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Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume8 Epilogue

2013-03-08T13:53:22Z

Worker: Created page with "==Epilogue=="

==Epilogue==

Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume6 Epilogue

2013-02-23T07:17:22Z

Worker:

==Epilogue==

===Part 1===

The night of the intense battle had passed and the next dawn arrived. After a simple breakfast--

Milla Bassett abruptly brought up an issue.

"...Is that really okay, Milla?"

"It has already been decided."

Enduring the gazes of everyone present, Milla nodded.

"Having lost the «Crusaders» sealed in the «Eye», I have no way of winning the «Blade Dance»."

Fundamentally, summoning spirits through a stronghold's leylines was completely outrageous.

Milla's left eye had cracked and lost its luster.

This was her decision as one who was no longer an elementalist--

Withdrawal from the Blade Dance festival--

"But what will you do from here on?"

Claire asked.

No longer an elementalist. Where could she go?

"I can no longer return to the Principality of Rossvale, because I have betrayed my home country's hopes and expectations... However, it is fine. I will find new meaning for myself."

Although her expression was stiff as always, her tone of voice sounded a bit cheerful.

"If you wish, please come to my home. We can hire you as the Laurenfrost maid."

Rinslet swept a hand through her hair as she spoke.

"Don't. The Laurenfrost lands are not only in the countryside but also cold as hell. Rather than that, come to my home. To restore the House of Elstein to its former glory requires additional manpower."

"W-What did you say!?"

Rinslet glared furiously at Claire.

"...I am most grateful for the offers. I will bear them in mind."

Milla nodded.

"Fufu, you can also live with me and Kamito-kun, the three of us together~"

"Wait a minute, what do you mean by you and Kamito living together!?"

Instantly, Claire and Fianna's quarrelling erupted.

Kamito could do nothing but sigh.

"Kamito..."

Milla looked up at Kamito and spoke up.

"Hmm?"

"After the Blade Dance festival ends, will you continue your story?"

"Ah sure, as much as you want."

Kamito patted Milla lightly on the head and smiled wryly.

Milla's words just now sounded almost like Kamito's catchphrase back when he was young.

"--As the «Rupture Division»'s allied team, please obtain victory to the very end."

"Of course."

Kamito agreed and the young ladies nodded.

As they nodded, Milla handed over the two «Magic Stones» in her possession to Kamito.

Her own as well as the one taken from the member of the «Sacred Spirit Knights».

Kamito accepted it carefully.

Soon after the «Magic Stones» left her possession, the forced transfer magic activated.

A magic circle appeared beneath Milla's feet as her body dissipated into particles of light--

"Goodbye--"

Several seconds later, the leader of the «Rupture Division», Milla Bassett, disappeared from the competition.

"..."

For a while, silence persisted--

"...Our blade dance has not ended. Or rather, this is simply the beginning."

The first to speak was Claire.

"Yeah, that's right."

Kamito nodded as the other girls all looked up.

"According the wind spirits' report, the third day's situation has undergone major changes."

"Finally time for the real blade dance to begin..."

Hearing Ellis' report, Rinslet nodded.

The majority of teams had constructed all kinds of «strongholds» and had entered the stage of information gathering.

Starting from today, the fourth, the battles would likely intensify.

"Amongst the twenty-four teams, nine have been eliminated, including the «Rupture Division». Right now, the team holding the greatest number of «Magic Stones» is undoubtedly «Team Inferno»."

"We're really behind now eh."

"...That's right. We have to be more proactive."

"By the way, Kamito--"

"What?"

Claire glared at Kamito angrily--

"Y-You, a-again you k-kiss, k-kissed that darkness spirit girl!"

"Uh, no, that..."

Kamito stammered.

"That's right, what was that about!?"

"Hmm, I believe there is a need to clear this up no matter what!"

"Kamito-kun!"

Rinslet, Ellis and Fianna pressed on the offensive.

"Kamito, that spirit is so sly. Please kiss me too."

"E-Est!?"

As Kamito sat in state of shock--

"...?"

Lightly, a black feather fluttered down from the air.

Noticing it suddenly, Kamito grabbed it with his fingers.

"Restia..."

As he gazed upon this black feather--

Kamito once again recalled the memories he caught sight of.

''Three years ago, the wish I made for her was...''

===Part 2===

Restia proceeded to utter the absolutely forbidden wish.

"--I hope you can assassinate them. The five Elemental Lords."

<noinclude>{{SeireiDance Nav|prev=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume6 Chapter9|next=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume6 Afterword}}</noinclude>

Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume6 Chapter9

2013-02-23T07:17:14Z

Worker:

==Chapter 9 - All-Out War==

===Part 1===

Amidst intensely burning flames, «Team Scarlet»'s blade dance was starting.

With a furious howl, Nepenthes Lore released dark tentacles in all directions.

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

However, Rinslet's freezing arrows froze the countless tentacles, turning them into ice blocks that shattered upon falling to the ground.

"Leave those tentacles to me!"

"Yeah, I'll rely on you for support, Rinslet!"

Kamito readied his sword in a stance and walked side by side with Ellis.

"I will handle frontline defenses while you attack, Kamito."

"Got it."

Her ponytail was blowing haphazardly in the wind. Those stern brown eyes of hers, adorned by her eyebrows, glared straight at the enemy before them.

Kamito had fought in unison with Ellis numerous times on missions of the Sylphid Knights. She was a teammate he could entrust to protect his back with great assurance.

With Ellis and Kamito as the vanguard, Rinslet providing long range support fire, Claire commanded the team while she engaged in guerilla and disruption tactics. This was «Team Scarlet»'s basic tactical formation.

--This is what you meant by the power you have obtained?

Restia's impatient voice resounded in Kamito's mind.

--How disappointing. Clearly no matter how many more people you gather, none of them can even hold a candle to you alone.

''--Well then, let's see, shall we?''

Kamito declared to her in his heart.

Then he whispered to Ellis beside him.

"Don't touch that thing's demon sword. Most spirits cannot withstand it. The only one who can clash blades directly is my Est."

"Understood."

Ellis nodded.

"Also, beware of that black mud. As soon as you touch it, your divine power will be stolen."

"What?"

Ellis' brown eyes stared wide.

The dark mud was continuing to spread. It had already invaded the majority of the ground. As a result, they could not even approach the immediate surroundings of Nepenthes Lore.

"Ellis, can you open up a path?"

"Yes, leave it to me."

Ellis agreed and readied «Ray Hawk» in a horizontal stance.

Rumbling, tempestuous magical wind gathered a the tip of the spear -- then she softly chanted the words of release.

"Evil winds -- Go and rampage!"

Instantly, innumerable blades of wind sliced the ground, blowing the mud of darkness away.

While the blades of wind were released, Kamito sprinted like wind across the torn open ground.

Nepenthes Lore's repulsive gaze seemed to pierce Kamito.

Such astounding killing intent, enough to make an average person lose consciousness, yet Kamito endured it head on.

He could not back down from fear now. Even when the opponent was a terrifying monster--

''...After all, the young ladies are watching me!''

The onslaught of raging blades of wind approached, but Nepenthes Lore easily deflected them with a flash of the demon sword of darkness.

''--Now is the moment!''

The instant before the mud of darkness invaded the ground again after being blown away...

Kamito leaped.

Maintaining his forward leaning posture, he closed in instantly, riding upon the roaring wind. These coordinated tactics were learned through training together with Ellis.

"Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

As the «Demon Slayer» flashed with silver-white brilliance, Kamito chopped straight down.

The astounding shockwave shook the atmosphere.

Wielding the demon sword of darkness, Nepenthes Lore blocked this full powered attack.

However, Kamito's movements did not end there. Using the sword hilt as a pivot, he changed postures in midair, taking advantage of the deflection of Nepenthes Lore's blade to land a solid slash on the shoulder.

With a splatter of viscous dark matter, Nepenthes Lore's massive body shook slightly.

Landing on the ground, Kamito mercilessly followed up on his attack.

Chopping, thrusting, sweeping -- the sword flashed in the dark night.

A spectacular flowing blade dance worthy of the strongest blade dancer, Ren Ashbell, at peak performance.

The everchanging motions of Kamito's movements overwhelmed Nepenthes Lore's reaction speed.

Widening its great gaping jaws, Nepenthes Lore let loose a roar of pain.

Corrupted divine power spewed out in vast amounts, tainting the surrounding ground instantly.

"...!?"

Kamito smacked his lips in midair.

As soon as he landed on the mud, his divine power would be immediately robbed from him.

But just before he touched the ground--

"--May your pure white sighs give form to eternal frozen ice -- «Frost Prison»!"

A massive freezing arrow flew like a shooting star and struck the ground beneath Kamito's feet.

Instantly, rainbow-colored magical ice spread and froze the mud of darkness.

Kamito's boot soles landed on the magical ice. Then with the slimmest of margins, he dodged the sweeping demon sword of darkness using a sliding motion.

"Thanks for your great help. Great job, Rinslet!"

"Hmph, naturally!"

Rinslet proudly swept her hand through her hair.

Kamito jumped from the ice and attacked Nepenthes Lore with godlike speed in a triple combo.

"--Still not enough!"

Double, triple -- followed with an additional thrust, a five-hit combo.

Taking advantage of openings in the demon sword of darkness, Kamito attacked in rapid succession as if performing a dance.

As numerous dark tentacles attacked from behind, they were all struck down by Claire's Flametongue.

Kamito's skill with the sword was completely dominating.

Nevertheless, his face displayed anxiety.

''--This won't end if this continues!''

Like a mass of shape-shifting darkness, Nepenthes Lore's body immediately regenerated as soon as it was damaged.

''Furthermore, my divine power is reaching its limits--''

Terminus Est's brilliance was weakening as it flashed in the dark.

Even as an elemental waffe of the strongest class, her true worth could not produce effect without the contractor's infused divine power.

In a moment of distraction, Kamito's sword was deflected by the demon sword of darkness.

"...!?"

Just as Kamito was sent off balance--

The tip of the demon sword released the «Vorpal Blast» --

"--Kamito!"

With a crimson slash, Flametongue coiled around Nepenthes Lore's arm.

With the trajectory of the sword's fall diverted slightly, the jet black lightning flew past Kamito.

The resulting lightning strike vaporized a fan-shaped segment of the forest.

"--That was really close... Yah!"

Claire found herself flying through the air. Nepenthes Lore had grabbed Flametongue and flung sideways in a horizontal sweeping motion.

"Claire!"

Kamito was about to hurry over--

But suddenly halted his steps.

Without him noticing, the viscous darkness was approaching before him.

The repulsive darkness that stole divine power as soon as contact was made, was spreading with astounding speed.

This massive amount did not come simply from the elementalists Nepenthes Lore stole divine power from.

Rather, the monster had amplified its power after making contact with the leylines flowing in the ground.

Kamito's surroundings had turned into a swamp of darkness. As things stood, Kamito's foothold would soon be engulfed as well.

''Even the «stronghold»...''

Kamito gnashed his teeth.

Crushing despair loomed over him as if materialized tangibly.

Terminus Est's brightness had weakened greatly.

In his current state, Kamito did not even have the strength to slash apart the darkness and break through by force.

--This is the end, Kamito. You cannot defeat this sort of power.

As the «Spirit Seal» on his left hand stung with pain, Kamito heard the transmission of Restia's sweet and beautiful voice.

''I...!''

The approaching darkness surrounded Kamito.

"Kamito!"

"Kamito-san!"

Ellis and Rinslet screamed.

Complete cut off from any escape route, Kamito's feet were just about to make contact with the darkness--

"Damn it...!"

At this moment--

Suddenly, dazzling brightness erupted from the ground beneath.

"...What!?"

The ground that was covered by the viscous darkness began to rumble and heave as if boiling. Down below, numerous shining magic circles appeared one after another -- !

The darkness cornering Kamito from all sides receded like a tide.

"What on earth happened...?"

"--Flowing through the leylines of the «stronghold», holy power is pouring out nonstop!"

Claire yelled.

"Leylines... Then it's Fianna?"

The «stronghold» constructed by Fianna was specially designed to be able to adjust the flow of leylines from the central hub, thereby allowing support effects to be delivered from the blessing of spirits.

But this overwhelming power carrying the holy attribute, what was supplying it--

"Could it be...!?"

===Part 2===

"...How amazing. Is this the power of the spirit sealed in your eye?"

"No, this is simply the release of a fraction of its power..."

The location was the central hub which controlled the leylines.

Kneeling before the tiny shrine established before a sacred tree, Milla shook her head.

Her expression was distorted from pain while her forehead sweated profusely.

"Only a fraction..."

Fianna murmured with a terrified expression.

As an outstanding princess maiden, she could keenly sense the spirit's power through her skin.

The tactical class military spirit -- «Crusaders». The spirit summoned by Milla Bassett was definitely a norm-defying existence.

"Milla, what do you see?"

As Milla knelt with her eyes closed, Fianna asked.

Currently, Fianna had transferred the «stronghold»'s control to Milla.

This was for the purpose of using the stronghold's leylines to release the power of the spirit residing in her «Demon Sealing Eye».

Once the «Demon Sealing Eye»'s power was connected to the «stronghold», perhaps the powerful tactical-class military spirit's power could be drawn out -- that was what Milla considered.

However, the transfer of a «stronghold»'s control rights was normally not possible. The only reason why the connection succeeded was due to the merits of the former Queen candidate, Fianna.

"--There are four flashing lights. They are about to be devoured by the repulsive darkness."

"It must be Kamito-kun and the rest. Concentrate your consciousness there."

"Yes..."

Milla nodded as she pressed her hand against the amber left eye that was dripping blood.

The control of the multiple complicated barriers comprising a stronghold was a massive burden both physically and mentally. Furthermore, Milla was not a princess maiden trained at the «Divine Ritual Institute». Even with Fianna's support, simply enduring the intense pain from the backlash was consuming all of Milla's efforts.

"Ah... Guh... Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

"Milla, don't overdo it!"

"...No prob... lem... Guh..."

Milla's tiny hand gave off the light of blue-white lightning.

Transmitting a military spirit's power through leylines was already an outrageous notion. If this continued, her «Demon Sealing Eye» was at risk of damage.

"...Guh... N-Noble-minded knights of the sacred king--"

Accompanying the reverse current of divine power, intense pain tormented the young girl's body.

But paying it no heed, Milla released the power of the spirit sealed within the «Eye».

"--Your sword... Exists to vanquish the strong and protect the weak--"

--Even if it breaks, I don't mind.

''Only at this moment, so long as Kamito is protected...''

With a crisp shattering sound, a crack appeared on Milla's left eye.

"Gather upon my battlefield, to swung that sword without reservation -- «Crusaders»!"

Then Milla hoarsely expelled this spirit releasing incantation from her throat.

===Part 3===

"...This is!?"

The sight before him made Kamito widen his eyes in surprise.

Pure and serene brightness was emitted from numerous magic circles extending all across the ground.

The power released from the leylines, carrying the holy attribute, was purifying the filthy darkness.

No, not only that.

From the innumerable magic circles, something was coming out--

Namely, innumerable swords. Innumerable spears. Innumerable shields.

An army composed of a great number of knights of light.

"W-What the heck, this is...!"

"Unbelievable, a legion type tactical-class military spirit...!"

Seeing the massive number of knights filling the surroundings, Kamito muttered in amazement.

The ranks of these various knights were all vastly inferior to Fianna's «Georgios».

However, their numbers were greatly inflated.

Several dozen -- no, there were probably hundreds of them.

The manifested knights held shining swords and chopped apart the darkness invading the ground.

Great numbers of knights disappeared continually as they were devoured by the darkness or cut down by Nepenthes Lore's demon sword, but due to the power of their expanding numbers, the dark mud was blocked from advancing.

"Is it Milla...?"

Kamito looked up as he muttered softly.

--Suddenly at this time, the «Demon Slayer» stabbed into the ground shone with brilliance once more.

The body of the blade was instantly enveloped in dazzling light, illuminating the darkness of the night.

"This is..."

Kamito could feel the rushing flow of power in his body.

Via the leylines flowing underground, pure and sacred divine power was continuously poured into him.

Although the «stronghold» built by Fianna already carried the function of refilling the divine power of elementalists, the amount flowing into Kamito from the ground was massive divine power several dozen times that of normal.

Soon after--

The «Crusaders» who had trampled the darkness with their overwhelming numbers, turned into particles of light and dissipated in the air.

The mud of darkness that had turned the ground into a swamp was banished in a mere period of a minute or two.

"--Are you ready, Est?"

Kamito asked the sword in his hand.

As if answering, Terminus Est shone with maximum brightness.

Wielding the shining «Demon Slayer» in both hands, Kamito--

"--Let's finish this, go!"

He shouted at the young ladies, his teammates.

"Right." "Yes." "Understood."

Claire, Ellis and Rinslet nodded simultaneously.

Kamito rushed towards Nepenthes Lore who was swinging the demon sword of darkness.

In that instant, the dark demon sword sounded as the «Vorpal Blast» flashed.

A merciless lightning strike at maximum power, this was without a doubt a red herring intending to pin down Kamito's movements.

Dodging it would be easy -- However, Kamito advanced directly instead.

"Wait a minute, Kamito!?"

Claire cried out in surprise.

Kamito smiled fearlessly and swung the sacred sword in his hand.

"--Don't worry. Given Est and I currently, we ''can slice it apart''!"

As the «Demon Slayer» flashed with brilliance, the dark lightning was easily sliced in half.

"Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

Just like that, Kamito kicked the ground to gain speed.

His body felt exceptionally light. Every time he stepped on the ground, divine power coursed through his entire body, delivered from the leylines.

Before him, Nepenthes Lore seemed to be displaying fear slightly. However, the opponent in Kamito's eyes was not the dark monster but the elemental waffe held in its hand -- the «Vorpal Sword».

"--I have arrived, Restia!"

As he yelled, Kamito performed an astounding series of strikes.

With an intense showering of sparks, the «Demon Slayer» clashed against the «Vorpal Sword».

Kamito's high speed attacks overwhelmed Nepenthes Lore's regeneration rate, causing the humanoid dark matter to begin collapsing.

''...This is the end!''

Gripping Terminus Est tightly, Kamito entered a low attack stance.

This was a purely offensive stance, full of openings, that sacrificed all defenses.

Nepenthes Lore's arm regressed into an ugly dark mass as it approached Kamito head on.

However, Kamito had absolute confidence.

He trusted his most precious comrades.

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

Numerous freezing arrows rained down, shot from afar.

The arm reaching out was frozen by the magical ice and nailed to the ground.

Nepenthes Lore roared as it prepared to crush Kamito beneath its massive body--

"Keeper of the burning furnace, release your wrath -- «Flame Chain»!"

The spiral burning Flametongue restrained Nepenthes Lore's entire body.

Just as the dark masses stopped moving -- in that instant, Kamito seized the opportunity to press near.

Lightly lowering his posture, he leaped -- !

"Courageous wind, grant your blessing to the brave warrior -- «Sylphid Feathers»!"

Having leapt, Kamito was pushed by the wind released by Ellis' spirit magic.

''...''The way I am now, will I be able to perform the sixteen hit combo''?''

Slashing at Nepenthes Lore's massive body, Kamito smiled fearlessly.

Not intended to be used against elementalists, this was a destructive sword technique for destroying massive spirits.

Three years ago, taught by the «Dusk Witch» Greyworth, an ultimate secret technique.

It was originally a dual wielding sword skill -- nevertheless, Kamito in his current state was able to imitate it.

''I was only able to master this technique thanks to you, Restia...''

The «Demon Slayer» in Kamito's hand gave off light which overwhelmed darkness--

Instantly, Kamito's figure disappeared.

"--Bursting Blossom Spiral Blade Dance - Sixteen Consecutive Strikes!"

Numerous slashes streaked brightly against the darkness of the night.

Dancing in midair, Kamito unleashed a furious wave of sixteen consecutive attacks.

Reduced to a dark mass, Nepenthes Lore's body was being sliced and chopped, gradually collapsing.

"That sword skill--"

"Could it be, Ren Ashbell's!?"

Watching from the ground, Claire and Ellis exclaimed in surprise.

This was precisely the sword technique displayed three years ago at the «Blade Dance» festival by Ren Ashbell, the strongest blade dancer.

With a thunderous boom, Nepenthes Lore fell upon the ground as black mud. Even though it barely maintained humanoid form, its movements were rather sluggish now.

Still possessing one remaining arm, it swung the demon sword of darkness--

"--You, dispassionate Queen of Steel, the demon slaying sacred sword!"

A spirit language incantation could be heard coming from above.

"--By the sacred light of punishment, may my enemies be crushed!"

Descending, Kamito pierced the dark mass with the «Demon Slayer» in his hand.

A bright and intense explosion occurred, instantly filling his view.

In that instant, Nepenthes Lore's material body was completely destroyed.

Clang--

Restia's elemental waffe, the «Vorpal Sword», was embedded in the ground like a tombstone.

The demon sword of darkness then started dissipating into the air as particles of light--

"Restia!?"

Before she fully disappeared, Kamito grabbed the demon sword's hilt.

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

The leather glove started melting with a sizzling sound as Kamito felt the searing pain of burns.

Kamito's «Spirit Seal» was displaying a rejection reaction.

"Kamito, what are you doing!?"

Claire cried out with shock.

Even so, Kamito did not let go. Enduring the pain, he infused divine power into the sword.

--Don't do this, Kamito. You can no longer touch me.

Starting from the tip of the black blade, the demon sword of darkness was gradually disappearing as if melting.

Restia's voice sounded mournful as it resounded in Kamito's mind.

"Shut up... I'm not going to let go. ''I will absolutely never let you go''!"

--What a fool. Clearly I am no longer the same me that you knew.

"''Is that really true''?"

--Huh?

"Have you really become a totally different existence from the Restia in the very beginning?"

Despite the frighteningly intense pain, Kamito embraced the gradually disappearing demon sword.

...Three years ago on that day, something happened.

Then she changed -- that was indisputable.

''But...''

--He could feel it without a doubt.

The existence of her who had brought Kamito light when he was young.

"Kamito..."

"...!?"

A faint trembling voice.

Kamito felt warmth embraced in his arms.

By the time he noticed, Kamito found himself embracing a girl instead of a demon sword.

The darkness spirit, a girl in a dark dress.

"...I'm sorry, Kamito. The me you know is no longer."

Her dusk-colored eyes wavered as she made a lonely smile.

Her body gradually disappeared.

"...Let me tell you. Three years ago on that day, what wish you tried to make."

Restia's soft lips lightly touched Kamito's lips.

"--!"

Plunged into the paralyzing sweetness--

Kamito's mind was swept into the memories of that day.
[[image:STnBD V06 270.png|thumb]]

===Part 3===

--Those were lost memories.

The final memories of their happy days together.

The final day of the «Blade Dance» festival when the strongest blade dancer, Ren Ashbell, obtained victory.

Just before gaining an audience with the Elemental Lords--

"--Hey Kamito, I hope you can realize my «Wish»."

"Yeah, I only won for your sake, Restia."

The boy answered innocently.

Replying to the most important girl in the world to him.

"However, once you make that wish, you will make the world your enemy, you know?"

"...I don't care. As long as it is for your sake, Restia."

The boy did not waver.

Even with the world as his enemy--

As long as this girl stayed by his side, that was enough.

"So, what is the wish?"

"Well--"

The darkness spirit girl lightly brought her lips close to the boy's ear.

Then--

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Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume6 Chapter8

2013-02-23T07:17:04Z

Worker:

==Chapter 8 - The Demon Sword Revived==

===Part 1===

The spirits inhabiting the forest began to cause a noisy commotion as soon as they sensed the intruder's presence.

"...Kamito?"

"--That person arrived."

Kamito answered briefly as Milla frowned.

As if tempting Kamito, the spirit seal on his left hand was hurting.

The identity of the visitor -- needed no thinking to deduce.

"Milla, do me a favor and go to where Claire and the rest are."

Swiftly putting on his uniform, Kamito picked up the sleeping «Demon Slayer».

"What about you, Kamito?"

"Her only target is me. I have to stop them here."

"You are fighting Nepenthes Lore by yourself?"

"Hurry and go--"

Milla nodded and ran towards the campsite.

Watching her leave--

"...This thing is truly an extraordinary monster."

Kamito wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.

He could sense the disastrous aura approaching from the depths of the forest.

She too, surely knew Kamito was located here.

Immediately -- a roar that seemed to shake the earth was heard.

''--It's here!''

Kamito infused the «Demon Slayer» with divine power.

Shining brightly with silver-white luster, Terminus Est banished the darkness of the night.

Tearing away the wall of trees in the way--

The monster appeared before Kamito.

The elementalist clad completely in jet black armor -- Nepenthes Lore.

As well as--

"I'm so glad, Kamito. You've been waiting for me all alone?"

Those beautiful dusk-colored eyes. Her dark dress and gorgeous black hair fluttered in the wind.

Unfortunately, she had not changed at all -- she still maintained the same appearance as back then, back when their hearts were one.

Despite the fact that Kamito himself had changed so much.

"Restia..."

Kamito forgot everything in an instant, mesmerized by her beautiful appearance.

If he held out his hand now, would her past self return? -- Such foolish wishes crossed his mind.

"Nepenthes Lore is the final opponent I've prepared for you."

She smiled lightly.

"Very well then, blade dance to your heart's content, Kamito."

"...!"

Kamito wielded the «Demon Slayer» with both hands.

...The way she was now, it was impossible to reach her with words.

Only through a blade dance could her inner heart be touched.

"From distant lands I have brought forth endless darkness, to bestow upon you eternal punishment--"

Restia's adorable lips chanted spirit language.

Her figure disappeared as if melting into the darkness--

Instantly, a jet black demon sword appeared in the hand of Nepenthes Lore.

It was a great sword reminiscent of burning black flames of disaster. Although there were minute differences, it was indeed the same weapon that Kamito wielded three years ago.

The «Vorpal Sword» -- amongst elemental waffen with the darkness attribute, it was indisputably the demon sword of the strongest class.

However, Kamito's current elemental waffe was no pushover either. Despite being incomplete, Est's rank as a spirit should be no inferior to Restia in any significant amount.

"--Let's go, Est!"

The «Demon Slayer»'s blade shone with silver-white brilliance.

===Part 2===

In the forest where the spirits were in a clamor, Milla ran desperately.

Her destination was the center of the «stronghold» where Claire and the girls were located. Naturally, the girls had already noticed the latest developments--

Suddenly, Milla discovered a fiery hell cat running from the depths of the forest.

She recalled its name was Scarlet, Claire's contracted spirit.

"...Milla!"

As Milla stopped, she heard a voice from that direction.

Appearing from the darkness were the three girls, Claire, Ellis and Rinslet. They were all wielding their elemental waffen, ready for battle.

"--Where's Kamito?"

As her shoulders heaved with her breathing, Claire asked with a face full of concern.

"He is currently fighting alone against Nepenthes Lore whom the darkness spirit brought."

"...What did you say!?"

Claire and the girls exchanged glances.

"Hurry and tell us where. We must fight together."

"...Fight together?"

Milla frowned... What was she saying?

"Yes. That is not an enemy Kamito can handle alone."

"If you don't hurry, Kamito-san will be taken out!"

Ellis and Rinslet pressed impatiently.

"But..."

These girls were definitely excellent elementalists.

However, they were surely unable to help Kamito. In fact, they were more likely to become a burden.

That Nepenthes Lore was truly a monster. By now, it had probably reached an even higher level of power compared to when the «Rupture Division» was annihilated.

The only one able to fight it head on was Kazehaya Kamito.

No, even Kamito might not win. Precisely because he understood the situation well, that was why he asked Milla to hurry to Claire and the other girls.

To help his important comrades escape.

Milla could sympathize with Kamito's feelings.

"--You girls, cannot go there."

"...? Why?"

Claire frowned with surprise as Ellis and Rinslet looked at each other.

"Kamito chose to fight alone for the sake of protecting you. Therefore, you cannot go."

"Did Kamito say that?"

"...Huh?"

"Did Kamito say ''he will fight alone''?"

Claire stared straight into Milla's face.

Rather than scolding, she was speaking with an inexplicable sense of authority.

"Umm... But..."

Claire gently placed her hand on the confused Milla's head--

"No matter what, we have to go."

Forcefully, she declared.

"We are a team, and that guy -- is our precious comrade."

Ellis and Rinslet nodded silently.

'..."

Milla felt something rouse within her heart.

...An unidentified emotion.

Only, it felt scorching hot--

--At this moment, jet black lightning exploded in the distance.

"...!?"

===Part 3===

"Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

Kamito leaped from the ground. Holding the sacred sword in both hands, he swung it down on the black knight's head.

Although this sacred sword, which had once destroyed the Demon King at the hands of the Sacred Queen, was only at one tenth of its original power, it was still sufficient to shatter the dragon knight Leonora's «Dragon Slayer».

Nevertheless, the black knight's massive body turned and lightly blocked the attack using the dark demon sword.

Sparks scattered in the dark night. Pushed back by the receiving stroke, Kamito flew through the air.

''This thing has become much stronger than the last battle...!''

Smacking his lips as he landed, Kamito lowered his stance and attacked once again.

He was well aware of the severe drawbacks when fighting enemies of superior physical build. In a direct clash of swords, Kamito with his weaker arm strength would be obviously disadvantaged.

''In that case, I must take advantage of the opponent's openings--''

Hence Kamito stepped forward.

Nepenthes Lore swept the jet black demon sword sideways--

In that instant, jet black lighting erupted from the demon sword's blade.

"...!?"

At the last moment, Kamito jumped sideways to evade. The innumerable lightning strikes released from the blade blasted a massive crater in the ground.

"...Even that technique can be used!?"

Kamito could not help but cry out.

«Vorpal Blast» -- that was the move that had instilled numerous elementalists with fear three years ago.

It was the demon sword technique that Kamito had used to dominate and win the «Blade Dance» festival in the past as the strongest blade dancer.

Being devoured by the lighting meant instant death without question.

Nimbly dodging the storm of jet black lightning strikes, Kamito sought openings to approach Nepenthes Lore.

The clash of the demon and sacred swords resulted in a continual showering of sparks.

The «Demon Slayer» and the «Vorpal Sword» were equal in power.

Kamito swung his sword repeatedly to produce a storm of attacks, giving his opponent no opportunity to release lightning.

But he was unable to overwhelm his opponent. Nepenthes Lore displayed sword skills rivaling Kamito's. Furthermore, unlike Kamito, the black knight possessed near limitless divine power.

The only possible advantage was--

''...That guy is not Restia's true master through a proper contract.''

Even as the strongest demon sword, the «Vorpal Sword», Restia was simply imitating the sword's appearance by her own will.

Consequently, the sword was not infused with the elementalist's own will.

Compared to an elemental waffe -- the weapon materialized by the unification of the contractor and the spirit's wills, the difference was paramount.

"You bastard--"

Kamito gripped the «Demon Slayer» tightly.

Entrusting complete faith in the spirit known as Est, he infused maximum divine power into the elemental waffe.

The sacred sword gave off dazzling brilliance and completely illuminated the darkness of the night.

"You can never wield Restia the same way as me!"

Kamito's strike swept the demon sword aside.

With acute noise of metallic impact, Nepenthes Lore's body was sent off balance for the first time.

To prevent Kamito from following up the attack, Nepenthes Lore unleashed the «Vorpal Blast».

Jet black lightning erupted from the blade of the demon sword.

--However, this was exactly what Kamito baited.

The «Vorpal Blast» was not a pure sword skill but a type of spirit magic using the demon sword as a medium. Even though it did not require an incantation, activation of the technique still caused a brief momentary delay.

Seizing this opportunity, Kamito accelerated.

The lightning exploded before his eyes but Kamito did not falter. So long as he read the trajectory, Terminus Est's power was sufficient to deflect the lightning.

As a silver-white flash streaked through the air, the jet black lightning instantly dissipated.

"Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

Kamito did not stop. Raising the extended sacred sword, he invaded Nepenthes Lore's personal space like a tornado, chopping down at the massive body with his full strength.

The strike of the «Demon Slayer» shattered the black knight's helmet--

Engulfed by the light of Terminus Est, the jet black fragments vanished.

A terrifying roar pierced Kamito's ears.

Those eye sockets held glaring gazes of intense red light that seemed to penetrate Kamito.

"...!?"

Kamito widened his eyes in surprise.

He was immensely shocked by the sight before his eyes.

Exposed from the shattered armor--

That thing was not human.

Enveloped in black mist, that appearance was like a pitch black skeleton.

Amidst those eye sockets of infinite darkness, red eyes flashed with the light of disaster.

"This thing is... What the heck...?"

Kamito had known from the start that Nepenthes Lore was no ordinary elementalist.

However, this ''thing'' before him--

"--That's right, this is no human."

The one who answered was Restia, back in human form as a girl.

"--Awakened through forbidden magic, the Demon King's successor. Ren Ashdoll's will."

"...Ren Ashdoll?"

Kamito had heard that name many times before.

This was the name of the darkness elemental lord, reportedly vanquished during distant ancient times, whose existence itself was in doubt.

"Restia... You, what on earth..."

"That is all you can be told at this point."

Restia smiled tenderly.

As the light of disaster shone from Nepenthes Lore's eye sockets, roars shook the atmosphere.

The pressure Kamito felt on his entire body was completely different from earlier.

"...If my enemy is not human, then there's no need for me to hold back at all."

Kamito readied the «Demon Slayer» in a stance once more.

"I like that expression of yours. It reminds me of those times in the past."

"The way I am now, is different from the me you knew back then."

Kamito shook his head.

"Neither the strongest blade dancer from three years ago, nor the assassin from the «Instructional School». Instead, I am now the member of Areishia Spirit Academy's «Team Scarlet», Kazehaya Kamito!"

"That's right. You are much weaker than back then."

"So what?"

Kamito shrugged.

"Indeed I have weakened. If my past self from three years ago stood here -- me and Restia, even against this formidable Nepenthes Lore, I would feel no threat at all."

"Definitely. The one who knows best how powerful you are... Is me."

"However, perhaps you might not believe this--"

Kamito smiled fearlessly.

"From that Academy, I have obtained power surpassing myself three years ago."

"...? What did you just say?"

"Didn't you hear me? From the Academy, I have obtained power even greater than before."

Restia's beautiful face--

Began to show subtle signs of anxiety.

Such an expression was truly rare for her.

"...What a tasteless joke. Though surprisingly, your conceit and self-confidence is identical to when you were young."

Turning towards Nepenthes Lore, she lightly lifted her hand--

"This unfounded self-confidence of yours shall be utterly crushed by me."

Black flashing light erupted from her fingertips.

"Although she said the seal could not be released yet, let me treat you to a special sight. This is Nepenthes Lore's true power--"

"...!?"

Nepenthes Lore's massive body shook.

The jet black armor dissipated into black mist and melted into the darkness of the night--

''...What the heck is this!?''

Kamito gazed with full attention--

From the vanished armor, thick viscous darkness oozed out.

Squirming, shapeless darkness. Or rather, that ''thing'' was barely maintaining a human's form.

The repulsive skeleton emitted a bright red gaze as strange cursing laments leaked out of its mouth.

Restia's adorable lips twisted themselves slightly.

"Rather than protecting Nepenthes Lore, that armor acted as a seal to prevent its dark will from going berserk."

Restia's figure disappeared into the darkness and took on the demon sword's form once more.

The skeleton's skull seemed to be trembling with delight from being released, exhaling pitch black breath.

"This looks really bad..."

Kamito licked his lips and groaned... His fingertips trembling slightly.

A true monster -- compared to his opponent just now, this was a completely different being.

Kamito gripped his partner tightly, the sacred sword.

"--Est, I'm relying on you. Please lend me your power a little longer."

===Part 4===

Hearing the sounds of blades clashing in the distance, Milla Bassett bit her lip hard.

Claire and the girls were moving towards Kamito's location.

''I...''

--No, I have no place to feel like I am in a dilemma.

Unable to use a contracted spirit, she would only be a liability.

''I, have no value anymore...''

Lightly, she touched her amber left eye -- the «Demon Sealing Eye».

The icy cold sensation felt exactly like her heart right now.

The value as a vessel for a powerful tactical class spirit.

This was the entirety of her meaning in life.

''But, Kamito...''

Caressing her head, she recalled the warmth from that hand of his.

Hearing that he grew up in that «Instructional School», just like herself -- no, surely he must have suffered far harsher training beyond what she had experienced.

Even so, he was still able to smile in that manner--

And believe in those girls, his comrades, to such an extent.

''He said, I am not a tool...''

Her emotions which had been trained to remain calm and unwavering, were starting to enter a state of turmoil.

''I wish, to become that person's strength...!''

Tears fell from Milla's eyes.

However, she was powerless in her current state.

...How regrettable.

At this time, running footsteps could be heard in the forest.

"...Fianna?"

Milla looked up.

Unsuited to combat, she should be hiding herself in the center of the «stronghold» instead, right -- ?

Fianna ran over as soon as she found Milla.

Probably because she was not in great physical shape, she was panting out of breath.

"I never expected the enemy to break through from the front like that. I've spent a lot of time assessing the damage and repairing the barrier. Although the barrier's overall functions have been recovered somewhat, the internal leylines have been messed up pretty badly..."

Apparently she had been busy repairing the damaged barrier. Ordinarily, fixing the barrier in such short time was not possible--

''...Speaking of which, she was originally a princess maiden and candidate for Queen.''

Purely in barrier construction, even amongst the other high level elementalists gathered at the «Blade Dance» festival, Fianna was likely unparalleled.

''...Barrier?''

Suddenly, a thought flashed across Milla's mind.

Even so, she still had a doubt -- why was Fianna still here?

"...You, where are you going?"

Seeing Fianna still out of breath, Milla asked.

"...? Isn't it obvious? Of course I'm going to assist Kamito-kun."

Fianna replied with an incredulous expression. Surprisingly, there was not the slightest hesitation in her eyes.

"After all, my knight spirit is better matched against a darkness spirit in a fight."

...That was besides the point. No matter how powerful a spirit she was contracted to, without undergoing any combat training, she would surely become a target.

"Why..."

"Eh?"

"Why, you girls..."

Milla could not comprehend their actions. Given «Team Scarlet»'s combat potential, there was no way they could defeat Nepenthes Lore.

Clearly they did not fail to understand that--

Faced with Milla's perplexed expression, Fianna went "fufu" and smiled.

"Because we place our faith in Kamito-kun -- Therefore, ''Kamito-kun will surely trust in us''."

"...!"

Milla's eyes widened suddenly.

...Kamito also believed in them?

Supposing, what if Kamito was not fighting for the sake of allowing the girls to escape--

''...Instead, he is aiming for victory together?''

Believing in his comrades, Kamito asked Milla to go to Claire and the rest.

However, she had interpreted his words as telling them to escape...!?

"Well, also..."

Fianna blushed shyly.

"Girls... As long as it's for the one they l-love, girls can do anything."

In a tiny whisper, barely audible, that was what she said.

"...?"

"You'll understand when you grow up."

Fianna shyly turned her blushing face away.

Seeing the imperial princess acting this way--

A certain notion surfaced in Milla's mind.

''That's right, given Fianna who is capable of constructing this sort of barrier...''

Perhaps an attempt might be successful after all...!

"Well then, I have to go--"

"--Wait."

Milla reached out and grabbed Fianna tightly from behind just as she was about to start running again.

