. That’s why, instead of an apology………..I will say I would be happy that you give me a report of the victory……….”

“…………That’s what she said, Yurie”

“Ya,Ya-----! I will win, definitely………….!!”

Tachibana smiled when Yurie strengthen her determination again, and made a strong vow.

“Fufu, there is no reason to get that worked up………………rather, I think Yurie was somehow worked up from the beginning of today……….if not, you would not chase her that far during that time……….Did something happen, Yurie?”

“……….Nai. Nothing”

It was for an instant but, Yurie sent her sights over to me.

(------? Just now………….)

Behind me, Miyabi, Tora and of course Tachibana who is in front of me were looking downwards so they did not notice the movements of her sights.
“………………I guess she got too worked up because the opponent is a strong one right?”

“Fufu, I see. If that is the case then, Yurie has one unexpected side to her huh………….”

After I made a random follow up after seeing Yurie’s state, it seems Tachibana was satisfied with that.

“But Yurie. I feel that your weapon is speed……………and the coolness to see through in an instant. I hope you will not forget that and go to battle……….”

“Ya---. Thank you for the advice, Tomoe”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Pekori* around the time Yurie lowered her head, a gunshot could be heard from quite far.

Either someone running away from the spot or was hiding got defeated.

“I wonder how many people are left…………”

Miyabi muttered that in anxiousness.

“I don’t know. But, it won’t be weird for Lealith to be coming to this west side”

That is why, we have to make some kind of plan before then or else we have a slim chance at victory.

“Understanding the situation is first -------our battle strength is, me, Yurie, Miyabi and Tora, these 4 people”

Yurie could only swing her right hand due to the influence of a fracture.

Although Miyabi’s <<{{Furigana|Chivalry lance|Lance}}>> has a trustworthy power but, it's reckless to charge directly at the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>>.

I can’t think of anything now but, I included the methods we can use before moving to the next confirmation.

“Like I thought, I think we should use the difference in numbers. The only ones able to keep up with her movements are me, Yurie and Tora, so I think it is appropriate for the 3 of us to surround her and fight”

“Fuun.

“Don’t say that. That is why; we have to think of a way to surround Lealith”

“………….I think the Sora plaza is a good spot”

I agree with Yurie’s comment.

It is because it would be the 2nd encounter battle if it is a narrow space, and we cannot use the advantage of many numbers of people.

“The problem is the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> counter-plan but, I don’t know if I could bring her to an effective range……..”

This is something we won’t know unless we try it out.

“Please be careful if you get close too. Her taijutsu is quite something.

I nodded while recalling the fight from just now.

Although it was close quarter combat that I'm good with, I could only get one hit in.

Forget that, I was the one that was getting attacked.

If what I took was a bullet instead of a blocking then, everything would end at that point.

(Well, since she is thinking of leaving me as the main dish, she probably did not use the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> as a method to slow me down………)

It is thinkable that the reason why she aimed for my shoulders instead of my head or chest is because of that.

(Hnn…..?)

Suddenly, something caught on.

“Fuun. <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> and Taijutsu…………seriously, what a nasty woman. On top of that, it is annoying that she keeps showing her easiness”

“Ahh. That <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> rotating habit…………..--------!”

The moment I replied Tora, I noticed what caught on to me.

It was the weird feeling that I had during the offense and defense exchange.

(Why does Lealith let that '''''habit appear during a close-combat'''''…….!?)

Although one mistake would cause the rose on her chest to scatter and result in her lost.

Is it done unconsciously, or---------

'''''She has to do that movement?'''''

(-------!!)

I felt all the pieces fit into place.

Was the '''''movement Lealith kept showing to us until now''''' really a habit.

If my imagination is correct--------

I recalled back Lealith’s back during the time in <<Survive>> and the previous <<Kouryou battle>>.

(Lealith normally………….no, wait………..)

“Tooru-kun………?”

Miyabi called out to me when I suddenly got quiet.

“Sorry, I was thinking. More importantly everyone, listen to me………..this is just a possibility but------“

I turned my face to everyone and said the rest.

“We might be able to win”

Yurie and Tora went out of the shop to get into position.

“Miyabi, I leave the rest to you”

“U-un…………..Tooru-kun and the rest please work hard too”

I then talked to Tachibana who was lying down behind Miyabi who nodded.

“Alright then, you have to endure a little more so work hard”

“Aah, I understand…………..I will only rest after I get report of the victory……..”

Although it was weak, she made a promising answer.

“I am heading off now”

After I reached the Sora plaza, I went and took position in the center.

Small paths connect to the main path and what’s more, since this part of the first floor the atrium, this spot could be seen clearly from the 2nd floor.

In an different way, this spot is also a place where surprise attacks hardly work and I am wary of sniping.

I will stop Lealith here and Yurie and Tora who are hiding around her will come out and complete the surrounding.

(After we bring it to that situation, it will finally be the start line…………..)

After that, it will be a tightrope walking with the rope worn and patched up.

Will we really cross this rope.

No matter which it is, all we have to do now is wait for Lealith to appear-----

“Tooru…………..”

“Yurie. You have to be hiding”

The silver girl showed herself from her hiding spot.

Coming from 3 sides is important so, we will not be able to surround her if we are together like this.

“I am sorry. I really wanted to tell you something……….so please, just for a while………..”

I could not say leave the talk to when the <<Survive>> end when Yurie looked so apologetically.

“………….Is your body okay?”

“Ya---.it’s a little heavy though”

“I see………..sorry, to force you like this”

“Nai. More importantly, I just don’t want to get spotted”

After saying that, Yurie touched her own chest.

The current Yurie certainly has slower movement than usual.

Whether or not that reason could or could not be noticed will be one of the turning points for the battle.

“So, what do you want to talk about?”

“It’s about the words Tomoe said just now------about me getting worked up”

Although Tachibana agreed with the follow up I made, I think there is something.

Our time together is not so shallow until I did not feel anything from the sights Yurie shown to me in an instant.

“It is just as what Tomoe said. I got worked up. I got worked up at that person……….”

“…………is it perhaps the <<Duo>> matter?”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Chirin* Yurie nodded and the bells rang.

“Tooru refused that invitation and that person got angry too. But, if Tooru and that person have a relationship of accepting each other in this <<Survive>> then…….”

“Did you think I would bring up being a <<Duo>> with Lealith?”

“…………..Ya---“

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Chirin*Yurie nodded and the bells rang.

(I see. That’s why-----)

The fact that the number of time we sleep together increased ever since I told her about the <<Duo>> invitation.

The fact she said to win which was different from the <<{{Furigana|New blade battle|Newcomer battle}}>>.

The fact that, she said she would wait for me even though I told her it's okay to go on ahead.

The fact that she headed towards Lealith, even though I told her not to overdo it to stop her.

The reason why Yurie kept doing those actions and saying words unlike herself was a way to show her feelings of wanting to be by my side.

At the same time when I understood the consistency, I thought the silver girl was very cute.

That is why I------

“Ah…………”

I pat Yurie’s head gently.

“I told Yurie that I am happy to be with you. Those words are not lies. It definitely is true, and will stay that way”

“Tooru…………”

“Are you relieved already?”

“Ya,Ya----“

I once again patted her head after Yurie nodded.

“Okay. Now that you are relieved, you should get spirited again. However, don't overdo it or you will end up worked up you know? That’s because we have to report '''We won''', to Tachibana who is working hard”

“Ya,Ya---……!!”

It was at that moment Yurie made a strong nod.

“…………..did you forget that we are in the middle of <<Survive>> now?”

“”-------------!!””

An utterly amazed voice came down suddenly.

When I looked up-----at the direction of the voice, a beautiful girl with a red rose attached on her chest and has Yellow topaz and {{Furigana|blue gemstone eyes|Sapphire blue}}, was sitting on the glass fence while folding her legs and was looking down at us.

She was not holding her <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> and was not showing any intentions of wanting to fight immediately.

“That’s a surprise, when have you been there………?”

“I am quite good in erasing my presence. That’s because it's important for the hunt”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Fu**Fu* she laughed while narrowing her eyes.

“And of course, that goes for detecting presence too”

“………..Did you eliminate everyone else”

“That’s right. That is why I came to take the main dish. By the way-----“

Right in the middle of her words, Lealith jumped up to and took one spin before landing on the plaza without making almost any sound.

“Let’s stop the slow parts okay. I came taking on the invitation so, I think you should come out too you know?”

“Fuun. You really are taking this easy”

Tora showed himself from the store he hid in, at Lealith’s words.

“Well, it’s predictable that he would be nearby”

“Isn’t that obvious. Attacking from many directions is effective if you fight an opponent with a <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>>”

“Haha, you are going to accompany us even though you know all that, what an energetic service”

“That’s because it’s more interesting that way. By the way-----“

After giggling, Lealith looked at our faces.

“What about the other two?..............even though I said that, one of them should have gotten hit by a bullet and the other one looks slow so, I guess you decided that they won’t become battle strength and left them”

Inside the 2nd battle, it seems she was calmly observing the movements and reactions of the surroundings.

“You really looked carefully huh. But, Tachibana and Miyabi are-----“

“They are fighting with us”

Yurie interrupted me by saying that and placed her hand on her chest.

“Like your hearts are together? I don’t hate those types of sentimental feelings”

It was slight but, the smile disappeared from the gold girl.

“Strong feelings becomes <<Power>>………….that is what I believe”

Although it was soft, those words were filled with a strong will.

It could be felt that she was burdened with something judging by the atmosphere which was different from usual.

“Well then, let’s begin already. The {{Furigana|last battle|dance}} of this <<{{Furigana|Survive|Party}}>>!”

“Just like I promise, I will go all-out………..!!”

“I will make you know how useless you are even if you go all-out!!”

The gold girl placed her hands on the <<Astar>> on her chest and shouted.

“<<Blaze>>!!”

At the same time the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> manifested in Lealith’s hand, Tora and Yurie ran to left and right with me in the center.

Lealith was the one who took the initiative.

The same time the gun shot and I deflected the bullet with the <<Shield>>, our offense and defense state reversed because Tora and Yurie jumped in.

After dodging the <<{{Furigana|Symbolic short sword|Katar}}>> Yurie’s <<Saber>> was next.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>JaKiin*!! However the blade was stopped by the gun’s frame.

“It was a somewhat rough sword skill but, it was a heavy and good attack. But-------'''''your movements are duller than just now'''''. Since you are only using one hand and sword, it would mean that there is quite some damage left I guess”

Seeing through Yurie’s movement turning dull in an instant, Lealith guessed the level of injury she has.

In a blink of an eye, she rotated the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> before, pointing the gun towards Yurie this time.

However, the silver girl that has regained her inherent coolness guessed the line of fire from the gun and dodged the bullet.

“It’ll be a problem if you forget about me!!”

At that moment, Tora once again took a side sweep with the <<{{Furigana|Symbolic short sword|Katar}}>> and cut the air.

“Of course, I did not forget”

Same time with her words, she rotated her <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> and pointed the gun at Tora this time.

“Guh……….!!”

Tora evaded his body from the shooting line immediately but, he distorted his expression.

That’s because Lealith kicked his side stomach like an elastic whip.

She used the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> as an intimidation and countered, this made Tora’s body float for an instant.

I switched with the staggering Tora and attacked.

“How about this!!”

I repeatedly showed a left jab and a right back knuckle but, it all hit the air with her bending her body.

---but, right after that, Lealith flipped up her leg while making a swaying posture.

The somersault kick scratched by cheeks and I stopped.

At that point, she landed and pointed the gun at me.

“Kuh……!!”

I immediately flipped the gun frame and diverted the gun; the bullet scratched my cheeks.

Yurie then closed the gaps and made a pincer attack with me.

It was a hectic switch from between offense and defense.

But, Lealith’s rose was not showing any signs of scattering at our fierce attacks.

Although it was good that we took Lealith’s position, the biggest problem was the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> existence.

She flashed the rifle that could make us unable to continue if we get a clean hit, and used it as an intimidation to make our step-in duller.

“What are you doing, Tooru, Yurie!!”

An irritated Tora jumped in between the attack but, his movements were clearly slower than usual.

It seems he was in pain from the kick but, Tora did not say it hurts and unleashed an attack.

“Seriously, you all are so restless”

Lealith said it in a tired voice and was still showing a leisure smile even though she is in this overly disadvantage situation of 3 vs 1.

But even so, the momentum for victory was slowly leaning towards us.

While we were attacking from all directions, Lealith has to be constantly conscious of all 3 of our movements and could only maintain a defensive stance, thus slowly cutting her breath away.

“Eat this!!”

Even though Tora crouched and made a spin kick, it hit nothing because Lealith dodged it easily with a back step.

---But. The moment she landed, *Kurun* she folded her knees.

The fatigue finally reached her legs.

“This is the end………..!”

It was a once in a lifetime chance and Yurie sliced down to finish her but--------

Lealith smiled in an instant.

“It’s a fake”

“------!?”

She went for the finish but since it was a large swing attack, it got dodged again with a back step.

“Too bad, Yurie=Sigtuna”

A big gap will appear if a big swing is performed, and she shot at that part.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Giin*!! But, I got between the girls and deflected the bullet with the <<Shield>>.

“That too bad goes for you too, Lealith. The <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> won’t work in this distance!!”

“…………not bad, Kokonoe Tooru. But------“

Lealith swiftly rotated the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> in her hands.

“Don’t think the same trick will work forever!”

In an instant, I focus on the gun’s direction and placed my <<Shield>> at the shooting line.

“------What!?”

The moment it shot-----I saw it.

That the gun slightly lowered and the shooting line changed.

I was able to see through the gun’s direction because of the distance until now.

But for this time, due to it being close, my body could not react in time in the sudden change of the line of fire.

“Guaa……………!!”

I shouted at the pain at my right thigh that felt like a nail pierced through.

“The tables have turned huh”

I feel to my knees and Lealith said it happily.

[Tooru!!][Tooru!!]

“Don’t come!!”

I stopped both of them with my hand.

“If the 3 of us gather at one spot, then we won’t be able to win even though we can win”

“Tooru…………”

“Oh my, are you still planning to win in this situation?”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Kurun* '''''she rotated the Rifle''''' and the gold girl smiled.

(It’s just as I thought………….)

Not limited to this fight, and even during the <<Kouryou battle>>, Lealith will '''''definitely show that habit''''' once the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> shoots.

I then found out there is something that could be guessed from that.

That, '''''Lealith is unable to continuously fire the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>>.'''''

The <<{{Furigana|Western bow|Archery}}>> user Kibitsu said, that she has to manifest the arrow my imaging herself taking it out from the arrow tube.

So I thought, Lealith has to reload too by using the rotation movement of the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>>.

And more importantly, it would be very clear that she would enjoy the fight more if she is able to fire continuously, and there is no way she would not fire continuously without a reason.

“Tooru, are you okay?”

I did not avert my eyes from Lealith and listened to Yurie.

“………moving like normal looks impossible huh”

Although the pain is gone already since this was a <<Blaze>> attack, the part that got shot felt heavy.

(It would have been great if the three of us cornered her then………..)

“You all look beaten up but, are you all still going to work hard?”

I lost my legs; Yurie lost her shoulders and Tora’s ribs are probably hurting.

Even if we continue fighting, forget cornering her, we would probably be just waiting to lose.

(……………Which means, there is only one thing left to do)

I made my determination and looked straight at the {{Furigana|blue gemstone eyes|Sapphire blue}} and answered.

“That’s true…………Let’s end this already”

“Yes. It is a little regretful but--------everything must have an ending”

The gold girl prepared the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>>------

And I prepared myself too.

I pulled back my fist like I am going to shoot an arrow and charged up.

Turie and Tora jumped to the left and right respectively at that signal.

“Just now, you asked that was I still planning to win right? Aah, that’s what I am planning to do. We will------Win!!”

Together with a roar, I released my strength.

'''''Towards my own feet.'''''

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Pikiiiiiiii!!* The {{Furigana|Thunder god’s strike|Mjolnir}} released with the <<{{Furigana|II|Level 2}}>>’s strength made a crater.

“Wha……….!?”

Small and large fragments flew around and Lealith jumped back in reflex.

The moment I confirmed that, I looked upwards and shouted.

“Now, Miyabi------!!”

“Teyaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhh-----!!”

A loud shout echoed in the building.

Coming from the stairs heading towards the roof on top of the Sora plaza, Miyabi was holding the <<{{Furigana|Chivalry lance|Lance}}>> and was charging-----no, was jumping down.

“------!! You’ve thought of that!!”

The {{Furigana|Thunder god’s strike|Mjolnir}} was to limit the directions Lealith can run away to.

Next off would be Miyabi who was standing-by performing a lance charge downwards for an ambush but, the plan I prepared did not end here.

Rather, I was convinced Lealith would not let this end and continued the plan.

Lealith responded to my expectations by dodging the lance charge and------

Almost at the same time, Yurie and Tora charged at her.

“This timing………..! I can’t evade!?”

Lealith guessed our intentions in an instant and the leisure smile disappeared from her expression.

Even if she defeats one of them, the remaining person will definitely bring her down by attacking the opening due to the reload.

This is what we aimed for……..!!

“I won’t……….be defeated!!”

The gun was pointed at Tora.

Even though Tora dodged the bullet immediately, it scratched his head and broke his balance before falling down.

Yurie then slipped into the gaps.

She aimed for this instant that Lealith has not finished reloading yet.

“It will finish with this………!”

In that moment-----Lealith smiled.

“…………'''''You are the one that will be finished''''', Yurie=Sigtuna”

“-----!?”

The moment Yurie swung down her <<Saber>>, Lealith thrust the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> which was not reloaded yet towards Yurie’s chest-----

Almost the same time the blade was about to dig into her upper arm, she pulled the trigger.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Zutaan*………..!! A dry sound echoed throughout and Yurie’s small body got blown away before----

She fell to the floor.

“How regretful, it’s a fake. Did you think I need to reload?”

Lealith send a sidelong glance towards me while making a smile.

It was a trap from the start.

She skillfully prepared a sweet lie by making us think that she reloads by rotating the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> starting from the <<Kouryou battle>>, and made us aim for that chance.

But-----

'''''“I predicted that possibility too”'''''

“Eh……….!?”

Lealith showed an outwitted expression when she saw me lifting the side of my mouth.

'''''“I am saying that I saw through the lie and disclosed the truth!!”'''''

Immediately-----

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Chirin* the bell rang.

Lealith turned around and------her {{Furigana|blue gemstone eyes|Sapphire blue}} was filled with surprise.

She saw the silver girl flying in the sky with one black wing.

“Wha….!?”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Zan*!! The brandish got through faster than Lealith pulling the trigger.

“With this……….it’s checkmate”

The <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> left the gold girl’s hand-----and dropped to the floor.

“N-no way……….I'm sure I shot through your chest-----…………!! That’s!!”

Lealith noticed.

She noticed the existence of the <<Chain>> making a dull glow inside the hole she made on Yurie’s uniform.

“No way, you wrapped that around your body…………so that’s why your movements got duller”

Lealith said that while touching her cut right arm with her left hand.

“So there are 2 ambushers huh………..I lose as expected”

Lealith moved her sights towards <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> that fell to the ground, and made a sigh of admiration.

Yes, it was just as what Yurie said just before the fight, we were fighting together with not only Miyabi but also with Tachibana too.

“Tachibana’s hard work profited”

The <<Blaze>> disappears if she faints-------and that’s the reason why I told her to work hard.

“……………Fuun. Don’t forget I went along with your plan”

Maybe it was from the impact from getting grazed from the bullet; Tora was placing his hand on his head while saying that.

In order to make Lealith shoot continuously and to make her get deluded that I was deceived, so we had him take up a role to do it.

Similarly, although it was great that the ground got destroyed by my {{Furigana|Thunder god’s strike|Mjolnir}} but, the skin on my fist tore because it was not able to withstand the impact and was stained with the blood that spurted out.

“………………I really thought you got deceived”

“It’s true that i was deceived at first………….but I recalled back. That last time, I saw Lealith shooting the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> in A la mode”

That time, Lealith pulled the trigger without any gaps in between.

Then why did she started that action at the <<Kouryou battle>>.

It’s obvious. She started it to fight me in this <<Survive>>.

There was a reason why she did not fire continuously.

The reason why she did this was to flip the table, right before the moment I'm convinced of my victory.

“Lealith. Continuing this anymore now that you can’t hold the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> is unreasonable”

It seems Lealith was having a hard time lifting her arm because it got slashed by Yurie, so if we keep fighting like this, there was no chance for her to win.

“………………………”

“Lealith. It’s over-----“

“I won’t say it twice”

“Eh……..?”

Those {{Furigana|blue gemstone eyes|Sapphire blue}} shoot towards me-----and she made her move.

“………….Not yet”

There was a strong will of light coming from her eyes.

“I won’t give up!!”

“-------!!”

The gold girl kicked up the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>>.

Her right arm cannot move because it got slashed.

But even so she still grabbed the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>>, even though it is going to be hard to move her left hand because of the damage in her upper arm.

“Kuh……..!”

I immediately pulled back my fist stained with my blood and took a stance.

(I can scatter the rose with the {{Furigana|Thunder god’s strike|Mjolnir}} impact wave if it is in this distance!!)

Lealith put strength into the finger pulling the trigger and the moment I was about to release the power stored in my fist------

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Bannn*!! A different dry sound from Lealith’s <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> echoed and at the same time, I received an impact on my shoulders before dropping to my knees.

“Ga,aah…….!?”

It was slightly late but, a scorching heat and pain attacked.

“Uu, Guh, aah……….Wha-what……..?”

After I turned behind while withstanding the pain, there were 3 guys standing there with {{Furigana|battle suits|Body suits}} on.

The guy in the middle was holding a pistol and there were gunpowder smokes coming off the nozzle.

(This guy……….shot me……!?)

“That was too close for comfort huh. Lealith=Bristol”

The guy called Lealith’s name in a cheeky voice.

“Lealith…………..who are these people……..?”

Even though I asked while pressing my shoulder which was twitching in pain, she swung her head.

“I don’t know. Who are you all. What do you all want!?”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Kii* Lealith glared at them while demanding the group of men to reveal their identity.

“The <<Equipment Smith>>-dono’s subordinate------you should understand if I answer that right? We came to pick you up ordered by sir”

It seems Lealith got an idea from the man’s reply and got taken back for a moment.

But she immediately revert back her expression and pointed the gun at the group of men.

“………..I refuse. I don’t have the duty to follow someone who rudely stepped into my dance party with those dirty feet. And if you wanted to escort in the first place then, start with sending an invitation first”

“Ya-re Ya-re…………that’s the answer after bringing my legs this deep inside here”

“I don’t remember asking you all to pick me up”

“……………hey you guys. What did sir ask us to do for this type of situation?”

“If she resists then, we give her a beating as long as she doesn't dies before bringing her up, was what he said. Kehihii”

The guy behind made a nasty laugh.

“-----Looks like it”

Faster than his words, the guy pulled the trigger.

But------

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Jigiinn*………!! The leader guy raised his eyebrows, '''''when the bullet got deflected by the <<Shield>>'''''.

The guy asked in a pissed manner when I stood in between Lealith and him.

“………..What are you doing, brat”

“I don’t know what’s going on but, Lealith is our classmate. More importantly, I will be troubled if you bring her away before our battle is settled”

“Kokonoe Tooru………”

“You’ve said it, Tooru. I will not forgive a victory from a time up because that woman got dragged away”

“It is just as Tooru says. That’s why------we will protect this person”

Yurie and Tora stood beside me.

“You brats. I will have you know the price for acting like a hero”

Gunshot’s echoed one after another.

“Whaaat………!?”

Even with all that, I blocked it with the <<Shield>> and the guy was surprised.

“Unfortunately, I got trained quite a bit from Lealith today”

“…………..even if you all are brats, you all are still <<Exceed>> huh. But………..how about this!!”

The guy prepared an assault rifle this time instead of a pistol.

“------This is bad!! Yurie, Tora, get away!!”

It’s okay if it’s a single shot but, it is impossible to block random shooting like I thought.

“Kyaaa!?”

I immediately carried Lealith and jumped to the side and Yurie and Tora jumped away.

[Tora, I leave the left to you……….!][Fuun, I know!!]

Almost at the same time they regained their posture, Yurie and Tora jumped towards the guy.

But the 2 guys standing-by behind the leader stood in front of Yurie and Tora and------

Blocked Yurie’s <<Saber>> and Tora’s<<{{Furigana|Symbolic short sword|Katar}}>> with a knife.

“Not even a budge……!?”

It was not surprising for Tora to be surprised. Different from our looks, our physical strength enhanced by the <<Luciful>> cannot even be compared with normal humans.