"What is it?"

"This «stronghold», is it currently under your control?"

"...? Yes. Although the damage is obvious, the barrier and the leylines are under my control."

Looking up at Fianna who was tilting her head in puzzlement, Milla spoke.

"I have an idea I'd like to try. I hope to obtain your assistance."

...Who knew if it would work. However, it was worth a try.

Milla lightly touched her «Demon Sealing Eye» on her left with her fingertip.

''If it fails -- even if it succeeds, I will lose my value.''

It would be an act that rejected the life she had lived up until now.

Even so -- if she did nothing at this juncture, she would surely regret it.

That was what she thought.

As if a scorching/burning hot idea suddenly exploded in her heart for the first time in her life--

Milla Bassett cried out.

"--Please. Take me to the heart of the «stronghold»!"

===Part 5===

--As the mud-like darkness dripped down upon the ground, Nepenthes Lore roared.

Then the black knight pulled out the «Vorpal Sword» embedded vertically in the ground.

Tightly gripping the «Demon Slayer» as it shone with silver-white brilliance, Kamito began to charge.

Kicking the soles of his boots against the ground to gain speed -- Kamito closed in instantly.

''A sustained battle would be disadvantageous for me. Victory must be decided in the next strike...!''

But just as he stepped on the black mud stretching across the ground, in that very instant--

"--What!?"

An intensely draining sensation attacked his entire body, and Terminus Est's shining brightness suddenly disappeared.

''...As soon as this darkness is touched, divine power is stolen!?''

The viscous darkness entangled his foot. Kamito smacked his lips and jumped.

Numerous dark tentacles sprouted from the ground to pursue Kamito as he jumped. Infusing divine power into Terminus Est which had lost its brightness, Kamito severed all the incoming tentacles.

Nepenthes Lore roared with laughter as if greatly delighted.

"...This monster, getting so excited from being freed!"

There was little leisure for further ridiculing the opponent. The endless mud dripping from all over Nepenthes Lore's body was rapidly eroding the ground surface.

"Is this all the divine power absorbed from the elementalists so far...?"

Dodging the dark tentacles extending from the ground, Kamito waited for his chance.

«Vorpal Blast» was released from the dark demon sword in Nepenthes Lore's hand.

"...!?"

A dark thunderstrike that streaked across the ground in a straight line.

Kamito barely dodged to find a large patch of forest behind him annihilated without a trace.

This surprising firepower far surpassed the level displayed back when Nepenthes Lore was sealed in the armor.

Various spirits hidden in the forest were instantly destroyed, producing particles of light. Fleeing spirits were also captured and devoured by the dark tentacles sprouting from the ground.

"...Est!"

Kamito brushed away black mud and jumped, infusing the «Demon Slayer» with divine power.

Using the dazzling sacred sword, he swung down at the demon sword of darkness -- !

"Ohhhhhhhhhhhh!"

As if responding to Kamito's thoughts, Terminus Est's brightness intensified.

However.

Clang -- suddenly there was a minute metallic noise.

In the ensuing intense explosion of sparks, Kamito's ears caught the sound of a blade cracking.

''...Could it be possible, Est broke!?''

To this point, the «Demon Slayer» had vanquished numerous formidable foes.

For the very first time, Kamito experienced disadvantage in a frontal clash of blades.

Terminus Est was in no way inferior to Restia's demon sword.

But persisted use of an excessively powerful elemental waffe was depleting Kamito's divine power.

"...Tsk, I beg you Est, please endure a little while longer!"

Yelling at the same time, Kamito forced divine power into the sacred sword he gripped tightly.

Light and darkness were in stalemate once more. Sparks exploded from where the blades met.

Suddenly, Kamito felt a sharp pain from the «Spirit Seal» on his left hand.

--It's futile. In your current state, you cannot defeat Nepenthes Lore.

Restia's voice resounded in his mind directly.

She was speaking directly to Kamito's mind through the «Spirit Seal».

--Awaken, Kamito. Show me your true power.

''...My true power?''

--Yes. Powerful enough to kill «Them», the true power of the Demon King.

''...With that power, will I be able to protect my comrades?''

Kamito asked in his heart as he infused divine power into the shining sacred sword--

''...''Can it realize your «Wish» from three years ago, the one that was not realized?''''

--It will. Furthermore, if you don't awaken now, you'll die.

"...Really?"

Kamito quietly closed his eyes.

The Demon King's power lying dormant in Kamito's body. Kamito still had no idea what she was talking about, but it seemed like he would be able to protect his comrades if he took possession of that power.

Kamito in his current state desperately wished to reach out for that power.

However--

"...I'm sorry. I'm not interested in that sort of unknown power."

As Kamito smiled fearlessly, he could feel Restia's dumbfounded surprise.

"Didn't I mention just now? I have obtained new power."

...Very soon. That power was about to arrive.

"--Such as her, this sword spirit Est."

The precious partner who broke free from the shadow of past tragedy and returned to Kamito's side.

As well as--

Kamito kicked at Nepenthes Lore's shoulder and leaped back.

The demon sword of darkness swung down.

Together with black mud, it approached Kamito forcefully--

In that very instant, a crimson slash lit the dark night on fire.

"--Turn into charcoal!"

As soon as they made contact with the chaotic flurry of flames, the dark tentacles disappeared without trace.

A burning wall of a flame illuminated the girl's figure a bright fiery red.

Those eyes of rubies shone with unyielding spirit. Her red twintails fluttered in the wind.

"--I've been waiting for you, Claire!"

Kamito made a thumbs up sign at the hell cat girl, standing proudly with Flametongue wielded in her hand.

"Kamito, I am here as well!"

"Kamito-san, me too!"

Ellis, armed with «Ray Hawk», and Rinslet with «Magic Bow of Ice» also arrived.

"Don't forget, this «Blade Dance» festival is a team fight."

Kamito believed in his teammates whom, at the same time, also believed in him.

"--This is the power I did not have three years ago, Restia."

The four teammates swiftly entered into formation and faced off against the roaring Nepenthes Lore.

<noinclude>{{SeireiDance Nav|prev=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume6 Chapter7|next=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume6 Chapter9}}</noinclude>

Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume6 Chapter7

2013-02-23T07:16:58Z

Worker:

==Chapter 7 - Return==

===Part 1===

Ever since the youth resolved himself to kill the darkness spirit girl who sent his heart into incredible turmoil--

He began to grow and develop with unbelievable speed.

Even the elders who decided to have them meet had not anticipated this. By this point, even amongst ranked elementalists who also trained at the «Instructional School», there were few who could match him in combat.

"You're not going to kill me?"

"I will -- One day, surely I will."

Throughout the deathmatch training sessions which lasted several hours at a time--

Somehow this exchange became their standard catchphrase.

After each deathmatch, the boy would have long involved conversations with her.

The darkness spirit girl told all sorts of things about the world to the boy that he had never known.

Such as the sorrows, joys and various wonderful things that filled the world.

Then every night before the boy went to sleep, the girl would gently tell a bedtime story by his side.

--To an observer, this was quite an incredible relationship.

"And then, the king sealed the spirit of the lamp once more--"

"...Then what happened?"

Placing his head on the girl's lap, the dissatisfied boy sought the story's continuation.

Because she always stopped at the most exciting spot.

"Let's continue the next part tomorrow."

Gently caressing the boy's black hair, the girl smiled.

Clearly those fingertips had been firing off merciless magical attacks at the boy just a while ago.

"Tell me now. Who knows if I'll still be alive tomorrow."

"Ah right, tomorrow is the mission to destroy the great shrine--"

A mere twelve-year-old boy was already starting to take on missions assigned by the «Instructional School».

"The one in charge of destruction is Muir. Lily and my job will be covering and assisting her. Within the «Great Shrine», there are reportedly eight elite spirit knights as guards."

"Will you survive?"

"Who knows. I am a tool -- I only have to follow orders and complete the mission."

"But if you die... You won't be able to listen to the continuation of the story."

The boy suddenly opened his closed eyes.

"...What a bother."

"Even if it is just to listen to the rest of the story, please return alive."

"...Yes, that's right... I got it."

The boy nodded with upfront honesty.

"Also, don't forget our promise--"

"Promise?"

"I will be the one to kill you."

"Fufu, of course."

This was not fear of death. However, I must survive -- thought the boy to himself.

For the sake of the promise with her--

===Part 2===

"Uh, hmm..."

Feeling the back of his head resting on something soft and comfortable, Kamito woke up.

Opening his eyes, he found a cute girl's face.

"...Milla!?"

"You must continue lying down."

Saying that, Milla pressed Kamito's head down hard on her thighs.

Feeling her smooth soft skin against his cheek, Kamito could not stop his heart from racing.

With no other way, Kamito had no choice but to continue lying down in this manner.

The sky was still dim. Night had only just ended.

...A lap pillow, how nostalgic.

''Back then, I always went to sleep on her lap...''

Keeping his eyes opened, he stared blankly--

"You can't sleep?"

"Yeah. I have the type of body that can do without sleep."

"Really... That's the same as me."

"Milla too?"

"Because that was how I was trained."

Kamito could not help but groan.

...Right. Just like Kamito, she was raised as a tool.

''Isn't that identical to what those «Instructional School» guys were doing...''

He felt intense wrath towards the Principality of Rossvale's knights who raised Milla.

Furthermore, she did not have anyone in her life like Restia who was with Kamito.

Kamito slowly got up from Milla.

"This is, yours--"

Milla extended over two «Magic Stones».

"Hmm? Ah right..."

These were apparently the «Magic Stones» from the two members of the «Sacred Spirit Knights».

Kamito took one and left the other in Milla's hand.

"...?"

"This is for the «Rupture Division». Didn't we agree to share the «Magic Stones» fairly?"

Milla shook her head.

"You defeated them, Kamito."

"We are allies."

Forcing Milla to hold the «Magic Stone» properly, Kamito stood up.

For a while, Milla stared at the «Magic Stone» in her hand--

Finally, she nodded slightly and placed it in a pocket in her uniform.

"Kamito..."

"Hmm?"

Milla looked up at Kamito.

The azure right eye and the amber left eye, those heterochromic eyes were staring at Kamito.

"My «Eye», you're not going to ask about it?"

"...Eye?"

--Come to think of it, those «Sacred Spirit Knights» did say something about Milla's eye.

"You want me to ask?"

"..."

"Milla, if you ever want to tell me, then let me know when the time comes."

Kamito shrugged, just at this moment--

From overhead, the sound of feathered wings flapping could be heard.

"What?"

The two turned their gaze towards the sky to find a demon bird circling in the air above with its great wings spread.

"That's... Ellis' «Simorgh»!"

It was far in the distance but Kamito was certain. That was the demon wind spirit contracted to Ellis.

"You recognize it?"

"Yeah. Look, my comrades are searching for me."

Soon after, the demon wind spirit slowly landed before Kamito and Milla.

Kamito asked the demon bird directly as it folded its wings.

"Is Claire okay?"

Simorgh nodded as it crooned softly.

...Looks like she is fine.

"Really... I'm glad to know that."

Kamito breathed a long sigh of relief.

"Go and tell everyone that I'm fine. I'll be back soon."

With a cry, Simorgh took to the rosy skies.

"Let's go, Milla... Time to set off."

The two hastily gathered their camping equipment.

''That girl Claire, surely she must be angry...''

===Part 3===

Claire was lying on the futon under a blanket.

Her body curled in a ball. She still had some leftover fever.

"Kamito..."

Softly murmuring his name for who knows how many times.

Claire tightly gripped one side of the blanket.

Absentmindedly, she cast a glance towards the little mirror by the bed side.

"What a tragic looking face..."

Her prided hair in a mess, her eyes were all red from crying all night.

"--Clearly from the day I lost my older sister, I promised myself never to cry again."

On the little table, there was breakfast covered with a sheet of cloth. Probably brought by Rinslet.

...But surely I have no appetite right now.

''Kamito, without you by my side, I...''

What was with this pain in her chest?

...Loneliness? No, even though that was partially the reason, there was more--

''I've done so many bad things to that guy in the past...''

Claire reflected over everything she had done to this date.

Whenever Kamito was intimate with other girls, she always felt enraged for no particular reason, unable to accept, wanting to whip him and burn him into charcoal--

''...I really am a fool. Clearly now, I can be a bit more forthright.''

Just as she sighed--

Something squirmed beneath the blanket.

Puzzled, she pulled away the blanket to find the hell cat spirit enveloped in gentle warm flames.

"Scarlet..."

Claire suddenly felt very touched.

Clearly Scarlet was also in a very weak state, but the cat still stayed by Claire's side to provide warmth.

"Meow..."

"...Y-Yes. As the master, I must have faith in that guy."

Encouraged by Scarlet, Claire rubbed her eyes.

Patting her face, she tied her hair with her favorite ribbons.

"...That's right. I can't give up. Kamito is surely still alive."

Her spirit renewed, she got up and started eating breakfast in large mouthfuls.

This was no proper manners for a lady hailing from a formerly prestigious family but now was not the time to be concerned... She had to recover her energy as fast as possible to search for Kamito.

Just at this moment, a clatter of footsteps could be heard. The entrance to the tent was flipped open with a smack.

Rinslet arrived, clearly frantic.

"Claire, we seem to have found Kamito!"

===Part 4===

--A few hours passed after that. Kamito returned to the stronghold of «Team Scarlet».

At the skillfully concealed entrance in the forest, his comrades were already out to greet him, however--

"...Seriously, how much are you trying to worry us!?"

"N-Not like I was particularly worried or anything like that...!"

"Enough of this, Kamito-kun is always so reckless!"

"I-I'm sorry..."

Faced with the three young ladies' wrath, Kamito could not help but shrink back.

...It was only for a day, but clearly they were really worried.

Claire's ruby-like eyes were filled with teardrops--

"...Sob... Sob..."

...For some reason, she was crying.

"H-Hey, Claire!?"

Kamito frantically placed his hands on her shoulders--

"Idiot... Seriously, I was so worried... Wuaaaaaah!"

Thud thud.

Clenching her fists, she hammered against Kamito's chest.

"Claire... I'm sorry."

Faced with Claire like this, Kamito gently caressed her head.

"Wah... Sob... I-Idiot..."

"Because she was worrying about Kamito, she cried the whole night."

Rinslet whispered secretly by his earside.

"Is that so?"

Claire's face instantly turned burning red.

"L-Liar! I didn't cry!"

"Oh my, trying to deceive us is pointless."

"...~!"

"In any case, it's great that Claire is fine."

Smiling wryly, Kamito continued to caress her head.

"Y-Yes... All thanks to Kamito."

Her face red, Claire lowered her gaze.

Then as if resolving herself, she bit her lip hard.

"K-Kamito..."
[[image:STnBD V06 194.png|thumb]]

Fiddling awkwardly with her fingers, her head bowed deeply--

"Umm... I-I have decided, from now on, I will be more hon--"

"...Ah, right. Wait a minute."

Suddenly, Kamito spoke.

"...Eh?"

Claire was completely shocked.

"No, before that, I have something I must report to everyone first."

"...?"

All the girls tilted their head in puzzlement. Kamito turned around and waved his hand at the trees behind him.

"Milla, you can come out now."

"Yes."

From the depths of the trees came a rustling sound--

A girl with dark brown hair, Milla, appeared.

"...Uh?"

Claire and the girls all exclaimed in surprise.

"...A pleasure to meet you all."

Milla stepped forward and politely bowed her head towards Claire and the rest.

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

The young ladies fell silent.

Then--

"H-Hey, Kamito...?"

Claire's shoulders were trembling.

"...This really adorable child, who is she?"

The red twintails were standing straight up like burning pillars of fire.

"...H-Hey Claire? Why are you getting angry?"

"I-I am not angry. Completely, entirely not angry...!"

"Kamito, I can't believe you are this kind of man...!"

"...Seriously, what is going on!?"

"Could this be, a kidnapping!?"

Ellis, Rinslet and Fianna all cast icy-cold glares.

...Somehow, it felt like there was some kind of extremely embarrassing misunderstanding.

Fortunately, Milla was the one to clear things up.

"--I am Milla Bassett, the leader of the «Rupture Division» representing the Principality of Rossvale."

"Milla Bassett -- in that case, you were the one who proposed the alliance...?"

Met with Claire's inquiry, Milla nodded.

"Yes. Together with Kazehaya Kamito, we have exchanged oaths to establish an alliance."

"...Oaths?"

Milla's words made all the young ladies perk up their ears.

"I decided on my own to form the alliance... So, is there anything wrong with that?"

"N-No, that's fine. However..."

Claire began to pout.

"When elementalists exchange «Oaths», I remember the ritual..."

"A kiss from both parties -- is necessary, right?"

Ellis and Rinslet instantly glared at Kamito.

"Hmm..."

"...You did it, Kamito-kun?"

"N-No, let me explain..."

The instant Kamito's gaze wavered, none of the girls failed to catch it.

"Kamito, please answer honestly!"

"Well yes, I did it, but just on the hand..."

"I can't believe you, to think even an innocent thirteen-year-old girl was not safe--"

Despite Kamito's stammering explanations, the young ladies' glares remained exceptionally cold.

===Part 5===

--In the end, Kamito had to spend quite a long time to clear up the misunderstanding.

''...Why do they have to be suspicious to this degree?''

Tilting his head in puzzlement, Kamito was lying on a futon in the tent.

His body's fatigue was still present, so he intended to nap until dinner.

As for Milla, he felt reassured to entrust her to Claire and the girls. The young ladies seemed quite happy at the arrival of a young girl, as if gaining a younger sister to be spoiled.

...Naturally, Milla seemed quite troubled on her side.

"...Kamito, are you still awake?"

Claire's voice was heard from the entrance.

"Yeah..."

Hearing Kamito respond, Claire entered lightly with bandages.

"What is it?"

"Time for new bandages. You're still wounded, right?"

"Ah yeah, sorry..."

Kamito extended his arm as Claire gently wrapped bandages over them.

"..."

Somehow the silence felt rather awkward.

Kamito wanted to say something, but could not find any words.

Perhaps because they had spent almost every day together until now. Being apart for a single day seemed to have disrupted their rhythm.

Furthermore, recalling the fact that Claire had cried for him out of worry, it felt rather embarrassing.

"Hey, Kamito..."

"Hmm?"

Claire was the first to speak up.

"About just now, I'm sorry... Umm, for s-suspecting you."

"Did you eat something strange?"

Her uncharacteristic attitude caused Kamito to frown.

"S-Shut up, I'm just apologizing honestly!"

"U-Understood...!"

...Yes, this was the normal Claire.

As she wrapped bandages around Kamito's arm, Claire spoke softly.

"Ah, ever since Rubia-neesama left, I've been alone."

Seeking power impatiently, she clashed constantly with upperclassmen and the Sylphid Knights.

At the time, she did not understand anything.

She regarded everyone around her as her enemies.

Needing no comrades. Trusting no one. Trying to become strong alone.

...That was truly what she believed in back then.

"But after meeting you... I feel I've changed."

"...Perhaps so, maybe."

"Whether Fianna, Ellis, or Rinslet... I consider them p-precious comrades."

Perhaps due to embarrassment, Claire's face was as red as a burning fire.

"Ah yes."

Kamito nodded.

"Umm, so, this... All this time, I've wanted to say this to Kamito..."

Claire's hand that was doing the bandaging paused as she stuttered.

Then she lifted her face as if greatly determined--

"Kamito, thank you..."

She spoke as if very shy.

"Claire..."

Kamito quietly gulped a mouthful of air--

"Same for me."

"Huh?"

"If I had never met Claire, I would never be standing upon this stage of the «Blade Dance» festival. Umm, completely unrelated to the team size restriction... Do you get what I mean?"

"...Yes. Alone, I don't think any of us could have stood here."

Finishing the bandaging, Claire stood up.

"Well then, rest well for today."

Then she made a beeline for the exit.

Looking at her back... Kamito spoke.

"Restia will probably come to target me. In the near future, perhaps I'll have to leave this place for a while."

Nepenthes Lore -- that monster would surely come together.

When the time came, Kamito had no confidence whether he would be able to protect Claire and the girls given his current state.

But Claire shook her head resolutely.

"When the time comes, we will face them. Together, ''everyone'' from «Team Scarlet»."

===Part 6===

For dinner that day, a small party was held to celebrate the alliance with the «Rupture Division».

On the dinner table made from tree trunks, all sorts of delicious food were laid out.

Honey spread on bread. Cooked beans. Wild herb and mushroom salad. Laurenfrost style stew. River fish pie. The dessert menu was a sumptuous feast made from canned fruit.

"How amazing..."

Milla exclaimed with surprise.

"Please help yourself to the food, no need to be reserved."

"May I?"

"Of course. After all, Milla, you did help my slave."

Claire sliced a piece of fish pie for Milla.

Apparently they had become quite friendly while Kamito was sleeping. Sitting there side by side, they seemed like very close sisters.

As a side note, Claire had resumed her usual attitude towards Kamito.

"Claire, help me cut some of that pie please."

"Oh my, how conceited of you, to dare order around the Elstein family's daughter?"

...That was how things went.

"The main course is ready."

Rinslet brought a huge plate of roasted meat that was still sizzling.

She must have roasted an entire pig whole.

"Seriously, you really hunted a wild boar!?"

"Fu, of course it was yours truly, together with Fenrir."

Rinslet puffed out her chest with pride.

The tender and juicy roasted meat looked very delicious. Together with sliced ginger and garlic, a special sauce seasoned with spices, the rich aroma filled the table.

"Yes, the meat is really soft and tender. It is also perfectly cooked."

"Fufu, if you like, let's go hunt some more?"

"No, it doesn't really feel right to recklessly hunt wild animals in the sanctuary..."

Ridiculing with his half-narrowed eyes, Kamito shoved salad into his mouth.

Beneath the dinner table, Scarlet and Simorgh were also fighting for the roasted meat.

On the other hand, Fenrir sat very politely in the distance, though salivating if one were to look closely.

Looks like the Laurenfrost family were quite strict in educating their spirits.

"Hey Rinslet, it should be okay to give some of the meat to Fenrir, right?"

"That's not allowed normally... But we'll make an exception just for today."

Given the mistress' permission and a tossed portion of meat, Fenrir happily pounced.

"Kamito, I want to eat meat too."

"Ah yes, you love tasty food the most, Est."

"So happy, Kamito."

"Wait a minute, Kamito, you're spoiling Est too much."

"Fufu, I've dripped some sauce on my bosom. Kamito-kun, please help wipe it up."

Accompanied by a sudden voluptuous sensation, Kamito found his arm pressed against Fianna's sauce covered chest.

"Y-You can wipe it yourself, right?"

"If I do it myself, it won't be thorough enough... If you don't want to wipe it, you may lick instead~"

"Hey... G-Got it, then I'll wipe, okay?"

As his heart raced, Kamito reached out with his handkerchief towards the deep valley between her breasts.

"Mmm... The movements of Kamito-kun's fingers feel really perverted~"

"Fianna!?"

"Allow me to wipe, Your Highness the imperial princess!"

"Iyaaaah!"

Having made her way behind Fianna discreetly, Claire suddenly reached out and started rubbing Fianna's bosom.

"What are you doing!?"

"Kamito is my slave, okay, you're not allowed to order him around!"

"Hey, you are committing the crime of insolence against the imperial family!"

Ignoring the two girls fighting at the dinner table, Kamito reached towards the cooked beans.

"...Hmm, these cooked beans are quite tasty."

Despite its modest appearance, the soup had a rather delicate taste.

Hearing this comment, Ellis' ponytail jumped in elation.

"K-Kamito, I made that..."

"Ellis? Right, now that I think about it, the taste does feel like something you'd make."

"...Though compared to Rinslet's cooking, umm, it does feel a bit lacking in style."

Expressing her modesty, Ellis awkwardly fiddled with her fingers.

"No no, even though it looks simple in appearance, I'm sure it took a lot of effort to make this. After all, I do know how to cook more or less. I can feel the effort and feelings behind it."

"R-Really!? I-I hope you like it... I am glad."

Ellis seemed quite shy as she coiled the hair from her ponytail around her little finger again and again.

"Kamito, i-if you wish, let me feed you. Your wounds must still be affecting you."

"No, that's a bit embarrassing..."

"No need to be shy. So, say 'ah'--"

"A-Ahhhh..."

Seeing he had no choice, Kamito opened wide to accept the spoon.

"I-Is it good?'

"...Ah yes, very tasty."

"Ellis, you're stealing a march on us, so sly!"

"Please try my cooking too!"

Fianna and Rinslet reprimanded Ellis.

"D-Do not misunderstand! I simply noticed that Kamito's arm was still hurt so..."

"I-In that case, I'll feed him too!"

Sticking her fork in a piece of meat, Claire thrust it over.

"That's really hot, Claire, and you poked me in the face! Ouch!"

"..."

Milla watched the dinner table commotion blankly.

"Milla, what's wrong?"

"I've never had a meal like this."

Asked by Kamito, Milla replied in monotone.

"Don't you eat together with everyone in your team, Milla?"

"No, because my companion knights all take care of me with great caution."

Milla quietly shook her head.

''Taken care of with great caution -- hmm?''

Rather than cherished, this meant something different.

As if trying not to break or harm something fragile -- and keeping their distance.

This thirteen-year-old girl had always lived a life of untouchable isolation.

Like an offering on an sacrificial altar--

"Milla, you should eat as much as you can. If you don't eat properly you won't grow up."

Claire placed her hand on Milla's head.

"That is so true. Well, it's a little late for Claire's chest though."

"Whose chest are you talking about!?"

Watching Claire and Rinslet quarrel--

Kamito did not fail to catch Milla's extremely faint smile.

===Part 7===

--Parting with her came so suddenly.

"Our training will end today."

"...Huh?"

The boy stood there in shock at the sudden announcement.

"Why... Why!? I -- still haven't killed you!"

"You have become strong. There is nothing more I can teach you."

The black-haired girl smiled calmly. Her dusk-colored eyes were filled with sorrow.

"...I hate this."

"Kamito?"

"I hate this! You have to stay by my side! Forever by my side--"

Halfway through, Kamito suddenly stopped his sentence.

"S-So, umm, I..."

Stuttering, his face went red.

"You're now able to make this kind of expression. Back when we first met, all you had was a stiff poker face."

The darkness spirit girl gently caressed the boy's head.

"You're almost my height now."

"...D-Don't toy with me!"

Kamito shook his head angrily.

Before he met her, the boy's feelings had never undergone such upheaval.

"The story's continuation--"

"...?"

"I still haven't heard the rest of that story."

He was referring to the bedtime stories she told.

The continuation of that bedtime story had somehow become the boy's greatest pleasure.

"...Sorry."

"Why, why are you apologizing--"

As if to seal the boy's mouth, the girl kissed him.

"...!"

The boy's eyes widened in surprise.

Separating her lips from him lightly, she smiled shyly.

"Your first kiss?"

"..."

The boy nodded in a daze... His mind completely blank, he could not think properly.

"--Remember this well, the kiss of our contract."

The girl's fingertips, gently caressing his cheek, dissipated into the air as particles of light--

"''If any time in the future when I change to the point when I am myself no longer, when the time comes''--"

--Kill me.

===Part 8===

"Ah, this is so invigorating..."

Beneath the starry sky, Kamito was enjoying a soak in an open air bath alone.

This was not a hot spring but a pool created by piling rocks in a ring and using a fire spirit to boil water for a bath. Since the water in the sanctuary carried fatigue recovery properties, soaking his wounds in the crystal clear water felt especially comfortable.

Under the moonlight, Kamito looked at the «Spirit Seal» on his left hand.

Blood was slightly seeping out from the crescent-shaped crest.

...Recently, I seem to keep dreaming about her.

Those were Kamito's memories from before he became the strongest blade dancer.

On that day, Restia was sealed away once again. Because she had taught the boy what he was not supposed to know -- human emotions.

After that, through the ''re-education'' efforts of the elders at the «Instructional School», the boy lost his emotions once more -- however, his feeling of longing for her, that alone was never forgotten.

Then four years ago, on the day that the flame demonic deity attacked and destroyed the «Instructional School», he took the ring where she was sealed and the two of them began their journey.

--Those short but wonderful days.

''Restia...''

As if trying to catch a hold of the night sky which reminded him of her beautiful black hair, Kamito reached out with his hand.

The spirit seal on his left hand was hurting.

''Summoning? Calling for me...''

Very soon, he would have to settle things with her--

That was what his intuition predicted.

Splash -- Suddenly, he heard a light noise in water behind him.

"...!?"

Frantically turning around, he saw a tiny figure in the shadows of the rocks obscured by the steam.

"...Kamito?"

"You're Milla?"

"Yes."

He could hear Milla's voice.

"This is the male bath reserved for me. The female bath is located over there by the cliff."

"I didn't know."

"Sorry. It's quite easy to mix up... Anyway, I'm getting out so just enjoy yourself here."

Kamito hastily prepared to leave--

"...Wait."

But Milla stopped him.

"I have something to say to you."

"...Here?"

"If it's here, the others won't come."

...I see. Indeed, Claire and the girls were probably not going to come to this male bath.

''Something she doesn't want the others to hear--''

Kamito immersed himself in the bath again.

On the other side of the light mist, Milla appeared, wrapped in a white towel.

Her body was small and slender. As her moistened dark brown hair clung to her face, there was a sense of charm that did not seem to belong to a thirteen-year-old girl.

As she walked over to the side, Kamito shifted his gaze away as his heart began to race.

"...So, what did you want to tell me?"

"About my «Eye». I only want you to know."

Milla's amber left eye flashed in the night.

"This is the value of my existence. The reason I was raised as a tool."

"--The «Demon Sealing Eye», right?"

"...You already... know?"

Milla exclaimed in surprise.

"No I didn't. But I could guess."

The demon sealing eye. This was a special eye that descendants from lineages of elementalists were born with in rare instances.

A type of extremely rare spirit ore.

Due to numerous cases of demon sealing eyes with powerful spirits sealed inside of them, the possessors were regarded as dangerous in most situations and persecuted, either that or used as weapons by those in authority -- that was how things were.

In any case, this thirteen-year-old girl was saddled with a cruel and harsh fate.

The reason why Kamito knew about the demon sealing eye which was unknown to most people, was because there was another girl at the «Instructional School» who also possessed the same type of «Eye».

That girl had been used as a weapon and perished at an early age.

"When I was young, my parents feared this «Eye» and sold me to the knights of the Principality of Rossvale, to be trained as a weapon needed to win the «Blade Dance» festival."

Milla gazed at Kamito expressionlessly.

"In order to control the sealed spirit with stability, anger, sorrow, joy -- all unnecessary emotions were deprived."

"...Crazy fellows. They exist everywhere."

Kamito groaned painfully. Recalling how his own emotions were killed off and the orphans at the «Instructional School» who were used and expended like tools--

''If I had never met Restia, my fate would have been the same as those guys...''

"...Why are you telling me this?"

"Because I -- deceived Kamito."

Milla uttered this sentence with great suffering.

"...?"

"Sealed within my «Eye» is the conquering army spirit «The Crusaders» -- a tactical-class military spirit."

"A tactical class military spirit?"

Tactical class -- amongst military spirits, this was a type of spirit that was particularly difficult to control.

Other than for exceptional cases like Muir Alenstarl -- this was not the type of spirit that ordinary elementalists could control alone.

Controlling that type of spirit required specialized training as a team.

Kamito finally realized.

"I see. The «Rupture Division» also served as the team for controlling that military spirit."

"That's right. They were the team prepared for using the tool that is me. Only with the «Rupture Division» present can the demon sealing eye be operated."

In other words--

Milla by herself was unable to draw out the spirit's power, basically.

"Possessing a spirit with the holy attribute is true... But I have no way of using that power."

"...So by deception, you mean this."

Allying with Milla who employed a holy spirit in order to facilitate battle against Nepenthes Lore--

This was the benefit she brought up during negotiations for the alliance. However, if that spirit could not be used, then Kamito and his team's strategy had to be altered fundamentally.

"I apologize. I must prevail in this «Blade Dance» no matter what. Because, raised as a tool, that is my mission."

Despite the «Rupture Division»'s collapse and nearly losing everything, she still struggled for survival.

Because Milla Bassett's value in living only lay in that.

"That's okay. That's your achievement after all."

Kamito gently placed his hand on Milla's head.

"...Kamito?"

"This alliance is the victory you won with your own hands, Milla. Be proud of yourself."

Gently, he caressed her dark brown hair.

"...Milla, have you heard of the «Instructional School»?"

Suddenly, Kamito brought up such a topic.

"...Existing somewhere in the Ordesia Empire, a secret organization for raising assassins."

"Yeah. That's where I came from."

"...!?"

Milla's eyes widened with surprise.

"I am the same as you, Milla. Raised as a tool for murder from childhood."

"However, you... Don't look like it."

"Because there was a girl who helped me recover a human's heart."

Kamito gently withdrew his hand from Milla's head.

"..."

Milla hung her head... As if pondering something.

Soon after, she slowly looked up--

"Last night's story."

"Hmm?"

"The continuation of last night's story, I want to hear it."

"Ah sure..."

Kamito recalled and nodded.

It was the fairy tale he had heard from Restia when he was young. In this open air bath where one could hear the sound of the river flowing, Kamito continued the story he told the previous night.

"...Fufu."

Was something really funny? Milla once again was desperately suppressing laughter.

...Oh well, as long as she's happy.

"You really are much cuter when you're smiling."

"W-What are you talking about..."

Kamito's half-joking comment made Milla blush slightly.

"Since you are able to laugh like this, you are no longer just a tool."

Assuredly, lost things had to be taken back.

As long as she had someone beside her the way Restia was to Kamito.

Gazing up at the night sky concealed by darkness, Kamito muttered to himself.

''...Restia, even now, I'm still waiting for you to continue that bedtime story.''

At this very moment -- a sharp pain was felt in his left hand's «Spirit Seal».

Intense pain like scorching fire, it made Kamito's face distorted.

"...Kamito?"

"--That person has arrived."

===Part 9===

In this quiet forest, the black-winged angel appeared--

"What a secure «stronghold» your team has built here. As expected of Her Highness the imperial princess, former candidate for Queen."

Restia shrugged and pouted her adorable lips.

Probably as a counter against those with the attribute of darkness, there were apparently multiple holy barrier.

To her it was like the gates of hell.

However--

"I'm very sorry but I shall have to break through by force."

As Restia giggled, a massive figure appeared from the depths of the forest.

Emanating an aura of ominous disaster from all over, the black knight -- Nepenthes Lore.

Having absorbed divine power from numerous elementalists to become a complete monster, the materialization of the Demon King's will.

"Well then, let's begin to blade dance, Kamito..."

With a great roar, Nepenthes Lore tore apart the barrier using claw-like gauntlets.

<noinclude>{{SeireiDance Nav|prev=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume6 Chapter6|next=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume6 Chapter8}}</noinclude>

Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume6 Chapter6

2013-02-23T07:16:49Z

Worker:

==Chapter 6 - Night Assault==

===Part 1===

Buried in the ground, the fire spirit ore was glowing red.

Kamito and Milla were hiding behind a rock, warming themselves. Unlike a campfire, a piece of spirit ore with a sealed fire spirit did not generate flames or smoke, conveniently avoiding detection by others.

Normally they would have met up with Claire and the rest by now, but due to the dangers of the night forest, they could not continue marching recklessly.

Kamito would have been fine alone but he was currently accompanied by a thirteen-year-old girl.

"Kamito, aren't you cold?"

Returned to the form of a girl, Est tightly gripped his arm.

"Ah, I'm fine."

As Kamito caressed her head, Est closed her eyes in enjoyment.

Though she remained expressionless as usual, probably because she had to stay in sword form for so long, Est was now trying to be spoiled.

"Kamito, so warm..."

Est kept rubbing her soft face against Kamito's arm.
[[image:STnBD V06 158.png|thumb]]

Sitting opposite was Milla who cast a cold gaze at Kamito.

"You have been making your contracted spirit do this kind of thing all along?"

"No, it's not like that--"

"I am Kamito's sword. Kamito's wish is my command."

Est nodded expressionlessly.

"I see. Forcing a cute and innocent spirit to satisfy your desires..."

Milla's gaze turned colder and colder.

...This is no good. The misunderstanding is getting worse.

"S-So, you two must be hungry, right? If you don't mind, how about I prepare some food?"

Kamito tried to change the subject.

"Yes. I am hungry."

"Not a bad suggestion."

The two nodded.

''...These two, somehow they seem a bit alike.''

Kamito secretly smiled wryly to himself.

Then a few minutes later--

From behind the rock, appetizing aromas came drifting.

It was simple cooking using the hard bread Milla brought as rations, adding a few slices of smoked meat, seasoning slightly with some spices and heating with a fire.

Nevertheless, to Kamito and his group who were famished, this was already quite a sumptuous meal.

"...Kamito, hurry and let me try it."

"What am I going to do with you, Est..."

Smiling wryly, Kamito tore a piece of bread and placed it in Est's mouth.

"This is delicious, Kamito."

Est expressionlessly chewed the bread... She really was like a cute little pet.

"Feeding a spirit eh."

Milla glared coldly at them.

"Okay, you don't have to be formal, just eat this quickly."

Kamito served the steaming bread before her.

"...I will not be bought with food."

"I'm not buying you with food. This is just thanks for healing me."

"..."

Milla silently received the bread and took a cute little bite.

"...Delicious."

"That's really wonderful."

Kamito exclaimed wryly.

The sight of the two pretty girls eating bread expressionlessly felt rather surreal.

"Your wound--"

"Hmm?"

Swallowing the bread, Milla slowly spoke.

"Healing so fast is completely thanks to your own recovery ability. My spirit magic had virtually no effect."

"Ah yes, I seem to have a constitution that is difficult for holy spirit magic to take effect."

Even though he did not know what caused it, that was what Fianna told him, so it should be accurate.

"...? In that case, how do you normally heal your wounds?"

Milla exclaimed in surprise. Kamito scratched his head, a little troubled.

"Ah, how should I describe it. One of my companions is a princess maiden, umm, she uses her body to transfer magic directly..."

"...Enough. I basically understand."

Milla gazed at Kamito with eyes of despise.

"Clearly the rumors of Kamito's teammates offering their bodies in service to him is true."

"Wait a minute, don't misunderstand!"

"Kamito, what does offering their bodies in service mean?"

Est tilted her head expressionlessly in puzzlement.

"Est, you don't need to know that sort of term!"

"Rather than through words, you will teach her using your body?"

"Milla, what on earth are you saying!?"

As Milla's gaze grew more and more severe, Kamito ruefully clutched his head.

===Part 2===

"Fuah..."

"Dinner is done, so it's probably time for Est to sleep."

Kamito gently rubbed Est on the head.

Est almost always slept at this time every night.

"Yes, Kamito. Entering standby sleep mode. Goodnight."

Est placed her head on Kamito's lap as if asking to be spoiled.

Her figure dispersed into particles of light in the air, turning into a beautiful sword.

Kamito rested the sleeping «Demon Slayer» lightly against the rock.

"You're not going to sleep, Milla?"

"Are you treating me as a child?"

"Nothing like that. With so much happening today, you must be tired."

"No matter how I think about this, you must be more tired than me."

"I can't go to sleep first while a girl is still awake, right?"

"...Girl?"

Milla tilted her head in surprise.

"Kamito?"