“Kuku………did you think you all are the only existence transcending humans?”

“What did you say……..!?”

The moment he felt shaken at that devastating statement, Tora was kicked away and Yurie got grabbed on the arms before being swung around and got slammed to the ground.

However, the shocking part of the guys in {{Furigana|battle suits|Body suits}} has only began.

“Fast…….!?”

Yurie’s expression changed.

That’s because, '''''Tsukimi was the only person faster than her''''' until now.

Those guys have the speed that could not be caught up by Yurie, even If her body was in her top-shape.

Having their speed and powers exceeded, the guys freely attacking with their assault rifle and knife quickly cornered the both of them into a predicament.

“Yurie!! Tora-----!!”

“Oooto, I am your opponent”

The moment I directed my senses towards the both of them, the leader stood in front of me.

Although I was going to immediately use {{Furigana|Thunder god’s strike|Mjolnir}}, the shoulder that got shot started to hurt and I couldn't put any strength into it.

“Ku, ah………!!”

I drove my fist in like that but, it got blocked with one hand easily.

“Is the <<Exceed>> only this level?”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Mishiri*…………..he put in strength into his fist to crush mine and I raised a shout from my throat.

The guy showed his teeth and laughed.

“I’ll teach you this, brat. This is how you punch someone……….!!”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Doboo*!!My stomach got crushed from the impact he punched up to my stomach, and I throw up the air in my lungs.

“Ka…….ha,a………!!”

Another existence transcending humans other than <<Exceed>>.

After I got to my knees from that tremendous power, my chin was kicked upwards.

“Guah…….!!”

I got blown away and fell to the ground pathetically.

“To-Tooru-kun…….!!”

“Do-don’t come here, Miyabi………! Run away………!!”

Even though I shouted to Miyabi who was running towards me, the leader’s moves were faster.

He grabbed her arm, and Miyabi got caught.

“Kyaaaa!? L-let go!!”

“Kuku…………..This is a <<Exceed>> even though it’s like this. Looks like she’s quite strong but, she is no different than a little girl to us”

The leader twist Miyabi’s wrist to restrain her before pushing the pistol to her head.

“Hii…..!?”

“It’s noisy so stop shouting………….alright, the other brats stop resisting!!”

The battle concluded at this point.

Yurie and Tora who was still putting up a fight, saw Miyabi getting captured before throwing their <<Blaze>> away.

“Wasting my time, squirming around like that!!”

Tora got sent flying by the guy he was confronting.

The other guy again, raised his fist at Yurie.

“St……..Sto-p……………!”

“Wait!!”

The one that stopped that fist, was none other than Lealith.

“…………….I will go with you all quietly. That’s why; I will have you stop laying your fingers on my classmatse any more than this”

“What if I say no?”

“Your goal is to '''''bring me back without killing me''''' right?”

After saying that, Lealith took the fragment of the ground------and thrust the sharp part to her own throat.

“Release your dirty hands from that girl”

“Okay okay. I’ll do that if you come with us quietly. But-----“

The leader pushed Miyabi aside to release her.

However, the guy remained pointing the gun at Miyabi while walking closer to Lealith----

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Paan* a dry sound was produced when he slapped the gold girl’s cheeks.

“You have to calm that mouth of yours too, Bristol’s ojou-san”

“I’ll leave it at that”

Lealith made an angry glare at the guy that was *Niya**Niya* smiling happily.

“Okay then, we will have you go up like this”

He pushed to the gun to Lealith’s back and the group of men was about to leave the Sora plaza.

“Le-Lealith….!!”

When I called her name, Lealith stopped and turned over to me.

“…………………sorry I did not finish the match, Kokonoe Tooru”

After saying only that, Lealith left the place with the group of men.

“Damn………..!! Those bastards….!!”

I could not do anything.

I got irritated at my own incompetence and slammed my fist to the floor.

“So-sorry…………i-if I did not get caught……U-uguu………..”

Large teardrops were flowing off Miyabi’s eyes.

While Miyabi was breaking down crying, Yurie patted her on the head.

My chest hurts badly at that scene.

“Tooru. I think this is not possible but, you are not going to say this will end right?”

“……………aah, of course”

After nodding to Tora, I encouraged my creaking body and stood up.

“Miyabi stop crying”

“B-but, but………I…..Uuu……..”

“It’s okay. No one will blame you. Also, I will save Lealith so, stop crying it’ going to be okay“

“Tooru…….kun……….”

Miyabi looked up at me with wet eyes and nodded back.

“I will go too. I am Tooru’s <<Duo>>, I will be together when you fight”

“Fuun. Don’t forget me too. I won’t be able to settle down if I don't give them a payback”

“I see………Thanks you two”

In spite of being inferior in the last battle, the fact that the both of them did not have their heart broken made them trustworthy.

“But, what are we going to do? It is annoying but, those guys are stronger than us. There is no chance of us wining if we fight straight on”

It was just as Tora says.

We have to make a clever plan for victory, using a surprise attack.

(Think…………! Is there any plan that can make us of each of our distinctive characteristics……..!?)

I looked towards my fist stained in blood and think------

“------!!”

Immediately, the giant hole made by this fist entered my sights.

“Tooru. Did you think of something?”

“……..aah, tentatively. It might work if '''''I add a little arrangement to it'''''. And-----“

I kneel down with one knee in front of Miyabi before saying.

“Miyabi wait right here”

“Eh…………..? Bu-but……….I also…….”

I swung my head at Miyabi who looked troubled.

It was because I noticed Miyabi’s body was trembling in small intervals.

Even though Miyabi was released, she was seized by fear.

That is why, I swung my head.

“I promised this before right. I will come back for you. The situation is kind off different from that talk but, I will definitely protect that promise. I will save Lealith and come back to pick you up so, please wait here”

After I said that I *Pon**pon* lightly hit her head.

“And greet us with a smile when we get back, Miyabi”

“Tooru-kun………..”

This was the second floor of the Nagisa plaza located at the furthest east of the A la mode northern block.

Immediately after I reached here, Lealith and the group of men came up the escalator.

“Kokonoe Tooru…..!!”

After Lealith and the group of men recognized me, they showed their surprise.

“………….brat. How did you get here first”

“There many back lanes. I came here first when you all were taking your time walking here”

I used the small paths instead of the main path the group of men used and overtook them.

“Also, you guys said that the Sora was “Deep” in and have her go “up”. Which means you came from the roof. And in order to head back to the roof, you have to pass through this Nagisa plaza”

“I see. Then one more question, did you come here '''''alone'''''”

Yes, I am alone. Yurie and Tora were not in front of the escalator connecting to the roof.

“Of course. I came here to save Lealith. It will be a problem if you bring her away when the match is not over yet”

Hearing my answer, the group of men made vulgar laughs and Lealith shouted angrily.

“Don’t say stupid things already and retreat, Kokonoe Tooru! Did you think you can win against these people alone!?”

“I’ll win………! I------We will win!!”

“…………don’t make me say it twice you idiot!!”

“You don’t make me say this twice too!! We will reach you with our hands and protect you!!”

After saying that, I clenched my fist-----and pulled it back like an arrow.

“Bratt………….are you perhaps going to take on an opponent with an {{Furigana|Assault rifle|}} barehanded?”

“Aah, that’s right. However, you guys aren’t the target my fist are targeting though”

“Don’t say stuff that does not make sense you brat! I’ll mince every other part-----other than the part hidden by that small <<Shield>>!!”

They pulled the triggers of the assault rifles pointed at me.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Gagagagaga*!! The gunshots were enough to tear my ears apart. I hold out the <<Shield>> towards the countless bullets attacking.

But of course, I could not deflect all of it and just like the man’s declaration, my flesh was getting scrapped off and several bullets pierced through my body, arm and legs.

“Uguh……..Guaah…!!”

I groaned at the pain attacking my body and was about to lose my strength.

(Stand it! I promised to save Lealith and go back!!)

I lowered my sights straight down in front of the endless muzzle flashes.

“Go through------!!”

I used everything my body can mutter and slam the floor with {{Furigana|Thunder god’s strike|Mjolnir}} like just now.

The only difference is that this is '''''the second floor'''''.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Bishiii*!! The cracks that took an instant to spread out, reached the feet of the group of men.

The men shooting blindly were slightly late in noticing because of the muzzle flash released from their weapon-----

And in the next moment, the 2nd floor foothold started to collapse.

“Lealith!! Come!!”

I extended out my hand to her right in the middle of the collapsing foothold.

“Kokonoe Tooru!!”

While dodging the stray bullets which has lost its target, the gold girl jumped into my arms.

“I leave the rest to you two, Yurie, Tora-------!!”

[Ya---!!][Leave it to me!!]

I heard the replies of both of my trustworthy comrades standing by at the 1st floor----

The 2 <<Exceed>> turned into 2 blades and charged towards the wreckage falling down with high-speed.

They ran through the wreckage like threads weaving its path and they slashed the men each respectively-----

“Yo-you brats-------!!”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Zuzaa*!! Both of their sword lines crossed at the leader for last.

A loud sound echoed throughout the building immediately.

Dust rose up and the group of men got buried in the wreckage.

But----it still wasn’t the end.

“You damn brattttttttttttttts!!”

Even though his armor was sliced apart, he got slammed to the ground, and got crushed by the wreckage, the leader stood up.

“I will kill youuuuuuuuuuuuu!!”

After pointing his bloodshot eyes from inside the broken helmet to me, the man took out his knife and charged at me.

My fist was broken so I have no weapon that can beat the guy in one hit now.

However----this goes '''''only for me.'''''

“Lealith!!”

I shouted to the gold girl in my arms.

“Lend me your <<Soul>>!!”

Everything was told with just those words.

The <<Flame>> danced and the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> appeared in Lealith’s left hand.

“I will do the aiming!! So------you pull the trigger!!”

I nodded and placed my hand on Lealith’s thin and flexible finger------

[[File:Absolute Duo Volume 2 Non-Colour 10.jpg|thumb]]

“This is………..the endddd--------!!”

A gun shot echoed throughout.

“…………Tooru was too reckless”

When I was right in the middle of performing emergency treatment to my crushed fist, Yurie made a seemingly angry expression.

“Iya, I could only think of that during that time and……….”

“………….to crush your fist just because of that reason, are you an idiot”

Tora silently nodded at the astonished voice flying over from Lealith who was leaning against the wall.

“But well………..”

“Hn?”

“…………..Thank you for coming to save me”

Although the last part was soft, those words perfectly reached my ears.

“You’re welcome…………..by the way, is it really okay if we don’t head up to check?”

“It’s okay. There is no way both Mikuni and Tsukimi would fall behind opponents that we can beat. And if they are currently fighting then, we would only be a hindrance if we go”

“Well that’s true”

I could only agree to her sentence, especially the last part; I then made a sigh.

But, there was something else I am curious about those men.

“…………….hey Lealith. You know about their boss, the-------equipment whatever you call it right? If it is alright with you, can you tell me?”

“…………..Sorry. I can’t tell you even if I am the <<Exception>>”

(Well she said that even if she is the <<Exception>>, so it might be related to the so-called dark side of the academy like that time with Tsukimi………..)

I gave up asking for more when I saw Lealith saying that with a sharp expression.

Soon, around the time my emergency treatment was done, I raised a lively voice to change the atmosphere.

“………well then, let’s go pick Miyabi and Tachibana up then!”

“Ye----. Let’s do that. We made them wait for quite a long time”

“Haha, it took us quite a while”

But suddenly-------the gold girl suddenly stood in front of us, when we were about the head back inside.

“Wait, Kokonoe Tooru”

“Lealith………..?”

The gold girl pointed at the rose at her chest and said.

'''''“It is still not over”'''''

“………I, on top of my fist being crushed, I took some bullet hits you know”

“You’re noisy. That is why I waited for your emergency treatment to end. You still can move a little right”

“O-oi oi………..Are you serious……..?”

“Of course. In the first place, weren’t you the one that said-------It will be a problem if you bring her away when the match is not over yet”

Lealith flicked her yellow topaz hair, before continuing.

“I also can’t use my dominant hand so, accompany me to the end. Weren’t we going to accept each other”

“Accompany with her, Tooru”

After saying that, Tora pulled a button off his school uniform.

“………..I get it”

I took my position while making a sigh. I can’t put in any strength but, it is probably possible to at least scatter the rose.

Not long later, the button Tora flicked right up reached the summit and started to fall-------

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Kii---n*. Using the sound of it dropping to the ground as the signal, Lealith and I moved at the same time.

After a moment, the rose scattered-----

And this time, the curtain for the <<Survive>> closed.

---in addition, it's a different story that both of Miyabi and I became embarrassed when she came hugging me when we went to pick her up and Tachibana who looked like she could not walk was making a big rampage when I tried to carried her.

===Part 2===

“Fuhahaha. As expected from the <<Exceed>>. It looks like being un-adjusted is no match”

After looking at his subordinates lying on the floor while making groans in the surroundings, <<Equipment smith>> made a laugh.

Not only was their opponent Mikuni uninjured, there was no stains on him and that shows that the fight that took place just now turned into something one-sided until it could not be called a fight anymore.

“There is also no reply from the people that head down”

After the loud sound ended, there was one reply from the transmitter so <<K>> shrugged his shoulders.

“Fumu. I never would have thought they would lose to students. Iya iya…………it seems you have quite some excellent students there”

“Thanks to us having especially promising students this year, I am really looking forward for the future”

The faces of the people that took down the people that went down floated in Sakuya mind and she made a smile.

“Well then, what will you do next? If your side wants to leave then, we will not lay our hands on you all any further”

“Hou, that is thankful. Well then <<{{Furigana|Blaze Witch|Blaze Diabolica}}>>-dono, I will generously follow your words. <<K>>-Kun, order those who can move to retrieve the people that went down”

After she told him that they could leave, the <<Equipment Smith>> accepted it without any shame.

Soon, the retrieval of the subordinates that got taken down by Tooru and the group ended; <<K>> and the group finished their preparations for evacuation.

“Well then, we will be leaving now. <<{{Furigana|Blaze Witch|Blaze Diabolica}}>>-dono------let’s meet again someday”

“Please, as you wish”
It was during that time Edward got onto the helicopter after turning his heels around and <<K>> was about to follow him-----

After seeing them, <<K>> stopped and directed both his shooting-like eyes to them.

There were 3 people that took his attention.

One of them was their target, the gold girl.

Another was a small girl with {{Furigana|Silver hair|Silver Blonde}}.

And the black-haired young man carrying a girl standing in between them.

<<K>> made a hunch. That this boy was the one that took down his subordinate.

For a short time, Tooru and <<K>>’s sights crossed.

“……….Looks like we will meet again soon”

That was a prediction. However, it was close to conviction.

The brief encounter reached to an end just like that.

While staring at the giant helicopter, Sakuya whispered out.

“………….<<Equipment smith>>-sama. We are the same and yet different. That is why our paths will never intersect”

Her mutter did not reach anyone’s ear and got blown away by the wind just like that.

<noinclude>

{{SimpleNav}}
</noinclude>

Absolute Duo:Volume 2 Chapter 7

2014-03-29T16:46:51Z

Mr Mo: /* Part 1 */

==Chapter 7 『Give Me 《{{Furigana|Soul|Power}}》』==

===Part 1===

“Sorry…………….I, became a hindrance………..”

Tachibana was lying on the floor painfully and said that apologetically.

It seems the mental damage she received when she got shot by the <<Soul>> is quite something.

On top of being shot at her stomach, she was attacked with a strong fatigue and barely maintaining her consciousness is all she can do.

“I am sorry. It’s because I got close recklessly………….”

“You don’t have to mind it-------I guess it’s probably useless if I say that. That’s why, instead of an apology………..I will say I would be happy that you give me a report of the victory……….”

“…………That’s what she said, Yurie”

“Ya,Ya-----! I will win, definitely………….!!”

Tachibana smiled when Yurie strengthen her determination again, and made a strong vow.

“Fufu, there is no reason to get that worked up………………rather, I think Yurie was somehow worked up from the beginning of today……….if not, you would not chase her that far during that time……….Did something happen, Yurie?”

“……….Nai. Nothing”

It was for an instant but, Yurie sent her sights over to me.

(------? Just now………….)

Behind me, Miyabi, Tora and of course Tachibana who is in front of me were looking downwards so they did not notice the movements of her sights.
“………………I guess she got too worked up because the opponent is a strong one right?”

“Fufu, I see. If that is the case then, Yurie has one unexpected side to her huh………….”

After I made a random follow up after seeing Yurie’s state, it seems Tachibana was satisfied with that.

“But Yurie. I feel that your weapon is speed……………and the coolness to see through in an instant. I hope you will not forget that and go to battle……….”

“Ya---. Thank you for the advice, Tomoe”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Pekori* around the time Yurie lowered her head, a gunshot could be heard from quite far.

Either someone running away from the spot or was hiding got defeated.

“I wonder how many people are left…………”

Miyabi muttered that in anxiousness.

“I don’t know. But, it won’t be weird for Lealith to be coming to this west side”

That is why, we have to make some kind of plan before then or else we have a slim chance at victory.

“Understanding the situation is first -------our battle strength is, me, Yurie, Miyabi and Tora, these 4 people”

Yurie could only swing her right hand due to the influence of a fracture.

Although Miyabi’s <<{{Furigana|Chivalry lance|Lance}}>> has a trustworthy power but, it's reckless to charge directly at the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>>.

I can’t think of anything now but, I included the methods we can use before moving to the next confirmation.

“Like I thought, I think we should use the difference in numbers. The only ones able to keep up with her movements are me, Yurie and Tora, so I think it is appropriate for the 3 of us to surround her and fight”

“Fuun.

“Don’t say that. That is why; we have to think of a way to surround Lealith”

“………….I think the Sora plaza is a good spot”

I agree with Yurie’s comment.

It is because it would be the 2nd encounter battle if it is a narrow space, and we cannot use the advantage of many numbers of people.

“The problem is the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> counter-plan but, I don’t know if I could bring her to an effective range……..”

This is something we won’t know unless we try it out.

“Please be careful if you get close too. Her taijutsu is quite something.

I nodded while recalling the fight from just now.

Although it was close quarter combat that I'm good with, I could only get one hit in.

Forget that, I was the one that was getting attacked.

If what I took was a bullet instead of a blocking then, everything would end at that point.

(Well, since she is thinking of leaving me as the main dish, she probably did not use the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> as a method to slow me down………)

It is thinkable that the reason why she aimed for my shoulders instead of my head or chest is because of that.

(Hnn…..?)

Suddenly, something caught on.

“Fuun. <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> and Taijutsu…………seriously, what a nasty woman. On top of that, it is annoying that she keeps showing her easiness”

“Ahh. That <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> rotating habit…………..--------!”

The moment I replied Tora, I noticed what caught on to me.

It was the weird feeling that I had during the offense and defense exchange.

(Why does Lealith let that '''''habit appear during a close-combat'''''…….!?)

Although one mistake would cause the rose on her chest to scatter and result in her lost.

Is it done unconsciously, or---------

'''''She has to do that movement?'''''

(-------!!)

I felt all the pieces fit into place.

Was the '''''movement Lealith kept showing to us until now''''' really a habit.

If my imagination is correct--------

I recalled back Lealith’s back during the time in <<Survive>> and the previous <<Kouryou battle>>.

(Lealith normally………….no, wait………..)

“Tooru-kun………?”

Miyabi called out to me when I suddenly got quiet.

“Sorry, I was thinking. More importantly everyone, listen to me………..this is just a possibility but------“

I turned my face to everyone and said the rest.

“We might be able to win”

Yurie and Tora went out of the shop to get into position.

“Miyabi, I leave the rest to you”

“U-un…………..Tooru-kun and the rest please work hard too”

I then talked to Tachibana who was lying down behind Miyabi who nodded.

“Alright then, you have to endure a little more so work hard”

“Aah, I understand…………..I will only rest after I get report of the victory……..”

Although it was weak, she made a promising answer.

“I am heading off now”

After I reached the Sora plaza, I went and took position in the center.

Small paths connect to the main path and what’s more, since this part of the first floor the atrium, this spot could be seen clearly from the 2nd floor.

In an different way, this spot is also a place where surprise attacks hardly work and I am wary of sniping.

I will stop Lealith here and Yurie and Tora who are hiding around her will come out and complete the surrounding.

(After we bring it to that situation, it will finally be the start line…………..)

After that, it will be a tightrope walking with the rope worn and patched up.

Will we really cross this rope.

No matter which it is, all we have to do now is wait for Lealith to appear-----

“Tooru…………..”

“Yurie. You have to be hiding”

The silver girl showed herself from her hiding spot.

Coming from 3 sides is important so, we will not be able to surround her if we are together like this.

“I am sorry. I really wanted to tell you something……….so please, just for a while………..”

I could not say leave the talk to when the <<Survive>> end when Yurie looked so apologetically.

“………….Is your body okay?”

“Ya---.it’s a little heavy though”

“I see………..sorry, to force you like this”

“Nai. More importantly, I just don’t want to get spotted”

After saying that, Yurie touched her own chest.

The current Yurie certainly has slower movement than usual.

Whether or not that reason could or could not be noticed will be one of the turning points for the battle.

“So, what do you want to talk about?”

“It’s about the words Tomoe said just now------about me getting worked up”

Although Tachibana agreed with the follow up I made, I think there is something.

Our time together is not so shallow until I did not feel anything from the sights Yurie shown to me in an instant.

“It is just as what Tomoe said. I got worked up. I got worked up at that person……….”

“…………is it perhaps the <<Duo>> matter?”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Chirin* Yurie nodded and the bells rang.

“Tooru refused that invitation and that person got angry too. But, if Tooru and that person have a relationship of accepting each other in this <<Survive>> then…….”

“Did you think I would bring up being a <<Duo>> with Lealith?”

“…………..Ya---“

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Chirin*Yurie nodded and the bells rang.

(I see. That’s why-----)

The fact that the number of time we sleep together increased ever since I told her about the <<Duo>> invitation.

The fact she said to win which was different from the <<{{Furigana|New blade battle|Newcomer battle}}>>.

The fact that, she said she would wait for me even though I told her it's okay to go on ahead.

The fact that she headed towards Lealith, even though I told her not to overdo it to stop her.

The reason why Yurie kept doing those actions and saying words unlike herself was a way to show her feelings of wanting to be by my side.

At the same time when I understood the consistency, I thought the silver girl was very cute.

That is why I------

“Ah…………”

I pat Yurie’s head gently.

“I told Yurie that I am happy to be with you. Those words are not lies. It definitely is true, and will stay that way”

“Tooru…………”

“Are you relieved already?”

“Ya,Ya----“

I once again patted her head after Yurie nodded.

“Okay. Now that you are relieved, you should get spirited again. However, don't overdo it or you will end up worked up you know? That’s because we have to report '''We won''', to Tachibana who is working hard”

“Ya,Ya---……!!”

It was at that moment Yurie made a strong nod.

“…………..did you forget that we are in the middle of <<Survive>> now?”

“”-------------!!””

An utterly amazed voice came down suddenly.

When I looked up-----at the direction of the voice, a beautiful girl with a red rose attached on her chest and has Yellow topaz and {{Furigana|blue gemstone eyes|Sapphire blue}}, was sitting on the glass fence while folding her legs and was looking down at us.

She was not holding her <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> and was not showing any intentions of wanting to fight immediately.

“That’s a surprise, when have you been there………?”

“I am quite good in erasing my presence. That’s because it's important for the hunt”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Fu**Fu* she laughed while narrowing her eyes.

“And of course, that goes for detecting presence too”

“………..Did you eliminate everyone else”

“That’s right. That is why I came to take the main dish. By the way-----“

Right in the middle of her words, Lealith jumped up to and took one spin before landing on the plaza without making almost any sound.

“Let’s stop the slow parts okay. I came taking on the invitation so, I think you should come out too you know?”

“Fuun. You really are taking this easy”

Tora showed himself from the store he hid in, at Lealith’s words.

“Well, it’s predictable that he would be nearby”

“Isn’t that obvious. Attacking from many directions is effective if you fight an opponent with a <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>>”

“Haha, you are going to accompany us even though you know all that, what an energetic service”

“That’s because it’s more interesting that way. By the way-----“

After giggling, Lealith looked at our faces.

“What about the other two?..............even though I said that, one of them should have gotten hit by a bullet and the other one looks slow so, I guess you decided that they won’t become battle strength and left them”

Inside the 2nd battle, it seems she was calmly observing the movements and reactions of the surroundings.

“You really looked carefully huh. But, Tachibana and Miyabi are-----“

“They are fighting with us”

Yurie interrupted me by saying that and placed her hand on her chest.