"Hmm?"

"Since I can't sleep, talk about something interesting."

...Somehow it feels like I keep getting this kind of unreasonable demand lately.

"I'm sorry. I'm the boring sort of man."

Kamito shrugged.

Regarding how boring he was in conversation, Claire knew best.

"Does not matter. I will be the one to decide if it's interesting or not."

"...Got it."

Kamito sighed, relenting--

"A long long time ago, there was a spirit sealed in a lamp at a certain place--"

Just like the time when Claire hassled him, Kamito began reciting the story he had heard from Restia. Instantly, Milla's eyes widened with interest.

"...Umm, you don't find this boring?"

"No, keep going."

Seeing Milla shake her head, Kamito continued.

Objectively speaking, Kamito's storytelling technique was quite poor. Nevertheless, recalling and imitating the gestures and tones Restia used when he was young, Kamito continued with the story.

Soon after--

"Fufu..."

"...!?"

Kamito stopped in surprise.

...Unbelievably, Milla seemed to be trying not to laugh.

"You..."

"...What?"

Noticing Kamito's gaze, Milla frantically avoided eye contact.

"You're very cute when you laugh."

"W-What are you talking about!?"

She lowered her gaze as if trying to hide her face.

''...Could it be, she's shy?''

Suddenly, Kamito asked a question that had been nagging at him.

"By the way, you called yourself a tool back then in the forest?"

"...So what?"

Milla recovered her usual cold expression.

"What do you actually mean by that?"

"Exactly as the word implies. Because that is existence known as the elementalist."

"Spirit contractors are not tools. At least, not at the Academy where I go to."

"That is simply your own value system. I am simply a tool cultivated for winning this «Blade Dance» festival. That is the totality of my value."

Milla Bassett -- this girl, merely thirteen years of age, displayed an expression as if she saw through everything.

That was the same expression as the youth in the past.

What sort of treatment she received back in her home country, was easily imagined.

''A girl who lived only for the purpose of winning the «Blade Dance»...''

Too cruel -- Kamito whispered angrily to himself.

Her homeland was the small state which had gained its independence from the Holy Kingdom of Lugia not too long ago. Whether in military or economic strength, it was quite behind compared to the surrounding countries. Hence they were resolved to raise the prestige of their country through spectacular results at the «Blade Dance» festival.

Milla Bassett was the tool cultivated for this purpose.

--Hence firmly rooted in this belief, she gradually cast off her emotions as a human.

That was almost like himself, before he met Restia--

''I had Restia by my side. But this girl--''

Kamito could not help but speak out.

"Do you really, honestly believe that?"

"...?"

"Your value, does it only lie in winning the «Blade Dance» festival?"

"Other than that, I don't know any other way to live."

Milla shook her head, at this moment--

Suddenly, Kamito noticed a change in the surrounding atmosphere.

"Kamito?"

"...Seriously, it's this late and we still get visitors."

Hearing Kamito's words, Milla finally reacted.

Warily, they surveyed the surroundings--

"How surprising. I clearly eliminated all traces of my presence."

A girl's voice came from behind the rock.

"Even though your team is third, you are representatives from Areishia Spirit Academy after all."

At the same time, other sounds came from the opposite side. Based on the footsteps there were two people.

''A chance encounter -- was of course impossible.''

Kamito licked his lips and reached for Est against the rock.

Very likely, this was the team who sent out the fireball scouting spirit earlier.

There was one person on the right and two on the left. An approaching pincer attack from two directions.

"--Knights owing allegiance to the courageous king, bestow upon me the light of victory!"

Milla chanted a spirit language incantation, manifesting a sword of spirit magic in her hand.

Standing up with her, back to back, Kamito asked.

"You're not summoning your contracted spirit?"

"My contracted spirit requires a special summoning ritual. It cannot be performed here."

"...A spirit of ritual summoning type eh."

Certain powerful spirits required summoning by ritual. For example, there was «Team Cernunnos»'s beast swarm spirit. Milla's contracted spirit seemed to be the same. In exchange for great power, much time and energy had to be expended and was therefore unsuited to blade dance duels between individuals.

Illuminated by the glow of swords, the enemies' appearances became clear.

Two of the girls were wearing uniforms similar to Milla. A red background decorated with white lines, they were opposite to the «Rupture Division»'s uniform.

"The Holy Kingdom of Lugia's «Sacred Spirit Knights»--"

Milla's eyes widened.

So that was the case. After all, the Principality of Rossvale obtained its independence from the Holy Kingdom of Lugia. In that case, having similarities in their uniforms was only natural.

''By the way, isn't the «Sacred Spirit Knights» the team of Paladin Luminaris?''

Luminaris was the ace-level elementalist who reached the finals in the «Blade Dance» festival three years ago.

Served by a holy spirit, she had presented Kamito with a formidable challenge during the finals.

Though she was apparently not at the current scene, the «Sacred Spirit Knights» were renowned as one of the strongest teams from the mainland, all things considered.

Fighting with his current wounds while protecting Milla would be rather disadvantageous.

"--Ah, you're not going to retreat? If you run away now, we might let you off?"

"Stop joking around. Who would waste such an excellent opportunity?"

The knights jeered.

Most likely, they had received news of the «Rupture Division»'s demise.

Even the fact that Milla Bassett's companion was ''only a male elementalist belonging to a weak team'' was perfectly clear to them.

Furthermore, the Holy Kingdom of Lugia and the Principality of Rossvale were hostile enemies. It was common for political conflicts between countries to be carried over onto the «Blade Dance» competition.

''...Our only choice is to fight, right?''

Kamito raised his sword with annoyance.

"You too, if you give up Milla Bassett's «Eye», we could let you two off."

"Milla's eye?"

"Oh my, you allied with her without knowing anything?"

"..."

Glancing quickly at Milla, Kamito found her glaring silently at the knights before them.

"Milla Bassett's «Eye» was originally our country's property. We are simply retrieving it."

"What on earth is this about?"

"There is no need for you to know, seeing as you are about to fall here."

Kamito shrugged helplessly... Apparently there was no room left for conversation.

Suddenly, the three knights tightened the encirclement.

"Milla, don't leave my side."

"Don't look down on me. No matter what, I am still the leader of the «Rupture Division»."

"...Got it. Then I'll entrust my back to you."

Instantly, the three knights attacked in concert.

The sound of blades clashing rang out. Intense sparks scattered in the dark night.

The strike of a heavy battle axe was blocked by Kamito using Terminus Est.

"...Guh!"

Intense pain came from his arm. Looks like the wound he sustained from falling down the cliff was rupturing.

''--Clearly these are masters. I can't be careless at all!''

Leaping to the side, Kamito held his sword in one hand.

"Don't think you can escape--"

"...!?"

Slicing wind, the massive battle axe flew through the air--

Due to this unexpected attack, Kamito reacted a second too slow.

"--Swarming subjects of the night, hasten forth to slaughter your enemies!"

Instantly, the flying battle axe transformed into a massive swarm of bats.

"...T-This is a legion spirit!"

«Legion» was the term for contracted spirits composed from an amalgamation of multiple spirits. Although they were unsuited to performing mundane commands, they were particularly effective against enemies who were not geared towards fighting multiple opponents.

As it happened, Kamito's Terminus Est was precisely a sword type elemental waffe, unsuited towards fighting multiple opponents.

Kamito swung his sword at the swarm of spirits that resembled a dark raincloud.

A slash from the «Demon Slayer» instantly destroyed the incoming wave of spirits--

However, this merely destroyed a small fraction of the total. The bat swarm of spirits gave off piercing cries as they attacked Kamito.

Sharp claws tore wounds all over his body. Red blood flowed from his ripped open skin.

"Guh..."

The rules of the «Blade Dance» forbade killing any of the participating elementalists. But conversely, so long as their lives remained intact, any amount of physical injury and suffering was permitted.

They must be trying to chip away at my stamina gradually.

''If only Claire's Flametongue was here, they could be incinerated in an instant...''

Kamito was unable to use spirit magic for large area destruction. Even though the swarm of spirits blocked his view, he was certain Milla must be currently fighting the other elementalists.

''Trying to kill these guys one by one will take forever...''

Raising the «Demon Slayer», Kamito rushed into the center of the spirit swarm. With self-sacrificing determination, he penetrated by force, intending to defeat the enemy elementalist directly -- !

"--Of course I'm not going to let your plan succeed. Capture the unrighteous, «Shackles of the Criminal»!"

"...!?"

Suddenly, flashing shackles appeared out of the air and locked down Kamito's feet.

In the middle of the chaotic and violent swarm of spirits, Kamito was immobilized.

"Those who attempt escape the legion will be caught by the «Shackles of the Criminal». The Sacred Spirit Knights' coordinated attacks are flawless."

Another knight jeered victoriously.

''I see. As expected of a strong and renowned team--''

Kamito silently cursed his dire situation. Using the legion to obscure his view while hiding the capturing type elemental waffe «Shackles of the Criminal» inside -- this was a coordinated attack make use of the compatibility between their contracted spirits.

The legion mercilessly attacked Kamito as he stood there unable to move--

"...Your plan itself is not bad. But regrettably, you have underestimated my Est!"

Yelling out, Kamito infused divine power in the «Demon Slayer».

"--How could this be possible!?"

The knights cried out in surprise.

Giving off intensely bright light, the shackles of the elemental waffe restraining his feet were cut into halves.

Wielding the sacred sword which emitted overwhelming dazzling light, Kamito charged forward.

The swarming spirits of the legion were destroyed as soon as they made contact with Terminus Est's sword aura.

"Damn it... Hurry and come back!"

The knight in front of Kamito frantically tried to transform the legion back into the battle axe form -- but unfortunately, it was too late.

Kamito rushed before her and slashed at the knight's abdomen.

"Gaaah--!"

With a great yell, the knight collapsed immediately. However, within «Astral Zero» all damage caused by elemental waffen beyond what the body could sustain were all converted into psychological pain, hence the girl simply lost consciousness.

At the same time, the black cloud-like legion dissipated into particles of light.

"Haah, haah..."

Stabbing into the ground his sword which has lost its brightness, Kamito rested his shoulder against it as he panted.

''This is really tiring...''

Terminus Est belonged to the strongest class of elemental waffe.

Hence, using it in the manner just now would deplete divine power almost instantly.

Deciding that she could not win one on one, the «Shackles» using knight stepped back with a click of her tongue.

On the other side of the rock, Milla was currently engaging the knight with the slender sword in an even battle.

Wielding a sword of light, she deflected the enemy's relentless strikes one by one, producing sparks whenever their blades clashed intensely.

Milla's sword skills were definitely not mediocre. Within the Academy, her skill level would definitely achieve top grades.

However on this «Blade Dance» stage where top class elementalists gathered, her power seemed slightly inadequate in comparison.

In terms of ability as an elementalist, the opponent was clearly superior to her.

Using his body which still could not stand steadily, Kamito raised the sword in his hand.

However, the «Demon Slayer» could only give off faint light.

"Clearly your power is depleted, male elementalist."

"Hmph, as if...!"

Forcing his unsteady body, Kamito began to run to aid Milla--

"--Your plan will not succeed, «Shackles of the Criminal»!"

The knight released a set of chained shackles from her hand. Kamito jumped to evade -- but the shackles were only a red herring.

Another set of shackles released from the opposite direction snagged Kamito's right arm.

"You no longer have the strength to break free from the «Shackles» now!"

In the instant Kamito's movements were halted--

The other knight that had been fighting Milla rushed over.

"--Kamito!"

"All I need is one arm."

Replying to Milla's cry with a smile, Kamito switched to wielding his sword with his left.

It was the left hand in the jet black leather glove. He could feel a stinging pain from Restia's spirit seal.

"--Very unfortunate for you, ''I am ambidextrous''."

With one arm snagged by the «Shackles», Kamito kicked the ground.

Using one leg as a pivot to spin his body, he struck with a counterattack in response to the enemy's thrust.

The thrusting sword brushed past his face--

But at the same time, Kamito's sword pierced deeply into the opponent's heart.

"Guah...!"

Suffering massive psychological damage, the knight lost consciousness and fell to the ground.

Kamito held his shoulder due to the pain from slightly overstraining himself as he asked the «Shackles» user behind him.

"--Well then, you're the only one left... What are you going to do?"

"...!"

The knight bit her lip in regret.

"Don't forget this, Luminaris-sama will surely take care of you!"

Leaving behind this loser's speech, she disappeared into the depths of the forest.

At the same time, the «Shackles» restraining Kamito also vanished.

''Three elementalists of that level -- given myself three years ago, I could have handled them in seconds.''

As he muttered to himself in self-mockery, Kamito coughed up blood.

His body was actually not well enough to use Terminus Est with full power.

''...But to think I would end up like this.''

His body swaying he collapsed on the spot as if losing all strength.

"--Kamito, Kamito!"

Just as his consciousness faded, he heard Milla's voice.

===Part 3===

"--W-What is that!?"

"Could it be, a legion spirit!?"

The massive shadow towering before them was trampling the trees in the forest.

The minor country's team could only scream and flee into the forest as they watched the destruction of their «stronghold».

Spirits in beast form swarmed and attacked the «giant» but the giant swung its heavy fist, smashing the ragtag bunch of spirits to oblivion in a single strike.

"Ahahaha, you call yourselves representatives participating in the «Blade Dance», and yet all you can do is this?"

On the shoulder of the giant -- the tactical class military spirit «Colossus», sat a girl with ash gray hair.

The «Instructional School»'s second «Monster» -- Muir Alenstarl.

Amidst rising black smoke and intensely burning fires--

The girl wearing the crimson mask gazed mercilessly at this scene of destruction.

The minor country's elementalists were struggling desperately but given Muir's power, they would soon be vanquished together along with their «stronghold».

"Ren Ashbell-sama, if this continues, the spirit will be broken by the usage of Muir's power."

Beside her, Lily Flame knelt on the ground, advising anxiously.

"Not a problem. Using a due to be scrapped military spirit to conquer a «stronghold» is worth it."

"But that «Colossus» was provided by the military of the Alphas Empire--"

"In any case, it is not a spirit those fellows can keep under control. Rather than expending effort to have it scrapped, we might as well break it through the use of the «Jester's Vise»."

Ren Ashbell shrugged and turned to Lily.

"That aside, have you found the location of the darkness spirit and Nepenthes Lore?"

"E-Excuse me... I am very sorry, not yet..."

Lily bit her lip regretfully.

The darkness spirit had taken away Nepenthes Lore without authorization, robbing divine power from elementalists indiscriminately -- such actions constituted clear betrayal of Ren Ashbell.

"I see. Then keep searching."

"Yes--"

"That said, even if that darkness spirit is scheming something, my plan will not change the slightest."

"Ren Ashbell-sama, may I ask a question...?"

Lily looked up and asked apprehensively.

"What is it?"

"What kind of person is Nepenthes Lore?"

She was well aware that the monster of a black knight was no ordinary human.

That thing was revived by the master before her using forbidden magic, an existence that should not exist in this world.

But ultimately, what was its true identity -- ?

Deep behind the crimson mask, those burning red eyes seemed to pierce Lily right through.

"Please forgive me for overstepping my bounds!"

Lily immediately knelt down and prostrated in regret.

Simply a glare was enough to give her a feeling of fear as if her heart was being gripped tightly.

"--That Nepenthes Lore is the successor to the past Demon King."

"Successor to the Demon King...?"

"In other words, the incarnation of the will of «Ren Ashdoll» who was buried in ancient times--"

A dark shadow flashed across her fiery eyes.

"--''An existence identical to mine''."

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Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume6 Chapter5

2013-02-23T07:16:42Z

Worker:

==Chapter 5 - Their Respective Nights==

===Part 1===

Several days had passed since the boy encountered the darkness spirit girl.

His mind and body were completely defeated.

"Guh... Ah..."

Until this point, he had always had the confidence to overcome all training no matter how harsh or deadly.

In actual fact, there were many other children who had been brought to this place like him, but they had lost their lives instead.

No one expressed any mourning, sympathy or commendation towards their deaths. To the elders of the «Instructional School», they were simply dismissed as disqualified then tragically abandoned like broken tools.

This was the kind of hell where the boy survived.

And even obtained the power to crush a group of skilled assassins with his bare hands.

Nevertheless, this was only child's play.

In the last few days, that was what the boy discovered beyond a doubt.

"...Are you okay, Kamito?"

The darkness spirit girl watched Kamito with eyes of worry as he lay on the ground.

"...Don't... Touch me...!"

"...I'm sorry."

With a pained expression, the girl stopped herself from helping him up.

"Don't be angry. After all, my mission is to make you stronger."

"...Angry?"

The boy glared at the girl.

"Are you insulting me? --I have no feelings. I am simply a tool for murder."

The boy forced his body to get up despite being covered with wounds.

Contrary to his claim, his inner heart was in turmoil.

It was neither anger nor hate, but some other -- emotion.

Hence, he absolutely must eliminate this emotion. Absolutely.

In order to become the perfect killing tool.

"Killing you is the order assigned to me. Hence -- I am only executing my mission."

"--Yes yes, that's right. Hurry and kill me then, Kamito."

===Part 2===

Kamito and Milla left the cave and walked through the forest in the night.

The area was completely dark. Without the spirit ore for illumination, he would not have been able to see his feet even.

Terrifying spirits of the night were beginning to become active, and the cries of beasts could be heard from the distance.

"Kamito."

"...Hmm?"

Noticing a tug on his sleeve, Kamito turned his head.

"It is already late night. Trying to march in haste would be dangerous."

Indeed, night was the time when beasts and hated demon spirits became active.

Walking in the forest at this time was not a wise decision.

"No problem. I am already used to blade dancing at night."

Kamito tried to reassure her.

In actual fact, he had undergone combat training in a zero visibility space during his time at the «Instructional School». To a professional assassin, this could be considered a basic combat skill.

"Blade dancing at night..."

Milla suddenly turned her gaze to Kamito with eyes of despise.

"Wait a minute, I'm not talking about some kind of nuanced euphemism for nocturnal activities!"

"I did not say anything of that sort."

Milla answered softly with mild surprise.

"Let's walk a bit further. After all, there's no way to camp in a forest like this."

"Understood."

Milla nodded.

"Are you afraid? ...If that's the case, would you like to hold hands?"

"Holding a girl's hand in a dark forest... That is completely the actions of a kidnapping criminal."

"You..."

Kamito sighed with his eyes half-closed--

"Duck down quickly!"

Suddenly sensing something unusual, he hurriedly pushed her down onto the grass.

"...Kamito."

"Be quiet."

Kamito whispered by Milla's ear.

Above their heads, a blue-white fireball flew past.

The fireball constantly changed its shape as it flickered, circling around in the forest nonstop.

Probably a scouting spirit released by some team... It would be troublesome if Kamito and Milla were discovered.

The spirit circled for a while before disappearing into the depths of the forest.

"Hoo..."

Kamito wiped the sweat off his head. Although scouting spirits could be eliminated instantly, that act would be akin to exposing his position to the elementalist sharing vision with the spirit.

He was still suffering from wounds from falling off the cliff and his body had also accumulated quite a lot of fatigue.

To be honest, in his current condition it would be best to avoid enemy attacks.

"Kamito--"

"Hmm?"

"It's probably time for you to move."

"...S-Sorry!?"

His hand happened to be positioned on her chest.

Kamito frantically got up... The soft sensation still lingering on his hand.

"Since it was an emergency situation, I will let it slide."

Milla did not seem to mind. Patting the dust away from her skirt, she stood up.

Even though she was only thirteen years old, did she not feel even a bit embarrassed -- ?

Heightening their alertness, they continued their way through the forest.

"By the way--"

Kamito asked as they walked along the muddy ground.

"What kind of spirit did you contract with, Milla?"

Even though he knew it was a spirit with the holy attribute, there were still myriad forms. In terms of tendency, those that specialized in defense like Fianna's knight spirit «Georgios» were more common, but ultimately that was simply a tendency.

Variations in spirit type resulted in dramatic changes to the way they were used.

However, Milla quietly bowed her head.

"Even though our teams are allied, I cannot tell you. Because my spirit is a state secret."

"I see..."

Reaching a dead end, Kamito changed the subject.

"--So, is there a «Wish» you are trying to realize through this «Blade Dance» festival?"

Under normal conditions, this was a retarded question.

An elementalist who wanted to participate in the «Blade Dance» festival without her own wish could not possibly exist.

However, from this Milla Bassett girl--

Incredibly, Kamito could not sense that kind of motive.

Hence he was curious.

However.

"--There is none."

Milla replied.

"No? Without a «Wish», then why--"

Why was she resorting to allying with another team, desperately trying to survive--

"I exist as a tool. As a tool, one must finish one's mission."

"...Tool?"

"...!?"

Kamito frowned with surprise.

If she called it a knight's loyalty it would have been fine -- but he felt that it was different from that.

Or rather, the impression he got from her, was a person who only lived to complete a certain goal -- in that case, tool was not an analogy but was meant literally.

''This girl...''

Kamito knew a boy who resembled this girl.

Having lost all hope, a boy who even forgot the feeling of despair in the end.

Abandoning everything that made him human, a boy who was cultivated as a tool.

''In that case, this girl is very similar to the orphan at the «Instructional School» -- ''my past self.''''

Perhaps this was one reason why he felt he could not abandon her no matter what.

"..."

"...What is it?"

The heterochromic eyes stared coldly at Kamito.

Her emotionless gaze was very similar to Kamito's before having met Restia.

"No, nothing... Let's go."

Kamito quietly shook his head and continued trudging through the mud.

===Part 3===

"A-Ahh... Ka... mito... Kamito, he..."

Claire was lying on a simple futon in a tent.

Sweating profusely from head to toe, she was calling Kamito's name with an exceptionally suffering expression.

Her consciousness was still quite fuzzy and there was no life in her eyes.

"How's Claire's condition?"

Rinslet brought warm soup and asked with worry.

"A very high fever... It seems like she was running all the way through the rain."

Fianna quietly shook her head.

Claire's smooth skin was covered all over with scratches from branches.

"The wounds on her body are nothing serious, but if we don't do something about this high fever..."

"...Kamito... If we don't save him..."

"Currently, the Captain is summoning wind spirits to conduct a search. Once morning arrives, we will join the search party."

"...After all, the forest at night is too dangerous."

Fianna bit her lip with regret.

After being carried to the tent, Claire reported what had happened under her semi-conscious state.

The encounter in the forest with «Team Inferno»'s black knight -- Nepenthes Lore, and the resulting battle.

In the midst of battle, in order to protect Claire, Kamito had fallen down a waterfall.

After that, Claire barely managed to evade the pursuit of the darkness spirit and the black knight. Trying to search for Kamito, somehow she lost consciousness when her physical endurance reached its limits. By the time she came to again, she found herself back in their «stronghold» -- that was basically what happened.

Apparently, based on the situation, Scarlet had decided to bring the exhausted master back.

"If we don't, hurry up... Kamito will..."

"Wait a minute, what are you trying to do! You still can't move!"

Seeing Claire attempting to get up from bed, Fianna scolded loudly uncharacteristically.

"But Kamito fell down a waterfall because he was protecting me..."

Normally quite strong-willed, Claire's eyes were now weeping with streams of tears.

Using the sleeve of her uniform, she kept rubbing her eyes.

"Seriously, you've returned to that crybaby from before."

"...N-Nothing like that, I am not a crybaby!"

Claire retorted angrily to Rinslet.

"Walking through the forest with a body in that condition, you will quickly turn into food for the beasts. Or are you trying to waste Kamito-san's wish to protect you?"

Rinslet reprimanded sternly, giving Claire no choice but to quiet down.

"But..."

"First thing in the morning, we will all set off together. But for now, you have to rest properly and recover your energy."

Fianna patted Claire on the head gently.

"This is specially prepared sweet medicinal soup. Ah, your favorite, peaches were also added!"

Rinslet handed over the hot soup that was still steaming.

"...T-Thank you."

In a rare moment of obedience, Claire nodded and sipped a mouthful of the medicinal soup.

"Delicious..."

"Kamito-san will surely return."

"Yes, that's right..."

--Leaving the tent, Fianna and Rinslet silently exchanged glances.

Claire's sobbing could be heard coming from inside the tent.

Presumably after drinking the warm medicinal soup, her tension relaxed all of a sudden.

At this moment, Ellis arrived with a solemn expression.

"How is Claire's condition?"

"If she rests properly, she should probably recover by tomorrow. However, the fact that Kamito-kun fell down a waterfall right before her eyes seems to have given her a great shock."

"I see..."

"Any progress in the search for Kamito-san?"

"Although I have spread wind spirits all around, nothing of value has been reported as of yet."

Ellis bit her lip regretfully.

"Kamito-kun..."

"...He will be fine, right?"

The three girls fell silent.

Like Claire, they were all extremely worried about Kamito.

Blown by the chilly wind of the night, the leaves in the trees rustled and swayed.

===Part 4===

Intense sparks were scattering in the dark night.

"This thing, what a monster!"

A knight wielding a halberd elemental waffe cried out.

She was the vice-captain of Dracunia's «Knights of the Dragon Emperor», Yuri El Cid.

Due to their large scale battle operations undertaken on the first day, the «Knights of the Dragon Emperor» had delayed their «stronghold» construction and were currently wandering the forest.

Teams without strongholds were regarded as perfect prey. However, despite the attack of enemies throughout their march, they still defeated all these reckless attackers without exception.

However, their third opponent was in a completely different class compared to the enemies earlier.

"Leonora-sama, this is no ordinary elementalist!"

"Beware of the black chains, those things seem to be able to absorb divine power!"

Wielding a great sword, Leonora Lancaster commanded her subordinates as she rushed forward.

As four dragon knights surrounded the black knight who melded with the darkness of the knight, Leonora valiantly charged.

The acute impacts of blades rang out.

The black knight and the dragon knight's swords clashed intensely.

"How shocking. Not only do they have the strongest blade dancer in their team, they also have this kind of troublesome--"

Leonora cried out in surprise.

The «Dragon Slayer» -- was without a doubt an elemental waffe of the highest class.

Nevertheless, the swings of her great sword were easily deflected by the black demonic sword.

Furthermore, with each clash of the blades, the sharpness of the «Dragon Slayer» was steadily decreasing--

"A demonic sword with darkness attributes eh? To think it could penetrate a dragon spirit's magical resistance...!"

As she took on the black demonic sword's attacks--

"Well then, how about this move?"

Leonora chanted spirit magic.

"--Savor the dragon's roar, «Dragon Ray»!"

A burning crimson flash struck the black knight's helmet directly--

"Now is the moment, charge!"

Under the orders of the vice-captain, the dragon knights rushed forward.

Although not to the level of Leonora, each knight was a mighty and accomplished warrior.

As elemental waffen struck from all sides, the blades pierced the black knight's armor at the same time -- !

"Victory -- !"

Just as Yuri cheered loudly.

From the gaps in the armor, numerous black chains shot out like tentacles.

"...Cough... Hah...!"

Pierced in the chest by the jet black chains, the dragon knights all fell to the ground.

Nepenthes Lore delightfully emitted a fearsome roar.

Absorbing a massive amount of the girls' divine power--

"Impos... sible...!"

"Our elemental waffen should have pierced that armor...!"

Just as the girls captured by the chains were about to lose consciousness--

"Damn it, you monster -- !"

Leonora severed the black chains using the «Dragon Slayer».

"Leonora-sama."

"Do not look down on the dragon of Dracunia...!"

Infusing her entire body's divine power into her elemental waffe, Leonora charged.

As she blocked the black knight's massive body alone, she yelled at the vice-captain behind her.

"Yuri, prepare to retreat -- this is no ordinary opponent."

"But our pride as the Dragon Knights of Dracunia, how could we be forced to retreat by a mere single elementalist--"

"Move it! Unless you want us all to fall right here!?"

"U-Understood -- !"

As the Dragon Princess, Leonora's instincts were truly excellent. Simply through several rounds of exchange, she had already realized the aberrant nature of the black knight before her.

Nepenthes Lore roared from beneath the armor.

The black knight's aura seemed far more powerful than before.

Yuri's fire dragon spirit «Lindwyrm» carried her unconscious comrades on its back. The two dragon knights who were still conscious also mounted their own dragon spirits.

Seeing them prepared, Leonora also had the «Dragon Slayer» return to the form of the black dragon «Nidhogg» and swiftly mounted its back.

Nepenthes Lore's sweeping demonic sword produced jet black lighting on its tip--

"--Retreat!"

At Leonora's command, the «Knights of the Dragon Emperor» flew away in a well-trained formation.

Immediately, the jet black lightning exploded, destroying trees in the forest without leaving any trace behind.

--However, Leonora and her group were already gone.

Thanks to their strict regular training, Dracunia's knights had retreated in a most splendid fashion.

"..."

In the night forest, Nepenthes Lore's red eyes flashed with dazzling splendor.

The demonic sword held in the black knight's hand disappeared as if melting away into the night sky.

A beautiful black-winged angel appeared out of the air, landing lightly on the ground.

The darkness spirit Restia, who had transformed herself into an elemental waffe by her own will just now.

"True to the reputation of Leonora Lancaster, how troublesome to deal with."

Restia placed her finger on her moist lips, smiling mischievously.

"Even so, suppressing the «Knights of the Dragon Emperor», renowned to be the strongest, this is quite sufficient as an accomplishment -- ''It is almost time for completion''."

The will of the Demon King awakened through forbidden magic -- Nepenthes Lore. This monster that had absorbed the divine power of numerous elementalists probably had enough power to rival ''him'' now.

"--Kamito, you just wait. I will now liberate your true self."

Restia's dusk-colored eyes looked up at the starry night sky.

"Very soon, I will be able to tell you. The true meaning of our encounter--"

Three years ago, devoured by her «Wish», her past memories had become fragmented.

The way she was now, she was a completely different existence from the Restia of the past--

Even so, shining lustrously like a treasure, one important memory still remained.

A feeling sweet enough to bring stabbing pain to the heart.

Most likely, this was the feeling known commonly as love.

Only that particular day's memory was forbidden to be tainted by any person.

"--If possible, Kamito, I wish to die by your hand."

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Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume6 Chapter4

2013-02-23T07:16:33Z

Worker:

==Chapter 4 - Milla Bassett==

===Part 1===

A youth was standing alone in this icy-cold darkness, a room that resembled a prison.

This was a young black-haired boy with fine facial features.

No light could be reflected from those hollow eyes of his.

At the youth's feet, several strongly built men were collapsed on the floor groaning.

"--Finished. What is the next training activity?"

It was a crisp voice that matched the child's age.

However, the voice was overwhelmingly devoid of natural emotion.

Observing from outside the room, the elders of the «Instructional School» were thrown into quite a commotion.

"There can be no doubt. He must be the promised child."

"Unmistakably, he is one who inherited the Demon King's power."

All the men fallen on the ground were fairly accomplished assassins with substantial reputations in the underground circuit.

But in a mere matter of minutes, they were single-handedly defeated by a boy.

The boy's breathing had not even quickened the slightest from the exertion.

"What training is next?"

The boy asked again.

"The next opponent is not human--"

"...So, a beast from «Astral Zero»? Or perhaps, a spirit?"

The youth no longer had any emotion known as fear. In the past, human feelings once existed in his heart but they had all been destroyed a long time ago.

"--A spirit."

"Understood. All I need to do is crush that fellow like these guys, right?"

"...Correct."

The elders nodded.

"Well then, where's the spirit?"

The boy imagined a spirit resembling a giant beast.

However--

"Over here."

Appearing before the boy was a most adorable girl.

Slightly taller than the boy.

Lustrous black hair that reached waist-length. Dusk-colored eyes that seemed as if they drew your soul into them.

The boy widened his eyes in amazement.

It was quite a rare occasion for him to reveal a surprised expression.

"...A girl?"

"--Nice to meet you, Kamito."

Lifting the hem of her dress that resembled the color of midnight, she bowed to Kamito to perform a formal curtsy.

"The darkness spirit, Restia -- the highest ranking spirit in service of the previous Demon King."

"This person, is a spirit...?"

It was only natural for the boy to be in doubt.

Up to this point, he had never met a spirit in human form.

"Amongst the highest ranking spirits, there exist those who maintain human form."

"She shall instruct you to reach further heights."

The elders' voices resounded within the prison-like room.

However, their words barely reached the youth's ears.

Completely unbelievable--

Watching mesmerized -- because of this beautiful darkness spirit girl.

"Pleased to make your acquaintance, Kamito."

The darkness spirit smiled shyly and extended her hand towards the boy.

Suddenly, the boy swatted her hand away.
[[image:STnBD V06 116.png|thumb]]

"Don't touch me. You will break, just like those guys fallen over there."

"--Is that so? How I look forward to your performance."

He did not miss the slightly hurt expression that only flashed across the girl's face momentarily--

The boy felt a mysterious sense of turmoil stirring within himself.

===Part 2===

"Guh... Ahhh... Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

Kamito awoke with the feeling of searing pain as if being burned.

"Hah, hah, hah... Guh..."

Burying his fingernails deep into his skin, he could not stop the exploding pain in his chest.

Enduring the intense pain as he lay on the ground -- finally, his breathing returned to normal.

"This place... Is...?"

Looking up, he surveyed his surroundings.

He could hear the sound of rain in the distance. But nothing could be seen with virtually no light.

This appeared to be the interior of a cave. The sound of water dripping could be heard.

As icy-cold water droplets fell upon his forehead, Kamito was finally able to ponder calmly.

''Right. After being hit by Restia's thunder attack, I fell down the cliff--''

Had it been a direct hit, he would have died instantly on the spot without any doubt. Without the protection of the «Demon Slayer»'s strong magical resistance, his body would have been destroyed before he even hit the water.

"Right -- Where's Est!?"

He frantically searched his surroundings but the cave interior was too dark.

''Could it be that she fell into the river!?''

As soon as this possibility crossed his mind, Kamito's face went pale.

Due to Est and Kamito's contract being in an incomplete state, Kamito was unable to summon her at will from a distance unlike other elementalists.

Just as he was about to take out a spirit ore from his uniform's pocket for illumination--

"--Did you wake up? Kazehaya Kamito."

"...!?"

A cold indifferent voice sounded out from the depths of the darkness.

Instantly, dazzling light filled the interior of the cave.

Over there was a girl holding a piece of spirit ore for lighting.

Her knightly uniform was made of white fabric decorated with red linear designs. Her dark brown hair wavered in the wind.

Most striking of all -- were those eyes of hers that glittered like brilliant gemstones on her prim and proper face.

An azure right eye and an amber-colored left eye -- heterochromia.

Watching the mysterious heterochromic eyes of the beautiful girl, Kamito stared at her mesmerized, completely ignoring his lying down posture.

"Did you wake up -- I asked you a question, right?"

The girl walked over to Kamito and crouched down.

He could almost catch a glimpse of her skirt's underside. Kamito frantically averted his gaze.

"...Did you save me?"

The girl nodded.

"You lost consciousness by the river. You were lucky to have made contact with my detection barrier."

"...I see. Thanks for saving me."

Kamito stood up unsteadily and bowed his head to the girl.

The girl looked up and frowned with amazement.

"You're not wary of me? On this stage of the Blade Dance festival, do know that we are elementalists of opposing teams."

"I can't do anything so rude as to act wary towards my savior."

"Perhaps I have ulterior motives for saving you."

"Even so, that doesn't change the fact that you saved me. Also--"

Kamito shrugged as he spoke.

"You don't look like a villain. That's what my instincts tell me."

"..."

The heterochromia girl sighed as if exasperated.

Despite her clearly child-like face, her manner of speaking was very adult.

Wearing a white uniform with red designs, which country's representative is she--

At this moment, Kamito noticed the sword lying against the wall behind the girl.

"..Est!"

No mistake about it. That was Kamito's partner.

"This is your sword. Fallen into the riverbed I fished it out of the water--"

Before she finished her sentence, Kamito instant tried to run over--

"Gwaaaaah!"

Intense pain erupted all over his body, forcing him to collapse to the ground.

...Looks like bones were broken in many places.

"Do not move. Kazehaya Kamito, your body has not recovered yet."

"Looks like it... By the way, why do you know my name?"

"Isn't it only natural to remember the names of all the «Blade Dance» participants? Besides, you are the only male elementalist."

"...I see."

Actually, memorizing all the names of the participants was quite an achievement--

At this time -- Kamito suddenly remembered.

"I recall now, this uniform... You're from the Principality of Rossvale!"

"Correct, I am the leader of the «Rupture Division» -- Milla Bassett."

The girl with heterochromic eyes announced her name without any change in tone.

===Part 3===

Facing the girl, Kamito crossed his legs and sat on the cave floor.

Milla Bassett -- leader of the «Rupture Division», was the youngest elementalist participating in this Blade Dance.

Even though self-introductions had been made, Kamito still felt rather puzzled.

No matter how he looked, this was just a young and beautiful girl. He could not feel from her any aura belonging to an ace-level elementalist like Velsaria or Leonora.

Instead, there was a dream-like quality that seemed to instill others with an impulse to protect her unconditionally.

''...Well, judging an elementalist by first impressions is very dangerous.''

Kamito muttered to himself then started asking the girl who sat before him.

"We came over here to negotiate our alliance with the «Rupture Division», but your team did not appear at the appointed location. What happened, could you explain properly?"

"I must apologize to you on this point. I never expected the black knight to chase all the way into my team's «stronghold»."

"The black knight -- you mean the elementalist from «Team Inferno»?"

"Yes. The «Rupture Division» was destroyed by that black knight."

"Destroyed... Single-handedly?"

Indeed, that black knight -- Nepenthes Lore was definitely no ordinary elementalist.

However, if even the famed and powerful «Rupture Division» was destroyed--

Including «Team Wyvern» who fought above the cliff, there were now three teams vanquished by that monster.

"Furthermore, the black knight absorbs the divine power of elementalists, becoming ever stronger."

"Yes, I've already seen that."

Kamito did not know what kind of ability it was, but the black knight had used jet black chains to capture elementalists and absorb their divine power.

Kamito was still able to put up a fight earlier but if this absorption of divine power continued, it would be impossible to oppose the black knight eventually.

"However, at the current time, there should still be a way to resist."

"--Which is why the alliance invitation was sent."

"Correct, an alliance lasting until the black knight's defeat. Although I cannot tell you concrete details about its abilities, the holy spirit contracted to me is extremely powerful. Your team will surely benefit from my assistance."

Her proposal was quite simple.

An alliance with «Team Scarlet» to oppose Nepenthes Lore.

"...Let me consider this a for a bit."

"No problem."

An alliance proposed by a team facing imminent defeat.

Kamito pondered the implications--

What Milla Bassett needed was actually protection under the guise of an alliance.

The rules of the «Blade Dance» festival stipulated that so long as one member of the team survived, the rest of the team could still participate in the finals. But in actual practice, it was not quite possible for a single person to collect enough «Magic Stones» to qualify without the help of three or four teammates.

''Hence, she needs us to be her comrades...''

Also, her allying with «Team Scarlet» would bring benefits.

The holy spirit contracted to Milla Bassett.

Given a holy spirit that held a strong advantage against darkness spirits, this could serve as a final trump card to resist Restia and Nepenthes Lore.

''...It does make a lot of sense. There should be no trap by this point.''

If this were a trap, there would be no point in helping Kamito. She could simply have stolen his «Magic Stone» while he was unconscious.

Also, if allowed to power up continually, Nepenthes Lore would become Kamito and his team's greatest threat eventually.

''...When that time comes, would I really be able to win?''

Calmly, he went over his memories.

Rather than the strongest blade dancer of three years ago -- the power of his current weakened state.

Claire, Ellis, Fianna, Rinslet... He recalled the faces of these four young ladies.

''With my power alone, will I be able to protect this important team?''

Alternating his gaze between the leather gloved left hand and the right hand that was branded with the sword emblem of the «Spirit Seal» --

Kamito finally responded.

"The alliance will last until the defeat of the black knight -- Nepenthes Lore, is that okay?"

"No problem. However, for the duration of the alliance, the distribution of acquired «Magic Stones» must be fair and equitable."

"Yes, I understand."

There were no objections on either side.

Setting a limited duration for the alliance was necessary at the very start. Since only four teams could reach the finals, allying to the very end would be a most naive notion.

"I have a question."

"What is it?"

"Why did you choose us to propose an alliance?"

Kamito was not suspicious -- it was simply out of curiosity.

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

"Even if you just consider the Academy's representatives, «Team Scarlet» is only ranked third. There are higher ranking teams -- for example, isn't «Team Wyvern»'s stronghold quite close to yours?"

"Rankings are simply based on results at the Academy."

Milla stated monotonously.

"Kazehaya Kamito -- you are an extremely powerful elementalist."

"Not really--"

"You cannot play dumb. Last night, your blade dance with Leonora Lancaster--"

"You saw it..."

Kamito groaned with displeasure.

Speaking of which, the barrier had been damaged at the time and completely lost function. It would have been possible for spirit-sharing scouting spirits to invade the «stronghold».

"At the time, all members of the «Rupture Division» were convinced that «Team Scarlet» would be eliminated the first day. However, you defeated Leonora instead."

"--I didn't win. At best you can call it a draw."

Kamito shrugged.

"Furthermore -- ''for you in particular, a certain negotiation technique is effective''."

Milla glared coldly at Kamito.

"Huh?"

"The Principality of Rossvale's intelligence division has already discovered your fetish for young girls."

"What kind of intelligence is that!?"

"No need to deny it. It's not a problem."

"I'm not denying anything!"

"Reportedly, a fully nude young girl accompanies you in your sleep."

"...!"

In a certain sense, this was indeed the truth.

"N-Not completely nude... Est's is called the naked kneesocks look!"

"...Not a problem. This particular fetish is already known."

"That's not a fetish! Seriously, the Principality of Rossvale's intelligence is quite amazing in a certain sense..."

There had been rumors of spies from other countries amongst the students at Areishia Spirit Academy. Clearly they were not unfounded.

"Let me be clear, naked kneesocks is definitely not my fetish!"

"Rest be assured. I will service you in kneesocks as well."

"...Eh?"

Ignoring Kamito's troubled expression--

Milla began to undress.

"This is my first time, so I have no idea if I will do a good job..."

With unfamiliar movements, she undid the buttons of her uniform one after another.

Just as she was about to unbuckle her skirt--

"W-Wait a minute, what are you doing!?"

Kamito frantically grabbed the young girl's slender wrist.

Milla was surprised.

"...Isn't this what all men want?"

"N-No that's not it, so listen to me..."

From the gap in her unbuttoned shirt, her cute underwear was visible. This was really too stimulating a sight.

Monotonously, Milla spoke--

"Or what you're trying to say is, a thirteen-year-old body is not good enough?"

"Uwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah, j-just put on your clothes first, then we'll talk!"

Kamito yelled and stood up. In an absolute state of panic, he swiftly helped her put on the uniform jacket she had taken off.

"...Dressing in this way is more to your tastes?"

"No! Seriously, I can't understand you. Aren't we here to negotiate the alliance?"

"...Seduction has always been a very effective maneuver for winning over males."

"You, so that's what you're trying to pull..."

Kamito sighed deeply.

...I see, she was convinced that this would easily win over a man.

"Even if you don't do that, we will still form an alliance with you."

"...Really?"

Milla's heterochromic eyes blinked repeatedly.

"That's right. So don't that anymore. Don't use your body as a tool."

"..."

Kamito placed his hand on the head of the surprised girl.

"«Team Scarlet» and the «Rupture Division» are hereby allied."

"Is that so... Very well then."

Milla breathed a sigh of relief.

--To be honest, the benefits of the alliance were not that pivotal for «Team Scarlet».

A spirit of holy alignment was indeed useful but not critical.

However, this girl was Kamito's savior.

Furthermore, seeing this girl all alone having lost all her companions, Kamito felt that he could not leave her alone.

''...Looks like I'm really bad at dealing with abandoned kittens.''

Recalling the image of the twintailed hell cat girl, Kamito smiled wryly.

...Though he was also worried about Claire, he was sure she would not be taken out so easily--

Suddenly, Kamito noticed Milla was staring intently at him.

"W-What is it?"

"Kazehaya Kamito, if you don't bend down, we cannot exchange the «Oath» of alliance."

"Oh I see..."

The term «Oath» was used for the ritual where elementalists exchanged vows.

It was quite commonly used when exchanging important promises.

If an elementalist were to break the «Oath», that person would suffer harsh punishment. For example, they would be viewed as an enemy by the spirits and be cut off from the blessing of the leylines for the long term. Depending on the severity of circumstances, they could even lose the power to summon contracted spirits.

Kamito bent over to roughly Milla's height and raised his right thumb.

Likewise, Milla raised her thumb and pressed it against Kamito's.

"In the name of the Elemental Lords I hereby swear. Even if the heavens collapse and the earth splits open--"

"The contract we hereby exchange shall never be breached. Or else--"

"I shall be incinerated in eternal conflagration, until my shadow turns to ash--"

An oath composed using spirit language.

And the final step--

"...!?"

Milla stood slightly on tiptoe and kissed Kamito on the cheek.

"...Wha! Y-You, just now--"

"A kiss is necessary to establish and «Oath». You can't possibly not know that, right?"

Milla continued to speak in monotone.

"That's true, but still..."

Kamito scratched his head, greatly troubled.

...Kissing girls was really too embarrassing.

Oh well, there were no rules requiring the location of the kiss to be the mouth -- that was his only salvation.

After a moment of bewilderment, Kamito--

Kissed Milla lightly on the back of her hand.

"Is this fine now?"

"...How surprising. An unexpected gentleman."

"Please get rid of that redundant 'unexpected'..."

Grumbling with displeasure, Kamito reached for Est resting against the wall.

His body was covered with injuries but not to the point of preventing him from walking.

"I plan on meeting up with my comrades, can we set off now?"

"I agree. Even though there is a barrier here, there is no guarantee that this place is safe."

The pair left the cave to discover the sky had already darkened.

Although not as severe as during the storm earlier, the rain still continued nonstop.

Looking up to find the cliff where he had fallen off, Kamito sighed.

...To think he was saved despite falling from that height.

''Hopefully, Claire was fine...''

===Part 4===

Meanwhile, within the forest «stronghold», Ellis and Rinslet were preparing food.

In the stone pile on the riverside, a spirit ore with a sealed flame spirit was glowing red.

Even though it was raining, thanks to Ellis' barrier of wind, there was no worry of the food getting wet from rain.

"...It's getting dark."

Stirring the pot, Rinslet murmured with worry.

"Will Claire and Kamito-san be fine?"

"Worried about them?"

"O-Of course not... Ouch hot!"

Panicking, Rinslet splashed soup on her hand.

"There is no need to worry about those two. After all, their grades in practical training are top in school."

Ellis added to the pot sliced pieces of fish caught from the river.

"That's true..."

Rinslet sucked her slightly burned fingertip--

"But still, Kamito still holds the nickname of the Demon King of the Night, I'm really worried what he might do to the girls he's negotiating with..."

"Oooh..."

Ellis could not help but pause in her preparation of the fish.

"I-Indeed that is quite worrying. Of course, I-I am worrying about the girls on the other team."

"Y-Yes, I am worried about those girls too!"

"B-But even if Kamito is known as the King of Lust, he cannot possibly make a move on a thirteen-year-old, right?"

"Let me tell you a secret, a few days ago, Kamito-san, he did indeed say he wanted to try a sister sandwich with me and my nine-year-old little sister Mireille!"

...Although this did not actually occur, these delusions were as good as true from Rinslet's perspective.

"W-What did you say!? I am so jeal... Must condemn such indecency!"

Ellis stabbed the kitchen knife hard into the cutting board.

"...Seriously. How should I say this. Kamito is that kind of natural--"

"Natural public enemy of womankind!"

"T-That is so right. That guy keeps saying all these shocking things all of a sudden."

"That's right! H-He makes my heart race, c-causing me to act strangely!"

"Y-Yes. Listening to Kamito talk is bad for the heart... Hence, that guy is the public enemy of womankind!"

The two nodded vigorously in complete agreement.

...Taking advantage of his absence, they pulled no punches in badmouthing him behind his back.

However, what was unbelievable was that they were not actually angry with him.

"Oh my, this smell really good."

Fianna arrived and peered at the soup in the boiling pot.

"If you don't mind, how about I help as well?"

"We have enough help here!"

"Please have a well-deserved break, Your Highness the imperial princess."

Rinslet and Ellis shook their heads vigorously.

They were both well aware of Fianna's horrifying cooking skills.

"Come on... Don't leave me out alone."

Just as Fianna pouted --

Rustle -- The trees in the distance rocked violently.

"...!?"

The trio exchanged glances with one another in surprise.

If the visitor was hostile, then the barrier would have alerted them on contact--

As it turned out, the one who appeared out from the trees was a hell cat spirit wrapped in weak flames.

Due to the rain, it had become especially feeble.

"Scarlet!?"

"Did Claire and Kamito return?"

The trio rushed over to the hell cat spirit who was about to disappear.

With the last of its strength, Scarlet pointed its burning tail towards the thicket. Completely exhausted, it dispelled its material body and disappeared in thin air.

The three girls hastily pushed aside the shrubbery and found--

"Claire!?"

Drenched with rain and covered in mud, Claire lay there fallen.

Her prided twintails scattered and disheveled. There were also wounds all over her smooth skin.

"...What on earth could have happened!?"

"...O-Oooh..."

From Claire's lips came weak panting.

"--She's still conscious. I will perform healing magic. Hurry and prepare the tools for the ritual."

Fianna gave orders with a tense expression.

"Don't worry about me, so..."

Panting painfully, Claire spoke desperately with trembling lips.

"Ka... mito... Hurry and save him, Kamito...!"

<noinclude>{{SeireiDance Nav|prev=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume6 Chapter3|next=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume6 Chapter5}}</noinclude>

Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume6 Chapter3

2013-02-23T07:16:26Z

Worker:

==Chapter 3 - Nepenthes Lore==

===Part 1===

After making simple preparations, Kamito and Claire set off quickly.

They traveled light, keeping their load to a minimum. Est also transformed back to sword form at Kamito's waist. Entering a dormant state and completely cutting off her consciousness, she could not awaken by her own will without Kamito's infusion of divine power.

The guide spirit hovered lightly in the air -- a mass of weak flame before the two of them.

As long as they followed it, they would not get lost even within the forest.

"H-Hey, Kamito..."

"Hmm?"

Claire tried to start a conversation with Kamito who was walking in front.

"Umm... N-Nothing..."

"Hmm, is that so..."

Then conversation went dead.

...Repeating for who knows how many times. Starting from a while back, her efforts always followed this model.

''...~Seriously, what is going on with me!?''

Claire knew very well the reason was herself. Overly self-conscious about being alone with Kamito, it had become impossible for her to talk casually with him as usual.

''...Kamito, would you think I'm acting strange?''

She gave a quick glance at the figure walking before her--

Kamito looked completely nonchalant... This was slightly maddening.

''However, being able to team up with Kamito, truly is...''

In actual fact, the only time when Claire monopolized Kamito was the first few days after they met.

Disregarding Kamito's contracted spirit Est, there was Fianna who had moved in as Claire's roommate in the female dorms not long after that. On top of that, Kamito had also been recruited by the «Sylphid Knights» which meant he had to participate in the Knights' work in addition to their morning meetings, further reducing the time he had for Claire.

Furthermore, at dinner time every day, Rinslet would "accidentally cook too much" and bring the food to the room to share with everyone.

--Ever since the «Blade Dance» festival began, Claire and Kamito's time alone had been reduced more and more.

''B-But, only now it is different...''

Also, even though the reason was suitability for the negotiation role, Kamito did indeed choose Claire as his partner to venture forth... Simply this fact was enough to make her overjoyed.

''If only I c-could be slightly more honest...''

As they went on their way, she quietly gazed at Kamito's back--

"--Wah!"

Suddenly, she found her foot entangled by something smooth and slippery.

"...Claire!?"

Kamito suddenly looked back.

There was a small snake around her foot.

Kamito swiftly bent down, grabbed the snake by its head and threw it away in the forest.

"You okay? Were you bitten?"

"I-I'm okay... Just had a little fright."

"...You're afraid of snakes?"

"I-I'm not afraid! ...I just don't like them."

Claire diverted her gaze, her face all red.

"...Isn't that the same thing? Anyway, can you stand up?"

Kamito grabbed Claire's hand and helped her up from the ground.

"Ah, yes... Thank you."

Her heart was pounding within her chest. Even without a mirror she knew her face must be burning red like having a fever.

...She felt so embarrassed that she could not look Kamito in the face.

"Then let's continue--"

Kamito released her hand and was about to start walking--

"Ah, w-wait up!"

At this time, Claire chased after Kamito and grabbed his hand, gripping it tightly.

"...Claire?"

"...T-This is better."

"...Eh?"

"...I said this is better. Escorting the master is the slave's duty."

"H-Hey...!"

Holding Kamito's hand, Claire began to run quickly.

Kamito had no choice but to hurry and keep up with her.

''Uwahwah, seriously, what am I doing!?''

Due to her unintentional bold behavior, Claire's face went completely red.

===Part 2===

Taking a short break along the way, Kamito and Claire continued making their way through the forest and finally reached the destination.

The fire spirit guiding them began to circle in ones spot before some decrepit ruins.

These ruins probably dated back to the distant past, legendary times when the mainland and «Astral Zero» were still uniform -- the mythical age when this shrine was still in use. The walls had virtually all collapsed, and the only reason why it still managed to maintain some of its original shape was very likely thanks to those stone pillars embedded in the ground.

The other side of the ruins faced a cliff and one could hear the noisy rumbling of rapids.

"This should be the negotiation site--"

"The ruins of an ancient shrine. With a river nearby, this is quite an ideal environment for a «stronghold»."

"Hurry and look, here are traces of a built barrier."

Following the direction Claire indicated, Kamito found a stone pillar where a pattern resembling a crest was carved.

"...The sacred seal of the Principality of Rossvale. And very new too."

Claire murmured incredulously.

"However, there were no signs of a barrier activating when we entered, right?"

"...That's right. The barrier was destroyed. This place has already lost functionality as a «stronghold»."

"What happened?"

--The «Rupture Division» abandoned this «stronghold»?

Or instead--

"Hmm?"

Icy cold water drops fell upon Kamito's forehead.

"It's raining..."

Sheltering his eyes with one hand, he looked up to find the sky had filled with dark clouds without him noticing.

As raindrops fell pitter patter, it became a pouring shower within the blink of an eye.

"Uwah!"

"Is there no place to shelter from the rain?"

Claire draped her uniform jacket over her head and frantically surveyed the surroundings to find a cave beneath the cliff near the ruins. This was no natural hole but a place someone had dug out using the power of spirits.

"Over there, hurry!"

"Ah yeah..."

The two of them quickly ran towards the cave.

The cave ran deeper than imagined. It was completely dark inside. Claire chanted a spirit language incantation to light a small fire at her fingertip, thereby illuminating the uneven walls of rock.

The remnants of a campfire could be found in the cave.

"The «Rupture Division» apparently had a bonfire here."

"...In that case, let us make good use of it."

The two of them sat down by the campfire.

Claire brought the flame on her fingertip close and immediately lit the campfire.

"I didn't know rain was possible in this place."

Since «Ragna Ys» was above cloud level, one would not expect any rain--

On further thought, it would have been strange to have plants flourishing without rain. Furthermore, there was the existence of rivers and lakes.

"«Ragna Ys» doesn't always float above the clouds. We may not be able to tell while we're on the island but it does move according to a cycle. Currently, it must be beneath cloud level."

"...I see."

The downpour showed no signs of letting up.

Kamito and Claire were completely drenched.

"...Sigh. If the other negotiating party isn't present, it can't be helped."

Untying the ribbons on the ends of her twintails, Claire sighed.

"Even a trap would be a better situation than now."

"...Come to think of it, where would they go after abandoning their «stronghold»?"

Faced with Claire who had untied her ribbons to let down her hair--

"...!?"

Kamito was shocked.

''...T-This girl is too careless!?''

Her red hair looked exceptionally seductive when wet.

Illuminated by the glow of the campfire, her supple body displayed beautiful gentle contours.

As her drenched uniform clung tightly to her skin, the lace patterns of her underwear became vaguely visible.

"...Kamito, what is up with you?"

Claire asked with a puzzled expression, tilting her head.

Clearly she was unaware how attractive and tempting her current appearance was.

"Ah-- ...Umm, how should I put it..."

How on earth could he point it out, just as Kamito agonized--

"...Yah!?"

Claire finally noticed her appearance and frantically curled her drenched body into a ball.

"Ah, mmm, ah..."

Under usual circumstances, surely she would have started whipping him with Flametongue. However, this was not Kamito's fault this time, and Claire simply went into a panic with a blushing expression.

"--Achoo."

Claire sneezed adorably.

"If you remain wet, you're going to catch a cold."

"I-I know! Kamito, turn and face the other way!"

"A-Ah, right..."

Kamito turned and faced the wall, shutting his eyes.

Rustle rustle... Rustle.

Against the background noises of the intense downpour, the seductive sound of clothes sliding off the body seemed unnaturally loud.

...What the heck was with this sound of undressing right now?

Keeping his eyes closed, Kamito found it even harder to stop his imagination from running wild instead.

"I-It's okay now..."

Receiving permission, Kamito turned back towards Claire.

"I can open my eyes?"

"..."

"Claire?"

"Y-You can..."

A hesitant answer.

Kamito opened his eyes--

"...Wha!?"

Appearing before his eyes was a scene far too excessively stimulating for boy of his age.

Stripped of her uniform, Claire was only wearing a single article of underwear.

Furthermore, it was simply a pair of very sheer lace panties. She was almost completely nude.

Her smooth skin, as white as snow, adorned by the bright crimson hair draped over her body, was quite an erotic sight to behold.

The only saving grace was the fiery hell cat she embraced against her chest to hide her topless state.

"Why, why are you looking like that..."

"T-This is the Scarlet Guard maneuver!"

Claire shifted her gaze as she displayed a shy expression.

"Never mind me, you should hurry and strip too!"

"...Me?"

"Do you intend to leave me as the only one in this embarrassing state?"

"A-Ah right, I got it..."

Glared at sharply, Kamito had no choice but nod and agree.

Perhaps due to Claire's seductive appearance, his mind was probably in a total state of shock.

As Kamito took off his wet shirt, Claire's cheeks instantly blushed bright red completely.

Just as he was about to take off his pants--

"Yah--"

...A light scream was heard.

"Y-You're the one who told me to strip!"

"Uh, right... Sorry."

Underneath, Kamito was wearing half-pants that could be used as swimming trunks. Since he was dressed the same way for the purification ritual by the lake, a reason to be so surprised... Should not exist in theory.

"..."

"..."

Then for a period of time after, both were stuck in silence.

There remained only the noise of the campfire crackling away.

''W-What the heck. This embarrassing mood...!''

Gulping down a mouthful of air, Kamito furtively cast a glance towards Claire.

With her ribbons untied and hair down, Claire seemed to possess much more adult charms than usual.

Light reflected off the smooth skin of her neck. As soft as fresh snow, her gorgeous body seemed like it would melt at the mere touch of the finger. Having taken off her kneesocks, her thighs were so dazzling Kamito did not dare stare directly.

The fabric of her panties was also quite sheer and offered a slight glimpse of the luster of the wet skin beneath.

"...!?"

Shocked, Kamito intended to shift his gaze--

"Hey..."

"Hmm?"

"...Say something, find something interesting to talk about."

"That's really putting me at wits' end... How could I find something interesting to talk about, being asked so suddenly?"

Kamito answered in amazement.

For Kamito who had devoted his life to training for battle since childhood, asking him to chat and entertain a girl was a tall order indeed.

"Talk about anything you want. I'll be the one to decide if it's interesting or not."

"...Easier said than done. Oh... Got it, that time when I was patrolling the school grounds with Ellis--"

"Not allowed to talk about other girls. That's not interesting at all."

...Somehow making her displeased, Kamito was cut off as soon as he started.

"...What a willful young lady you are."

Kamito crossed his arms and racked his brains.

''An interesting topic, ah...''

Then -- Suddenly, he recalled.

In the past, when Kamito was still a young boy--

Every night, that person would tell him a bedtime story.

These stories, originating from a distant desert country, were so numerous it would take a thousand and one nights to tell them all.

Night after night, she would tell these stories to him. For Kamito's days as a young boy, this could be considered his only joy. Every time Kamito hassled her to tell these stories he liked, she would patiently recount them to him. Even now, he could still recite some of the content.

''That's all I can think of to talk about...''

Kamito coughed lightly and began to speak.

"A long long time ago, there was a spirit sealed in a lamp at a certain place--"

"Excuse me, Kamito..."

"...Yes?"

"I'm sorry but I already know this story. It's very famous on the mainland, you know?"

"I see..."

Come to think of it, Claire really loved reading... It was only natural for her to know the story.

Finding his treasured story rejected, Kamito could not think of any other tales to tell.

Surely, Claire would be interested in his experiences with that particular girl after escaping from the «Instructional School». But bringing that subject up would inevitably lead to the incident three years ago.

"...Sorry. I'm out of ideas."

Kamito apologized honestly.

However, Claire did not seem particularly displeased, but smiled tenderly.

"A man who is too boring in conversation is no good, you know? Next time, try harder to prepare before your next date."

"Date?"

"...Ooh, n-no that's not it! I-I simply said something wrong by accident!"

Claire hugged Scarlet tightly, causing the cat to cry out in surprise.

"...The rain still hasn't stopped."

"Yeah..."

Claire sighed softly.

"After the Principality of Rossvale's team abandoned this place, where could they have gone?"

"Already eliminated by other teams -- perhaps?"

"Given the level of power of those members of the «Rupture Division», do you really think they can be eliminated so quickly?"

"However, only if that happened would the alliance invitation make perfect sense. Perhaps not completely eliminated, but their team must be half destroyed, in a state where they have no choice but to ally with others--"

"Impossible, right..."

Suddenly, what surfaced in Kamito's mind was--

The image of «Team Inferno»'s black knight mentioned in his group's discussion this morning.

Also, the darkness spirit girl who took action together with the black knight.

''Restia...''

Seeing Kamito's gaze fall upon his left hand, Claire asked observantly.

"Say, Kamito--"

"What?"

"About that girl, could you tell me more?"

"That girl?"

"Your former contracted spirit -- that darkness spirit girl."

"Didn't you say I'm not allowed to talk about other girls?"

"Only now do I allow you."

Kamito sighed lightly.

He shifted his gaze slightly from Claire's bare body that was being illuminated by the campfire's flames--

"She -- Restia was responsible for teaching me back at the «Instructional School»."

"Teaching... Combat skills?"

"No, she taught me everything -- ''Absolutely everything''."

That's right, what she taught me was not limited to battle-related skills.

She also returned to Kamito something precious he had lost.

"Really... Is that all?"

Claire looked pleadingly at Kamito as she asked.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Umm, that is..."

Faced with Kamito's counter question, Claire stammered as if she was at a loss for words--

Resolving herself, she spoke up.

"T-That... K-Kissed, you must have done it with the darkness spirit girl."

"...Huh?"

Kamito's face twitched.

"Did you actually... S-See that!?"

He recalled what happened during the night of the ball held in the castle at «Ragna Ys».

In order to search for Claire who had disappeared after an argument, he met Restia who had suddenly appeared in the garden.

"I wasn't peeking intentionally! I-It was just coincidence, at the courtyard by chance I saw..."

"Don't have strange misunderstandings, okay? I was ambushed by a surprise attack."

Kamito explained desperately... Why did it sound so much like an excuse?

"...However, you're quite obsessed with that girl."

"That's only natural. She is my precious contracted spirit."

"..."

--That's not right. Kamito knew very well himself.

As an elementalist, treasuring one's contracted spirit was of course perfectly natural--

But to Kamito, Restia was a special existence not only because she was his contracted spirit.

''She gave me light... Or rather, to me back then, she was the very light itself.''

Claire did not seem satisfied with Kamito's answer.

Unhappily, she pouted those cute lips of hers.

"So, how many times in total?"

"Eh?"

"...O-Of course I'm referring to kissing. How many times?"

"W-Why are you asking a question like that!?"

"As your master, it is naturally necessary for me to know about the slave's affairs."

Claire replied with her face all red.

"...Answer me honestly. How many times have you kissed?"

"...Who knows."

Kamito replied stiffly.

"What, you're trying to dodge the question?"

"Why must I answer this type of question?"

"T-That is... What, are you actually angry?"

"I am not angry."

"...Clearly you're angry."

Claire pouted, sulking a little.

Apparently, the young lady was displeased.

Speaking of which, Kamito never expected Claire to be so concerned about the matter of Restia.

Just earlier, she seemed so happy -- almost like the weather of this «Ragna Ys».

Kamito sighed and looked out the cave.

Outside conditions were basically a storm. Violent winds were blowing and the rumble of thunder could be heard in the distance.

"...Thunder?"

Kamito suddenly looked up.

''--No wait, this isn't the sound of thunder!''

Listening carefully, he could hear the sound of blades clashing amidst the rumbling noises.

"--A blade dance in progress."

"What did you say?"

"The «Rupture Division» might be engaged in battle with others right now -- Hurry!"

Swiftly putting on his uniform that had yet to dry, Kamito grabbed the «Demon Slayer» resting against the wall and rushed out.

===Part 3===

Kamito and Claire equipped their elemental waffen as they ran.

In this storm, the sound of blades clashing was gradually getting closer.

The instant Kamito chopped down the tree before him, his view widened immediately.

An empty clearing in the forest--

"...!?"

A group of elementalists were collapsed on the ground.

The three girls' uniforms were very familiar -- that of Areishia Spirit Academy.

"They are «Team Wyvern»!?"

Claire exclaimed loudly as she caught up.

Likewise, they were representatives of Areishia Spirit Academy. A team formed from outstanding upperclassmen.

After Velsaria withdrew from the competition, these girls ascended to the spot of the Academy's top team.

The Ordesia Empire's most anticipated team.

But currently, three of them had fallen in this unusual situation.

Kamito instantly ran to the side of one of the upperclassman girls.

"...Hey, what happened here? Who defeated you?"

"Hmm... You're, that one from Raven Class, the male elementalist..."

The girl's lips quivered faintly. She was still conscious apparently.

"On the other side of these woods, our comrades are fighting--"

--Suddenly Kamito felt a terrifying sense of chill from behind.

The girl was pointing to the other side of the trees -- where a most ominous and frightening presence could be sensed.

"Kamito..."

"Yeah."

Kamito nodded lightly.

''...No doubt about it. It's that person's aura!''

The sound of swords clashing could be heard from the other side.

"Let's go... Est!"

Kamito released the power of the «Demon Slayer» all at once.

A dazzling silver-white glow emanated from the sword's blade.

Cutting down all the trees that lay in his path, he exited the forest--

Entering his view was a knight wielding a black sword to attack a girl.

Expressionless, eyes flashing red, the pitch black knight -- Nepenthes Lore.

Kamito rushed forward without hesitation, performing a full-powered attack at the black knight.

A sharp metallic impact. Scattering sparks.

In that very instant, the black knight's sword was deflected slightly, embedding itself into the ground mere inches away from the girl's body.

The afterglow of the black knight's red gaze shifted towards Kamito.

''...I knew it, this is no ordinary elementalist!''

In order to protect the collapsed girl, Kamito readied his sword in both hands.

Just behind the black knight, there was another collapsed girl in the same Areishia uniform.

''...To have single-handedly defeated five elite elementalists!?''

«Team Wyvern»'s girls were the highest level elementalists at the Academy.

Their abilities were definitely no less than Claire and the girls--

"Kamito, stop taking action all on your own!"

Using Flametongue to burn away the tree in the forest, Claire arrived at the battlefield. She shuddered at the sight of the black knight, but instantly she understood the situation and circled around to a position where she could launch a pincer attack in concert with Kamito.

"Cough... The male elementalist, as well as the sister of the Calamity Queen..."

Behind him, the upperclassman girl protected by Kamito was moaning painfully.

Clearly he was here to protect her group, yet her eyes glared hatefully at him.

"This is my affection as a fellow representative of the Academy. I'm here to help your team, Senpai."

Kamito spoke stiffly as he glared at the black knight before him.

Even though the girls were fellow representatives of the Ordesia Empire, this did not imply they were his comrades exactly.

Nevertheless, he could not stand back and watch fellow students from the Academy being tormented so one-sidedly.

"Your help is not needed!"

"...I see. Oh well, think of this as us starting a blade dance on our own then."

As he faced off against the black knight, Kamito calmly assessed the surrounding terrain.

On the right side was the forest Kamito just exited. The left side was a massive cliff.

The thunderous sound of a waterfall could be heard coming from the bottom of the cliff. Although it was impossible to confirm visually from this position, surely falling down the cliff would be fatal.

''...A fight near the cliff would put me at a great disadvantage.''

Although Kamito was highly skilled with sword techniques, his arm strength was clearly inferior to the enemy's.

In a direct confrontation, he would probably be suppressed completely.

''In that case, this next attack will decide the outcome of the battle--''

Pouring divine power into the «Demon Slayer», Kamito leaped from the muddy ground.

"I'm relying on you, Est!"

As Kamito rushed forward, at the same time--

"I'll turn you into charcoal!"

Claire attacked with Flametongue.

Through their training at the Academy, Kamito and Claire's coordination with each other had already improved dramatically.

Infused with scorching flames of conflagration, Flametongue wrapped itself around the black knight's wrist just as the sword was raised.

However, accompanied by a terrifying roar, the black knight easily snapped Flametongue in two.

Even though Claire's elemental waffe was capable of ensnaring first class military-use spirits, under this pouring rain, spirits of the flame attribute could not unleash their full power here.

Naturally, Claire herself was well aware of that fact. Her efforts were fully intended to play a support role for Kamito.

It was only a tiny opening. But Kamito definitely would not fail to seize the opportunity.

With even faster speed, he swung down the «Demon Slayer» -- !

Infusing the sacred sword with maximum divine power, this strike was not one that could be blocked by just an arm-guard.

''--Success!''

Just as Kamito firmly believed victory was in his grasp, in that very instant.

The black knight vanished. Kamito was almost convinced the knight had sunk into the mud from the impact only to discover his opponent had instead leaped over an unimaginably vast distance.

"...Wha!?"

Kamito was dumbfounded. This was not an action a knight in heavy armor could perform.

''...Impossible!? A human body could not possibly move like that--''

Roaring, the black knight began to charge, producing wind pressure that swept up dust from the ground.

Kamito readied his stance once more and swiftly analyzed the situation.

Even as the strongest class of elemental waffe, «Terminus Est» had her weakness.

Namely, overwhelming consumption -- vast amounts of divine power were depleted from the wielder.

Compared to the very beginning, Kamito was now able to control power consumption much more easily. Nevertheless, he still could only sustain the released state briefly for mere minutes.

''Plus this storm here, this is gonna be tough...''

In the context of blade dancing where split-second actions could decide the victor, the effect of strong winds could not be ignored. Without being blessed with wind protection, it was impossible for an elementalist to perform high level sword skills in such conditions.

Kamito felt his uniform clinging heavily against his skin, drenched with rainwater. The muddy ground also confused his sense of balance.

Furthermore, the black knight who had evaded Kamito's attack moved in an extraordinary manner.

These were neither the swordsmanship of a proper knight nor the myriad varied skills of an assassin.

These were motions Kamito had never witnessed before.

''I should be able to evade this attack -- but I can't predict the one afterwards at all!''

With horrifying pressure, the jet black great sword approached.

''--In that case, I have to defeat him directly head on!''

Kamito made his decision. He believed in the power of his most excellent partner, Est.

"--Dispassionate Queen of Steel, may you crush all enemies before you!"

"What are you trying to do, Kamito!? Hurry and evade!"

Ignoring Claire's scream-like cry, Kamito stepped forward instead.

"Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

Swinging the «Demon Slayer» down hard from overhead, he struck the jet black great sword.

With an eruption of light, the shockwave shook the air.

In that instant, with an intense showering of sparks, the jet black blade was completely shattered.

Apparently, the great sword was not an elemental waffe but a sword materialized using spirit magic. That sort of thing could not possibly withstand an attack from the strongest sword spirit.

"The name of the «Demon Slayer» is not just for show!"

He had no idea what kind of moves the black knight was using.

But Kamito believed firmly.

''...It's fine! The way I am now, I cannot lose!''

As he prepared to make a thrust -- at that moment.

Numerous jet black chains sprouted from the gaps in the dark armor, flying towards Kamito to ensnare him.

"Wha!?"

Kamito reacted immediately, crouching down on the ground to evade the attack.

"Kamito!"

Claire swung Flametongue and severed the chains with a crimson flash--

However, the jet black chains swiftly regenerated and targeted the girl collapsed behind Kamito.

"...This is bad!"

Kamito smacked his lips, discovering that he was not the target.

Captured by the chains, the girl screamed briefly.

Her whole body convulsed violently, then went limp as she lost consciousness.

''Chains formed by magic -- was that group from just now also defeated by these chains!?''

The chains slid back to the black knight's side--

In the next instant, black mist spewed out from the crevices of the armor.

"...Wha!?"

Kamito's entire body shuddered.

The unidentified sense of pressure given off by the black knight expanded all at once.

"Could it be, the absorption of divine power...?"

Claire was so shocked her voice trembled. At this moment--

"--Oh my, I never expected to run into the wolf himself while chasing after little rabbits."

"...!?"

The voice coming from the air was--

Kamito's expression instantly froze.

Beside the black knight, dense darkness descended.

The swirling darkness gradually took on the form of a black-winged angel possessing otherworldly beauty.

The darkness spirit who appeared was a girl with lustrous long black hair. Her dusk-colored eyes carried a sense of melancholy.

"Restia...!"

Kamito forgot to raise his sword and called out the name of his past contracted spirit.

"I didn't expect to meet you here... Kamito."

The darkness spirit girl smiled tenderly at Kamito.

This was a pure and innocent smile, exactly the same as in the past.

"...I didn't want to meet you in a place like this!"

Kamito silently shook his head.

During the morning meeting, he had already found out the fact she was acting together with the black knight.

Nevertheless, his heart had not accepted it entirely.

As soon as he pictured her performing a blade dance together with an elementalist apart from him--

He felt an intense stabbing pain in his heart.

''...Ah yes, I must be feeling jealousy.''

Calmly admitting to this fact, Kamito secretly laughed wryly at himself.

To think he actually harbored such a childish emotion.

"--That one there is your new contractor?"

Kamito questioned with frustrated impatience he could not hide.

"Let's not joke around. I have always been yours, Kamito... As long as you wish it to be so."

"..."

Kamito tightly gripped his leather gloved left hand.

"This is «Nepenthes Lore» -- the successor to the previous Demon King."

As if deriving pleasure from Kamito's reaction, Restia smiled mischievously.

"...Successor to the Demon King?"

"Or perhaps the ''Demon King's Will'' -- that would be a more appropriate name. That said, just as I expected, the current power is still insufficient. More sacrifices are necessary."

"...What are you talking about?"

Claire interjected with great acuity in her tone of voice.

"Oh my, isn't this Miss Hell Cat? Hello to you there. I'm sorry I didn't get to greet you at the garden the other day."

"Ah, you knew I was there!"

The twintails stood up in surprise.

"Restia, what are your intentions... Why did you enter this «Blade Dance»?"

Kamito asked coldly.

As a result, Restia lightly closed her dusk-colored eyes--

"--I still have a «Wish» that must be realized."

"«Wish»? Your «Wish» three years ago, I already--"

Halfway through -- Kamito cut himself off.

Claire was still present. He could not let her know what happened three years ago.

"Know your place, darkness spirit. I don't care whether you are Kamito's contracted spirit. He is currently a member of «Team Scarlet» and my slave spirit. I will definitely not let you do as you please."

"Oh my, what are you going to do to me? Miss Hell Cat."

Restia glared coldly at Claire.

Lifting an index finger, she pointed straight at Claire's chest.

Her adorable lips began to chant a spirit language incantation--

''That's...!''

Kamito hastily came to his senses and rushed over.

An extremely small pitch black sphere of thunder had formed at Restia's fingertip.

"Claire Rouge, even though ''she'' had said you were not to be attacked under any circumstance--"

The black-winged angel displayed a merciless smile--

"You will surely become a hindrance to his awakening -- Hence, you shall disappear right here."

The expanding ball of thunder was released from her fingertip.

«Hell Blast» -- the strongest class of spirit magic under the darkness attribute.

Let alone a human's mortal body, even mid class spirits would be instantly destroyed on contact.

"Claire--!"

"Kamito!?"

Claire's eyes stared wide in surprise.

Infusing the «Demon Slayer» with maximum divine power, Kamito rushed before the ball of thunder.

Gambling everything upon Terminus Est's trait of magical resistance, he used the blade to block the expanding ball of thunder.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Intense pain attacked his entire body. Unable to endure for but an instant, he lost consciousness in less than a second.

Blown flying by the exploding thunder and lightning, Kamito fell down the waterfall.

"--Kamito!"

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Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume6 Chapter2

2013-02-23T07:16:16Z

Worker:

==Chapter 2 - Emissary from the Principality of Rossvale==

===Part 1===

Shining upon «Ragna Ys», the sun had risen high --

Kamito and his group were having breakfast by the riverside.

"Seriously, you should have told us faster that you were just doing sword training."

"T-That is so true! I thought, surely..."

"I almost thought Kamito-kun was going to violate poor Ellis!"

"As if! What kind of person do you take me for..."

Half narrowing his eyes, Kamito glared at the three high-class ladies blushing to their ears before him.

"Umm, I-I was actually prepared already..."

Awkwardly fiddling her fingers, Ellis murmured softly on the side.

"Did you say something, Ellis?"

"N-Nothing!"

Kamito frowned. Ellis' face instantly went bright red.

"...Never mind. Anyway, let's eat before the food gets cold."

"Agreed, Kamito."

Sitting beside Kamito, Est nodded impatiently.

Tree trunks were split to make a table, hot dishes were set out for breakfast.

Perfectly toasted bread. Fish from the river, roasted on a spit and flavored with salt. Wild herb salad, mushroom stir-fried with butter. Then there was the Laurenfrost family's special chicken soup recipe which made effective use of ginger and spices -- without exception, every dish looked extremely tasty.

"So, bon appetit. These are my confident creations."

Rinslet proudly puffed out her chest.

"...But really, this is so sumptuous. Where did you get all the ingredients from?"