“Like your hearts are together? I don’t hate those types of sentimental feelings”

It was slight but, the smile disappeared from the gold girl.

“Strong feelings becomes <<Power>>………….that is what I believe”

Although it was soft, those words were filled with a strong will.

It could be felt that she was burdened with something judging by the atmosphere which was different from usual.

“Well then, let’s begin already. The {{Furigana|last battle|dance}} of this <<{{Furigana|Survive|Party}}>>!”

“Just like I promise, I will go all-out………..!!”

“I will make you know how useless you are even if you go all-out!!”

The gold girl placed her hands on the <<Astar>> on her chest and shouted.

“<<Blaze>>!!”

At the same time the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> manifested in Lealith’s hand, Tora and Yurie ran to left and right with me in the center.

Lealith was the one who took the initiative.

The same time the gun shot and I deflected the bullet with the <<Shield>>, our offense and defense state reversed because Tora and Yurie jumped in.

After dodging the <<{{Furigana|Symbolic short sword|Katar}}>> Yurie’s <<Saber>> was next.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>JaKiin*!! However the blade was stopped by the gun’s frame.

“It was a somewhat rough sword skill but, it was a heavy and good attack. But-------'''''your movements are duller than just now'''''. Since you are only using one hand and sword, it would mean that there is quite some damage left I guess”

Seeing through Yurie’s movement turning dull in an instant, Lealith guessed the level of injury she has.

In a blink of an eye, she rotated the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> before, pointing the gun towards Yurie this time.

However, the silver girl that has regained her inherent coolness guessed the line of fire from the gun and dodged the bullet.

“It’ll be a problem if you forget about me!!”

At that moment, Tora once again took a side sweep with the <<{{Furigana|Symbolic short sword|Katar}}>> and cut the air.

“Of course, I did not forget”

Same time with her words, she rotated her <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> and pointed the gun at Tora this time.

“Guh……….!!”

Tora evaded his body from the shooting line immediately but, he distorted his expression.

That’s because Lealith kicked his side stomach like an elastic whip.

She used the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> as an intimidation and countered, this made Tora’s body float for an instant.

I switched with the staggering Tora and attacked.

“How about this!!”

I repeatedly showed a left jab and a right back knuckle but, it all hit the air with her bending her body.

---but, right after that, Lealith flipped up her leg while making a swaying posture.

The somersault kick scratched by cheeks and I stopped.

At that point, she landed and pointed the gun at me.

“Kuh……!!”

I immediately flipped the gun frame and diverted the gun; the bullet scratched my cheeks.

Yurie then closed the gaps and made a pincer attack with me.

It was a hectic switch from between offense and defense.

But, Lealith’s rose was not showing any signs of scattering at our fierce attacks.

Although it was good that we took Lealith’s position, the biggest problem was the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> existence.

She flashed the rifle that could make us unable to continue if we get a clean hit, and used it as an intimidation to make our step-in duller.

“What are you doing, Tooru, Yurie!!”

An irritated Tora jumped in between the attack but, his movements were clearly slower than usual.

It seems he was in pain from the kick but, Tora did not say it hurts and unleashed an attack.

“Seriously, you all are so restless”

Lealith said it in a tired voice and was still showing a leisure smile even though she is in this overly disadvantage situation of 3 vs 1.

But even so, the momentum for victory was slowly leaning towards us.

While we were attacking from all directions, Lealith has to be constantly conscious of all 3 of our movements and could only maintain a defensive stance, thus slowly cutting her breath away.

“Eat this!!”

Even though Tora crouched and made a spin kick, it hit nothing because Lealith dodged it easily with a back step.

---But. The moment she landed, *Kurun* she folded her knees.

The fatigue finally reached her legs.

“This is the end………..!”

It was a once in a lifetime chance and Yurie sliced down to finish her but--------

Lealith smiled in an instant.

“It’s a fake”

“------!?”

She went for the finish but since it was a large swing attack, it got dodged again with a back step.

“Too bad, Yurie=Sigtuna”

A big gap will appear if a big swing is performed, and she shot at that part.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Giin*!! But, I got between the girls and deflected the bullet with the <<Shield>>.

“That too bad goes for you too, Lealith. The <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> won’t work in this distance!!”

“…………not bad, Kokonoe Tooru. But------“

Lealith swiftly rotated the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> in her hands.

“Don’t think the same trick will work forever!”

In an instant, I focus on the gun’s direction and placed my <<Shield>> at the shooting line.

“------What!?”

The moment it shot-----I saw it.

That the gun slightly lowered and the shooting line changed.

I was able to see through the gun’s direction because of the distance until now.

But for this time, due to it being close, my body could not react in time in the sudden change of the line of fire.

“Guaa……………!!”

I shouted at the pain at my right thigh that felt like a nail pierced through.

“The tables have turned huh”

I feel to my knees and Lealith said it happily.

[Tooru!!][Tooru!!]

“Don’t come!!”

I stopped both of them with my hand.

“If the 3 of us gather at one spot, then we won’t be able to win even though we can win”

“Tooru…………”

“Oh my, are you still planning to win in this situation?”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Kurun* '''''she rotated the Rifle''''' and the gold girl smiled.

(It’s just as I thought………….)

Not limited to this fight, and even during the <<Kouryou battle>>, Lealith will '''''definitely show that habit''''' once the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> shoots.

I then found out there is something that could be guessed from that.

That, '''''Lealith is unable to continuously fire the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>>.'''''

The <<{{Furigana|Western bow|Archery}}>> user Kibitsu said, that she has to manifest the arrow my imaging herself taking it out from the arrow tube.

So I thought, Lealith has to reload too by using the rotation movement of the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>>.

And more importantly, it would be very clear that she would enjoy the fight more if she is able to fire continuously, and there is no way she would not fire continuously without a reason.

“Tooru, are you okay?”

I did not avert my eyes from Lealith and listened to Yurie.

“………moving like normal looks impossible huh”

Although the pain is gone already since this was a <<Blaze>> attack, the part that got shot felt heavy.

(It would have been great if the three of us cornered her then………..)

“You all look beaten up but, are you all still going to work hard?”

I lost my legs; Yurie lost her shoulders and Tora’s ribs are probably hurting.

Even if we continue fighting, forget cornering her, we would probably be just waiting to lose.

(……………Which means, there is only one thing left to do)

I made my determination and looked straight at the {{Furigana|blue gemstone eyes|Sapphire blue}} and answered.

“That’s true…………Let’s end this already”

“Yes. It is a little regretful but--------everything must have an ending”

The gold girl prepared the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>>------

And I prepared myself too.

I pulled back my fist like I am going to shoot an arrow and charged up.

Turie and Tora jumped to the left and right respectively at that signal.

“Just now, you asked that was I still planning to win right? Aah, that’s what I am planning to do. We will------Win!!”

Together with a roar, I released my strength.

'''''Towards my own feet.'''''

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Pikiiiiiiii!!* The {{Furigana|Thunder god’s strike|Mjolnir}} released with the <<{{Furigana|II|Level 2}}>>’s strength made a crater.

“Wha……….!?”

Small and large fragments flew around and Lealith jumped back in reflex.

The moment I confirmed that, I looked upwards and shouted.

“Now, Miyabi------!!”

“Teyaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhh-----!!”

A loud shout echoed in the building.

Coming from the stairs heading towards the roof on top of the Sora plaza, Miyabi was holding the <<{{Furigana|Chivalry lance|Lance}}>> and was charging-----no, was jumping down.

“------!! You’ve thought of that!!”

The {{Furigana|Thunder god’s strike|Mjolnir}} was to limit the directions Lealith can run away to.

Next off would be Miyabi who was standing-by performing a lance charge downwards for an ambush but, the plan I prepared did not end here.

Rather, I was convinced Lealith would not let this end and continued the plan.

Lealith responded to my expectations by dodging the lance charge and------

Almost at the same time, Yurie and Tora charged at her.

“This timing………..! I can’t evade!?”

Lealith guessed our intentions in an instant and the leisure smile disappeared from her expression.

Even if she defeats one of them, the remaining person will definitely bring her down by attacking the opening due to the reload.

This is what we aimed for……..!!

“I won’t……….be defeated!!”

The gun was pointed at Tora.

Even though Tora dodged the bullet immediately, it scratched his head and broke his balance before falling down.

Yurie then slipped into the gaps.

She aimed for this instant that Lealith has not finished reloading yet.

“It will finish with this………!”

In that moment-----Lealith smiled.

“…………'''''You are the one that will be finished''''', Yurie=Sigtuna”

“-----!?”

The moment Yurie swung down her <<Saber>>, Lealith thrust the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> which was not reloaded yet towards Yurie’s chest-----

Almost the same time the blade was about to dig into her upper arm, she pulled the trigger.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Zutaan*………..!! A dry sound echoed throughout and Yurie’s small body got blown away before----

She fell to the floor.

“How regretful, it’s a fake. Did you think I need to reload?”

Lealith send a sidelong glance towards me while making a smile.

It was a trap from the start.

She skillfully prepared a sweet lie by making us think that she reloads by rotating the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> starting from the <<Kouryou battle>>, and made us aim for that chance.

But-----

'''''“I predicted that possibility too”'''''

“Eh……….!?”

Lealith showed an outwitted expression when she saw me lifting the side of my mouth.

'''''“I am saying that I saw through the lie and disclosed the truth!!”'''''

Immediately-----

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Chirin* the bell rang.

Lealith turned around and------her {{Furigana|blue gemstone eyes|Sapphire blue}} was filled with surprise.

She saw the silver girl flying in the sky with one black wing.

“Wha….!?”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Zan*!! The brandish got through faster than Lealith pulling the trigger.

“With this……….it’s checkmate”

The <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> left the gold girl’s hand-----and dropped to the floor.

“N-no way……….I'm sure I shot through your chest-----…………!! That’s!!”

Lealith noticed.

She noticed the existence of the <<Chain>> making a dull glow inside the hole she made on Yurie’s uniform.

“No way, you wrapped that around your body…………so that’s why your movements got duller”

Lealith said that while touching her cut right arm with her left hand.

“So there are 2 ambushers huh………..I lose as expected”

Lealith moved her sights towards <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> that fell to the ground, and made a sigh of admiration.

Yes, it was just as what Yurie said just before the fight, we were fighting together with not only Miyabi but also with Tachibana too.

“Tachibana’s hard work profited”

The <<Blaze>> disappears if she faints-------and that’s the reason why I told her to work hard.

“……………Fuun. Don’t forget I went along with your plan”

Maybe it was from the impact from getting grazed from the bullet; Tora was placing his hand on his head while saying that.

In order to make Lealith shoot continuously and to make her get deluded that I was deceived, so we had him take up a role to do it.

Similarly, although it was great that the ground got destroyed by my {{Furigana|Thunder god’s strike|Mjolnir}} but, the skin on my fist tore because it was not able to withstand the impact and was stained with the blood that spurted out.

“………………I really thought you got deceived”

“It’s true that i was deceived at first………….but I recalled back. That last time, I saw Lealith shooting the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> in A la mode”

That time, Lealith pulled the trigger without any gaps in between.

Then why did she started that action at the <<Kouryou battle>>.

It’s obvious. She started it to fight me in this <<Survive>>.

There was a reason why she did not fire continuously.

The reason why she did this was to flip the table, right before the moment I'm convinced of my victory.

“Lealith. Continuing this anymore now that you can’t hold the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> is unreasonable”

It seems Lealith was having a hard time lifting her arm because it got slashed by Yurie, so if we keep fighting like this, there was no chance for her to win.

“………………………”

“Lealith. It’s over-----“

“I won’t say it twice”

“Eh……..?”

Those {{Furigana|blue gemstone eyes|Sapphire blue}} shoot towards me-----and she made her move.

“………….Not yet”

There was a strong will of light coming from her eyes.

“I won’t give up!!”

“-------!!”

The gold girl kicked up the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>>.

Her right arm cannot move because it got slashed.

But even so she still grabbed the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>>, even though it is going to be hard to move her left hand because of the damage in her upper arm.

“Kuh……..!”

I immediately pulled back my fist stained with my blood and took a stance.

(I can scatter the rose with the {{Furigana|Thunder god’s strike|Mjolnir}} impact wave if it is in this distance!!)

Lealith put strength into the finger pulling the trigger and the moment I was about to release the power stored in my fist------

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Bannn*!! A different dry sound from Lealith’s <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> echoed and at the same time, I received an impact on my shoulders before dropping to my knees.