These dishes were not possible to make using only the canned food they brought.

"Scarlet and I gathered them while Kamito was sleeping."

"This sanctuary's forest is really a treasure trove of ingredients."

"Kind of similar to the Academy's «Spirit Forest», I guess... By the way, this place feels like some kind of otherworld."

Other than the fact that it was inhabited by many spirits, the ecology felt no different from that of the mainland.

"Kamito-kun, that is because this «Ragna Ys» is the sanctuary ruled directly by the Elemental Lords. After all, given the vast number of Princess Maidens in their service, wouldn't it be a problem if they were unable to survive here?"

The former Princess Maiden at the «Divine Ritual Institute», Fianna, explained to him.

...I see. It seemed like this was quite a special place, even within the world of «Astral Zero».

"I'm going to hunt a giant boar for lunch."

Rinslet suggested as she made a bow-drawing gesture.

Normally, hunting was prohibited in this «Sanctuary», being the territory of the Elemental Lords. Only during the Blade Dance was the restriction lifted.

"I will take part as well. Though cooking is not my forte, hunting is my specialty."

"B-But I do not like hunting. The thought of killing those adorable and furry animals..."

Ellis frowned and picked up Scarlet who was busy eating a fish, hugging the cat against her chest.

"Meow!? Meow meow--"

Bewildered, Scarlet began to struggle noisily.

"Ellis, give it up. Scarlet doesn't like it when you do that."

"Mmm... N-nothing of that sort! Look, Scarlet and I are really close!"

"Meow--Meow--!"

Watching these two with a wry expression, Kamito drank the special soup.

The ginger's flavor, having thoroughly entered the soup, took instant effect. He could feel his body warm up from the very core.

"Rinslet's cooking is really delicious."

Sitting next to him, Est offered praise expressionlessly.

"Fufu, Est-san, you have to eat more if you want to grow up faster."

"No, Est is a spirit so she's not going to grow up..."

As Rinslet caressed Est's head gently, Kamito ridiculed her comment.

"Well I must admit, your cooking skills are commendable. When I restore the Elstein family to greatness once more, I might consider having you as a maid."

"...Eh? R-Really?"

Just as Rinslet started to show joy--

"...Hey wait a minute, why do I have to be your maid in the first place!?"

"A maid uniform might suit you unexpectedly well, you know?"

"W-What are you talking about!? Obviously it suits you way more than me!"

Rinslet retorted furiously.

''...By the way, isn't she getting furious in a rather atypical manner?''

Kamito tilted his head in puzzlement as he watched the two childhood friends quarrel.

===Part 2===

After breakfast, the group held a meeting to decide on their strategy henceforth.

Kamito gazed at the map on the table as he drank tea brewed by Rinslet.

Using earth spirits to scout the surroundings, the gathered information was then used to draw this map. Claire apparently had some artistic talent, for the resulting map was quite simple and easy to understand.

That said, other than the vicinity of their «Stronghold» enclosed by the barrier, virtually everywhere else was blank.

For example, they still had no idea of the size of the entire grounds.

"So, let's organize and sum up the information we have on hand."

Setting down her teacup lightly, Claire began to describe the current situation.

The «Blade Dance» festival's main battle event -- the «Tempest» had a total of twenty-four teams participating. Based on the reports of the wind spirits sent out to scout, teams were already being eliminated on the first day.

On the other hand, the Quina Empire's «Four Gods», the Holy Kingdom of Rugia's «Sacred Spirit Knights», and various other strong teams had already established secure «strongholds».

Due to failing their nocturnal assault on the first night, Dracunia's «Knights of the Dragon Emperor», one of the major candidate teams for victory, was currently slightly behind. But given their level of power, it did not really count as any major setback.

"What I want to know most is information about «Team Inferno», but sadly we don't even know where their «stronghold» is located."

"Looks like their team harbors an elementalist skilled in espionage techniques. All the wind spirits we sent out to scout were struck down."

Ellis reported softly with regret.

"An elementalist skilled in espionage techniques, eh..."

Suddenly, Kamito recalled the girl with jade-colored hair he saw at the opening ceremony.

Her face had been hidden by a hooded garment, but those pointy ears were definitely the telltale signs of the Elphim race. Born with exceptional skills in presence concealment, many of the Elphim who became elementalists took on espionage duties.

"However, we did obtain noteworthy information related to «Team Inferno»."

"...?"

Ellis' words made everyone pay attention.

"Remember that ominous looking black knight who appeared at the opening ceremony?"

"Who could possibly forget..."

Claire displayed a submissive expression. All the other girls nodded one after another.

Evidently, Kamito was not the only who sensed an ominous aura from the black knight.

"What about the black knight?"

"Yes. From the looks of it, the black knight has separated from «Team Inferno» and is currently acting alone. Earlier, it was mentioned that there were teams being eliminated on the first day, right--"

"Could it be possible that...!"

"Yes. It is exactly that possibility. The team representing the Walz Kingdom -- those girls were apparently wiped out by the black knight singlehandedly."

"A single person wiping out an entire «Blade Dance» team, huh..."

Kamito muttered gravely... Whoever really accomplished that, was truly a monster beyond doubt.

"What is the contracted spirit serving the black knight like? If we know what attribute the spirit possesses, perhaps we could come up with a counter strategy?"

"Ah yes, that is..."

Faced with Claire's inquiry, Ellis stuttered--

"A darkness spirit in the form of a human girl -- Apparently."

"...!?"

Everyone gasped. Kamito's eyes widened in surprise.

"...Restia!?"

He could not help but call out her name.

"That darkness spirit girl, is indeed--"

"Kamito-kun's former contracted spirit... Isn't that right?"

Claire and Fianna whispered softly with worry.

Ellis and Rinslet exchanged glances awkwardly. Although these two never met Restia directly, after the mission at the mining city, they had learned about Kamito's past to a certain extent and knew that Restia was an extremely important existence to him.

Kamito's gaze fell upon the leather glove covering his left hand.

''Restia... What exactly are you planning?''

After arriving at this «Ragna Ys», she had contacted Kamito twice.

The first was in the garden of the castle. The second was last night, prior to Leonora's attack.

But what exactly were her intentions...?

Kamito's expression was grave--

"Well... A-Anyway!"

Slowly, Claire began to speak.

"Even though we're very concerned about the movements of the black knight and the darkness spirit, we have no way of taking precautions given our lack of information. After all, we can't simply sit here and tighten defenses at our «stronghold»."

"Right. If we focus too much on defense and fail to take action, that would be getting our priorities wrong."

Ellis nodded.

She was right. The «Magic Stones» needed for advancing towards the finals were limited in number. If they did not take the initiative to attack, they would definitely lose the competition.

Currently, the only «Magic Stones» acquired by «Team Scarlet» were the two they took from the Kingdom of Balstan's team. Even if all the members of «Team Scarlet» survived these seven days, lacking sufficient «Magic Stones» would prevent them from advancing to the finals.

Gathering a certain number of «Magic Stones» in the opening stage, then rely on the «stronghold»'s defense and wait for the other teams to weaken one another before venturing out to rob them of their «Magic Stones» -- this strategy only sounded good in theory. As for attacking an elementalist defending behind a sturdy stronghold, that would be as poor a strategy as trying to besiege a castle with inadequate troops.

"Without any exceptions, none of the teams should be attacking on their own before their «stronghold» is established--"

Just as Claire explained quietly...

"...!? Something has entered the barrier!"

Fianna cried out. Instantly, tension appeared on everyone's face.

"Look over there--!"

Claire pointed at the sky.

A winged rabbit could be seen flying above the forest.

It was no ordinary creature. Clearly it was a spirit.

"An enemy team's scouting spirit?"

"Hmph, watch as I shoot it down!"

Rinslet chanted spirit language for releasing her elemental waffe, the magic bow--

"Wait a minute, don't attack!"

Clong!

Claire whacked Rinslet hard on the head with a soup spoon.

"Ouch! T-That really hurts... What the heck are you doing!?"

Holding her head, Rinslet tearfully yelled.

"You didn't even think for a moment before you decided to shoot it down."

Claire shrugged in amazement--

"...Look carefully. That is an emissary."

"Emissary?"

Rinslet frowned as Kamito and the rest focused their gaze on the spirit.

Circling widely above them, the spirit dropped something that it was holding in its mouth.

Fluttering down, a letter landed on the table.

Carefully examining the letter to ensure it was not a trap, Claire then opened the envelope to read its contents.

"What is it about?"

"A proposal for an alliance."

"Alliance?"

Everyone looked at one another.

===Part 3===

The letter was sent from the Principality of Rossvale's «Rupture Division».

The bottom of the message had the division leader's signature with the Principality's seal.

"The seal looks real. I don't think this is forged."

Familiar with official correspondence, Fianna examined the letter and lightly set it back onto the table.

"The Principality of Rossvale..."

Kamito muttered with an admiring expression.

The Principality of Rossvale was a small, newly risen state where radicals had succeeded in gaining independence from the Holy Kingdom of Lugia.

As an independent state, their history was rather short and this was merely their second appearance at the «Blade Dance» festival. Nevertheless, served by high ranking holy spirits, they were regarded as the dark horse contender in the current competition.

"Stirring the most sensation of all is their ace, Milla Bassett."

"...If I remember correctly, participating at the young age of thirteen, she must be the youngest elementalist in this festival?"

Kamito's question was met with Claire's pouting face.

"Why are you so keen on memorizing her facts? You great big pervert."

"Stop making misleading accusations, Claire. You're the one who made me remember."

"Kamito-san, making excuses is not very classy behavior."

"...Seriously, we cannot be careless with you for even a second!"

"As befits your title as the Demon King of the Night, your target age range is truly wide."

"W-What is with you girls..."

"Kamito likes really young girls?"

"E-Est, why are you joining in this nonsense!?"

As the young ladies glared at him, Kamito's face twitched with discomfort.

"A-Anyway, who knew there'd be a team proposing to ally so early?"

Kamito coughed and changed the subject.

"Yes... Indeed it's very strange."

Claire nodded.

The rules of the «Tempest» did not prohibit teams from forming alliances.

However, this was normally a last resort taken only by teams that were on the verge of elimination. Alliances were not something simple to be trifled with. Considering that even if teams fought in cooperation, ultimately, only the top four teams advanced, this was completely natural.

In actual fact, there were virtually no cases of teams allying together in the opening stage of the «Tempest» in past «Blade Dance» festivals.

"The possibility of a trap seems quite high..."

"That's right. An ambush definitely awaits us at the negotiation site."

Rinslet agreed with Fianna's suggestion.

"However, if they really plan on deceiving us, this trap is a little too obvious. Perhaps something happened that we're not aware of."

Kamito knew that Claire's intuition was often quite accurate in times like these.

Besides inheriting the blood of the Elstein family which gave rise to numerous «Queens» over the generations, perhaps Claire was also blessed with sharp instincts since birth.

"If this is not a trap, perhaps we could give it a try. Let alone fighting on a united front, simply sharing information is already quite advantageous."

As expected of the knight hailing from a family of military tradition, Ellis' mindset was immensely practical.

"Furthermore, the «Rupture Division»'s elementalists are all reputed to be masters of strong holy spirits. If we manage to forge an alliance, they should prove to be a reliable ally against the darkness spirit mentioned earlier."

Kamito could not help but cast a glance at his left hand.

Three years ago, Kamito had been caught in a difficult fight against a holy spirit. Indeed, forming an alliance with a team that consisted only of holy elementalists would definitely be the most effective way to oppose Restia's machinations.

"What do you think, Kamito?"

Following Claire's question, all eyes were on Kamito.

"Indeed, the probability of a trap is quite high. However, there is value to gained in responding to the offer. In any case, our plans are not set in stone -- whether it's a trap or not, let's just wing it and act according to the situation."

"If Kamito-san thinks so, I will not object."

Rinslet spoke up. Ellis and Fianna also nodded in agreement.

"So it's decided, we will negotiate an alliance with the «Rupture Division»."

Claire nodded and pressed her hand against the Principality's seal at the end of the letter.

Chanting a spirit language incantation, immediately -- the seal began to burn, turning into a tiny flame spirit.

This was the guide spirit that was released from the seal.

Belonging to the lowest class of spirit, it was only able to perform simple tasks such as leading the way. But due their convenience as ease of use, these spirits were widely used for communications between elementalists.

"The negotiation site is two hours away on foot."

"How many people are we supposed to send?"

"...Not stated explicitly. But we can't have all five of us go."

"That's true..."

If other teams breached their «stronghold» while their defense was weakened, the tradeoff would not be worth it.

Furthermore, making their way as an entire team through the forest would be too conspicuous and would unnecessarily provoke the other party's wariness.

"Ordinarily, two people should be the most appropriate."

"Then Est and I will be enough--"

Kamito placed his hand on Est's head and patted.

"Yes, Kamito. I will protect Kamito."

"Wait a minute, why are you acting like you have to be the one to go?!"

"That's right, Kamito-kun's injuries are not entirely healed yet!"

Claire and Fianna snarled furiously.

"I can't really let girls venture into danger while I stay back in a safe zone, right?"

"G-Girls..."

Claire blushed slightly--

"N-No way! You are definitely not permitted to go alone!"

But immediately, she began to shake her head again.

"We know you are very strong, Kamito, but do try to trust us a bit more."

"Reflect carefully on this, okay?!"

Scolded by the troupe of young ladies, Kamito backed down.

"...G-Got it. My bad."

...Indeed, perhaps it really was time to reflect.

''After all, I'm still stuck in the mindset of fighting alone.''

Unlike three years ago, Kamito now had comrades who could fight alongside with him.

"Besides, the other party will be wary if only you, a male, goes. Your notorious infamy is widespread even in foreign lands."

"Well, that makes sense... Wait a minute, what the heck do you mean by notorious infamy!?"

"You really want to know?"

"...Uh no, I think I have some idea already."

Kamito groaned from the depths of his throat.

"F-Furthermore, if it's you, who knows if you'll hook up with some girl from the «Rupture Division»... Let me remind you, making a move on a thirteen-year-old child is illegal, okay?"

"...How did it get to this!?"

"Yes." "Completely agreed." "I can picture it so clearly."

The other three agreed wholeheartedly with Claire.

"...Hey, what kind of person do you girls really think I am?"

"You really want to know?"

"Guh..."

"Kamito is the Demon King of the Night."

"E-Even you, Est..."

Kamito's face began to convulse.

...Clearly there was a need to dispel misunderstandings and recover true trust.

"--Anyway, Kamito's strength is indisputable. Considering the possibility of a trap, yes, it would be reassuring to have him as an accompanying bodyguard."

Claire coughed.

"...H-Hence, Kamito will accompany me as I take charge of negotiations!"

"Wait a minute, how was this decided?"

Ellis questioned sharply.

"No fair, you're stealing a march on us!"

"What do you mean, stealing a march!?"

Claire retorted, her face red.

"I have no choice but to stay behind..."

Fianna bit her finger as she spoke regrettably.

"...After all, only Fianna is able to build the «stronghold»."

Kamito expressed understanding as he scratched his head at the situation.

Considering her origins as the former imperial princess, Fianna would be the most suited for handling negotiations, however -- even ignoring the issue of the «stronghold», he did not feel comfortable taking her along seeing as she had never received field training at the Academy. Besides, given this was a possible trap and the fact that they could be attacked en route, fighting while protecting her would be very difficult.

"W-Well then, take me along. After all, I always team up with Kamito within the Knights."

Ellis coughed softly and tightly embraced Kamito's arm.

Boing, Ellis' bosom also boldly pressed against him, causing Kamito to blush to his ears.

"Wait, Kamito is my slave spirit! I reserve all rights!"

This time, it was Claire who embraced Kamito's other arm. Though hers were smaller, Kamito could still feel that comfortably soft sensation, making his heart race subtly.

"Claire's possessions are equivalently mine!"

"What twisted logic!"

Sparks flew as the three young ladies engaged in dispute.

"That's not right, I shouldn't belong to anyone?"

Kamito's protest was duly ignored--

"In that case, let us decide by blade dance who gets to go with Kamito--"

Ellis released Kamito's arm and released her elemental waffe «Ray Hawk» in her hands.

"Hmph, that's fine with me!"

"Just as I hoped -- Hasten forth, keeper of the burning furnace!"

Rinslet held her «Magic Bow of Ice» while Claire summoned the fiery hell cat.

"S-Stop it, are you trying to destroy our constructed «stronghold»!?"

Kamito frantically yelled.

''...Seriously, what are these young ladies always so eager to fight?''

"...Ah-- Could you girls listen to a little opinion of mine?"

Kamito raised his hand.

"What?"

"...I think it's best that I go with Claire."

"There. The one to go will be me... Huh?"

Claire opened her mouth in amazement.

"...W-What!?"

"What is going on!?"

"No, well..."

Ellis and Rinslet interrogated.

Kamito took a step back, greatly troubled--

"Stop it you two. Kamito is having a hard time, right?"

Claire stepped forward as if shielding Kamito.

"Hear that? Kamito and I will be fine. Well well, Kamito is worried if he goes alone, so if you're really desperate for it, i-it's not like I can't agree to your request."

Fufu, Claire displayed a composed and effortless expression as her twintails jumped.

"...K-Kamito, what on earth is going on!?"

"So unfair, what's wrong with choosing us?"

Sulking with a pout, Ellis and Rinslet objected tearfully.

"No, umm, considering comprehensively, I think Claire is the best candidate--"

Kamito scratched his head as he began to explain.

Claire, whose overall results in school were already excellent, was most accomplished in espionage skills. And this was precisely what was needed the most for the current mission.

On one hand, Ellis, the embodiment of chivalry, was the least suited to secretive acts of espionage. In fact, despite her excellent scores in practical techniques, she was only Rank C in the area of spying.

Similarly, Rinslet, who specialized in long range projectiles, was not suited for the current mission. Only deploying her in defense of the «stronghold» would make the best use of her skills.

That was what Kamito explained to them--

"Hmm, now that you put it that way..."

"You do have a point..."

Although they were still displeased, the two girls understood at least.

"W-What... It was for these kinds of reasons..."

For some reason, Claire began to sulk and pout.

''Well, there happens to be one more reason...''

Most importantly -- there was the suitability as a negotiator.

Although Rinslet's true nature was still a kind-hearted soul, that haughty attitude she displayed to everyone, perhaps out of habit, would only cause negotiations to fail.

As for Ellis who always insisted on upfront righteousness, she too, was unsuited for negotiations. Though that could be considered her virtue, however -- to the other party, such honesty would simply be a gift. To Ellis' own side, it would lead to an unfavorable result, and was a risk that could not be ignored.

Compared to these two, Claire had no obvious flaws as a negotiator.

Although she always acted domineering towards Kamito, she was able to act like a young lady from a prestigious family as long as she wanted to. Perhaps due to the ostracizing and bullying she received as the younger sister of the «Calamity Queen», she possessed quick wits as well as unwavering tenacity in spirit. Clearly such traits were well suited for negotiations.

"So it's decided -- I'll be relying on you, Claire."

"...Well, w-whatever. You deserve to be commended for your excellent judgment in choosing me."

Claire's face was bright red and she averted eye contact as if shy.

The red twintails jumped vigorously... This was her reflexive reaction whenever she felt extremely happy.

"T-Teaming up with Kamito alone, the last time was really so long ago!"

"...Hmm? Ah yeah, now that you mention it."

Thinking back, «Team Scarlet»'s original members were just Kamito and Claire.

When he first arrived at the Academy, even acquiring the five members required to apply for participation in the «Blade Dance» festival seemed like a challenge.

...Clearly it was only two months ago, but somehow recalling the memory stirred up deep emotions.

"--Besides, you still have me."

Est expressionlessly murmured from a corner of the table.

<noinclude>{{SeireiDance Nav|prev=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume6 Chapter1|next=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume6 Chapter3}}</noinclude>

Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume6 Chapter1

2013-02-23T07:16:08Z

Worker:

==Chapter 1 - The First Dawn==

===Part 1===

Chirp chirp...

The singing of birds could be heard from the forest. A cold early morning that chilled one to the bones.

Chirp~

A soft sensation could be felt near his cheek--

Kamito woke up to a start.

He was surrounded by darkness. The light streaming into the tent was also rather weak.

Half awake, he was just about to get up from the simple bed--

"...!?"

A pang of intense pain could be felt from his ribs.

"Speaking of which, I'm still wounded..."

Kamito groaned painfully.

It happened last night--during the first night of the «Blade Dance» festival, he received these injuries when battling Leonora Lancaster, the ace of the «Knights of the Dragon Emperor» who represented Dracunia.

Even though it was a brief battle lasting only a couple minutes, Kamito was still cornered to the verge of death by Leonora who had become a berserker through the awakening of «Dragon Blood». Using her elemental waffe of the strongest class, the «Dragon Slayer», she penetrated his chest deeply.

Kamito was able to make a comeback and defeat Leonora only thanks to the revived sword spirit Est. To this date, the «Demon Slayer» had already saved him from many desperate crises. Even though she had closed off her heart due to past tragedy, in the end, she still responded to Kamito's summons and returned to the battlefield.

"...Hmm?"

Suddenly, Kamito noticed a sense of dissonance.

Trying to get up from the simple bed, Kamito found his arm--

Being gripped tightly by a small and icy-cold hand.

"E-Est!?"

Kamito was shocked.

Before his eyes was a beautiful girl with silver-white hair, sleeping soundly with light breathing noises.

Her curled up body was wrapped in a blanket. Her sleeping form almost resembled a tiny angel.

However, the problem was--

"...!"

Her manner of attire, which was basically nude... That was the situation.

Other than the black kneesocks that covered her legs, her entire body was bare.

Lustrous silver-white hair. Skin as smooth and white as fresh milk.

From the gaps of the blanket, two mild protrusions were faintly visible.

Her adorable breath brushed against his arm, causing a strange ticklish feeling.

"What should I do now, given this..."

Kamito muttered in a quandary.

Est's hand was currently gripping Kamito's arm tightly. This prevented him from getting up directly.

Seeing her sleeping so soundly, it would be a pity to wake her up on purpose.

Besides... Gazing at Est's peaceful sleeping face, Kamito recalled.

The reason she was like this, was probably because she felt insecure.

Normally she would sleep in the form of a sword in order to reduce the consumption of power, but now she was maintaining the appearance of a young girl. This was the proof.

In order to save Kamito who was being devoured by the «Brand of Darkness», Est had sacrificed herself and disappeared from this world. At the time, she recalled the past memories she had forgotten.

She recalled the life of her first contractor -- «Sacred Queen» Areishia Idriss. Her memories had been stolen by the curse.

Even though Est was currently incomplete, holding only one tenth of her original power, she still inherited the attributes of the demonic sword which robbed its owner's life. If he continued to maintain his contract with Est, Kamito would soon meet the same fate as her past contractors.

Nevertheless, Kamito had made a promise with Est.

Whether your curse or your fate as a demonic sword, I will accept all of it -- that was what he had said.

''I will win the «Blade Dance» together with Est --''

Watching Est's peaceful sleeping face, Kamito renewed his resolve.

The winner of the «Blade Dance» was to be bestowed a miracle by the Elemental Lords.

Through this miraculous power, capable of making any «Wish» come true, changing Est's fate as a demonic sword was not impossible.

"«Wish»...?"

Kamito felt a pang of pain in his left hand, the one covered by the black leather glove.

Beneath the glove was the spirit seal from his past contracted spirit.

Three years ago, Kamito was known as the «Strongest Blade Dancer». In order to realize ''her'' «wish», he had emerged as the victor of the «Blade Dance».

''At the time -- What kind of wish did I make for her...''

Somehow, almost all of his memories of that day were gone.

What he could recall were merely scraps of images.

The figure of the darkness spirit devoured by a pitch-black «wish».

After that, three years had passed--

She appeared before Kamito once more.

As the subordinate of a different and mysterious Ren Ashbell.

"Kami... to..."

"Hmm?"

Feeling a squirming presence, Kamito looked down at Est.

Only to find her still sleeping with cute breathing noises.

...Apparently she called out Kamito's name from her dreams.

"I am your sword... Make your wish freely..."

Kiss~

"E-Est...!?"

His fingertips felt the soft sensation of her lips.

Just as Kamito frantically tried to withdraw--

"Mmm... Kamito... I... love..."

Kiss~ Kiss~

Est held on to Kamito's arm tightly.

"So..."

What should he do, just as Kamito agonized, at this moment--

Snap... Sounds of twigs breaking could be heard coming from outside the tent.

"...!?"

"...E-Excuse me, Kamito. W-What do you think y-you are d-do, d-doing?"

At the entrance to the tent, a girl was wielding Flametongue, her shoulders trembling.

Her long hair was tied into twintails on opposite sides of her head. Her eyes were like rubies infused with burning flames. Despite the slight paucity of her bosom, the proportions of her figure were as beautiful as a statue of a goddess.

Claire Rouge. Originally the high-born daughter hailing from the prestigious family of Duke Elstein.

A cute and beautiful girl who mesmerized people on sight.

However--

"How do you intend to e-ex, e-explain?"

In her current state, she was almost akin to a berserk flame spirit.

"Hey, hey... The tent is catching on fire!"

Kamito called out frantically--

"And I-I was so w-worried about you!"

Her twintails standing upright on end, Claire walked directly over.

"N-No, this is a misunderstanding!"

"...~tsk, what is this, isn't that your explanation every single time!?"

Tears were beginning to well up in those ruby-like eyes.

At this moment--

"Fuaah..."

Est finally woke up.

Yawning adorably, she rubbed her eyes with her hands.

...Apparently not completely awake.

"Mmm..."

Just as Claire stopped advancing, in that very instant.

Kiss~

" "What!?" "

Kamito and Claire screamed simultaneously.

Because Est kissed Kamito on his cheek.

"Y-You, y-you, what are you d-doing!?"

Claire shouted with her face all red.

"I am Kamito's contracted spirit. Offering a morning kiss to the contractor is a natural duty."

"L-Liar, I've never heard of anything like that!?"

Trembling, Claire's hair made noises as she shook... Indeed, it had never been heard before.

"Not lying."

Kiss~

"...~tsk, Kamito, you must have taught weird ideas to Est again..."

"I have no idea! Besides, what do you mean by 'again'!?"

The tent's wooden support column began to emit black smoke.

...No good. If this continued, the entire tent will turn into charcoal.

Kamito hastily racked his brains for a way to escape the crisis--

"B-By the way, I am being ordered around by you as your contracted spirit, right?"

"...? That's right, after all, you are my slave spirit."

Claire nodded matter-of-factly... Truly deplorable, but whatever.

"Well then, I will also offer a morning kiss to my master."

"...Uh?"

Claire was instantly frozen with shock.

In this situation, the term master -- referred to Claire, naturally.

"W-Wha, w-what is this! Some kind of joke?"

"It can't possibly be a joke."

"Ahhhh..."

Sliding her finger lightly across her chin, Claire made a cute scream.

"I-If you dare do such a thing, don't expect me to forgiiii... Uwah!"

"Hey, just relax--"

As soon as he blew lightly in her ear, Claire suddenly lost all strength and collapsed.

Before she fell over, Kamito frantically caught and supported her back.

"S-Seriously, what are you doing...!"

Claire instantly blushed bright red and began to anger. But unbelievably, she made no effort to resist meaningfully.

Probably having bathed in river water, her smooth skin gave off the scent of soap.

"Your ears are your weak points, you know."

"Uwah, n-no...!"

Usually domineering in personality, Claire was unexpectedly meek when others took the initiative. Kamito knew that very well.

Even though she was the violent Hell Cat Girl, her true nature was a pure and delicate young lady.

Kamito embraced Claire as she lay powerlessly in his arms.

"Well then, please accept this morning kiss... Master."

Whispering softly in her ear, he drew his lips lightly towards Claire's face--

"...~tsk!"

Puff!

Instantly, Claire's head began to emit steam.

"Waaaaah, Kamito you jerk!"

Her face all red, Claire noisily swayed her twintails as she ran away.

"...Seriously, she's still so cute."

Kamito shrugged and smiled wryly.

That said, perhaps he really went too far this time. Even though this method was very effective in dismissing her anger, it did create problems later.

...Perhaps he should prepare his grave while he still had time.

"--Kamito is the Demon King of the Night."

Est was expressionless -- However, her murmuring voice sounded subtly unhappy.

Caressing Est's head, Kamito said:

"Est, it's fine if you want to sleep a while longer. Have you recovered your power?"

"Yes, Kamito. In order to become your sword, I will focus on recovering my power."

Est nodded obediently and went back to sleep.

Covering her still naked body with a blanket, Kamito then changed his uniform.

Walking out of the tent, he took a deep breath of the refreshing early morning air.

--At this time, he noticed something had fallen before the tent.

It was a coil of unimpressive bandages. Also, there was a basket of fruit.

"...That girl, she even brought these things... Feels like I'm the bad guy now."

Scratching his face, he was just about to pick up the objects on the ground when--

"Fufu, Kamito-kun, you surely brought to life your beast-like self just now."

Rustle rustle... A girl appeared out from the thicket.

Gorgeous waist-length black hair. Light gray eyes, adorned by cute lashes.

Wearing a bold uniform that was styled like a low-cut dress, she was the Empire's former imperial princess.

"...Fianna!? You s-saw!?"

"--I will also offer a morning kiss to my master."

"Gaaaaaah!"

While maintaining a serious expression, the imperial princess imitated Kamito's voice.

Kamito instantly ducked, clutching his head in his arms.

"--Well then, please accept this morning kiss... Master."

"Aaaaaah... I-I beg you, please stop it... Please stop this."

"Fufu, Kamito-kun is so cute~"

Watching Kamito rolling around on the ground in embarrassment, Fianna smiled mischievously with a chuckle.

===Part 2===

"How amazing. While I was sleeping, you've built a «stronghold» already?"

"No, it's only half complete. We need an even sturdier «stronghold» this time. A fortress-class stronghold that not even Dracunia's «Knights of the Dragon Emperor» could breach."

Kamito and Fianna walked side by side in the quiet forest.

Although ordinary people could only see a forest here, anyone with sufficient elementalist potential would notice an invisible barrier spread out between the trees.

To have constructed this level of a barrier within the span of merely one night, she truly lived to her name as the Princess Maiden who was the original candidate for Queen. During this time, other teams were probably constructing their own «strongholds», but surely none of them could have surpassed Fianna's in strength.

Faced with such a solid «stronghold», there probably would not be any teams making an assault like Leonora's group last night.

Land protected by multiple barriers was equivalent to a sturdy castle to elementalists. The protection from the earth spirits bolstered divine power, and through the leylines flowing underground, one could even obtain blessings such as the recovery of fatigue.

"Of course, mechanisms for intercepting intruders are also perfect~"

"Yeah. Even this number of spirits have been tamed completely."

Surveying the little spirits flying across the forest, Kamito nodded with great feeling.

"Fufu, I'm looking forward to see elementalists from other teams fall into the traps."

"...Isn't that statement a little abnormal for a prestigious imperial princess to make?"

As Fianna smiled malevolently, Kamito cast a gaze of surprise--

Suddenly something passed them beneath their feet.

"...!?"

It was too late by the time they noticed. Just as Kamito was thinking there was something rising from the ground, numerous vines of plants appeared from underground and suspended Fianna in midair.

"...Ah! What are you doing... Insolent ones!"

Restrained and tied up by the vines, the imperial princess was struggling in panic. However, the more she moved the tighter the vines wrapped themselves around her soft bosom and buttocks.

Apparently, there were still some earth spirits who had yet to submit to her command.

"Yah, ahhh, this tickles...!"

The skirt of her uniform was swept up, offering a tantalizing view of her pure white panties.
[[image:STnBD V06 025.png|thumb]]

"Ah, K-Kamito-kun... Please d-don't look!"

Fianna frantically tried to hold down her skirt. However, suspended in midair, she could not move freely and her skirt was lifted higher and higher.

"...S-Sorry... Uwah!"

With great awkwardness, Kamito found a very cute butt suddenly thrust before his nose.

A pair of extremely soft-looking white panties dominated Kamito's view entirely.

Pulled upwards by the vines, the panties were being embedded deeply into her bottom.

"Ah, owww... It hurts... Oooh... S-Save me...!"

Tear drops appearing from her eyes, Fianna moaned painfully.

"H-Hold on! I'm going to cut the vines now!"

Kamito took out a short sword from the chest of his uniform and prepared to sever the vines--

In that instant, one of Fianna's legs was pulled vertically up this time.

The short skirt was entirely curled up, exposing the white panties clearly in view.

"...!?"

"N-No, I don't want to look like this in front of Kamito-kun--!"

Fianna struggled frantically in an unsightly manner.

"Fianna, c-calm down! If you move randomly, my hand will -- Ah!"

Intending to sever the vines, Kamito's hand slipped.

Shred!

With the sound of something tearing, a piece of white fabric fluttered to the ground.

"..."

"..."

Embroidered with a cute design, it was the fair imperial princess' panties.

"I-Iyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"

===Part 3===

"Seriously, Kamito-kun is such a pervert! The Demon King of the Daytime!"

"Like I said, I'm sorry..."

Faced with Fianna pouting angrily, Kamito apologized again and again.

"I-I really didn't mean to do that!"

"...Hmph -- How would I really know?"

The imperial princess cast a gaze of suspicion. Perhaps due to her unclothed nether region, she was unable to remain calm as she tightly held down the sides of her skirt, her legs moving awkwardly as she walked.

"I-If I knew it was going to be seen anyway, I should have worn more appropriate underwear..."

"The pair just now was very cute too... Ah, wait..."

"...~tsk, Kamito-kun!"

Thud thud thud thud.

Blushing intensely, Fianna hammered her fists against Kamito's back.

Even though she was always teasing boldly, her true nature was a pure and innocent princess.

"S-Seriously, that's why Kamito-kun is such a jerk who doesn't know anything!"

Suddenly making a turn, she began to walk away.

"Where are you going?"

"Off to teach those earth spirits a good lesson. So that the incident just now does not happen a second time!"

Fianna left the path in the woods and entered the depths of the thicket.

...Apparently, Kamito had really made the princess displeased.

"...Well, as long as she stays in the barrier, there shouldn't be any danger."

Kamito sighed and continued along the path.

Leaving the forest -- Kamito arrived at the place where he had engaged Leonora in blade dance last night.

This was originally part of the dense forest but the majority of the trees had fallen over from violent wind while the ground was scarred with craters.

This was the trail of destruction remaining from Leonora's going berserk.

''...An opponent I have no wish of facing again, but undoubtedly she will advance to the finals.''

Kamito muttered with a sigh.

The «Blade Dance» festival this time was far more deadly than the last -- that was what his battle with Leonora impressed upon him.

''However, Ren Ashbell's team definitely surpasses the «Knights of the Dragon Emperor» by far...''

Not only the other Ren Ashbell who had invited Kamito to dance at the ball -- but also the «Instructional School»'s monster, Muir Alenstarl. Demon Caster Sjora Kahn.

As well as--

''That black knight...''

That particular person. Even amongst the gathering of monsters in «Team Inferno», that person's ominous aura stood out.

An elementalist's instincts sensed it -- some kind of heretical beyond-human existence.

"Are we able to win? Against those kinds of people--"

During the two months since he had joined the Academy through Greyworth's machinations, Kamito had already recovered the majority of his combat sense.

Not only did he retrieve the power that earned him the title of the «Strongest Blade Dancer» three years ago, his new contract was with Est who belonged to the strongest class of sword spirit.

''However, it's still not enough...''

Unrelated to swordsmanship or the resilience of the body, a more fundamental issue of power--

"...Hmm?"

Kamito suddenly stopped walking.

Dissimilar to the smell of branches burning, an intense aroma was reaching his nose.

''...This smells great.''

Rumble. His stomach began to growl as if awakened.

...Speaking of which, I haven't eaten anything since dinner last night.

Making his way towards the direction of the aroma, at a clearing on the riverside, he found the back view of a blonde high-class young lady.

Happily humming a song, she cooked soup in a pot.

Kamito tip-toed and approached--

"Rinslet, what are you doing?"

"Uwah, K-Kamito-san!"

Surprised from behind, Rinslet screamed cutely and turned around.

Bathed beneath the morning rays, her long and platinum blonde hair displayed dazzling luster.

Her beautiful emerald green eyes opened wide.

Dressed in an apron around her uniform, she was holding a bowl and a spoon in her hands.

To be frank, this get up did not suit her identity as a high-class young lady at all, but the contrast proved to be rather adorable.

"Seriously, don't scare me with a sudden greeting!"

Rinslet pouted, slightly miffed.

"...Sorry. I was attracted by the aroma. Are you making breakfast now?"

"Yes. But still at the stage of preparations--"

Kamito glanced behind Rinslet as she nodded. It was a simple makeshift kitchen.

A counter top had been built using chopped down logs. Stones had been piled up to make a stove. Fish caught from the river were being kept fresh using massive ice blocks created by her prided ice magic.

"...This looks quite legit. How did a noble lady like you learn to cook?"

Though Kamito himself was capable of simple cooking, Rinslet's skills had already reached the level of top chefs.

He wanted to find the secret to her progress.

"By preparing food for Carol every day, I naturally became skilled."

"Why are you cooking for the maid when you are the mistress?"

"It is a noble's responsibility to provide personally prepared delicious food to the ones who serve us. Noblesse oblige or something like that, that was what Carol taught me."

"...Uh, are you sure you weren't tricked by Carol."

Kamito stated in shock.

...Come to think of it, Rinslet was equipped with various skills one would not expect to find in a sheltered high-class lady. In a certain sense, this was all thanks to certain useless maid.

"By the way, Kamito-san, are your injuries okay?"

"Yeah, how should I say this..."

Faced with Rinslet's worried inquiry, Kamito nodded as he tried turning the joints in his arms.

Last night, Kamito's chest had been pierced by Leonora's «Dragon Slayer». Ending up with only a few broken ribs was truly fortunate. As for the broken bones, they had already been set and healed by Fianna during his sleep.

Fianna had mentioned before that Kamito possessed exceptional self-recovery abilities. This was most likely due to entering a contract with a sword spirit possessing steel attributes, resulting in a reinforced body.

"...That's wonderful."

"That said, I'm still quite exhausted."

Smiling wryly, he replied.

"Right. That's what I was thinking, so I am preparing special soup with nourishing effects."

Rinslet smiled tenderly.

This charming smile made Kamito's heart begin to race--

"R-Really? It'd be wonderful to drink some soup in this cold weather."

Trying to hide his loss of composure, Kamito glanced at the soup in the pot.

"In my homeland, this sort of weather counts as warm actually."

"Naturally, how could this compare to Laurenfrost, the land of ice and snow..."

The soup was amber in color and made with chicken, wild vegetables and various spices.

"Looks really tasty..."

"...Sneaking a taste is not allowed."

Rinslet warned with a raised finger.

"...Not allowed?"

"Where is your pride as an elementalist? That sort of behavior is disgraceful... O-Or perhaps, Kamito-san, this is the kind of attitude you take to steal a taste of girls?"

"How did the conversation come to this!?"

Seeing Rinslet glancing at him with a frown, Kamito retorted back--

...Rumble. His stomach was growling.

"..."

"Seriously, you're hopeless... Just to be clear, this is a special exception, okay?"

"...Thanks."

Rinslet took a large spoon to serve the soup, delivering it before Kamito.

"...Umm, what?"