“Ga,aah…….!?”

It was slightly late but, a scorching heat and pain attacked.

“Uu, Guh, aah……….Wha-what……..?”

After I turned behind while withstanding the pain, there were 3 guys standing there with {{Furigana|battle suits|Body suits}} on.

The guy in the middle was holding a pistol and there were gunpowder smokes coming off the nozzle.

(This guy……….shot me……!?)

“That was too close for comfort huh. Lealith=Bristol”

The guy called Lealith’s name in a cheeky voice.

“Lealith…………..who are these people……..?”

Even though I asked while pressing my shoulder which was twitching in pain, she swung her head.

“I don’t know. Who are you all. What do you all want!?”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Kii* Lealith glared at them while demanding the group of men to reveal their identity.

“The <<Equipment Smith>>-dono’s subordinate------you should understand if I answer that right? We came to pick you up ordered by sir”

It seems Lealith got an idea from the man’s reply and got taken back for a moment.

But she immediately revert back her expression and pointed the gun at the group of men.

“………..I refuse. I don’t have the duty to follow someone who rudely stepped into my dance party with those dirty feet. And if you wanted to escort in the first place then, start with sending an invitation first”

“Ya-re Ya-re…………that’s the answer after bringing my legs this deep inside here”

“I don’t remember asking you all to pick me up”

“……………hey you guys. What did sir ask us to do for this type of situation?”

“If she resists then, we give her a beating as long as she doesn't dies before bringing her up, was what he said. Kehihii”

The guy behind made a nasty laugh.

“-----Looks like it”

Faster than his words, the guy pulled the trigger.

But------

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Jigiinn*………!! The leader guy raised his eyebrows, '''''when the bullet got deflected by the <<Shield>>'''''.

The guy asked in a pissed manner when I stood in between Lealith and him.

“………..What are you doing, brat”

“I don’t know what’s going on but, Lealith is our classmate. More importantly, I will be troubled if you bring her away before our battle is settled”

“Kokonoe Tooru………”

“You’ve said it, Tooru. I will not forgive a victory from a time up because that woman got dragged away”

“It is just as Tooru says. That’s why------we will protect this person”

Yurie and Tora stood beside me.

“You brats. I will have you know the price for acting like a hero”

Gunshot’s echoed one after another.

“Whaaat………!?”

Even with all that, I blocked it with the <<Shield>> and the guy was surprised.

“Unfortunately, I got trained quite a bit from Lealith today”

“…………..even if you all are brats, you all are still <<Exceed>> huh. But………..how about this!!”

The guy prepared an assault rifle this time instead of a pistol.

“------This is bad!! Yurie, Tora, get away!!”

It’s okay if it’s a single shot but, it is impossible to block random shooting like I thought.

“Kyaaa!?”

I immediately carried Lealith and jumped to the side and Yurie and Tora jumped away.

[Tora, I leave the left to you……….!][Fuun, I know!!]

Almost at the same time they regained their posture, Yurie and Tora jumped towards the guy.

But the 2 guys standing-by behind the leader stood in front of Yurie and Tora and------

Blocked Yurie’s <<Saber>> and Tora’s<<{{Furigana|Symbolic short sword|Katar}}>> with a knife.

“Not even a budge……!?”

It was not surprising for Tora to be surprised. Different from our looks, our physical strength enhanced by the <<Luciful>> cannot even be compared with normal humans.

“Kuku………did you think you all are the only existence transcending humans?”

“What did you say……..!?”

The moment he felt shaken at that devastating statement, Tora was kicked away and Yurie got grabbed on the arms before being swung around and got slammed to the ground.

However, the shocking part of the guys in {{Furigana|battle suits|Body suits}} has only began.

“Fast…….!?”

Yurie’s expression changed.

That’s because, '''''Tsukimi was the only person faster than her''''' until now.

Those guys have the speed that could not be caught up by Yurie, even If her body was in her top-shape.

Having their speed and powers exceeded, the guys freely attacking with their assault rifle and knife quickly cornered the both of them into a predicament.

“Yurie!! Tora-----!!”

“Oooto, I am your opponent”

The moment I directed my senses towards the both of them, the leader stood in front of me.

Although I was going to immediately use {{Furigana|Thunder god’s strike|Mjolnir}}, the shoulder that got shot started to hurt and I couldn't put any strength into it.

“Ku, ah………!!”

I drove my fist in like that but, it got blocked with one hand easily.

“Is the <<Exceed>> only this level?”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Mishiri*…………..he put in strength into his fist to crush mine and I raised a shout from my throat.

The guy showed his teeth and laughed.

“I’ll teach you this, brat. This is how you punch someone……….!!”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Doboo*!!My stomach got crushed from the impact he punched up to my stomach, and I throw up the air in my lungs.

“Ka…….ha,a………!!”

Another existence transcending humans other than <<Exceed>>.

After I got to my knees from that tremendous power, my chin was kicked upwards.

“Guah…….!!”

I got blown away and fell to the ground pathetically.

“To-Tooru-kun…….!!”

“Do-don’t come here, Miyabi………! Run away………!!”

Even though I shouted to Miyabi who was running towards me, the leader’s moves were faster.

He grabbed her arm, and Miyabi got caught.

“Kyaaaa!? L-let go!!”

“Kuku…………..This is a <<Exceed>> even though it’s like this. Looks like she’s quite strong but, she is no different than a little girl to us”

The leader twist Miyabi’s wrist to restrain her before pushing the pistol to her head.

“Hii…..!?”

“It’s noisy so stop shouting………….alright, the other brats stop resisting!!”

The battle concluded at this point.

Yurie and Tora who was still putting up a fight, saw Miyabi getting captured before throwing their <<Blaze>> away.

“Wasting my time, squirming around like that!!”

Tora got sent flying by the guy he was confronting.

The other guy again, raised his fist at Yurie.

“St……..Sto-p……………!”

“Wait!!”

The one that stopped that fist, was none other than Lealith.

“…………….I will go with you all quietly. That’s why; I will have you stop laying your fingers on my classmatse any more than this”

“What if I say no?”

“Your goal is to '''''bring me back without killing me''''' right?”

After saying that, Lealith took the fragment of the ground------and thrust the sharp part to her own throat.

“Release your dirty hands from that girl”

“Okay okay. I’ll do that if you come with us quietly. But-----“

The leader pushed Miyabi aside to release her.

However, the guy remained pointing the gun at Miyabi while walking closer to Lealith----

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Paan* a dry sound was produced when he slapped the gold girl’s cheeks.

“You have to calm that mouth of yours too, Bristol’s ojou-san”

“I’ll leave it at that”

Lealith made an angry glare at the guy that was *Niya**Niya* smiling happily.

“Okay then, we will have you go up like this”

He pushed to the gun to Lealith’s back and the group of men was about to leave the Sora plaza.

“Le-Lealith….!!”

When I called her name, Lealith stopped and turned over to me.

“…………………sorry I did not finish the match, Kokonoe Tooru”

After saying only that, Lealith left the place with the group of men.

“Damn………..!! Those bastards….!!”

I could not do anything.

I got irritated at my own incompetence and slammed my fist to the floor.

“So-sorry…………i-if I did not get caught……U-uguu………..”

Large teardrops were flowing off Miyabi’s eyes.

While Miyabi was breaking down crying, Yurie patted her on the head.

My chest hurts badly at that scene.

“Tooru. I think this is not possible but, you are not going to say this will end right?”

“……………aah, of course”

After nodding to Tora, I encouraged my creaking body and stood up.

“Miyabi stop crying”

“B-but, but………I…..Uuu……..”

“It’s okay. No one will blame you. Also, I will save Lealith so, stop crying it’ going to be okay“

“Tooru…….kun……….”

Miyabi looked up at me with wet eyes and nodded back.

“I will go too. I am Tooru’s <<Duo>>, I will be together when you fight”

“Fuun. Don’t forget me too. I won’t be able to settle down if I don't give them a payback”

“I see………Thanks you two”

In spite of being inferior in the last battle, the fact that the both of them did not have their heart broken made them trustworthy.

“But, what are we going to do? It is annoying but, those guys are stronger than us. There is no chance of us wining if we fight straight on”

It was just as Tora says.

We have to make a clever plan for victory, using a surprise attack.

(Think…………! Is there any plan that can make us of each of our distinctive characteristics……..!?)

I looked towards my fist stained in blood and think------

“------!!”

Immediately, the giant hold made by this fist entered my sights.

“Tooru. Did you think of something?”

“……..aah, tentatively. It might work if '''''I add a little arrangement to it'''''. And-----“

I kneel down with one knee in front of Miyabi before saying.

“Miyabi wait right here”

“Eh…………..? Bu-but……….I also…….”

I swung my head at Miyabi who looked troubled.

It was because I noticed Miyabi’s body was trembling in small intervals.

Even though Miyabi was released, she was seized by fear.

That is why, I swung my head.

“I promised this before right. I will come back for you. The situation is kind off different from that talk but, I will definitely protect that promise. I will save Lealith and come back to pick you up so, please wait here”

After I said that I *Pon**pon* lightly hit her head.

“And greet us with a smile when we get back, Miyabi”

“Tooru-kun………..”

This was the second floor of the Nagisa plaza located at the furthest east of the A la mode northern block.

Immediately after I reached here, Lealith and the group of men came up the escalator.

“Kokonoe Tooru…..!!”

After Lealith and the group of men recognized me, they showed their surprise.

“………….brat. How did you get here first”

“There many back lanes. I came here first when you all were taking your time walking here”

I used the small paths instead of the main path the group of men used and overtook them.

“Also, you guys said that the Sora was “Deep” in and have her go “up”. Which means you came from the roof. And in order to head back to the roof, you have to pass through this Nagisa plaza”

“I see. Then one more question, did you come here '''''alone'''''”

Yes, I am alone. Yurie and Tora were not in front of the escalator connecting to the roof.

“Of course. I came here to save Lealith. It will be a problem if you bring her away when the match is not over yet”

Hearing my answer, the group of men made vulgar laughs and Lealith shouted angrily.

“Don’t say stupid things already and retreat, Kokonoe Tooru! Did you think you can win against these people alone!?”

“I’ll win………! I------We will win!!”

“…………don’t make me say it twice you idiot!!”

“You don’t make me say this twice too!! We will reach you with our hands and protect you!!”

After saying that, I clenched my fist-----and pulled it back like an arrow.

“Bratt………….are you perhaps going to take on an opponent with an {{Furigana|Assault rifle|}} barehanded?”

“Aah, that’s right. However, you guys aren’t the target my fist are targeting though”

“Don’t say stuff that does not make sense you brat! I’ll mince every other part-----other than the part hidden by that small <<Shield>>!!”

They pulled the triggers of the assault rifles pointed at me.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Gagagagaga*!! The gunshots were enough to tear my ears apart. I hold out the <<Shield>> towards the countless bullets attacking.

But of course, I could not deflect all of it and just like the man’s declaration, my flesh was getting scrapped off and several bullets pierced through my body, arm and legs.

“Uguh……..Guaah…!!”

I groaned at the pain attacking my body and was about to lose my strength.

(Stand it! I promised to save Lealith and go back!!)

I lowered my sights straight down in front of the endless muzzle flashes.

“Go through------!!”

I used everything my body can mutter and slam the floor with {{Furigana|Thunder god’s strike|Mjolnir}} like just now.

The only difference is that this is '''''the second floor'''''.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Bishiii*!! The cracks that took an instant to spread out, reached the feet of the group of men.

The men shooting blindly were slightly late in noticing because of the muzzle flash released from their weapon-----

And in the next moment, the 2nd floor foothold started to collapse.

“Lealith!! Come!!”

I extended out my hand to her right in the middle of the collapsing foothold.

“Kokonoe Tooru!!”

While dodging the stray bullets which has lost its target, the gold girl jumped into my arms.

“I leave the rest to you two, Yurie, Tora-------!!”

[Ya---!!][Leave it to me!!]

I heard the replies of both of my trustworthy comrades standing by at the 1st floor----

The 2 <<Exceed>> turned into 2 blades and charged towards the wreckage falling down with high-speed.

They ran through the wreckage like threads weaving its path and they slashed the men each respectively-----

“Yo-you brats-------!!”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Zuzaa*!! Both of their sword lines crossed at the leader for last.

A loud sound echoed throughout the building immediately.

Dust rose up and the group of men got buried in the wreckage.

But----it still wasn’t the end.

“You damn brattttttttttttttts!!”

Even though his armor was sliced apart, he got slammed to the ground, and got crushed by the wreckage, the leader stood up.

“I will kill youuuuuuuuuuuuu!!”

After pointing his bloodshot eyes from inside the broken helmet to me, the man took out his knife and charged at me.

My fist was broken so I have no weapon that can beat the guy in one hit now.

However----this goes '''''only for me.'''''

“Lealith!!”

I shouted to the gold girl in my arms.

“Lend me your <<Soul>>!!”

Everything was told with just those words.

The <<Flame>> danced and the <<{{Furigana|Gun|Rifle}}>> appeared in Lealith’s left hand.

“I will do the aiming!! So------you pull the trigger!!”

I nodded and placed my hand on Lealith’s thin and flexible finger------

[[File:Absolute Duo Volume 2 Non-Colour 10.jpg|thumb]]

“This is………..the endddd--------!!”

A gun shot echoed throughout.

“…………Tooru was too reckless”

When I was right in the middle of performing emergency treatment to my crushed fist, Yurie made a seemingly angry expression.

“Iya, I could only think of that during that time and……….”

“………….to crush your fist just because of that reason, are you an idiot”

Tora silently nodded at the astonished voice flying over from Lealith who was leaning against the wall.

“But well………..”

“Hn?”

“…………..Thank you for coming to save me”

Although the last part was soft, those words perfectly reached my ears.

“You’re welcome…………..by the way, is it really okay if we don’t head up to check?”

“It’s okay. There is no way both Mikuni and Tsukimi would fall behind opponents that we can beat. And if they are currently fighting then, we would only be a hindrance if we go”

“Well that’s true”

I could only agree to her sentence, especially the last part; I then made a sigh.

But, there was something else I am curious about those men.

“…………….hey Lealith. You know about their boss, the-------equipment whatever you call it right? If it is alright with you, can you tell me?”

“…………..Sorry. I can’t tell you even if I am the <<Exception>>”

(Well she said that even if she is the <<Exception>>, so it might be related to the so-called dark side of the academy like that time with Tsukimi………..)

I gave up asking for more when I saw Lealith saying that with a sharp expression.

Soon, around the time my emergency treatment was done, I raised a lively voice to change the atmosphere.

“………well then, let’s go pick Miyabi and Tachibana up then!”

“Ye----. Let’s do that. We made them wait for quite a long time”

“Haha, it took us quite a while”

But suddenly-------the gold girl suddenly stood in front of us, when we were about the head back inside.

“Wait, Kokonoe Tooru”

“Lealith………..?”

The gold girl pointed at the rose at her chest and said.

'''''“It is still not over”'''''

“………I, on top of my fist being crushed, I took some bullet hits you know”

“You’re noisy. That is why I waited for your emergency treatment to end. You still can move a little right”

“O-oi oi………..Are you serious……..?”

“Of course. In the first place, weren’t you the one that said-------It will be a problem if you bring her away when the match is not over yet”

Lealith flicked her yellow topaz hair, before continuing.

“I also can’t use my dominant hand so, accompany me to the end. Weren’t we going to accept each other”

“Accompany with her, Tooru”

After saying that, Tora pulled a button off his school uniform.

“………..I get it”

I took my position while making a sigh. I can’t put in any strength but, it is probably possible to at least scatter the rose.

Not long later, the button Tora flicked right up reached the summit and started to fall-------

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Kii---n*. Using the sound of it dropping to the ground as the signal, Lealith and I moved at the same time.

After a moment, the rose scattered-----

And this time, the curtain for the <<Survive>> closed.

---in addition, it's a different story that both of Miyabi and I became embarrassed when she came hugging me when we went to pick her up and Tachibana who looked like she could not walk was making a big rampage when I tried to carried her.

===Part 2===

“Fuhahaha. As expected from the <<Exceed>>. It looks like being un-adjusted is no match”

After looking at his subordinates lying on the floor while making groans in the surroundings, <<Equipment smith>> made a laugh.

Not only was their opponent Mikuni uninjured, there was no stains on him and that shows that the fight that took place just now turned into something one-sided until it could not be called a fight anymore.

“There is also no reply from the people that head down”

After the loud sound ended, there was one reply from the transmitter so <<K>> shrugged his shoulders.

“Fumu. I never would have thought they would lose to students. Iya iya…………it seems you have quite some excellent students there”

“Thanks to us having especially promising students this year, I am really looking forward for the future”

The faces of the people that took down the people that went down floated in Sakuya mind and she made a smile.

“Well then, what will you do next? If your side wants to leave then, we will not lay our hands on you all any further”

“Hou, that is thankful. Well then <<{{Furigana|Blaze Witch|Blaze Diabolica}}>>-dono, I will generously follow your words. <<K>>-Kun, order those who can move to retrieve the people that went down”

After she told him that they could leave, the <<Equipment Smith>> accepted it without any shame.

Soon, the retrieval of the subordinates that got taken down by Tooru and the group ended; <<K>> and the group finished their preparations for evacuation.

“Well then, we will be leaving now. <<{{Furigana|Blaze Witch|Blaze Diabolica}}>>-dono------let’s meet again someday”

“Please, as you wish”
It was during that time Edward got onto the helicopter after turning his heels around and <<K>> was about to follow him-----

After seeing them, <<K>> stopped and directed both his shooting-like eyes to them.

There were 3 people that took his attention.

One of them was their target, the gold girl.

Another was a small girl with {{Furigana|Silver hair|Silver Blonde}}.

And the black-haired young man carrying a girl standing in between them.

<<K>> made a hunch. That this boy was the one that took down his subordinate.

For a short time, Tooru and <<K>>’s sights crossed.

“……….Looks like we will meet again soon”

That was a prediction. However, it was close to conviction.

The brief encounter reached to an end just like that.

While staring at the giant helicopter, Sakuya whispered out.

“………….<<Equipment smith>>-sama. We are the same and yet different. That is why our paths will never intersect”

Her mutter did not reach anyone’s ear and got blown away by the wind just like that.

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Maria-sama ga Miteru:Volume4 Chapter6 2

2014-01-15T15:12:53Z

Mr Mo: /* The first of January. Part 2. */

===<noinclude>The first of January. </noinclude>Part 2.===

I was up until one on New Year's Day, but I was still awakened at seven o'clock by my mother.

But, this was customary in the Fukuzawa household on New Year's Day, so I had to get up, rubbing my eyes.

Well no, actually, stumbling down while rubbing my eyes wasn't allowed. First I had to brush my teeth, wash my face, and of course I had to change out of my pajamas. When I finally finished dressing myself, we were to gather in the only Japanese-style room in the house.

After all, we have to prepare ourselves for the upcoming year on New Year's Day.

When we became middle-schoolers, the ban on watching Kouhaku Utagassen[http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Notes#gantan] was lifted, so ever since then it became customary to exchange "Happy New Years!" greetings deep in the night. Even so, we still maintained our tradition of waking up in the morning and once again exchanging greetings before eating our ojuu. Then we received a sip of otoso, and opened our ojuu.

"Alright, I'll be taking mochi orders."

When everyone placed their chopsticks on the ojuu food, Yuuki stood up and began taking note of how much mochi everyone wanted. At the same time, father stood up and walked to the kitchen. In our household, it was customary that grilling mochi and boiling soba was done by the men, so mother and I didn't move. That said, it wasn't like we were supposed to happily eat while waiting. In the meantime, we'd prepare the ozouni for the mochi, and set up oshouyu and nori.

"But his unusual obstinacy is such a bother."

Whispered mother. Usually you could just toast mochi in a microwave, but mochi is better when it's grilled on an iron, my father said, and so we did it the old way. As a result, the one who washed the irons with carbonized mochi was his assistant. Poor Yuuki, he was destined to become the victim of father's obstinacy on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

The living room had a television, like it was from a completely different era, and it showed things like the first sunrise of the year, a shouchikubai, or an announcer wearing a kimono. The morning newspaper that was placed in the sideboard after father had finished reading it was thicker than usual, being the New Year's edition. And from those small differences from the normal day, you could feel that New Year's Day was a relatively special occasion, I think.

And while we dug ourselves into the horigotatsu while eating mochi and osechi, and sipping tea, the New Year's Cards would be distributed. Usually the postman would be riding around in a bike at this time of day, but during New Year's, the job is instead taking by university part-time workers. So even if a stack of postcards were placed in the mailbox, sometimes you never heard them coming, and you'd only realize it later.

It was the job of children to retrieve the New Year's Cards. –Or rather, more like a hobby. It was like trying to get a magazine you were waiting eagerly for. It was a pain to write them, but receiving them was a joyful occasion. Who sent me a post card? I wanna see! And so Yuuki and I alternated peeking out of the house and checked the mailbox every ten minutes.

After a number of whiffs, I coincidentally opened the door and saw the onii-san placing the stacks in our mailbox. Well, I say onii-san, but he didn't look like he was that much older than me.

"Thank you for your troubles."

We greeted each other, and he handed me to postcards directly. There were two stacks. The part-time nii-san, before moving on to the next house, stopped by the mailbox a few steps down, and placed a stack into my father's office's mailbox. It was ten forty in the morning.

Me first, we probably looked like, as we scrambled into the house and began dividing the cards.

To father, to mother, to me, to Yuuki, and then to father's office, they were all mixed together. Oh, and a few that had been accidentally mixed in, that were supposed to be sent elsewhere. As a result, the postcards were split into six mountains, and piled up before each respective person.

"Yumi, read your cards later."

Yuuki cautioned, not stopping. But even so, when you saw the name of who wrote you the card, wasn't it normal to want to flip to the back?

"Father, father, Yuuki, me, father, mother, father, father."

When she resumed working, to catch up, this time she was warned, "Quiet."

"Think it in your head, it's distracting."

"Yuuki's like a mother-in-law."

"Anyone would complain like this if their son had a wife like Yumi."

Giving up, I started saying, "father, father, mother, Yuuki," in my head.

(Huh…?)

But when she split a card to Yuuki, she felt like the name on the card was familiar. And it stuck her mind because the card was to Yuuki. Yumi thought, most high-school cards were from classmates or club-mates, but it wasn't a name she'd heard from Yuuki's mouth-.

(Who was it?)

But she couldn't double-check, because Yuuki stacked more cards on top of it.

She could have asked Yuuki, can I see who that was? But it would have been wasted effort if she'd been wrong, so she forgot about it. There're plenty of people with similar names, after all. And if Yuuki asked her about a card sent to her, she wouldn't feel too comfortable, either. Privacy is important.

Of course, almost half of the cards sent to our household were to father. And if you counted the cards sent to his office, how many is he receiving? It was overwhelming. Because, if you're receiving cards, it also means you're sending around that many, too, right? Becoming an adult is dreadful. Even our mother, a housewife, received far more than we did.

Having finished splitting the cards, Yuuki and I took our shares, split up a bit, and sat down on the sofa. It wasn't like "whoever has more cards is more popular," but it did put a bit of pressure on the other person. Luckily, we were about the same, judging from the thickness of our stacks. I was happy that the number of cards I received went up along with my New Year's gift when I became a high-schooler. Even though I wasn't a part of any club.

Instead of reading them in order, I looked for one name.
Ogasawara Sachiko.

The person I love the most at school.

Silently apologizing to Yoshino-san and Tsutako-san, I skipped past their cards, and as I began to worry, "Maybe she didn't send me one?" I found it.

"B, brushwork…"

Would it be called India-ink painting? It was a relatively simple postcard, with a plum flower painted using faint hues, and on top of it, with black India ink, "Happy New Year's," and "Best regards for the year," and then the year, and then "New Year's Day." The little stamp pressed to the side was Sachiko-sama's "Sachiko," in a brilliant scarlet accent.

"How refined…"

When I remembered the card I'd sent out, my face felt like it was on fire. It was bad enough that I hurriedly wrote it because I'd forgotten about it until the second-semester closing ceremony, but the New Year's card that I'd begged father to let me print off of his computer was rather scrambled and noisy. I should have just used a template that came with the word processor software, but I ended up adding a bunch of things, and in retrospect that was a bad idea. The letters were extremely fancy, and I used way too many colors.

Your personality showed in your New Year's cards. I carved that into my brain.

The first phone call we received for the new year came when mother was hurrying me about my Yamanashi decision.

"It's from grandmother."