"Your arm is still injured, right? H-Hurry and open your mouth..."

Rinslet blushed and said.

...Clearly, she intended to feed him with a "Say ah~ and open up" kind of scene.

"No, this level of injury..."

"You don't need me?"

Rinslet made a hurt expression.

Kamito frantically shook his head--

"Ah, no... Please feed me!"

His heart rate rising, he drank the soup in one gulp.

The chicken and the vegetables were well-stewed and melted in his mouth. The fragrant taste spread all over his tongue.

''Ah, this soup...''

Suddenly, Kamito recalled what happened on the first day when he entered Areishia Spirit Academy.

At the time, Rinslet had brought warm soup to Kamito when he was hungry and staying in that crude little hut that was no different from a stable.

''Definitely, at the time, she said it was because Carol had cooked too much...''
[[image:STnBD V06 037.png|thumb]]

Thinking back now, since that useless maid could not possibly have cooked, Rinslet must have made up the excuse to hide her embarrassment.

Due to Rinslet's usual unapproachable airs, Kamito originally mistook her for an arrogant high-class lady. Her true nature was actually a kind-hearted and benevolent girl.

"...Rinslet, you're such a wonderful person."

Kamito could not stop himself from blurting out.

"W-What are you saying, so suddenly!"

"Ah, no..."

"I-I am not some kind of wonderful person. Clearly I am a villain."

Sent into a panic, Rinslet began talking incomprehensibly.

Her lack of forthrightness also felt rather adorable.

"By the way, where's Ellis?"

"The Captain? She's performing a dedicatory blade dance beside the river."

"...I see. Well then, let me go greet her briefly."

Wrapping things up here, Kamito decided to stop hindering Rinslet while she cooked.

Waving to Rinslet, Kamito made his way towards the riverbank.

===Part 4===

Walking along the riverbank, Kamito found a towering cliff.

This was where Claire and the other had battled the «Knights of the Dragon Emperor». The cliff was still littered with the destruction caused by the fight against the dragon spirit.

"...To think an outdoor bath that could not have been easy to construct, would be virtually destroyed."

Muttering, he walked towards the edge of the cliff at the same time--

"Hah! Fu--!"

Accompanied by vigorous shouts, the sound of slicing wind could be heard.

Peering out by from the side of the cliff, he found a girl swinging a sword, her hair in a ponytail.

Her body was clad in light armor. Her dark-brown eyes were stern.

This was the Captain of the Sylphid Knights -- Ellis Fahrengart.

"Yah, hah--!"

She swung her sword with forceful motions, producing sounds of sharp slicing wind.

Rather than sword training, this was a ritual blade dance performed as an offering to spirits inhabiting the river.

Her graceful and spectacular blade dance caused Kamito to watch in awe.

The profile of her stern face seemed especially beautiful.

Soon after, Ellis re-sheathed her sword by her waist and took a deep bow towards the river.

From the water surface appeared faint light as water spirits gathered to dance.

Apparently the spirits were pleased with Ellis' blade dance.

As Ellis wiped her sweat in relief, Kamito greeted her.

"Hi, Ellis."

"K-Kamito... You saw it!?"

Ellis turned around, her dark-brown eyes opening wide.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to peep..."

Kamito scratched his head and walked towards Ellis.

"Ellis, your blade dance was really beautiful."

"...!? I-I... Beautiful!?"

"No, I'm talking about your blade dance, Ellis... But anyway, you're quite beautiful too."

Ellis instantly blushed.

"Y-You, what insolence! Prepare to die, I'll make you into onion gratin!"

Swiftly drawing her sword, she stabbed the point of the blade towards Kamito's neck.

"What the heck, getting angry so suddenly!"

"C-Calling me beautiful, surely that cannot be what you seriously think...!"

"No, I simply blurted out what's on my mind..."

"Oooh..."

Blushing more intensely, the Captain stuttered as if she was at a loss.

"Y-You, why did you come here?! ...Could it be, to peep!?"

"Idiot, why would anyone do that!?"

Kamito frantically denied--

"Hmph, that I know... After all, there is nothing worth seeing even if I were taking a bath in the water!"

Ellis suddenly turned her gaze away as if sulking.

As a normal healthy male, of course the thought had crossed his mind before... But if he were to say this out loud, she would surely slice him in earnest, so it would be best to keep quiet for now.

"I was just about to start the morning purification rite and training. What perfect timing for you to be here, Ellis, would you like to perform morning practice with me? We haven't trained together for quite a while."

"Hmm... Morning practice? Sure."

Sheathing her sword, Ellis coughed lightly.

Back at the Academy, Kamito would occasionally spar with Ellis for morning practice. Although she also had Sylphid Knights meetings early in the morning, it was a perfect way to release the tension in her body before class.

"But are your injuries okay?"

"Yeah, so I'd like to get some exercise... But please have mercy."

"Acknowledged."

The two distanced themselves and drew their swords.

Ellis used a long sword while Kamito used the short sword he kept for defense. Though they were both using weapons that were different from their actual elemental waffen, this was fine for the purposes of physical training.

Readying her sword stance, Ellis watched Kamito silently.

"Come, Ellis--"

Just as Kamito spoke, in that instant--

"Hah--!"

With a vigorous shout, Ellis charged.

Despite treading over uneven riverside terrain, she still made a series of aggressive slashes. The name of the Sylphid Knights' Captain truly was not just for show.

Kamito blocked the sharp sword with his short sword. The blades clashed violently many times.

Sparks flew. High pitched metallic noises resounded.

This was a spectacular blade dance performed with perfect synchronicity.

However, a displeased expression appeared on Ellis' face--

"Kamito, stop trying to accommodate me. If you are just playing around, I will not be pleased."

"You have a point... But Ellis, different from my swordsmanship that was trained at the «Instructional School», yours is the orthodox style of the knightly sword, right? If you try to accommodate me, you might pick up bad habits."

"No matter. My sword style is too rigid. After last night's blade dance, that was what I realized greatly. Hence, I hope you can teach me your sword skills. In order to obtain victory in this «Blade Dance» festival!"

"...!"

Ellis swung her sword in a heavy downward strike. Kamito blocked as his eyes widened in surprise.

This was an attack which manifested the power of Ellis' resolve to get stronger.

"...If that's the case, I understand."

Her well-practiced sword style was indeed rather easy to predict.

It was probably okay to teach her some of those so-called unorthodox sword skills.

Kicking the ground to leap backwards for some distance, Kamito switched his short sword to a reverse grip. Ellis held her sword horizontally and made a courageous charge -- this was based on her highly accomplished spear skills.

In that instant, Kamito suddenly lowered his stance and made a light sweeping kick.

"Ah!"

Ellis' eyes widened in surprise. Though she did not fall over, Kamito took advantage of her momentary loss of balance to grab her arm and shove her back against the ground.

Then swiftly he immobilized her legs. Though Ellis struggled desperately, it was impossible for her to escape due to the restraining of her joints.

"Guh... H-How underhanded, Kamito!"

"Even if the enemy is wielding a sword, it doesn't mean they will always fight with a sword. I suppose it's fine if you're facing a noble-minded knight, but there exist elementalists who fight this way."

"Y-You may have a point..."

Ellis grumbled with a reluctant expression--

Then suddenly her face went red.

"Uh?"

"K-Kamito, this posture..."

"...!?"

Only when pointed out did he notice.

The fact that he was pushing a girl down against the ground, their legs intertwined together.

Plus the fact of Ellis' slightly lifted skirt, clearly exposing her black panties.

"S-Sorry...!"

Kamito frantically tried to stand up, but--

"W-Wait!"

Ellis gripped his wrist tightly.

"L-Let this continue a little while longer, I do not mind..."

"...Uh?"

Maintaining this posture of pushing Ellis down on the ground, Kamito widened his eyes at the sight.

The uniform drenched by sweat. The heaving bosom that quivered with every breath she took.

Diverting the gaze of her slightly moistened dark-brown eyes, Ellis expelled warm breath as she spoke:

"Y-You have to take responsibility..."

Ellis pouted her lips as if sulking.

"Responsibility?"

"The one who changed me from a knight, i-into a woman, is you..."

"Wha, what d-do you mean by that!?"

Just as Kamito stared dumbfounded--

"Incinerate until nothing remains, O scorching conflagration -- Fireball!"

An incantation of spirit magic could be heard -- then immediately, the nearby ground exploded.

Sent flying by the shock of the explosion, Kamito fell into the river.

"W-What the heck!? ...Holy, this is really scalding!"

The river water was boiling as bubbles rose up.

"...Hey, Kamito? Just now, what was happening there?"

Turning his gaze, he found Claire wielding Flametongue, approaching slowly from the shallows.

"All I could see was the sight of you pushing Ellis down on the ground, eh?"

...She was smiling. So terrifying.

Feeling his life was endangered, Kamito frantically tried to escape--

The crisp sound of water changing state could be heard.

"What!?"

Suddenly, he found a massive wall of ice erected before him.

This was Rinslet's specialty, the spirit magic of «Ice Wall»--

"Oh my, Kamito-san, where do you think you're going?"

Appearing in the opposite direction from Claire was Rinslet.

Smiling calmly, she wielded her elemental waffe, the magic bow.

"R-Rinslet...!"

"Enemies of womankind must be frozen in cold storage -- this is one the Laurenfrost family's precepts."

"...!?"

Losing his escape route, Kamito rapidly changed directions and ran towards the forest on the opposite shore.

"Hey, stay right there!"

Hearing the sound of freezing arrows fired from behind, Kamito found them whizzing past his back.

At the last second, Kamito jumped into the thicket in the forest--

In that instant, he found his legs entangled by the vines of numerous plants, making him fall flat on his face.

"...These are dryads!?"

"Fufu, Kamito-kun, the spirits earlier have now been trained properly~"

Appearing from the depths of the forest was the great imperial princess smiling impishly.

"Fianna...!"

"Just to deter you from acting naughty towards other girls, Kamito-kun, you need to be taught a lesson too."

While Kamito was immobilized, Claire and Rinslet also gathered around.

"Ha, haha..."

Kamito laughed convulsively.

===Part 5===

The sound of numerous footsteps and the intense clashing of swords could be heard from the forest.

Running through the gaps between the trees were girls wielding all sorts of elemental waffen -- dressed uniformly in knightly attire colored red against a white background, this was the uniform of the «Rupture Division», the team representing the Principality of Rossvale.

Moving with well-trained coordination, the five girls were chasing after prey.

"--Esil and Yustra, take a detour to the right. Swiftly flank the target, encircle and exterminate."

The one leading the party was a girl with dark-brown hair and a child-like face.

Milla Bassett -- the leader of the «Rupture Division», and the youngest elementalist taking part in this year's event.

Bearing an azure right eye and an amber-colored left eye.

The girl's heterochromic eyes coldly focused on the prey.

The target of their hunt was a beautiful black-haired girl dressed in a dark-colored dress.

«Team Inferno»'s darkness spirit.

"Let all shadows be incinerated to ashes -- Evil Flame!"

The girl fluttered her dress as if she were dancing, chanting high level magic carrying the darkness attribute.

Pitch black flames of conflagration were emitted from her finger tips, assaulting the girls in pursuit--

All it took was one lick of these tongues of magical flames for the trees in the forest to vanish instantly.

However, Milla Bassett swung her sword using spirit magic, defeating the black flames.

"How foolish. Our spirits possess resistance against the attribute of darkness."

"Right. How annoying it is to face you people who employ spirits with the holy attribute."

The darkness spirit girl landed lightly on the ground.

"--Hence, you shall be defeated here."

"...!?"

In that instant, the girls in pursuit all halted.

Beneath their feet on the ground, a glowing magic circle appeared.

"--This is the «Isolation Barrier»!?"

The girls of the «Rupture Division» instantly fell to their knees like puppets whose strings have been severed.

This was a barrier for cutting off access to leylines, thereby severely weakening the divine power of elementalists.

This was no ordinary defensive barrier -- rather, it was a trap set by a top Princess Maiden, specifically for killing elementalists.

"How could this happen, did you plan on luring us here from the start?"

Milla Bassett looked up in shock.

The darkness spirit girl chuckled and smiled adorably.

"Rejoice -- for you have become live sacrifices for «Nepenthes Lore»."

An ominous roar could be heard rumbling in the depths of the forest.

This was neither a beast's howl nor a human's yell.

Simply hearing the sound was enough to feel a horrific chill along the spine as if frozen -- It was a that repulsive and otherworldly a sound.

Then--

Suddenly, numerous black chains extended from afar to entangle the limbs of the girls collapsed on the ground.

Before they even had the chance to scream, the girls instantly lost consciousness.

"...What are you doing?"

Milla Bassett gazed at the darkness spirit girl.

Only Milla had been able to detect the ominous presence and evaded the chains with the slimmest of margins.

"Oh my, you do have a most interesting «Eye»."

"...!?"

Milla reflexively covered her left eye with her hair.

By her feet were her teammates who had collapsed to the ground unconscious.

In this despairing situation, she must rack her brains to seek survival.

With only one member remaining, chances of victory were unlikely in a confrontation against a high level darkness spirit. Should she unleash the power of her «Eye» -- No, with the «Rupture Division» currently in disarray, unleashing it was not possible.

...Rumble...!

The earth shook -- from the depths of the forest, that particular ominous presence was approaching.

The darkness spirit's contractor -- Nepenthes Lore.

"I -- the «Rupture Division», shall not fall here."

Without time to hesitate, Milla decided to retreat.

Manifesting her sword of spirit magic, she swiftly sliced apart the magic circle of the «Isolation Barrier».

"--You won't be able to escape."

The darkness spirit girl smiled lightly and released black flames--

However, Milla effortlessly dodged the incoming flames and disappeared into the depths of the forest.

===Part 6===

"A mere rabbit, letting her escape isn't really a problem, but--"

The darkness spirit girl, Restia, narrowed her dusk-colored eyes slightly, murmuring to herself.

"--That «Eye», truly cannot be left alone."

To Restia personally, the annihilation of the «Rupture Division» was simply incidental.

Her original purpose was to provide divine power to the elementalist, «Nepenthes Lore», for recovering energy.

However, their division leader, the girl's «Eye» was a separate matter. Left to roam free, it could prove to be a hindrance during an inopportune time.

"For the sake of the plan, there is a need to clear all obstacles -- Have you eaten your fill?"

As if responding to the girl's question--

The black chains, formed from magic, slid smoothly and withdrew from the girls' bodies.

At some point in time, a black knight, clad in ominous armor, had started standing behind Restia.

The armor of darkness creaked noisily, as if about to burst from the expanding interior--

Absorbing divine power from the elementalists, assimilating their energy.

"--You won't have to wait long, Kamito."

Smiling, Restia casually retrieving the «Rupture Division»'s «Magic Stones».

The «Instructional School's Assassin» Gio Inzaghi, the «Academy's Strongest Spirit Contractor» Velsaria Eva Fahrengart, «Monster» Muir Alenstarl, as well as the «Dragon Knight» Leonora Lancaster... Within a mere month, Kamito had already fought several formidable foes.

The experiences of these battles should probably awaken the dormant existence hidden in his body.

"Kamito, this is my reward for you. Let me prepare your final enemy--"

Nepenthes Lore -- the manifestation of the Demon King's will.

Born through forbidden secret arts, a monster of darkness.

--Yet another illegitimate child left behind by the Demon King.

<noinclude>{{SeireiDance Nav|prev=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume6 Prologue|next=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume6 Chapter2}}</noinclude>

Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume5 Epilogue

2013-02-23T07:12:42Z

Worker:

=Epilogue=

Kamito awakened on a stretcher in the tent.

It seemed Claire and the others had found the unconscious Kamito.

Bandages wrapped his injuries here and there. The clumsily wrapped portions were likely Claire's handiwork.

''......It looks like the ojou-samas were safe.''

Just as he breathed a sigh of relief and got up---

"You still shouldn't be moving, Kamito."

"Owaa, E, Est!"

The fully naked sword spirit quickly lay down beside him.

......No, there were, of course, knee socks covering her feet.

"Est......"

If it were the regular Kamito, this would be where he would scold her,

''Well, I'll forgive her for today......''

Kamito hugged Est to himself.


"Fuwa......Ka, Kamito!?"

Est's shoulders shook.

Because she always maintained a cool and expressionless face, that action was interesting.

"......I was lonely. I won't get mad today so stay with me here."

With a wry smile, he brought the blanket over Est's small body.

"Kamito......"

Est widened her violet eyes and attached herself to him.

Her mouth was lightly smiling in joy.

"Kamito, you're warm......"

"I see."

While Kamito's heart raced, he hugged the quivering Est's shoulders.

Under the blanket, Est told him various things about what happened after she vanished.

About the single moment when her «True Body» had connected with Kamito. But soon after that, the «Gate» had closed again so she now had a personality separate from that of the legendary «Demon Slayer».

Unexpectedly, the sacred maiden Areishia was a lost memory to the current Est --- is what it meant.


Her memory was fragmented, so her memory only really started from when they'd met about two months ago.

Kamito was confused for a while but---

"......At any rate, it's fine to just say that Est is Est, right?"

"Yes, Kamito. That understanding is fine."

......And since it seemed to work, he stopped thinking deeply about it.

Then---

"Kamito, are you really not regretting it?"

"Of course not. I won't say it twice."

Kamito replied decisively to Est's question.

"A cursed demon sword or whatever, Est is my sword --- from now on and in the future."

"But I will steal Kamito's life......"

"Hey, Est---"

Kamito interrupted.

"Est right now only has about a tenth of the past «Demon Slayer», right?"

"Yes, Kamito."

Est nodded from within his arms.


"So the curse is only a tenth of its original. If it's only that much, at the very least, I won't turn into stone during this Blade Dance."

Kamito stroked Est's hair.

"I didn't join the Blade Dance to have a «Wish» granted by the spirit king. But I have found a «Wish» I want to fulfill."

That was to remove Est's curse and make her into a true sacred sword.

"Yes, Kamito. I am your sword --- for as long as you wish.

She said it with the same expressionless face, but with great vigor behind it.

And at that time.

The entrance to the tent opened---

"Wha!?" "How shameless......!" "Kamito-kun, how bold......"

Ellis, Rinslet and Fianna's jaws dropped open.

Then---

"Y, you, whwhwh, what are you doing!"

Gogogogogogogogogo......!

Claire approached with her Flame Tongue in hand.


"W, wait, Claire, this is......"

Kamito quickly tried to make an excuse---

The fully-naked-except-for-knee-socks Est stood up in front of Claire.

"Wh, what is it......"

Claire faltered in front of her oppressive force.

"Kamito is my master."

"......E, even so, this is a problem about you sleeping together!"

"Claire also sleeps with Scarlet."

"S, she's a cat so it's fine!"

"I am a cat."

"Eh?"

"I am Kamito's sword. Kamito's kitten. Kamito's toy......that's why there is no problem."

Having said that, Est clung onto Kamito.

[[File:STnBD V05 259.jpg|thumbnail|right]]

"Fuaaa......a t, toy......wh, what are you saying!"

Claire yelled with a red face and teary eyes.

"Kamito said he would accept all of me."

"Wha, what is that......Ka, Kamito is my slave spirit!"


Fianna patted the frustrated Claire's back.

"Claire, let's let Est have Kamito for a day. Just for today."

"Kamito-san, as I thought, you really like small girls!"

"To lay your hands on young girls, th, that needs to be fixed! Become neapolitan!"

The glaring Rinslet and Ellis who had drawn her sword both looked at Kamito with cold eyes.

"It is okay, Kamito. I will protect you."

"Please spare me the blade dancing......"

---The first night of the «Blade Dance» passed.

<noinclude>{{SeireiDance Nav|prev=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume5 Chapter9|next=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume5 Afterword}}</noinclude>

Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume5 Chapter9

2013-02-23T07:12:35Z

Worker:

=Chapter 9: Demon Slayer=
==Part 1==

"......No way, an attack!?"

At the time that a flashy explosion came from the camp site.

Claire and the others were in the middle of getting changed after finishing bathing.

"The barrier's been broken --- they're coming!"

In sync with Claire's scream.

Fianna, Ellis and Rinslet summoned their respective spirits.

Scarlet's flames lit up the surrounding darkness.

And above the steam were the silhouettes of three people with drawn weapons.

"What a surprise. The favored Knights of Dragon Emperor coming to attack in the night like this."

"We are soldiers before we are knights. To bring victory and pride back home, we will not pass up the most effective methods."


The one who answered was a girl with boy-like short hair.

She readied her halberd «Elemental Waffe».

"We'll at least name ourselves. Knight of the Dragon Emperor Vice-Captain, Yuri El Cid."

"«Team Scarlet»'s Claire Rouge."

Claire quickly transformed Scarlet into the Flame Tongue.

While keeping her attention to the front, she whispered to Ellis behind her.

"Leonora isn't here. The explosion just now was probably her."

If it was her Nidhogg, then pulling off that much destruction in one blow was possible.

They had aimed for a time when Kamito was alone and come to crush him.

"No matter how good Kamito is, he can't win against Leonora without an Elemental Waffe."

"......I got it. I will go to support Kamito."

Ellis immediately understood Claire's intentions and began chanting her «Flight» spirit magic.

She kicked off the ground and flew into the night air lit by flames.

But.

"---I won't let you go to Leonora-sama!"

"What!?"

Another knight blocked Ellis' path.


An elementalist with a flying dragon spirit.

They had anticipated their actions and hid in the forest beforehand. And the opponent was a flying type dragon spirit. Ellis' spirit magic couldn't outrun that.

"......This is bad. We've been completely separated."

"Kamito......"

Turning to the direction the flames were rising from, Claire bit her lips.

==Part 2==

The blaze skidded across the ground.

Accompanied by a loud sound, flames coated the ground.

''......What destructive power!''

Being blown away by the resulting wind force, Kamito fell to the ground.

Quickly getting up and opening his eyes---

A scene like the world's end spread out before him.

The ground was dug up like a mortar. The wall of fire ate away at the night darkness.

On the other sound of the wall of flames, the dragon spirit roared with intense ferocity.


The accompanying wind scattered the flames.

The jet black dragon flapped its massive wings.

Basked in the bluish white light from the moon, Leonora Lancaster walked towards him silently.

Holding her hand up, the dragon transformed into darkness.

The darkness then gathered and instantly formed a large demon sword.

"Dragon spirit «Nidhogg»'s Elemental Waffe --- «Dragon Slayer»."

Leonora muttered that indifferently and raised the demon sword.

Kamito felt it instinctively.

''That's bad......!''

Just when he got up and dodged.

"---Destroy!"

Leonora closed the distance in an instant.

''---Fast!''

Just before the demon sword descended, Kamito jumped to the side.

The sound of the ground being crushed.

The demon sword had lightly grazed him and his white uniform had blood on it.

Kamito grimaced at the sharp pain from being cut.


''......Don't tell me she's completely materializing her Elemental Waffe!?''

If Kamito had not dodged just now, he would have been split in half.

She was swinging her blade with the full intent of killing Kamito.

''Is this the influence of that «Dragon Blood» Claire was talking about......''

Leonora's brilliant red eyes that were shining in the darkness.

A state where she lost the majority of her reason and became a berserker.

It was forbidden to kill your opponent in the Blade Dance. That's why elementalists generally limited the materialization of their Elemental Waffe and opted to causing damage with their divine power directly.

But just now, Leonora had seriously tried to kill Kamito.

"Tch---"

Kamito quickly chanted his Weapon Works spirit magic and created a short sword in his hands.

With Est's «Gate» closed, this was the best he could do with his divine power.

It was only a substitute that could take one strike from the aftershock of the opponent's sword before it shattered.

Jumping off the mud and just before landing --- Leonora swung her demon sword.

Bone-shattering force was created.


"Gahaa......!"

The severe blade storm that continued without mercy.

Kamito rolled on the ground and just barely avoided that attack.

"......It's like she has no openings."

Cold sweat gathered on his brow.

They were movements unthinkable for a thin and delicate arm like that with such a large sword.

She was likely using dragon property spirit magic to supplement her muscle strength.

"---It's not enough......make my blood boil even more, Kazehaya Kamito!"

The demon sword was swung again. Whilst emitting a dragon-like roar, the sword released a wave of energy.

Invisible fangs that would rip through flesh. It resembled Ellis' blades of wind, but the destructive power was on a different scale.

Slicing through the cut-preventive school uniform, blood dripped from his shoulder.

"Kuu, she's strong, as I thought......!"

Kamito cursed as he wiped the blood from his lip.

The overwhelming divine power welling up in her entire body.

In a head-on battle, Kamito had no chance of winning right now.

''---There's no other way but to draw this into a battle of attrition by retreating into the forest.''

Along with the awakening of her «Dragon Blood» and that oppressive power, Leonora lost her ability to think calmly. If Kamito moved around stealthily, he could at least buy time.


''It should wear down the insane divine power of the «Dragon Blood».''

There was likely a time limit on how long she could fight in this condition. A normal elementalist's limit would be one minute. Leonora's was likely around five.

''---If I can stay clear for five minutes, I can win.''

Just as Kamito was about to retreat into the forest.

Giant flames rose up under the cliff near the river far away from him.

"Wha......!?"

He didn't have to think about where it was. That was where Claire and the rest were.

"---It looks like they're engaged in battle with my subordinates."

Leonora's eyes glinted and she closed the distance in an instant.

"If you want to protect your comrades, you'll have to use your full power and defeat me!"

Leonora's demon blade approached him---!

==Part 3==


"---Become cinders!"

Waving her Flame Tongue, she cast the spirit magic «Fireball» at the same time.

Yuri El Cid --- the halberd elementalist was engulfed in flames.

"As expected, if it's a direct attack --- ehh!?"

"It's a pity but flame attribute attribute spirit magic won't work against this «Lindwyrm»!"

Breaking through the wall of flames, a giant dragon with red scales charged towards her.

"Rinslet!"

"I know, freezing fangs, pierce --- «Freezing Arrow»!"

Aiming at the fire dragon's body in only a moment, she released the ice arrows.

But just before the arrows hit, the fire dragon breathed fire and melted them.

The arrows that barely struck also rebounded off the scales and disappeared.

"No way, my «Freezing Arrows» were......!"

"......It's using dragon attribute spirit magic!"

Claire yelled as she erased the fire dragon's flames.

Dragon spirits' specialities were their overwhelming strength and their high resistance against magical attacks. Especially with their «Anti-magic Dragon Scales» on, their magical resistance against the five main elements multiplied.

For Claire and the others who used spirits of the five main elements, they were a truly difficult opponent.


"Claire! «Georgios» alone can't hold them back......!"

And from behind came Fianna's concerned voice.

Her knight spirit was currently handling two of the dragon spirits.

Her opponents were the types without wings or scales --- the close-range specializing raging dragon spirits.

Swinging their giant claws and tail, they were slowly cornering the knight spirit.

The raging dragon spirits were far above in power. The reason they were being held at bay was that the knight spirit had techniques specialized to face dragons.

But there were two opponents. And they were being controlled by skilled elementalists.

As expected, not even the defense specialist knight spirit could reach a decisive conclusion with just a sword and shield.

"Fianna......! Rinslet, please buy me some time!"

Claire immediately requested back-up but---

"......!?"

Ellis landed right in front of her.

"......Aguu!"

"Ellis!"

Looking to the sky, she saw the girl riding the flying dragon spirit dance in the air.


"I said so, I won't let you interrupt Leonora-sama!"

The flying dragon spirit roared, turned towards the fallen Ellis and released innumerable fireballs---

"You!"

Claire quickly swung her Flame Tongue and intercepted the fireballs in midair causing many explosions.

"Ellis, can you still move?"

"......Yeah, sorry. I'm fine."

The wound-covered Ellis held her «Ray Hawk» and unsteadily rose to her feet.

Ellis' spirit was top-class even within the academy. Even disregarding any advantages from battling in the air, to have been beaten so one-sidedly---

"These guys are strong on their own and their teamwork is much more refined than us."

"That's right......"

Claire painfully admitted the truth of Ellis' observation.

If either Claire or Rinslet had backed her up, Ellis should have been able to fight evenly.

But the opponent never let such an opportunity show.

"My Georgios is---"

"Haa, haa......the compatibility with Lindwyrm was too harsh......!"

At some point, they had been boxed in by the four members of the Knights of the Dragon Emperor.


The knight spirit was being pushed back by the two raging dragon spirits and Rinslet was completely worn out.

"---Elimination of the Ordesia representatives. A fair result for our first battle."

Yuri El Cid formed her fire dragon's halberd.

"This is the end. Claire Rouge."

==Part 4==

The demon sword that should have been swung---

Was stopped in midair.

"......Wh, what the!?"

Leonora's red eyes widened in shock.

While looking at the face of the violent but still-beautiful face of the girl, Kamito murmured.

"This was originally a technique for hiding while crawling."

Held against the wrist of Leonora's hand which held the demon sword was Kamito's arm.

He couldn't stop her demon sword's attack.

But it was different for the arm wielding the attack.

He had pressed his arm to her wrist just as she exhaled before the attack.


If he drew in when Leonora pulled back her sword and instead pushed with all his strength, it would create a lethal opening --- a simple yet effective taijutsu skill.

Logically, it was simple, but the timing required was fatal. It was not something an amateur could copy.

It was only because Kamito had undergone the harsh training of the «Instructional School» that he could carry it out in real combat.

Leonora's body froze into the position of swinging her sword.

"The technique of a knight without a sword --- alias «Sword Break». A heretical skill. To begin with though, this was the old hag Greyworth's and not the «Instructional School»'s."

"---I see. So this was the technique of the strongest spirit knight in the continent, Sir Greyworth.

The red eyes looked down at Kamito.

Eyes of a dragon that were painted with the joy of battle --- completely battle-crazy eyes.

"But clever tricks are nothing before absolute power......!"

Leonora's divine power rose explosively.

With an inhuman roar that shook the atmosphere, she pushed as if to crush him to death---

"---That's reckless, Leonora!"

At the moment the power balance broke, Kamito sent a palm strike to her solar plexus --- but,

Just before that, she jumped to the side --- it wasn't reactionary, just instinct.


Attacking Kamito's flank, a flash of light gouged out the ground.

The one that had sent out the attack was the ornament on the «Dragon Slayer»'s hilt. If he hadn't dodged, it would have pierced his heart without a doubt.

He jumped while spraying blood from his flank. Because he was dodging purely on instinct, he couldn't soften the landings.

Leonora was swinging the sword in every which direction.

The dividing horizontal slices of the blade. The shockwaves that seemed like they could crush all the bones in one's body.

Kamito's body was blown to the side and smashed into a rock.

''......My arm's bone......!''

Leonora didn't stop. She charged with increasing roars.

Kamito readied his spirit magic blade at his waist. He would match his opponent's timing and deliver a counter --- it was a dangerous gamble, but there was no alternative.

''If I don't beat her quickly, Claire and the others will---''

Leonora charged like a dragon, causing tremors as she approached.

He would have no mercy on her who was under the influence of the «Dragon Blood».

If he messed up the timing even slightly --- what awaited him was death.

The moment the clade of the sword entered his vision.


Kamito jumped off the rock behind him.

''---I've got you!''

Dodging by a hair's breadth, the perfect distance.

He didn't think a blade of this calibre would be able to pierce the magic strengthened Leonora, but there were other ways to fight. If he broke her stance and used several strikes, he should be able to affect even this tough dragon knight---

However.

"I said it, didn't I, that clever tricks won't work on me!"

Leonora Lancaster---

Aimed at Kamito standing before her and threw the «Dragon Slayer».

Wrapped in spiraling air currents, the large sword flew in a straight line.

"......!?"

Kamito had not anticipated this.

Kamito clicked his tongue and dodged but Leonora had already closed in---

"Damn......!"

Kamito instantly used a spirit magic sword to guard. But the magically strengthened Leonora's fist went right through the sword and into Kamito's jaw.


His vision shook. As soon as he realized he was flying in the air, he smacked the ground.

''God, damn......throwing that huge sword one-handedly? It's too unreasonable......''

The point he had been wounded at. He cursed while confirming what parts could still move.

His ribs were cut and a few internal organs had failed.

His fingers had gone numb and couldn't move. It was already a condition unfit to fight.

"---More, make my blood boil more, Kazehaya Kamito. The «Dragon» sleeping within me wants to go crazy with you."

Leonora picked up the demon sword she had thrown and slowly walked towards him.

Like a dragon enjoying the hunt.

"---If not, you'll die."

"......Don't just say whatever you want."

While groaning from the pain, Kamito pushed off the ground and stood up.

More than before, the flames from the riverside had grown more vicious and black smoke rose from it.

''Claire......Ellis, Fianna, Rinslet......''

He gripped his numbed fingers at the regret of not being able to protect them.

''I can't win against Leonora Lancaster at this rate---''


Kamito affirmed that calmly.

---That's right, if it stayed like this.

The spirit seal on his left hand ached. No, he had already noticed. Since not too long ago, the seal had been burning with feverish heat.

The «Gate» that had never opened since that day three years ago.

But now he could feel her calling out to him.

He just had to call her name. With just that, he would regain the strongest demon sword.

The power to defeat Leonora and save his female comrades.

The highest ranked darkness Elemental Waffe --- «Vorpal Sword».

He could return in an instant. To the Ren Ashbell of three years ago.

But that was under the condition that he severed the contract on his other hand.

The sword spirit girl that had closed her heart off in sadness and was alone in the darkness.

''I---''

Kamito's voice shook like a groan.

That was a momentary conflict. A loss of direction.

But he quickly raised his head and shook it.

He had already resolved it from the beginning.


''I am Est's master!''

Leonora's red eyes glared viciously as she approached---

"Kazehaya Kamito, I am disappointed in you."

The «Dragon Slayer» pierced Kamito's chest.

==Part 5==

Inside his consciousness that had sunk into darkness---

Kamito found a girl sitting down while hugging her knees.

The silvery white hair that shone brilliantly even in the darkness.

Her unblemished white skin was like a frozen blade.

"---Est."

Kamito placed his hand against the cheek of the sword spirit that had closed her heart.

The mysterious violet eyes widened in surprise.

"Kamito......!"

"Est, I ask you --- lend me your power. I need you to protect our friends!"

Turning to squatting Est, Kamito cried out.


But Est wordlessly shook her head.

"Kamito, I am sorry. I can't be your sword anymore."

"Why---"

"I will, one day, take away Kamito's life."

At that time, something cold was felt on Kamito's fingertips.

"......Est?"

Those were tears.

She was once a sword spirit that had shown not a single emotion.

When his fingers touched her, a whirlpool of emotions flowed into him.

The Sacred Queen and the «Demon Slayer» --- the last of their memories together.

==Part 6==

In front of Est---

The sacred maiden that had defeated the maou's body crystallized into a spirit stone.

"Mas......ter......?"

"Est, don't make that kind of face."


Areishia's right hand that could still move touched Est's cheek as she struggled to talk.

"I knew about this from the beginning."

She wore such an adult expression despite being only sixteen years old.

Seeing even those fingertips crystallize---

The sword spirit finally understood.

That this was --- a curse.

The combined resentment and curses of the spirits that had been slain by the holy sword's power thus far.

That had amassed until the limit and was eroding her master's body.

The «Demon Slayer» was a sword that destroyed all curses.

But those curses didn't disappear from this world. The holy sword that had absorbed those various curses would one day pass them onto its master.

The spirit weapon --- «Terminus Est» was not a holy sword.

Taking the user's life in exchange for granting enormous power was unmistakably the properties of a demon sword.

"No......way......"

The girl's forgiving hand. Est could not watch as those fingers that had always gently pet her head hardened and became a spirit stone.

"Master! I didn't know! That I---"


"I know, Est."

Areishia smiled and gazed at Est gently.

"Master......you knew that you would......"

"Yes. That's why it's not Est's fault."

While patting Est's silvery white hair, she slowly nodded.

But her voice wavered and tears gathered in those eyes.

It was obvious. In the face of death, there was no way she wasn't afraid.

That's why she wasn't anything like a sacred maiden.

She was just a normal sixteen year old girl.

"Master......"

"Good bye, Est. My only friend."

"No, you can't......master......!"

A small voice leaked from Est's lips.

"No......Arei......shia......!"

"......That's the first time you've called my name. I'm hap.....py......"

"......!?"

With a clear sound, the girl's neck crystallized.


Est could do nothing but watch.

[[File:STnBD V05 241.jpg|thumbnail|right]]

At the moment the girl who had revealed her heart for the first shattered after becoming a clear crystal.

"Est, I---"

The hot tears dropped onto Est's cheek.

"Honestly, didn't want to become anything like a sacred maiden."

"---Areishia!"

A wail echoed through the maou's castle.

For the sacred maiden that bore the hopes of all people and had fought to this point alone---

That was her end.

And so Est sealed herself in the maou's armory.

So that nobody would contract the demon sword hidden deep within.

So she would never lose anybody important again.

She would never open her heart to anyone --- she solemnly swore that.

==Part 7==


"---I have no right to become Kamito's sword."

"......"

Kamito became speechless at Est's past that he had caught a glance of.

The girl that had given emotion to this spirit weapon girl that had none.

Est had stolen that girl's life herself with her curse.

That's why she closed her heart.

For how many hundreds of years, she had continued to separate herself from those who wanted to contract her.

So she would never be touched by anyone else again.

Kamito could not imagine how lonely that must have been.

"Est......"

Kamito rubbed the edge of Est's eye.

Those mysterious purple eyes blinked.

"Don't say you don't have the right. I need Est."

"You can't......if you continue to use a demon sword like me, I'll steal your life!"

Kamito placed his hand on Est's head.

"I won't lose to that kind of curse."

He pet that beautiful silvery white hair.


"Fuaa......Kamito......stop, please......"

"I won't. Until you stop crying, that is."

"Kami......to......"

"Est, your curse and your destiny as a demon sword, I'll take it all."

And then---

He hugged Est's delicate body to himself.

"So come back, Est!"

"No......I will, to Kamito......"

To stop those words---

Kamito embraced Est and sealed her lips.

"......!?"

Est's eyes shot open in surprise.

That was the ritual to contract a top-level spirit.

The kiss of oath.

Kamito gently separated their lips.

"I'll say it once more, Est. I need you."

He yelled this out while holding her delicate body tightly.


"Become my sword, Est!"

In response to Kamito's powerful words---

"Kamito, I---"

Est's silvery white hair shined.

==Part 8==

"......Wha!?"

Leonora's red eyes widened.

From the right hand of Kamito who should've been knocked out, a strong light was shining.

"---The cool-headed steel queen, the sacred sword that destroys evil!"

His quivering lips chanted the summoning spirit words.

"......!?"

Faced with the vigorous voice that had a mysterious edge to it, Leonora took a step back.

"......It can't be, the «Dragon» inside me is scared?"

The «Dragon Blood» was in a fully awakened state so she could understand, this was true fear.


And so---

"---Now form a sword of steel and be the power in my hand!"

As if to burn the eyes, a fierce light was emitted!

In front of Kamito, the «Gate» connecting a master and their contracted spirit opened.

The one that appeared was a girl with beautiful fluttering silvery white hair.

"......Es......t, thank you. For listening to my selfishness."

While pushing down on the hole in his chest, he smiled wryly.

"Kamito, I am your sword --- for as long as you wish."

The uniformed Est said that with the same expressionless face as always.

He wondered if the slightly red cheeks he could see were because of the flames.