Wait right there, she scolded, before she picked up the receiver.

"Happy New Years. It's Fukuzawa."
Her voice was an octave high. Oh, mother, her voice was in New Year's mode, too.

"Ah, yes. No, not at all. Thank you for looking after her all the time. Has she been bothering you much?"

Wait right there, I'd been told, so I couldn't return to my room. Plus, I'd finally finished writing the thank you cards, and had stumbled down the stairs to go to the bathroom, so the air conditioner in my room was still on.

(I hope it's not a long phone call.)

I tried to reason out who the caller might be, by concentrating on the receiver. From the speech mannerism, I could tell it wasn't grandmother. And it was someone "looking after" someone other than mother.

"I see. Please guide her in the future, too. … Please wait a second. I'll switch to her."

Still holding onto the receiver, mother bowed toward the phone, pressed the hold button, and turned to me, "Yumi-chan."

"Me?"

She wouldn't say "please guide in the future" to a friend of mine. But I couldn't imagine my homeroom teacher calling-.

(C, could it be…)

"It's Rosa Gigantea."

"Eh?"

"Rosa Gigantea, right? Satou-san. My, the Roses are so polite have such a proper way of speaking."

"---"

I forgot to mention that mother was a graduate of Lillian Girls' academy. She was a regular student who never dealt with the Roses, but her admiration of the Yamayurikai staff was extraordinary. She would probably be shocked beyond belief if she were to see how the real Rosa Gigantea acted, so I didn't deny it, simply agreeing, "Yes, she's so wonderful."

"Hello, it's me."

"Ah, Yumi-chan? Did you hope for a moment it was Sachiko?"

"… No. Happy New Year's."

"Happy New Year! Kingashinnen![http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Notes#kingashinnen] Bonne année! Boy, how joyous, how auspicious!"

"…"

Even in the new year, Rosa Gigantea's old-fashioned methods were still in good health.

"Did something happen?"

"I wanted to hear Yumi-chan's voice."

"Huh?"

"- Is a lie hohoho-"

"Did you call me to be the first to tease me?"

Rosa Gigantea might do it, seriously.

"Of course not. Getting right to the point, do you have any plans tomorrow and the day after?"

"What do you want?"

"I'm bored. Wanna go on a date?"

"Date?"

"Other people call it a hatsumoude[http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Notes#hatsumoude]."

"I'll go!"

I immediately OK'd it. This invitation was my wish. A hatsumoude with the Yamayurikai members.

And maybe I'd be able to see Sachiko-sama in a kimono.

"So, will it be the second or the third?"

"Are you open on both? Because it's a one-night two-day lodging course?"

"Lodging?"

"- Though by lodging I mean at a friend's house, so it's free. But, it's a sleep-over, so make sure you have your parents permission."

"Friend's house?"

"It's a big house, but their family is out for the second and the third. So, we're going to barge in and help out with house-keeping, kind of. You know, if the young people are happily partying the night away, it'll ward robbers away."

"W, wait a second."

An unexpected development.

And it was far, far more enticing than staying at home or going to Yamanashi.

"Mother."

I turned to mother, who was listening not two meters away.

"Can I go to the Yamayurikai lodging?"

"Lodging, on New Year's?"

Mother looked dubious, at first, but I implored her enough that she finally reluctantly allowed me to go.

She'd allowed her son to go, so she probably felt guilty if she didn't let her daughter go, too. After all, our household is based on the fundamental of "boys and girls are equal."

Plus, Rosa Gigantea seemed like such a lady, that adults adore her. And so with a senpai like that, she doesn't have to worry as much about me. Of course, if she knew how Rosa Gigantea really is, maybe she would worry.

Finally, the kicker was that I was already hesitant on going to Yamanashi. She was probably worried about the prospect of leaving me at home alone anyways, on a level totally different from "boys and girls are equal." So me going to a friend's house put her at ease. Either way, I'm the kind of daughter that'd go anyways, even if they were to tell me, "Don't go," so I'm sure that just added to her worries.

"Rosa Gigantea, she's given me permission. I'll participate."

I jumped back on the receiver, panting.

"Roger. See you, then, we're meeting at M Station tomorrow at two. In front of the convenience store before the ticket gates, you know what I mean?"

"Roger-"

She quickly took a mental note.

"Give mother my blessings. I'll be taking care of her tomorrow, like that."

"Yes. Then, tomorrow."

After hanging up, I remembered I forgot to ask who else was coming. It seemed like I was definitely excited. I felt a bit inconsiderate, as she might have wanted me to call the other people and spread the word.

(I hope onee-sama's with us.)

Ahh, and as I thought such a thing, my heart really went into Happy New Year mode.

My brain was so filled with rapture that, even though Yuuki and I usually did rock-scissors-paper to see who put the thank you cards in the mailbox, this time I went ahead and did it on my own accord.

I felt bad for grandmother, but I thanked her for coming back from Narita.

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| Back to [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter6_1|Part 1]]
| Forward to [[Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Volume4_Chapter7_1|Chapter 7 Part 1]]
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Maria-sama ga Miteru:Volume4 Chapter2 2

2014-01-15T14:17:29Z

Mr Mo: /* Rosa Canina? Part 2. */

===<noinclude>Rosa Canina? </noinclude>Part 2.===

"Did something happen with Sachiko-sama?"

She stood, holding the broom and staring into space, when Tsutako-san leaned in and peered into her face.

"Why?"

Yumi remembered to sweep the floor. Then, Tsutako-san went and brought a dustpan and placed it just beyond the pile of dust. They weren't in the same cleaning group, but she stood there anyways, like it was natural. Her cleaning group already finished, apparently.

It was cleaning time, after school.

"Yumi-san, you're in an unusually gloomy state. When that happens, the reason must be Sachiko-sama. Plus, you were almost late to the morning prayers today, too."

"Tsutako-san, I appreciate you helping with cleaning, but…"

"I know, I know, it's because of Rosa Canina, right?"

"How did you-"

"I read your mind. Who do you think I am?"

The photography club ace, Takeshima Tsutako-san.

"I heard the details from the newspaper club captain."

"… You were just eavesdropping."

Yumi interjected as she swept the dust onto the dustpan. The students in her cleaning group had begun running a moistened mop across the wooden floors, where she'd finishing sweeping.

"Oh don't be like that. Anyways, it sounds like Sachiko-sama's in a pinch."

"True."

She took the dustpan from Tsutako-san and bee-lined for the garbage bin. But the photography club's ace hounded her. Usually, she would just be getting in the way of cleaning, like this, but she was helping, so Yumi couldn't complain.

In the end, Yumi would have her uneasiness pried out of the shadows by Tsutako-san.

"So basically, Yumi-san is pondering over her raison d'etre."

"Raison d'etre?"
That's right, she would spontaneously pull out difficult words or phrases and make the conversation difficult. That's what Takeshima Tsutako-san did.

"Raison d'etre, or in other words, your personal charm point that no one else can hope to match. You are 'Fukuzawa Yumi' because of this, for instance. Of course, most people never figure out what makes them attractive."

"Attractive? My charming, baby raccoon face? Or being a natural airhead?"

When Yumi put away the broom and dustpan into the cleaning locker, looking exasperated, Tsutako-san looked extremely serious and said, "Not that kind of superficial thing."

"For example, Yumi-san is here. And with that, some people's lives have changed."

"Even if I don't do anything?"

"Of course."

Even if the pitcher throws the same ball, if the angle of the bat changes just a bit, it could end in either a home run or a foul, she said. Yumi didn't watch baseball much, but she still got the idea.

Even if it began from the same spot and went the same distance, with just a small turn the landing spot would change completely. Is what she was trying to say. Even the smallest of incidents could affect a person and change their life.

"Isn't that dreadful?"

"It is dreadful, life. But, that's what makes it fun. Perhaps Sachiko-sama thought, in a good way, that her life would change by choosing Yumi-san to be her sister?"

"Hmm."

"It's a good thing, is what I mean. Sachiko-sama didn't want a sister like her. You hear it a lot, that people seek people who have what they don't, you know?"

It sounded like she was generalizing quite a bit. She was no match for Tsutako-san when it came to a verbal discussion.

When they finished cleaning the rear-half, and then the front-half, they brought the desks back to their original positions. When Yumi dragged a desk to the right place, Tsutako-san took the chair that was placed upside-down on the desk, lowered it to the floor, and turned it around. The students that finished wiping the blackboard would then rinse their dust cloths and wipe the desks. And, when you finished all of that, cleaning would be finished. The painstaking waxing was done once every two weeks, so they didn't do that today.

"I… What should I do?"

"You have to think of that yourself."

Even though Yumi cordially listened to her, Tsutako-san simply left her alone when it came to a crucial topic.

"You're cold."

"Yup. Human relationships are different, person to person, you know? Sachiko-sama's sister is Yumi-san. I'm just Yumi-san's friend. So all I can do is divert the newspaper club's information to illegal channels."

Then, she reached into her pocket and pulled out her student notebook.

"Kanina Shizuka (蟹名静). Second-year wisteria class, attendance number ten. She's part of the chorus."

"What?"

"Rosa Canina's identity. You hadn't found that out yet, right?"

She'd taken a photo, too, but she hadn't developed it yet, so she'd bring it tomorrow. Said Tsutako-san, extremely proud of herself.

"Thank you, Tsutako-san!"

It's good to have friends. Plus, for all her cockiness, she did her share of work.

"How do you write Kanina?"

"Kani, from hair crab, and na, from name."

"What an unusual name."

"Well there's an Ebina (海老名 – Ebi = shrimp), so Kanina isn't that far off."

"Mmm."

Yumi took out her own student notebook and jotted it down. She would ask Yoshino-san later if she knew anything about "Kanina Shizuka-sama."

"Mmm, that's all?"

Tsutako-san looked let-down.

"Is that bad?"

"Come on, Yumi-san. Kanina becomes Rosa Canina. What are your thoughts, on such an embarrassingly straight nickname?"

"Oh, right, I didn't notice."

She found out this morning that Rosa Canina was a real rose, and that it was a black rose, so she ended up being satisfied. So her real name was more like simple memorization. All she really cared about was that it was a name she hadn't heard before. After all, no matter what that person's name was, she was still Sachiko-sama's opponent.

"Get a grip. How're you going to weather the storm like that?"

That hurt. That really hurt. Because she didn't need to be told it.

"However. Onee-sama's Yamayurikai staff election episode is quite a burden, but then you think about going through that, and living through your onee-sama's exam as well as her graduation, like Shimako-san, and now you've got problems, don't you think?"

"Oh, Rosa Gigantea is taking exams?"

How unbelievable, Yumi thought. Because she never looked like she was, and to start with, were people taking exams allowed to wander around in that manner?

"Maybe, apparently. At the very least, no one's heard her talk about a priority entry into Lillian's university or junior college. Right, Shimako-san?"

Seeing Shimako-san step into the room by chance, Tsutako-san forcibly dragged her over.

"Eh? What? Onee-sama's course?"

Shimako-san tilted her head.

For a moment, Yumi thought, "No way," but then she rejected the notion. After all, even with how "their" relationship was, even Shimako-san had to have heard about what Rosa Gigantea planned to do after graduating. After all, it was already in the countdown stages, being after New Year's.

But.

As Yumi and Tsutako-san held their breaths and watched, Shimako-san looked extremely serious and said.

"I wonder…?"

As expected of the my-pace Shimako-san. "Come to think of it, what does she plan to do?" said Shimako-san, as if she'd just now thought of it.

"… Hello, Shimako-san. Why don't you ask something that important directly?"

It was dead winter, but Tsutako-san still had a sweat drop.

"Indeed. But, it wasn't that I couldn't ask, but rather that I forgot to ask. But I understand, I'll try to remember asking the next time I see her."

Smiling like an angel, Shimako-san went to her seat and took out note-taking equipment from her bag. The water vapor on the glass windows reflected the sunlight and illuminated Shimako-san.

Shimako-san looked so white that it wouldn't have been a surprise if angelic wings sprouted behind her. Not so much the color of her skin, but her existence, as a whole. If Yumi could see people's auras, Shimako-san would no doubt be white. As expected of the white rose family.

When Yumi pointed that out, Tsutako-san snickered.

"Then Yumi-san is always blushing, so you're part of the crimson rose family."

One zabuton[http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Maria-sama_ga_Miteru:Notes#zabuton] for Tsutako-san!

The pitiful part was that Yumi couldn't make a retort.

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