"So you've called back the «Demon Slayer»......"

The radiance of Leonora's red eyes rose.

"This is the reason there is worth in defeating you!"

Roaring, she swung the «Dragon Slayer»---

"---Destroy, tyrannical demonic dragon!"

A crimson light shot out from the tip of the sword.

It blazed the ground and instantly disintegrated the trees in its path.

"---Est!"

But Est didn't avoid it and simply stood there.

[[File:STnBD V05 247.jpg|thumbnail|right]]

With an expression like ice, she turned to the inferno and put out her palm.

"---I am talking with Kamito right now, so don't disturb us."

The inferno that raged over the earth was dispersed with ease.

"......!?"

Leonora widened her eyes in shock.

Est gave off a fierce aura that didn't match with her magnificent appearance.

"......Est, let's go!"

"Yes!"

Kamito shakily got to his feet and held Est's hand.

His chest wound opened and a large amount of blood splattered across the ground.

His arm's joints were dislocated his ribs were broken.

It was a condition that could only be described as covered in wounds.

But for some reason, he knew he wouldn't lose.


Just having Est nearby seemed to send strength welling up from deep within him.

Kamito chanted the spirit words for releasing and Est's body scattered into light particles.

In the next instant, Kamito's hands were holding a silvery white shining sword.

Demon Slayer --- Terminus Est.

"Let's do this, Leonora Lancaster!"

Kamito shouted as he readied Est in both hands.

There was no need for clever tricks --- just one attack was enough.

"---Answer to the call of my blood, demonic dragon, rampage!"

Leonora also positioned her «Dragon Slayer» again and roared.

And both sacred sword users ran at the same time.

"Ohhhhhhhhhhh!"

"Ahhhhhhhhhhh!"

The wind from the swords dug into the ground and sent dirt and sand flying.

"---Taste the boiling of my blood with your body!"

The large sword being swung before his eyes.

Wrapped in enough divine power to blow him away if it even grazed, Leonora charged.

But Kamito did not fear it and instantly accelerated towards it.


There was nothing to fear.

Because Kamito now had the strongest sword.

"Est, your sadness and despair, I will put an end to all of it!"

When the two blades met, the «Demon Slayer» gave off a radiance---

And shattered the «Dragon Slayer» in one strike.

==Part 9==

"......No way, Leonora-sama was!?"

Yuri El Cid exclaimed.

The divine power she had felt coming from not too far away had stopped.

"Looking away in the midst of battle? We're being really underestimated."

The momentary opening provided by the iron wall dragon knight. Claire would not let it slip.

Swinging her Flame Tongue, she knocked the halberd from her hands.

"......Shit!"

"---Scarlet!"

The flame whip instantly reverted to a hellcat and attacked.


"Tch!"

Yuri kicked the ground and retreated.

"We're stopping the hunt. Retreat!"

"Yuri-sama!?"

"Leonora-sama lost."

"Wha......!"

The face colors Knights of the Dragon Emperor's changed instantly.

But as natural-born soldiers, they quickly understood the situation and promptly followed the order, retreating into the forest.

"I won't let you! Freezing fangs, pierce --- Freezing Arrow!"

Rinslet shot her ice arrows, but they were blocked by the forest's trees.

"Kamito beat Leonora?"

"......It seems like that's the case."

Claire nodded as she looked in the direction of the burning camp site.

==Part 10==


"......Why are you not taking my «Magic Stone»?"

Leonora who was lying on the blazing ground asked.

Her mad red eyes had returned to a calm black.

......It seemed that the «Dragon Blood» had calmed down.

"I won't say it's a reward for helping me get Est back but---"

Kamito also fell down.

It was a much more delicate body than he had imagined.

Her noble face entered his eyes.

"This time I'll pardon you. And I'd like to blade dance with the real dragon knight Leonora rather than one influenced by «Dragon Blood»."

"......Naive, aren't you."

"......Well, the truth is I can't even move a finger anyway."

Kamito said so with a wry smile and Leonora turned her head with a red face.

"A, as I thought, you're dangerous......in various ways."

"What's that mean? What are these various ways?"

"Y, you're quite noisy, you licentious beast!"

Leonora sent Kamito flying and stood up.


The «Dragon Blood» rampage seemed to have eaten up her divine power so she was shaky on her feet.

"I won't lose next time, Kazehaya Kamito."

"Yeah, me neither. I have no intention of losing."

Leonora smiled and disappeared into the flames.

"......Kamito is really a master with no fidelity."

Hearing the pouting voice of Est from overhead, Kamito passed out.

---And this time he didn't see that dream.

<noinclude>{{SeireiDance Nav|prev=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume5 Chapter8|next=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume5 Epilogue}}</noinclude>

Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume5 Chapter8

2013-02-23T07:12:26Z

Worker:

=Chapter 8: The Temptation of Darkness=
==Part 1==

The night before leading the continent's combined military force to attack the maou's castle—

"—Hey, Est?"

The sacred maiden Areishia asked Est.

"Yes."

"If I wasn't here anymore, what would Est do?"

Unlike humans who returned to the soil, spirits had no life span. No matter how strong a bond was with a contracted spirit, one would always have to part with them.

At Est's puzzled gaze, the girl continued.

"If I'm not here anymore, Est has to make sure to find a new elementalist to contract with, okay."

"I don't want to."

Est replied without hesitation.

The ever-docile sword spirit disagreed with her master for the first time.

"Est?"

"I am your sword. I will not become anyone else's."


"Est......"

"Master, why are you asking such a thing?"

"That is......"

She put on a troubled expression.

Everything about what her destiny would lead to in the nearby future — a face that knew all of this.

==Part 2==

And thus the sacred maiden and legendary sword went to meet the end of the story.

After several years of wars, the sacred girl Areishia launched an attack on the maou's castle.

Defeating scores of enemies, the pure girl's hand was already soaked in blood, but still she did not lose hope.

—That after this battle would be a world of peace.

While knowing the fate of her body, she continued to fight.

The voice of the girl rang through the castle's banquet hall.

"—Est, lend me your power!"

"Yes, master!"

The strongest holy sword gripped in both her hands gave off dazzling light.

Pushing back the darkness, the girl ran while aiming for the maou's heart.


"Est, this is the last time I use you as a sword. That's why—"

Everything happened in an instant.

The holy sword shone and burst the maou's heart with a flash.

Giving off a dying cry of agony, the maou was vanquished from this world.

==Part 3==

"Haa, haa, haa......"

Basked the in the demon king's black blood, the girl collapsed to the ground.

"Master?"

"It's okay......Est......"

In order to calm the worried Est, she patted her head.

"Fua......master......please stop."

"Fufu, you like this, don't you, Est."

"......Please don't tease me."

Though Est maintained an expressionless face, she turned her head with slightly reddened cheeks.

This was the first time since she had met her that Est had shown such a reaction.

The girl was happy with that.

For the girl that had gradually killed off her human emotions in line with the peoples' expectations of her as the Sacred Queen, this was her sole comfort.


"Sorry, Est......the truth is, I wanted to pat your head like this more......"

Covered in black blood, the girl's voice wavered.

"Master, what are......what are you saying?"

"......Really, I'm sorry."

"Master?"

In the next instant, the girl fingers made a stiff sound and shattered.

==Part 4==

"—Kamito. Hey, Kamito."

"Mmm......Claire?"

While having his shoulders shaken, Kamito awoke.

A nice scent drifted near his nose. The twintails upon his cheeks tickled slightly.

"Come on, the meal is ready. Wake up already."

"It will get cold if you don't get up quickly."

Kamito rubbed his eyes and lifted his upper half from the hard ground.


The sun had already begun to set when Kamito and the others finally found a camp site.

It was beside a gently flowing mountain stream. Edible fish were present and the water was suitable for purification. After making a simple tent and leaving the meal preparations to the girls, Kamito had taken a nap in preparation of being the night look-out.

Night had already completely fallen.

Walking to the riverside where there was a table built from the trees, he found a luxurious evening meal on it.

Smoked fish from the river, seasoned risotto, and soup made with dried vegetables. These were from opening some of the many canned foods Claire had brought.

"Is it okay to eat this extravagantly from the first day?"

"Because it's the first day, delicious food is necessary to raise morale."

"Well, that does sound reasonable......and this looks seriously good."

Kamito sat down on a rock and began with the steaming risotto.

"......!"

"H, how is it?"

Rinslet asked while seemingly nervous.

"......Insanely good! Did you really make this with canned stuff?"

"Yes......I, I'm glad it suits your taste."


Rinslet smiled broadly in a happy manner.

"As expected of Rinslet."

"Kuu......m, my position is......"

Ellis seemed a little down as she sighed that.

"Ah, no, Ellis' cooking has a homemade feeling to it and I like that in its own way."

"H, homemade......you say......? Home......wife......"

He didn't know what she was imagining but Ellis had zoned out with a red face.

"T, tomorrow, I'll be making dinner......so I'll make Kamito's favorite dishes."

"Yeah, I'm looking forward to it......by the way, what are we doing about baths?"

"We made one nearby. Scarlet worked hard."

Scarlet who was laying beside Claire let out a nyaa.

"Fufu, it's fine to enter with Kamito-kun ♪"

"Eh?"

"I, idiot, Kamito goes in after! Stand guard here!"

Claire said angrily with a beet red face.

==Part 5==


"W, what are you thinking, you!"

"Oh my, I was just teasing you a little. And Claire, weren't you a little tempted?"

"Wha......that's not true!"

"You're too loud! Even if we're inside a barrier, don't let your guard down!"

"Though the knight captain is being the loudest."

"......S, sorry."

A little away from the camp site, the girls were undressing.

Next to them was an open air bath with dense steam.

It was not a hot spring. Having Georgios carry large rocks to isolate a section of the river, they had Scarlet release its flames there.

The light splash of someone entering the water.

Having removed their academy uniforms, the princess maidens' skins were exposed to the night moon's faint radiance.

"E, Ellis, you were wearing quite mature underwear, weren't you......"

"I, is that so?"


Ellis averted her eyes in embarrassment.

"T, to use black......how lewd......"

Claire leered at Ellis' breasts coldly.

"I, it's not lewd! Kamito chose them—"

"Eh?"

"Wh, what do you mean?"

"Ah, no, that's, umm......"

Under the questioning glares, Ellis who had dug her own grave retreated.

"Claire, haven't you grown a little as well?"

Fianna groped Claire's chest.

"Fuaaa, wh, what are you doing, you erotic queen!"

"......Was it my imagination? It feels like they've grown a little since I last groped them."

"......Eh? R, really!?"

Claire's red twintails jumped a little.

"D, don't tell me that thing of the lightning spirit from yesterday was effective......"

"What are you talking about?"

"......I, it's nothing!"


Claire sunk under the water surface and blew bubbles.

==Part 6==

He could hear the girls' excited voices from afar.

As expected, not even Kamito with his good hearing could make out their words.

Kamito was keeping surveillance from a rock's shadow. There were also spirits that gained strength with the coming of night. Unlike the matches at the academy, one also had to be vigilant of a night attack.

"......"

Drawing a breath, he looked down at the spirit seal engraved on his right hand.

''Est......''

The past memories of Est he had caught a glimpse of.

The dream about Est's former master, the Sacred Queen who slew the maou.

I cannot become Kamito's sword — saying that, Est had rejected Kamito.

Just what had Est remembered—

And then.

In the forest in front of him, a faint presence appeared.


"......!"

Kamito stood up on reflex and entered a battle stance.

''......Don't tell me they broke Fianna's barrier!?''

A barrier that let them know when a person or beast got near was supposed to have been erected.

The problem was who had managed to bypass the barrier without setting it off.

"—Who are you."

Kamito glared into the grove of trees.

And.

"Don't make such a scary face, Kamito."

Before his eyes, the swirling darkness took human form.

The one who appeared there was a beautiful girl clad in a dress the color of darkness.

"......Restia!?"

Kamito widened his eyes and looked upon the girl in front of him.

His previous contracted spirit.

The one he had always wanted to meet, an irreplaceable treasured existence.

The one that had first given light to the Kamito who had lost his heart.

But now, she was—


"......What did you come here for?"

"How cold, even though I was worried about you."

Restia almost unnoticeably pouted.

That gesture was so dearly missed that Kamito's heart ached.

As the dress fluttered, Restia slowly walked towards him.

"It's not like you to have a hard fight against opponents of that calibre."

"Were you the one who told them I lost Est?"

"Yes, that's right."

Having Restia admit it so frankly felt anticlimactic.

Because of that, he didn't know what to say next.

''I've always gotten caught up in her pace......''

Restia came just in front of him and gazed up at his face with her twilight-colored eyes.

It was about the same as three years ago except that Kamito was now taller.

Contrasting with the darkness was smooth white skin. Faintly pink lips.

It was magnificence that made his heart beat unconsciously.

And the sweet whisper that came from her lips.


"If you can't use your contracted spirit, you can use me."

"......What, what did you?"

"It's not really that surprising. I am still your contracted spirit."

"......After all this time, what are you planning?"

Kamito bit his lips.

It was true that he still had Restia's spirit seal on his left hand but—

The «Gate» had never opened even once since that day.

"That's because you didn't have the requirements, Kamito. But with your latest power that awakened — you can use me again just like before."

Restia smiled cutely with a little laugh.

"I......"

Kamito stared at his leather-gloved left hand.

The Elemental Waffe he had used three years ago as Ren Ashbell — «Vorpal Sword».

The power of that demon sword to cut everything was comparable to Terminus Est.

Without Est, winning the Blade Dance was impossible.

But if his former contract spirit returned to him once again—

He could even win against that other Ren Ashbell.


"However, I have a condition."

[[File:STnBD V05 217.jpg|thumbnail|right]]

And. Restia put her index finger to her lips.

"A condition?"

"Yes, you have to sever your contract with that other sword spirit."

"......!?"

"Did you think I wouldn't be jealous if you contracted another spirit?"

Restia whispered into his ear with a sullen tone.

Kamito — grabbed Restia's shoulders and separated her from him.

"Sorry, but I can't do that."

And decisively shook his head.

"I believe in Est. That she will definitely return."

He had lived the past three years for the sake of getting Restia back.

The reason he had participated in this «Blade Dance» was for the same reason.

But he could not sever the contract with Est for that.

"Est is an important partner of mine......the same as you."

"I see — that's a pity."


Restia shook her head sadly.

"But I wonder if you can defeat her with a contracted spirit."

"Her?"

At the same time he asked, Restia's figure faded out and started to disappear.

"Wait, Restia!"

"I'm always waiting, Kamito. Until you call me — okay?"

Restia completely dissolved into the darkness.

The next instant, a blaze fell from the sky.

A violent flash. The resulting wind blast blew Kamito away.

The earth and sand that flew collapsed the forest's trees.

''What......the......!?''

While groaning, Kamito lifted his face.

And.

From the epicentre of the explosion, a giant black shadow stood up.

"Wha!?"

It was a jet black dragon with wings that spread as if to eclipse the moon.

The flames that blazed lit up the night.


A girl wearing a black surcoat walked out from within the dancing flames.

Her red eyes penetrated the night.

''What an ominous presence......''

A oppressive feeling that could even be felt on one's skin.

"......What a rude greeting for a knight. Leonora."

"—As you say, Kazehaya Kamito."

Leonora said with her hand straight up in the air.

"The dragons of Dracunia hunt lions with all their strength."

The dragon spirit «Nidhogg» opened its mouth and released an inferno.

<noinclude>{{SeireiDance Nav|prev=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume5 Chapter7|next=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume5 Chapter9}}</noinclude>

Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume5 Chapter7

2013-02-23T07:12:19Z

Worker:

=Chapter 7:The Real Battle Begins=
==Part 1==

The hall was filled with nervousness and excitement.

A large amount of spectators from every country in the continent had gathered in the hall.

Mixed in with the influential noble and princess maidens from every country in the continent's training facilities were girls wearing the Areishia Academy school uniform.

The Blade Dance competitors assembled above an altar in the center.

Because the audience was comprised of the nobility, there was no unsightly jeering.

It seemed like there were fans of the elementalists, so each appearance of the representing teams was followed by high-pitched cheering.

"Ojou-sama, please do you best~!"

"I will believe in and await ojou-sama's victory! Glory to the Laurenfrost!"

At the front of the spectators were Carol and Mireille waving a white banner.

"J-Jeez, those two......that's embarrassing!"

Rinslet blushed and hid behind Kamito.

"Kamito, stay vigilant. You are attracting a lot of attention."


"Yeah, got it."

At Ellis' words, Kamito surveyed the area and felt many gazes upon him.

Other than Leonora, it seemed that Muir whom they'd fought yesterday was also here.

''It doesn't appear that they know I've lost Est yet......''

If they did know of Kamito's situation, they wouldn't be be looking at him vigilantly but instead with the look of a falcon eyeing its prey.

"Fufu, Kamito is popular."

Fianna said teasingly.

Besides «Team Inferno», twenty-three teams had gathered.

Even within them, Dracunia's Knights of the Dragon Emperor had an overwhelming presence.

Around the leader, Leonora, elite elementalists assembled. The Knights of the Dragon Emperor were a military unit with rigid rules. All of the members stood straight up without moving.

Kamito's eyes met with Leonora's.

Those red eyes were incomparable to when they'd met at the library yesterday.

Chills ran down his spine for an instant.

It was like the feeling of being stared at by a giant predator.

"—Dracunia's Dragon Knights training is high quality. Even excluding Leonora, they seem to have no openings."


Ellis noted as she analyzed the enemy teams.

"Yes, if we leave aside «Team Inferno», they are one of the favorites to win. There are also other teams to be wary of."

Claire said that in a whisper and Fianna and Rinslet also turned their heads in his direction.

"First, there are the two representatives from the same academy as us, «Team Wyvern» and «Team Cernunnos». On top of that, the druid girl has an overwhelming advantage outdoors. There's a chance she'll incite all the magical beasts in the forest to attack us."

Moreover, they had already experienced a severe loss during practice against that druid girl. There were certainly opponents he didn't want to have to fight.

Then Claire turned her gaze upon the team that wore foreign outfits.

"They're Quina Empire's prided «Four Gods». They're a team that specializes in battle tactics."

Quina Empire was a large country located on the eastern part of the continent. It had a completely different culture compared to the western countries like Ordesia.

"The white-haired one is their ace, Shao Fu. She uses the divine beast spirit «Byakko»."

"Four Gods? Even though there are five people?"

"The fifth is probably the one that controls the Four Gods."


Answering Kamito, Claire moved her gaze to the group that was wearing white holy garments.

"Those are the Holy Kingdom of Lugia's Sacred Spirit Knights. The ace is the runner-up from last time, Sacred Knight Luminaris."

"Geh!?"

Kamito slipped out a surprised yelp at that name.

"Kamito-san, did something happen?"

"N-No, it's nothing......"

Kamito quickly shook his head at the puzzled Rinslet's question.

''I'm sure she was the holy spirit user. Because it was a bad match with Restia's darkness attribute, the fight was quite harsh.''

Holding the Blade Dance after only three years was extremely rare. It usually took decades and sometimes only happened once in a hundred years.

Because of the age restrictions on eligible princess maidens, crossing blades with the same opponent should never happen, but it seems this time was a case filled with special occurrences.

"She's nineteen so she's the oldest one at this Blade Dance. It seems that she swore to defeat Ren Ashbell to restore her honor."

"I-I see......"

"Kamito-kun, you're making quite a sour face."

Fianna teased the bitter-faced Kamito.


"Next is the Principality of Rossvale's «Rupture Division». Their ace is Milla Bassett, the youngest this time at thirteen years old. Though they're an emerging nation that gained independence from the Holy Kingdom of Lugia only within the last few decades, their elementalists are said to be top-class."

"—And them?"

Kamito looked towards the team that had been glaring in their direction since a while ago.

"The representatives from the Kingdom of Balstan. They're under the direct control of the royalty."

"Why are they glaring at us?"

"Umm......that's probably because of me."

Claire said so like it was hard for her. 

"What do you mean?"

"Remember, it's because I slapped their prince yesterday—"

"......Ahh, I see."

Kamito finally remembered.

The crown prince of the Kingdom of Balstan. The prince that had acted out of interest and tried to kiss Claire.

"So it's because you embarrassed them."

"It's good enough if that crown prince understands with his body!"

For some reason, Rinslet was more angry than Claire.


"The Kingdom of Balstan's royalty may have ordered them to take revenge. Sorry, I carelessly created this mess."

"No, if Claire hadn't done anything back then, I would have."

"......Eh? Um, that means......"

As Claire's face went red.

A commotion started near the entrance of the great shrine.

"—So they've finally come."

==Part 2==
The instant Ren Ashbell entered, the commotion died down.

She led four elementalists that were wearing hoods which extended to cover their entire body.

"So that's «Team Inferno»......"

Kamito stopped breathing and watched them.

He immediately discovered the small girl with ash grey hair.

The «Instructional School»'s monster — Military Spirit User, Muir Alenstarl.

She quickly averted her eyes after meeting Kamito's.


Walking next to Muir was a tall girl with jade green hair. Her ears which were characteristic of the Elfim race were visible under the hood. Elfim specialized in covert operations within forests, so she might have been an intelligence-gathering elementalist.

Another was a girl with eye-popping blue hair. She was the only one who had luxurious gold and silver accessories lining her hood and she carried a folding fan with a gaudy design.

"The crest of the Alphas Empire royal family — don't tell me, «Demon Caster» Sjora Kahn!?"

"You know her?"

He asked and Claire nodded.

"She's the number one witch in their kingdom, the admired successor of the «Dusk Witch»."

"To think that other than Muir, such characters would be there......"

Kamito groaned while wiping the sweat from his brow.

But more oppressive than those three and drawing most of the spectators' gazes — the last person.

At the appearance of that person, the silence that had overtaken the hall was replaced once again with clamor.

"......Who is that, that person!?"

A black knight covered in jet black armor.

It wasn't just her appearance that was strange. Her entire body was covered in a mysterious aura.

A existence that was never meant to be here — for some reason, that was what he felt.


"What a repulsive divine power......"

Fianna, who was more receptive, said in a shaky voice.

Ren Ashbell noticed Kamito and walked straight over to him.

Silence fell and the ringing of iron shoes echoed.

"Kamito......"

"It's fine."

Shielding the nervous ojou-samas behind him, Kamito took a step forward.

And stood off against the crimson-masked girl.

"To think there was someone who could break the «Brand of Darkness»."

"It's a pity. Things won't go how you want them to."

Kamito returned the gaze of the crimson pupils within the mask.

"That brand was only for the purpose of jump starting the awakening of the «Maou» within you. Once the «Gate» has been opened, it can never return to how it was before."

"—What is this maou you speak of?"

Ren Ashbell smiled within her mask and whispered in a voice so others couldn't hear.

"If you want to know, ascend and face me — Ren Ashbell."

"Ren Ashbell, huh. Having you say that is the greatest irony."


Kamito clicked his tongue and groaned.

"But I'll clarify this. If I beat you, you'll tell me everything."

"What confidence for someone who's lost their contracted spirit."

"Est will definitely return. She is my best partner."

Ren Ashbell shrugged, turned on her heel and left without another word.

And thus the short exchange between the two Ren Ashbells ended.

Commotion returned to the great shrine hall again.

Above the bonfire burning at the altar, five spirit maidens appeared.

Amongst them was Reicha Alminas.

When he had met her yesterday, she had been a normal docile girl, but wrapped in her ritual clothes and performing a ritual, she certainly had the presence of one the five highest princess maidens.

Eventually, the «Tempest» details appeared from the five spirit maidens.

The introduction to the Blade Dance was held in the northern forest area of Ragna Ys.

The field was covered by a separating barrier cast by all the «Divine Ritual Institute»'s princess maidens, so it was impossible to leave by normal means. Each country's representatives were transported with their respective teams to random locations and, over the course of seven days, would offer up their blade dances.


There was one rule — you may not kill an elementalist.

The «Blade Dance» was not a martial arts match, but a dance ritual.

There was no way it would be allowed to taint the ritual offered to the spirit kings with a death.

The competition was decided by gathering the special spirit stones distributed to the representatives — the «Magic Stones».

If a competitor was separated from their «Magic Stones» for more than one minute, they would be forcefully teleported out.

Seven days from the opening of the battle. The four teams that had assembled the greatest amounts of «Magic Stones» would be brought before the spirit kings to offer the final blade dances. At this point, even if a member had been lost, all five members would continue into the finals.

"—Good fortune and divine blessings upon the blade dancing princess maidens!"

The five spirit maidens reading the oracle from the spirit kings spoke this in tandem.

That signified the beginning of the battle.

Amidst the deafening cheers, the elementalists entered the transportation circle drawn above the altar.

Just before the transportation circle, Kamito turned to face his ojou-sama comrades.

"Everyone, we will definitely win!"

"Yes♪" "Yeah!" "Of course!" "That, um, that was my line!"


Ordesia's former second princess, Fianna Ray Ordesia.

Captain of the Sylphid Knights, Ellis Fahrengart.

The eldest daughter of the house of Laurenfrost, Rinslet Laurenfrost.

The younger sister of the Calamity Queen, Claire Rouge of the house of Elstein.

And the winner of the last Blade Dance three years prior — Kazehaya Kamito.

The four girls and one boy, each with their own «Wish», moved to challenge the «Blade Dance».

==Part 3==
After stepping into the transportation circle, a mysterious forest opened up in front of him.

Slight fog obscured his vision. Cries of birds and beasts could be heard from afar.

"Inside a forest, huh......there are countless places enemies could conceal themselves......"

Claire, who transported in directly after him, gave a cursory look at the surroundings.

"Should I have my wind familiar search the immediate area?"

"That's right......no, it may be better not to. It's not that I don't trust Ellis' abilities, but spirit magic users will instantly discover us."

"......That's true."


Ellis nodded at Claire's deduction.

"My Fenrir will carry everybody's belongings."

Rinslet summoned the magic ice spirit with her finger.

The blizzard-clad Fenrir raised a war cry.

In an instant, five peoples' worth of luggage was sucked into its opened mouth and disappeared.

"That's convenient."

"The Laurenfrost territory's population is isolated, so having Fenrir carry goods is a life saver."

Rinslet petted Fenrir's head and it gave out a sweet whine.

"Mu, Scarlet is cute but Fenrir is also cute......"

Ellis gazed at Fenrir with an expression like her heart was stolen.

"It freezes at the Laurenfrost's enough to kill. Or rather, I was stranded in the garden that time I came to the main house to play when we were kids."

"When I found you, you hugged onto me and sobbed......sigh, where did the cute Claire from back then go, I wonder?"

Rinslet sighed with a faraway look.


"Y-You......if you say anymore, I'll turn you into cinders!"

"How wide was the garden if you managed to get stranded......"

To the side of the two was a dumbstruck Kamito.

"We should also find a camp site or we'll freeze to death."

"Yeah, that's right."

Kamito nodded.

Even though this was within Ragna Ys, whether it was because the wind spirit king's divine protection was weak or something, it was definitely cold. The academy's school uniform also had built-in «cold protection», but it didn't seem like it would be effective against the night's cold.

"It's also important to secure a water supply. It would be good if there was a river or lake nearby."

Claire's suggestion wasn't just for drinking water, it was also for the required purifications an elementalist needed to undertake to remove any taint.

"At any rate, that means the first thing is to search the surrounding area. Our formation will consist of me as vanguard, Rinslet and Fianna in the center, and Ellis and Kamito in the rearguard.

Claire proposed a logical formation.

Fianna who was weak at battle was in position to be protected by everyone and Rinslet was able to see in every direction. Kamito who possessed great power was positioned to monitor the surroundings and the two who possessed great one-on-one strength, Claire and Ellis, were stationed at each end.


Kamito and company got into formation and began to advance through the forest.

==Part 4==
They had walked in the forest for roughly half an hour.

From a while ago, ball-like light spirits had frequently flitted around overhead.

They were the spirits for the purpose of relaying the Blade Dance from the field back to the great shrine.

It seemed they were trained not to intrude on their privacy, but currently there was no doubt that Kamito and the others were displayed on-screen.

"We haven't found any signs of water. Just how large is this place?"

"It should be considerably large. «Ragna Ys»'s size is comparable to a small country."

Claire, who was walking up front, answered Kamito's question.

"It looks like we'll need to create a map soon."

Rinslet said as she removed a branch from her hair.

"......My feet have started to hurt a little."

Fianna who wasn't used to hiking said with a grimace.

Unlike Claire and the others, she had transferred in and hadn't undergone the same open field training.


"Shall I carry you?"

"Eh? N-No, it's fine......"

At Kamito's words, Fianna's face reddened and she shook her head.

"Don't push yourself. It's too late if you become unable to walk."

"B-But, I......that is, I'm wearing this short skirt......"

"Th-That's true......"

......As expected, even the queen that always teased Kamito would be embarrassed by that.

"Kamito, you're thinking about such indecent things again!"

Ellis drew her sword.

"I-I'm not thinking them! Or rather, what's this again about!"

"Hmph, m-my foot hurts......maybe."

Ellis chewed her lip like she was pouting.

Looking at her condition from before, that didn't seem to be the case but,

"I-Is that so?......but, as expected, carrying two people is a little harsh."

"M-My foot also started to hurt suddenly!"

"Yes, lending me just your sh-shoulder would help greatly!"


"Yeah, I can do that much."

"I-Is that so? T-Then, I shall take you up on that."

Rinslet smiled and moved over to his shoulder.

"......!"

The uniform that lightly smelled of sweat.

His heart throbbed at the soft sensation touching his arm.

"......Th-That's unfair, Rinslet! Kamito, please lend me your shoulder as well!"

For some reason unbeknownst to him, Ellis also latched onto his shoulder.

"Th-Then......me as well♪"

Fianna also rested her head on his shoulder from behind.

"Th-This is difficult......"

Being hugged by three girls, he let out an anguished voice.

"Hey, you three! The formation is falling apart!"

"Fufu, you're not honest. Even though it'd be fine for Claire to say her feet hurt as well."

"Wha......a, aren't you being stupid!? I'm fine, I can walk on my own!"

Claire cried out angrily with a red face at the teasing Fianna.

"......"


And Kamito stopped walking.

"Kamito-san, what's wrong?"

"Be quiet. We're being ambushed."

"......!?"

The three separated from Kamito and summoned their respective contracted spirits.

A silence like the drawn bowstring of a bow.

''No, this isn't silence — it's inaction.''

Kamito sharpened his senses and searched for presences.

''Two people. They're scouts or there are others with them.''

"It's unexpected. That we would find a trap this early."

"Yeah, even though it shouldn't be a good plan to act this quickly—"

Right after Kamito nodded.

"—They're coming!"

A flash of light exploded.

==Part 5==

''......A distraction, huh!''

What had exploded was a depth charge spirit stone embedded in the ground that was prepared beforehand.

It was a substitute that looked flashy but had no power.

But it had made an opening for an instant.

In tandem with it, Kamito felt determined presences moving in.

''......From below!''

He felt the flash was to disrupt him. Kamito trusted his instinct and jumped.

Right after. The place Kamito had been at just before was replaced with a giant arm of sand.

As he thought, there were others as well.

The sand mass wriggled and stretch towards his arm—

"I won't allow that, freezing fangs, pierce — Freezing Arrow!"

Rinslet's ice arrow pierced the sand arm.

"Kamito, above!"

Claire warned him.

Kamito kicked the ground and jumped-—

"—Crush them to death, stone beast spirit «Gargoyle»!"

The shadow that instantly fell to the ground. The gigantic mass that fell from above.


Earth and sand danced in the air as the ground tremored.

The spirit that had taken the form of a stone goblin. The elementalist girl rode on its back.

The beautiful pure white uniform.

"If I recall, that's the Kingdom of Balstan's......''

"—O master swordsman, become my shield!"

From further up the path appeared Fianna's knight spirit.

The knight's sword drew a shining arc. The sound of stone being crushed rang out and the stone beast's arm was destroyed.

Two seconds after the flash, his eyes had finally recovered.

The ojou-samas got into formation around Claire.

''I can't really blade dance without Est, but—''

He created a short sword using his basic spirit magic.

He attempted to circle around in the disturbance — just then.

Sending earth and sand flying, a sand giant appeared before him.

"Tch......!"

Kamito widened the gap while clicking his tongue.

''The sand spirit user — just where are they?''


Kamito quickly ran his eyes over the surrounding area.

The first theory was that the elementalist had used their spirit's earth attribute to hide underground with spirit magic. But there were no traces of such.

A second presence appeared behind him—

''The second one......!''

From the shadow of the trees appeared a girl wielding a saber.

An invisible splitting flash split the tree behind Kamito.

Kamito covered himself and dodged.

"To dodge my blades of wind, as expected of the male elementalist."

The girl shouted that as she turned to face him.

"For the act of embarrassing my master — sorry, but I'll have you disappear here!"

"So it's really revenge for that idiotic prince, huh......"

Kamito sighed, astonished.

There were those who foolishly dragged their trivial personal grudges into the Blade Dance.

"......I sympathize with you. Spirit contractor of Balstan."

"I won't allow ridiculing my master!"

The wind elementalist girl swung the saber.


Kamito dodged to the side by jumping. The blades of wind lightly grazed his neck.

''......Although if I had Est, that kind of attack would be nothing.''

The storm of wind blades that flew in every direction prevented Kamito from closing in.

"Hah, it seems you really can't fight without a contracted spirit!"

''......Why does she know I lost Est?''

As he raised suspicions, at that moment — bluish-white lightning came from behind him.

He instantly turned his body and repelled it with his spirit magic sword.

The sword burst into grains.

Facing to the direction it came from, a girl stood there with an Elemental Waffe bow.

"No way, he reacted to that surprise attack just now!?"

The wind elementalist widened her eyes in shock.

"It's because I knew another person would be hiding."

Kamito shrugged.

"As I thought, you're dangerous. We have to crush you while you can't use your contracted spirit."

"You're overestimating me quite a bit."

He observed the surroundings without letting down his guard as he jested.

Behind was the saber-wielding wind elementalist. In front was the bow-wielding lightning elementalist.


And the sand giant also appeared behind him.

''......Three skilled elementalists. As expected, it's tough.''

Cold sweat gathered on his temple.

From some point in time, a thick fog had coated the forest.

It wasn't natural fog. It was obviously created with spirit magic.

Claire and others should be fighting against that stone beast spirit from before not too far away but because of the fog, he couldn't hear sounds of the battle or their voices at all.

''From the start, this plan was for taking me down, huh—''

This time's Blade Dance was a battle of attrition.

There was no need to defeat all of the enemy team at once.

He didn't know where they'd received information about his losing Est, but they had aimed for Team Scarlet who had lost their strongest force.

The two elementalists battling with Claire and the others were likely just buying time.

''Then I'll also buy time. Just hold on until Claire and the others come—''

Kamito gripped his hands and took half a step.

"It's useless!"

The wind elementalist waved her saber and created blades of wind.


But Kamito didn't stop. Slightly shifting his center of gravity, he dodged by a hair's breadth.

"He can see my wind blades!?"

"—It's a pity but their paths are easy to read in a forest!"

The blades themselves were invisible, but he could see the leaves and branches they cut. After being shown the attack so many times, Kamito had discerned their speed and width.

Of course, to actually carry it out required an extraordinary sense and courage.

Messing up just a tiny bit would mean the end. Due to the rules, his head wouldn't fly but his consciousness would.

Accelerating, he closed in on the wind elementalist.

"You, I won't let you!"

Immediately, an arrow of lightning came towards him — however,

That instant, Kamito disappeared.

"Wha!?"

Kamito had kicked the ground and flew straight up.

The battle techniques that had been hammered into him at the «Instructional School» — Meta three-dimensional movement.

The other orphan from the «Instructional School», Jio Inzagi, had also used this move, but speed did not match the overwhelming version of Kamito's «Shadow Weaving».


Weaving between the branches of the trees, it was a technique of moving at top speed in all directions to toy with the opponent. Amongst the elementalists that had received ordinary battle training, there were none that could do this.

Kicking the trunk of a tree, Kamito accelerated. The wind elementalist and lightning elementalist fired at the afterimages he left behind and hit nothing.

"—Sandman, topple the trees around you!"

The wind elementalist shouted sharply.

The sand spirit roared and knocked down the surrounding trees.

Despite its dull-looking body, it was unexpectedly fast. He had fought with members of the earth attribute — such as rock, but this was the first type that had such mobility.

"Tch......"

Losing his footholds, Kamito had no other choice but to land.

"—O wind, blow wildly!"

The blades of wind from the side severed the sand giant's arm.

The blue ponytail waving in the wind.

Ellis who had her Elemental Waffe «Ray Hawk» in hand.


"—Ellis, that's a great help."

"Sorry for being late. The mist spirit caused me trouble."

Ellis landed lightly and readied her spear with magnificent movements.

"Kuu, the plan is a failure, huh......retreat!"

The enemy wind elementalist's judgment was quick.

The plan to take Kamito out with a swift attack coupled with a surprise attack had failed. There was no point in fighting any further.

"—Like I'll let you run!"

Ellis waved Ray Hawk.

Ellis' magic wind spirit was several tiers above the opponent's wind spirit. While cutting down the trees in its path, the wind blades attacked the retreating elementalist.

In its path — the sand giant stood up.

The blades of wind landed a direct hit. The wind elementalist and lightning elementalist had disappeared into the forest.

Ellis bit her lip in frustration. The sand spirit immediately began to rebuild.

However, at the moment the front had been blown open, Kamito realized.

''I thought its movements were too good......so you hid there.''

The sand gathered again and completely resealed its wound --- just before that.


Kamito instantly jumped and into the sand's opening --- he punched through the giant's solar plexus.

It was the feeling of sand that greeted his fist.

The rebuilding sand giant crumbled in moments.

The one that appeared from within was a girl who had fainted.

"What does this mean?"

"That sand giant was her Elemental Waffe."

Kamito shrugged and answered Ellis' question.

"......Sorry. I'll be taking this."

Kamito leaned down and took the «Magic Stone» from around the girl's neck.

If they waited one minute, this girl would be transported back to the grand shrine.

"Kamito!" "Kamito-kun!" "Were you okay?"

Claire and the others came running from the other side of the forest.

It seems the other fight had also reached a conclusion.

"Are you guys also unhurt?"

"Yeah......rather, don't tell me you defeated them without a contracted spirit?"

Claire widened her ruby eyes.

"No, it would have been dangerous if Ellis hadn't come. They ran away in the end."


"Here," he said as he tossed the «Magic Stone» to Claire.

At that time, the fainted sand elementalist was enveloped by a transportation circle and disappeared as shards of light.

"We defeated a stone beast elementalist. The mist elementalist got away."

Claire gripped the two «Magic Stones» in her hand.

"It's dangerous to chase them too far. They seem like a meticulous team."

"At any rate, I never thought we would be attacked this quickly."

"Yes, it seems that it would be a good idea to find a camp site quickly."

Claire nodded at Ellis' words.

As expected, they weren't going to be elated at their first victory.

Kamito turned to the road forward that was covered in the remnants of the depth charge spirit stone.

''The mysterious thing is how they managed to ambush us.''

Even though it hadn't been even an hour since the start, they had moved like they knew Kamito and the others' location.

''Also, they knew that I've lost Est.''

Just who was leaking information, he wondered.


"......"

Kamito dropped his eyes to the spirit seal on his right hand.

In the end, even when Kamito's body clearly felt danger, the «Gate» had shown no signs of opening.

"Est......"

==Part 6==
"As expected, Kazehaya Kamito—"

The ones watching the first day of the Blade Dance from afar.

Seated on a slightly elevated hill were five girls in military uniforms.

One of those favored to win this time's competition, The Principality of Dracunia's representatives, «Knights of the Dragon Emperor».

They were using the dragon attribute spirit magic «Dragon Eye» to observe far away.

"That is why he is suitable to be sacrificed to the dragon sleeping within me."

The girl standing at the cliff edge — Leonora Lancaster licked her lips.

With ferocity emanating from her entire body, her eyes gleamed like blood.

''Leonora-sama's «Dragon Blood» is awakening......''

Apparent fear painted Vice-captain Yuri El Cid's face.

Shivers ran down her spine.

The strange power inherited by those who served dragons — «Dragon Blood».

This was Yuri's fourth time seeing Leonora with red eyes.

The first time she had witnessed it was two years ago at the entrance examination for the Knights of the Dragon Emperor. Leonora had obliterated all other contestants within minutes.

It was a mad dance that would feel like it would cause casualties.

If the «Dragon» within her woke up, not even her subordinates could stop her.

''But this time seems a little different from usual......''

Yuri looked upon Leonora's side profile.

Looking at her appearance, she seemed calm.

For some reason, her interest was only directed at one person and she wanted to slaughter only that male elementalist.

Leonora stood there looking upon the landscape in silence.

"—Tonight, we hunt a pack of lions."

Yuri and the others nodded wordlessly.

That was the signal of an attack for the Knights of the Dragon Emperor.

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Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume5 Chapter6

2013-02-23T07:12:08Z

Worker:

=Chapter 6: The Sacred Sword's Memories=
==Part 1==
In the bottomless darkness, Kamito fell endlessly.

Engulfed by the blackness, Kamito opened his eyes in the viscous darkness.

He could not feel the passing of time – it might have been a few hours, or maybe a few seconds, he had lost the capability to perceive it.

In this space, Kamito found a sword swallowed by the darkness.

It was a beautiful long sword inscribed with spirit language.

Upon seeing the sword, every fibre of Kamito's body awakened.

''– It's Est!''

He was certain this feeling could not be wrong.

He brushed away the heavy nether entangling him, and approached the sword.

But, the moment his hand touched the handle of the sword –

The sword suddenly emitted a bright dazzling light that pushed away Kamito's outstretched hand.

"What!?"

A sharp pain pierced his fingertips.

This was – an obvious rejection.

"Est... Why – "

"– Kamito, I cannot be your sword."

"I don't understand what you're saying!"

"– Because, I can recall it now. My sins... my unforgivable sins."

"Sins?"

In his mind, this word could hardly be linked with the beautiful, radiant silver sword before his eyes.

"I do not wish to repeat my mistakes, so – "

''... This is... What...?''

Kamito felt a splitting pain in his head.

A tremendous rush of images flooded into his head.

''... A-Are these Est's memories?''

==Part 2==

This was a story that had happened in the distant past.

At that time, the continent was separated into several tiny countries. It was a time of war and turmoil.

The main characters of the story were the sacred sword of legend and a young maiden.

Areishia Idriss – this girl came from a nameless village by the border.

The shepherd girl had a lovely face, and she was especially proud of her head of brilliant gold hair.

She ought to have grown up normally, fallen in love normally, led a normal life, and found normal happiness.

However, the year she turned fourteen, an incident happened to this otherwise ordinary girl that led people to call her the Sacred Queen.

One day, when she ascended the mountain to pick firewood, she happened upon a sword in the old ancestral hall.

It was a sacred sword that no one in many centuries had been able to remove.

The maiden reached out to lift the sword, completely unaware that a powerful spirit was sealed inside it.

In that instant, a blade spirit emerged from the dazzling glow.

"Who are you?"

The blade spirit's response to the girl's question was:

"I am your sword, milady. I will give myself wholly and completely to my elementalist – you."

The girl did not know why the sacred sword of legend would pick her, a mere ordinary shepherd girl, to make a contract with. However, she innocently accepted this contract.

Truthfully, the girl felt only loneliness.

On the other hand, the blade spirit had no feelings, and knew only to loyally serve its contracted master, the girl.

She was not an typical spirit, but a spirit weapon crafted for use in the war during the Archeozoic Era.

So I have no use for feelings – said the blade spirit coldly.

However, because the girl had lived her whole life as an ordinary shepherd, she could not understand such deep philosophical matters.

That sort of thing isn't important –

The girl was simply happy at having found her first female friend.

"What is your name?"

"My true name cannot be pronounced in your language. However, in spirit language, you may call me «Terminus Est»."

"This name sounds a little long... How about I just call you Est?"

"My name is not Est, it is Terminus Est."

"I'd rather not, it's quite hard to say. It's decided then, your name shall be Est."

The girl broke into a sudden smile, and reached out to pet Est on the head.

"Mistress, please do not do that."

Est protested with a blank expression.

This is the story of what happened after the chance encounter of the Sacred Queen and the legendary sacred sword.

The matter of the contract between the unknown shepherd girl and the legendary sacred sword quickly spread throughout the entire country.

That a young lady with no elementalist heritage could contract with a legendary-level spirit – such a thing was enough to turn the girl into a savior, into a supernatural sacred queen.

As there were virtually no elementalists in that era, people had to endure the havoc wreaked by the revolting spirits.

And so, the girl began using the power provided by the blade spirit to bring peace to the world, by either appeasing – or defeating those spirits.

The people lauded the girl's efforts, and gave her the name of «Sacred Queen».

Regardless of how exhausted or unhappy she was, the girl would always have a smile to encourage others.

There were some who were jealous of her, who despised her, and even those who only associated with her for the fame and glory.

Despite all this, the girl still fought on, sword in hand.

"Mistress, why do you fight for these people?"

One day, the blade spirit asked the girl this question.

Why fight – this was the first time the sword, by nature a spirit weapon, had felt any sort of curiosity towards such matters.

"Because this is something only I can do; therefore I must fight."

"I cannot understand your meaning. But as I am your sword, I will do your bidding, mistress."

"Est... Don't say such upsetting things, you are after all my only friend."

"... Friend?"

"That's fine, let's eat. The bread I baked today smells delicious."

"Mistress, please allow me to repeat – I have no need to consume human foods."

"... It's really lonely eating by myself. Come on, eat with me, please?"

"... If this is my mistress's order, I will obey."

The blade spirit nodded expressionlessly.

However, one could observe a little confusion on her face.

In her heart sprouted a very tiny flicker of – something like an emotion.

The bravery of the girl with the sacred sword slowly became known across the whole continent.

At the same time, the terror of the most vicious demon king plunged the continent into strife and suffering.

The countries united to send out armies to take down the demon king, but they all failed miserably. In the face of the spirit soldiers commanded by the demon king, the countries's armies could only beat a quick retreat.

In the end, the people had no choice but to pin their last hopes on a young lady.

A mere girl of only fourteen years of age, a girl who had not even experienced the taste of love.

"Est, I must fight... I must fight, for everyone who is suffering on this earth."

"Yes, mistress. I am your sword – I will do anything for you."

And so it was that the girl plunged herself wholeheartedly into the bloody battle.

The blade spirit of what would later be known as the «Demon Slayer Sacred Sword» witnessed all this.

She had no choice but to bear witness to the entire series of events – including the tragic conclusion about to unfold.

==Part 3==

"– to... Kamito!"

"Mmmhm..."

Kamito opened his eyes to find Fianna looking at him anxiously.

"Kamito... Are you all right?"

"I-I fainted..?"

"Mmm, but just for a few minutes."

"Is that so..."

He felt as if he had been unconscious for several hours, but it appeared as if that was not the case.

Reicha, who was breathing heavily by the side, continued by saying:

"I have successfully removed the «Brand of Darkness» on Kamito-sama."

"... Really?"

"Yes, but..."

Reicha's face fell and she murmured in a low voice.

"I'm afraid Kamito-sama's blade spirit... has not yet..."

"..."

Kamito shifted his gaze towards the spirit mark on his right hand.

The mark that had just been shining brightly was now completely unresponsive.

"Est..."

"Kamito-sama... During the period you were unconscious, did you see anything in your mind?"

"In my mind..."

Kamito rubbed his aching temples, then –

He suddenly seemed to remember something.

A sword, falling in endless darkness.

And being sharply rejected when he stretched out his hand towards Est.

In that moment, Kamito recalled her memories.

He recalled the memory of Est with a girl – the first one she had made a contract with.

What he did not understand, though, was why that memory would make Est reject him.

"Unforgivable sin... was that it?"

... Was that what was trapping Est in the darkness, her unforgivable sin?

"Ooooo.."

Then, Reicha suddenly went limp and fell towards the ground.

"Are you all right!?"

Kamito quickly rushed to support her.

Her slim body lay weakly in Kamito's arms.

"Should we take you to the infirmary?"

"Y-Yes. I'm so sorry, I seem to be a little tired..."

"Ritual magic is very tiring, furthermore just yesterday Reicha had to perform the ritual of listening to the pronouncements of the Elemental Lord."

"I'm sorry... It's all because of me..."

"Don't say that, it's my body that has always been weak..."

As Reicha shook her head in denial, Kamito lay her down on the bed to rest.

"We should make a move, the princess maiden responsible for attending to the Queens is coming soon."

"Mmmhm, I know."

Kamito nodded in agreement, bowed deeply towards Reicha and said:

"Reicha, thank you for saving me. I won't forget this debt I owe you."

"N-No need to be so..."

"We'll meet next time. Then, I'll meet you as the victor of the «Blade Dance»."

Fianna and Reicha, the latter still resting on the bed, grasped each other's hands tightly.

"All right. Although I cannot cheer for teams representing specific countries at the opening ceremony, you can be sure I will be supporting sempai's team in my heart."

==Part 4==

Inside the bag that the messenger from the school had sent to Claire's room were the latest updates about their enemies.

"In conclusion, the top priority now should be to formulate a plan of attack for Kamito to take action outside the battlefront."

All alone, Claire paced the empty room while reading the material, thinking deeply about battle tactics.

"Ellis will find it too hard to attack at the frontline by herself, should I also remain at the front or not..?"

Up until now, the plan had been for Kamito to use his overwhelming force to attack at the forefront, while the other four would assist him from the side. However, with Kamito unable to summon Est, this plan could simply not be used.

The alternative she thought of now was to move Claire, who would originally have been in the middle orchestrating the entire assault, to the front, and have her attack alongside Ellis. While this arrangement was nowhere near as likely to penetrate an enemy's defenses as the one with Kamito attacking alone, fire and wind elements naturally complemented each other very well, which gave them much offensive potential.

"But... If so, I'd worry about something happening to Fianna at the rear."

Fianna had received virtually no combat training, and her usual role was to provide assistance from the rear through her rituals, which would increase the power of blade spirits. In the previous plan, Claire would protect her from the centre, but if Claire were to be moved to the front, she would have no way of ensuring Fianna's safety. In that case, all depended on whether Rinslet, who played the dual roles of sniper and support fire, could protect her alone.

"... This plan must also be reconsidered."

Claire crumpled up the piece of paper she had been making notes on and threw it away.

Scarlet helped her turn the waste paper on the floor into ashes.

"I've thought for so long and I still haven't come up with any good ideas..."

Any plan she could think of had an obvious flaw, and none were suitable solutions.

"... Turns out that we have always relied too much on Kamito and Est."

Claire sighed, and turned back to the documents provided to them by the Academy.

Aside from formulating their own strategies, it was important in such a long drawn-out war to also analyze their opponents' situations, so as to take advantage of their weaknesses.

''It goes without saying that the opponent we need to be most wary of is –''

Claire flipped open the document and looked down at its first page.

What was written on it was – the Team Representing the Religious Country of Alphas.

This document was regarding the strongest of the blade dancer teams – «Team Inferno».

However, the forms on the document were virtually all blank, as they had no way of finding out even the names of the team members.

The only information they had about this enemy's military capability was the elementalist girl who had attacked Claire and the others last night – Muir Alenstarl. Frankly speaking, if there were three other elementalists as skilled as she was on their team... their chances of winning were nil.

"Overall, let's keep this in mind for later consideration."

She put the document on her lap, and began browsing the other reports.

There were a total of twenty-four teams contesting in the Blade Dance. Generally speaking, every country could enter one team, but countries such as the Ordesia Empire, which were large and had many outstanding elementalists, could field several teams.

The Kuina Empire in the east and the Island Nation of Robica had two teams each, and the only country other than Ordesia to be represented by three teams was the Holy Kingdom of Lugia.

Of the teams from these countries, the ones they most needed to watch out for were the «Four Gods» of Kuina, the «Sacred Knights» of the Holy Kingdom of Lugia, and Milla Bassett – the most talented young elementalist in this iteration of the Blade Dance was representing the Principality of Rossvale as part of the «Rupture Division».

And then there was –

"– Public Enemy Number One... the Dracunia Duchy's «Dragon Knights»."

Dracunia had emerged victorious in many previous seasons of the Blade Dance, and was indeed a strong country with a stellar track record.

And Claire herself had seen Leonora's power up close before.

Her destructive «Death Gaze» – her Nidhogg had displayed immense overwhelming force to destroy the flying craft's military spirits.

The documents supplied by the Academy listed her power as being of AAA grade.

Claire had earned an AA grade while at the Academy, and so had Ellis. Rinslet was A, while Fianna was D. However, Fianna's grade was recorded when she was not officially studying, so it was not an accurate measure. Incidentally, the one who singlehandedly took down «Team Scarlet», Velsaria Eva, was graded AAA.

Of course, because this was an overall analysis done up by lecturers at the Academy, one could not rely wholly on it to predict an elementalist's strength. For example, even though Rinslet was graded one level lower than Claire, when the two of them fought, they were often evenly-matched.

"... In conclusion, it is just a rough guideline."

Leonora Lancaster was a very outstanding elementalist; that was the undeniable truth.

But here in the «Blade Dance», in a gathering of the best elementalists, there was actually nothing exceptional about her.

However... Leonora's file contained something that was particularly noteworthy.

It was information about «dragon blood» – the power she gained from her special bloodline.

Looking at Leonora's new evaluation after the discovery of her special power, Claire could not help but stare, her eyes wide in surprise.

"– S level."

Historically, there have only been a handful of elementalists ever to have earned such a grade. In recent years, the young Greyworth Ciel Mais had been ranked SS level, but that truly was an exception among exceptions.

Leonora's power was first revealed publicly when she was fourteen. She awakened in the trial rally for the Knights of the Dragon Emperor, and in a matter of mere minutes, demolished all other competitors who had also been hoping to join the ranks of the Knights.

According to the booklet, the «dragon blood» power could not be unleashed at will, but was an ability that was almost uncontrollably explosive –

"If at all possible, I hope we won't have to face her."

Claire signed, and placed the half-read booklet on the table.

At that time, the door suddenly opened – it was Kamito, who had changed back into his normal uniform.

"Kamito... Hey, why do you look like you can barely even stand!"

Turning pale, Claire bolted up from the chair and rushed to his side.

"... The curse-breaking ritual was more exhausting than I had imagined."

Not caring that he was still dressed in his uniform, Kamito collapsed into his bed.

"And the «Brand of Darkness?»"

"Mmmm... All thanks to Fianna's princess maiden friend, the curse was successfully broken."

Kamito unbuttoned his shirt to reveal the scar on his chest –

"Aieeeeah!"

"What's with that cute shrill scream..."

"W-Who asked you to suddenly take off your clothes!"

Blushing in embarrassment, Claire yelped.

She sneaked a glance at Kamito's firm, muscled chest... and something started thumping wildly in her own chest.

"But, the thing is, Est still hasn't – "

Kamito cast his gaze downwards and shook his head.

"Oh..."

Looking at Kamito's sad hopeless expression, Claire could not help but also feel her heart aching for him.

Kamito was powerful, so powerful that he left his same-age counterparts at the Institutional school in the dust.

Precisely because of that, it was easy to forget one thing –

In truth, Kamito, like his friends, was just an easily hurt sixteen-year-old.

Claire leapt lightly onto the bed, leaned tenderly on Kamito's side and said:

"Don't worry, Est will definitely come back."

"Claire..."

Kamito suddenly lifted his head –

"... I can see your panties."

"... Huh? Waaaahhhh! Stupid... You're so stupid! Pervert!"

==Part 5==

The tower resonated with the music of the ball. Meanwhile, in the garden...

Stood that girl in the bright red mask.

"It is finally about to begin... Ren Ashbell."

"Yes."

A black-winged angel suddenly fell behind her.

The girl had hair as black as midnight and eyes as amber as the sunset; she was surely the darkness elemental Restia.

"It seems that... Kamito has passed your trial."

"That the blade spirit would move to take the brunt of the curse was a surprise to me, but that was only an emergency solution – the «gate» that has been opened will definitely not be able to close now."

Ren Ashbell spoke coldly.

"If he really becomes swallowed by the darkness, won't that ruin your plans?"

"If that man's tolerance level is so low, he would not be able to become my trump card, in any case."

"Have you found a Queen willing to serve him?"

"I have found several candidates to choose from, but that is none of your business."

"– The candidate you speak of wouldn't happen to be your sister, would it?"

All of a sudden, the grass and trees all around them burst into flames.

And in a moment, turned into ashes that scattered to the ground.

"Darkness elemental, you would do well to watch your tone of voice."

"Oooh, scary... I was just joking."

The only things to be heard in the darkness were the endless echoes of mocking laughter.

The black-winged darkness elemental had already disappeared, unnoticed.

Ren Ashbell smacked her lips lightly, and turned her gaze towards a cluster of trees in the garden.

"– Eavesdropping is an activity only for lowlifes... Dracunia girl."

"You mustn't be serious, you found out a long time ago, didn't you?"

The figure that emerged from behind the trees was indeed the Dracunia contestant Leonora Lancaster.

She was staring intently at Ren Ashbell with pupils glowing red.

She was emanating a dangerously murderous aura, so much so that anyone would have been aware of her presence.

She was holding a huge blade – the Dragon Slayer Sacred Sword.

"– Look at you all fierce-like, what highly important matter can I help you with?"

"The «dragon» within me wishes to do battle with a fellow strong warrior. I hope you will accept."

Although Leonora's choice of words was polite, her tone of voice revealed her unconcealable intense feelings.

Her eyes burned with the aggressive hunger of someone looking for a good fight. Anyone who knew her normal personality would surely think that this was someone else altogether.

"You have the Dracunia-inherited blood of the dragon, do you now – you certainly are one interesting girl."

Ren Ashbell mused from behind her mask.

"Come... Strongest blade dancer, draw your sword!"

Leonora grasped her sword tightly preparing herself to meet an attack. Her conscious mind tried to temper her impulsivity with logic and reason, but her body gave off an aura that made one think that she was liable to attack them at any moment.

"Think of your own standard and reconsider. A rookie like you isn't even worth using my Godslaying Flame on."

"You will... regret this... Ren Ashbell!"

Leonora, rendered incoherent by rage, charged forward with all her strength.

She struck a blow far stronger and faster than any mere human would have been able to muster.

In a flash, the stone flooring in the garden shattered into innumerable fragments and flew in all directions – !

Except –

"Nice move, but too bad... Swords can't cut through flames."

In the spot where Leonora's sword had struck, the figure of the Strongest Blade Dancer was nowhere to be found.

"... What!?"

Leonora turned; right then, a mighty force struck her directly on the chest.

"Oooh... Aaaah...!"

Leonora bent over in pain, and the masked girl murmured beside her ear:

"It might be interesting to take the «dragon» to meet the «demon king». Power like yours might just be useful to assist in his awakening."

"... What... are you... saying..."

With her hand still pressed to Leonora's chest, on the spot where her blow had struck her, Ren Ashbell chanted a brief curse.

A black flame emerged from her fingertips, then spread to Leonora's heart.

"Rejoice, Dracunia girl – I will tell you who your most suitable opponent is."

"Aaaaa... aaaaaaaaaaah!"

The girl's tortured cry reverberated through the garden –

Leonora then lost consciousness.

==Part 6==

In the darkness – Est sat, holding her knees, her head bowed, silent and deep in thought.

She was overjoyed that Kamito was willing to take her back.

She was also happy that he thought of her as an irreplaceable part of his existence.

However, Est was herself unable to return those feelings.

Because she was constrained by the memories given to her by her «main body».

– Becoming his sword was an unforgivable action.

– Becoming his sword was an unforgivable action.

– Becoming his sword was an unforgivable action.

The mantra repeated itself continuously, endlessly.

Blade spirit Est – her existence was a sin branded on her body that could never be removed.

"... Kamito... I... I can no longer..."

In the unknown darkness, Est began to cry.

==Part 7==

The Savior Queen stood for a long while on the vast mountainous plains, her sword plunged into the ground.

Her current state was nothing like the Sacred Queen the people knew of – her pure white armor was stained with blood and filth, while her usual optimism was nowhere to be found.

The girl was battling enemies greater than just the armies of the Demon King.

She also had to face endless victories and losses, schemes and betrayals.

Somewhere along the way, the number of people she could trust dwindled down to one – the sword that had fought alongside her the entire journey.

"Let me ask you, Est..."

"Mistress, what request do you have?"

"Are you willing to stay by my side always?"

The girl broke into a smile reserved only for her best friend – the tender smile of a innocent shepherd girl.

"I am your sword; I will protect you until the end of your life."

"You are right... You are my sword, and for now that is all that matters."

At Est's emotionless response, the girl smiled a hollow smile.

"Mistress?"

"But, one day, when the demon king is defeated, when this war is over, I hope you can become – "

Then, the girl had said something –

Something that, no matter how hard she tried, Est simply could not remember.

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Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume5 Chapter5

2013-02-23T07:12:01Z

Worker:

=Chapter 5: The Princess Maiden of the Grand Shrine=
==Part 1==
"I never imagined that... under the Sanctuary, there are actually such enormous caves!"

"Yes, I don't think even the princess maidens at the «Divine Ritual Institute» know that these caves exist."

Holding in one hand the spirit ore to light their path, Kamito made his way through the gigantic underground caves.

These caves, made by unknown men, were practically big enough to contain the entire Grand Shrine.

In between the stalactites were massive spiderwebs, bats danced in flight over their heads, and swarms of little bugs on the ground made Fianna shriek involuntarily.

"Your highness, are you all right?"

"I... I am but the esteemed second princess of the Empire... H-How can these mere bugs scare me... Aaaaah!"

"Why be so stubborn... Hey, watch your step."

As the princess let out a shrill scream of fear, Kamito grasped her hand tightly.

"K-Kamito? Wh...?"

"It's a man's duty to protect a woman... Or do you mean to say you dislike holding boys' hands?"

"N-No, it's not that... It's just..."

"Your shriek just now was actually quite cute, you know."

"... I-I hate you! You're so mean, Kamito..."

At Fianna's pouting expression, Kamito could not help but laugh.

Although she liked to tease Kamito mercilessly, once this princess was given a taste of her own medicine, she would immediately reveal her pure shy original side.

"Oh, that's right... Why would you know such a place?"

"When I was still studying at the Institute, I came to this floating island as part of a ritual for the Wind Elemental Lord. A senior told me of this place."

"A senior... Who's that?"

"The Calamity Queen – Rubia Elstein-san."

"... What?!"

At that, Kamito let out an uncontrollable yelp.

"You are old friends with Claire's older sister?"

"Yes. I don't have many close friends, and she... used to be one of them."

Fianna's expression suddenly darkened and grew lonely, and she muttered in the past tense.

"Here, even the highest ranked princess maidens are ordered to stop, so I too don't know why she would know of these caves—"
Right at that moment...

"Shhh... Don't say a word!"

Kamito stopped in his tracks and whispered to Fianna.

"What is it?"

"... There's someone nearby."

"How is that possible!? Only I know about th—"

Midway through her sentence, Fianna hastily fell silent.

Because she, too, had noticed the sounds of people talking.

—And if... body cannot bear it, what... do then...

—If so, it will mean... does not have the right to... that's all."

The words reverberated through the caves.

Because of the way the cave walls reflected sound, there was no way of telling how far they were from the speakers.

However, Kamito was certain that he had heard the voice somewhere before.

"That's Muir Alenstarl... So the one speaking to her must be—"

Kamito held onto Fianna’s shoulders protectively, and took a deep breath to control his emotions.

"Why would that bastard be here..!"

No mistake about it – the one talking to Muir was indeed Ren Ashbell.

—The very person who carved the «Brand of Darkness» on Kamito, and the very person responsible for the disappearance of Est.

"Damn it..."

If he had been in any condition to, Kamito would have rushed up to confront her.

However, Kamito currently lacked even the ability to summon spirits for battle.

Furthermore, he could not put Fianna in danger.

Kamito could hence only suppress his feelings of anger and aggression, and remain silently in hiding.

The pair's conversation finally ceased.

"... I think they've left."

"Yeah."

Kamito let down his guard, took a breath and said:

"—What... on earth were they just doing?"

"I imagine... maybe performing some kind of ritual magic."

"Ritual magic?"

"Indeed. I heard what sounded like chanting in spirit language, but it sounded a little different to ordinary spirit language... It felt a little sinister, and it made my hair stand."

Fianna's shoulders quivered in fear.

"Why choose such a place to perform ritual magic—"

Kamito furrowed his brow in confusion.

"Hmmm... Say, Kamito?"

"Yes?"

"H-How long are you planning to hug me for?"

"S-Sorry!"

As Fianna blushed furiously, Kamito hastily let go of her.

==Part 2==

"Oooh... What's wrong with coming along, Kamito you dummy!"

Back in her room, Claire muttered to herself unhappily while collapsing on her bed.

As Ellis and Rinslet were both with their families, who had come to cheer them on, Claire was alone with Scarlet in the house.

"Stupid..."

Casting her face downwards, Claire clutched her pillow tightly.

They definitely had valid reasons, and even, in a manner of speaking, no choice but to leave her by herself.

... However, she couldn't help but feel lonely, as if she had been abandoned by her teammates.

"Who knows... what the two of them are doing..."

As they had left the room, Fianna had even pressed her bosom against Kamito's arm.

Kamito had looked a little surprised, but... how should she say this... seemingly not too repelled either.

"E-Either way, whatever that rascal does with that lascivious princess, it's none of my business..."

... Nevertheless, the bothersome feeling was still gnawing away at her chest.

"... Boys, do they all like big-chested girls?"

Perhaps it was what she had seen in the forbidden books in the Biblion, which detailed a wide variety of rituals involving the bodies of princess maidens, but Claire found herself even more self-conscious about her unimpressive chest.

"S-So unbelievable... That one would actually wedge t-that sort of thing in between...!"

Just the mere passing thought of it left Claire so embarrassed she blushed hotly.

"Put in between..."

Rub rub. Squeeze squeeze.

As a test, she gently rubbed her own tiny breasts.

... It was no good. With such a small chest, it was impossible for her to hold such a thing as illustrated in the book.

The most she would be able to do was rub it on the surface—

"Aaah... W-What nonsense am I thinking!"

Her face red, Claire clutched at her pillow wildly.

"Meow—?"

"S-Scarlet! G-G-G-Go away!"

Claire threw her pillow aside; startled, Scarlet fled from the room.

"..."

She was now truly completely alone in the room.

"... Why don't I... t-t-try out what was written in that book?"

Claire swallowed.

The forbidden book mentioned earlier also contained a method to enlarge one's chest.

Making use of the intelligence that had allowed her to achieve such stellar grades in the Academy, Claire took advantage of a moment when Ellis and Rinslet were distracted to memorize the contents of the script.

"... I-I have to try it to know whether or not it'll really work."

She cleared her throat and removed a small stone from her bag.

A low-level «Thunder Spirit» was sealed within that spirit ore. Although this type of spirit ore was expensive, it was also not especially rare; its original purpose was to scare away wild forest creatures.

Claire put it on her white underclothes, and through the cloth gently massaged her chest.

"Mmm..."

The sharp tip of the stone rubbed against her chest painfully, but Claire told herself to be brave and bear it.

She focused on her fingers, concentrating her Divine Power in the spirit ore.

The normal way of using it would be to summon a burst of Divine Power into it, releasing the spirit sealed within. The trick to this method seemed to be to input Divine Power in a slow, more controlled manner, which would need much more skill – however, this was child's play for an elementalist as talented as Claire.

"Th-This will really enlarge my chest..? Aieeee!"

The sealed spirit suddenly began responding, releasing weak sparks of energy into Claire's body.

The intoxicating comforting feeling made her tremble right down to her fingertips.

"W-What is going on... Uhhh... Aaaah!"

[[File:STnBD V05 137.jpg|thumbnail|right]]

Claire twisted about making noises, pressing the still-sparking spirit ore against her chest.

"Aaaa-aaah, mmm, aah-ha, aah... oooh..."

Unable to bear the intoxicating pain, she grasped her bedsheets in her fist and gasped deep breaths.

"I must b-be strong, so that my c-chest will get bigger... Aaaah!"

Suddenly, an even stronger jolt of energy surged through her, causing Claire to tremble uncontrollably and lean her body backwards.

''W-What now, I c-can't stop..!''

As the sweet pain coursed through her, Claire felt herself begin to lose consciousness.

"—What, you rascal, so you'd like me to do these things to you?"

For some unknown reason, at that moment, an image of Kamito floated into Claire's mind. The imaginary Kamito was even looking at her with an expression like in her favorite romance novels... a cool, cruel, haughty expression.

"O-Of course! Stupid... Stop now, don't go on any more!"

"Oh... You really wish for me to stop?"

"Huh? .... Aaaa!"

"Look at you, what are those sounds you're making? You really are a dirty young miss."

"Oooh, mmm... W-Who says... Aaaah..."

"Why don't you admit your true feelings, young lady?"

"What t-true feelings... aaaah... ohhh!"

"Uh... That..."

"... Whew... oooh... Kamito, you stu..."

"That... Claire-sama?"

"... Huh!?"

A voice beside her ear jolted Claire back into reality.

Outside the door stood a youthful princess maiden holding a box.

"Waaaah... W-What are you doing!?"

"I-I'm sorry for disturbing you! The door wasn't locked, so—"

The girl nodded in profuse apology.

"C-Can I help you with anything?"

Claire sat up primly, cleared her throat and asked.

"Yes, indeed, someone requested I give you this—"

The girl placed the box in her hands on a rack beside the door.

The box was marked with a seal that Claire was very familiar with.

"This is from the Academy Director Greyworth... What could it be?"

Claire opened the box. Inside were huge quantities of books and documents.

==Part 3==

"– You mean to say, you had a dream about Sacred Queen Areishia?"

"Mmm... I just can't seem to forget about it, that's all."

In the pitch-black cave –

Kamito walked along while telling Fianna of his dream earlier that day.

That dream – in which Sacred Queen Areishia used the «Demon Slaying Sacred Sword» to vanquish the Demon King.

Kamito somehow felt that the contents of the dream might have had something to do with Est.

"That would indeed be a memorable dream..."

Fianna put a hand on her chin and thought for a moment, then said:

"Perhaps... What happened was Kamito's thoughts and feelings mixing with Est's."

"What does that mean?"

Kamito only knew a little about these academic matters, but Fianna was once an outstanding princess maiden, so she was very knowledgeable in these areas.

"It's not unusual for elementalists and their contract spirits to have a mental connection in their dreams. Especially when the «gate» between them cannot be opened, such a phenomenon will become even more common."

As Fianna talked, she gestured with her index finger.

"When I lost my connection to my contract spirit, I would frequently dream of a knight charging forth on the battlefield."

The rider in her dream was probably the spirit «Georgios» she commanded. By the looks of it, even if the elementalist lost their power, the connection between the two did not break completely.

"That dream – you don't say it's part of Est's memory?"

If that were true, Est was really the true Demon Slayer Sacred Sword?

"Mmm... To be sure, the picture should have been formed by the mixing of Est's and Kamito's memories – "

Saying this, Fianna suddenly stopped in her tracks.

"I can understand what you're feeling... Because the same tragedy happened to me before."

"Fianna..."

Kamito also stopped and turned to face her.

The second princess of the Empire, the impending successor to Rubia, the anticipated heir princess maiden. Unfortunately, when she lost the ability to command spirits and became a fallen princess maiden, those around her reversed their attitudes and regarded her only with disappointment.

For the young, innocent girl, that would certainly have been an unimaginable horror.

"But Fianna, you did not just give up because of that."

"That was only because of Kamito's efforts."

Looking at him directly, she replied.

"My efforts?"

"Three years ago, the blade dance you presented gave me, a lost elementalist, renewed hope and inspiration. If not for you, Kamito, I suppose I would still be hiding away in the castle right now."

"You exaggerate too much."

Embarrassed, Kamito shook his head.

"Of course not, moreover... Since then, I have felt towards Kamito—"

At that moment, a group of bats suddenly flew past their heads.

"Aaaah!"

Fianna shrieked involuntarily.

Kamito waved the lantern about, only then did the bats fly away, frightened.

"... All right, it's fine now. That's right... What were you about to say just now?"

"N-Nothing! It was nothing!"

Fianna mumbled to herself as if to shrug the matter off, then continued onwards.

... For a lengthy while after, all was quiet between the two apart from the sound of footfalls.

"Oh, Kamito, you don't plan on telling Claire your true identity?"

Fianna's sudden question came out of nowhere.

"Mmm, forget it... If I caused someone's dream to be ruined, I would never be able to live with myself."

For a longed-for dream that always remained a dream was the most perfect of all.

The strongest blade dancer three years ago was long gone now.

It would be better for "her"to remain merely in the imaginations of Claire and her friends.

"Furthermore... If they were to find out about my habit of dressing as a girl, they would surely laugh at me to no end."

Looking down at his outfit, Kamito muttered to himself.

"Hee hee... Does that mean I'm the only one to share in Kamito's little secret?"

Fianna suddenly let slip a gleeful smile, and clutched tightly at Kamito's arm.

"Hey, watch your step."

"It doesn't matter anyway, even if I were to trip, Kamito will catch me before I fall."

"You rascal... Some princess you are, please be a bit more wary of men!"

"Huh, don't you know? In front of a boy she likes, a princess is but an ordinary girl!"

The princess stuck her tongue out at Kamito mischievously.

Her adorable response made Kamito's heart quicken.

"My dear princess, stop joking around with me."

"... I hate you, I wasn't joking."

== Part 4==

After quite a while, the two of them finally arrived at the secret tunnels of the Grand Temple.

The path overhead was blocked by a giant stone slab, on which were cramped carvings of words in spirit language.

The exit was right here; the courtyard of the Grand Temple was just outside.

"Kamito, may I climb on your shoulders?"

"Sure, no problem."

Nodding, Kamito bent to allow Fianna to get up.

The feel of her tender thighs on the back of his neck made Kamito's heart involuntarily leap into his throat – how he hoped she would not get mad at him because of that.

"S-Speaking of which... I really don't have to hide my face?"

"Something so suspicious would in fact make us more easily discovered. Besides, I'm a girl and even I think Kamito looks very pretty, so you don't need to worry at all."

"Such praise really doesn't make me feel any better..."

Then, Fianna chanted what sounded like a magical curse. The spirit words on the stone shone brightly blue, and the entire slab split cleanly down the middle and opened outwards.

Bright moonlight beamed directly into the dark cave.

Night had already fallen upon the outside world, and a bonfire was burning to light the enormous courtyard.

"—It looks like no one's around, let's go now."

Fianna reached out and placed a hand on the ground, then slowly climbed out.

Kamito leaped up in one bound, and followed closely behind her.

Fortunately, the ritual clothing had a long skirt, so even if Kamito were to look up, Fianna's panties would still be hidden.

"What a pity... I'd even specially worn Kamito's favorite knickers today."

"I-I don't even l-like... suspenders!"

"Oooh, it looks like I've hit upon the truth!"

"Uhhh..."

Looking at Kamito's vexed expression, Fianna broke out into peals of laughter.

After climbing to ground level, the two of them hurried to the stone corridor in front of the courtyard.

"I say... If we're found out, will we have to escape from every single Guardian spirit here?"

"Don't look guilty, and we won't be found out."

The two of them exchanged nervous whispers while walking along the stone corridor stretched out before them.

At that moment, a princess maiden appeared in front of them and began walking towards them.

"Ooh!?l

Kamito's heart jolted, and his facial expression hardened.

The girl drew ever closer, step by step—

Just as they were about to pass each other, she suddenly stopped before them and said:

"Please, where are you headed to?"

"To Reicha-sama's chambers. Reicha-sama says she's feeling unwell, so..."

"Oh, is that so? Sorry for your trouble."

Fianna answered the questioning princess maiden with a calm, composed expression on her face, and the latter then turned and left.

"Look, didn't we just successfully pass this trial?"

"Wow... The bravery of the princess maiden really is something else. I was so scared my heart almost stopped "

For a male to enter the «Divine Ritual Institute» was absolutely unheard of. A rule of such importance had never been broken before.

If they were to be caught, in the best case they would be executed, while in the worst case... Never mind, it was best not to think about it.

"This way."

Fianna, who was walking in front, gestured surreptitiously with her hand.

Following her lead—

"..."

– The pair reached the end of the lengthy corridor, where there were a set of grand doors decorated with intricate carvings.

The decor of this door was noticeably different to the other doors: inlaid on the frame of the door were several very pure and valuable spirit ores.

"... Uh... Fianna, may I ask a question?"

Kamito inquired, a twitching expression on his face.

"What is it?"

"This door wouldn't happen to be... Never mind, I guess it goes without saying..."

"Indeed, it's just what Kamito thinks."

Fianna shrugged her shoulders at Kamito naughtily.

"I've no choice... Which other princess maidens of higher status than I are there, other than these ladies?"

"Are you serious?"

"Don't worry, I'm absolutely certain."

Finishing her sentence, Fianna knocked smartly on the door thrice, according to the proper regulations.

The duo waited for a while—

Finally, the grand doors gradually opened.

The sight that greeted them was—

A red carpet that stretched out straight before them, and brightly glittering spirit ores.

This was a holy space, filled with the aura of somber tranquility.

A thin curtain hung at the far end of the room; behind that was the silhouette of a small slight figure.

"What does the visitor want? I believe I have already instructed not to have my meal—"

The high stately voice rang out into the hall.

However, undeterred, Fianna walked forward and said:

"Long time no see, Reicha. How have you been lately?"

"... Huh?"

The maiden hastily pulled aside the curtain, then – her jaw dropped in shock.

"... It can't be, Fianna-sempai!?"

==Part 5==

Reicha Alminas.

She was one of the «Queens» to have gained the honor of serving the five Elemental Lords.

There were only five Queens in the entire continent, and they were the most eminent of all princess maidens.

Although Fianna had said she wanted to bring Kamito to meet a high-ranked princess maiden—

He had never for a moment dreamed that she was referring to a current Queen.

"Why didn't you tell me this before?"

"Because... If I had, you wouldn't have come, would you Kamito?"

Kamito could not hide his conflicting feelings. Likewise, the girl seated beside him was also nervously averting her gaze, and looked rather uneasy.

The girl had glossy black hair neatly done up in braids, and cute eyes like that of a small animal.

Dressed in bright red ritual clothing, she looked like a butterfly about to take flight.

At fifteen, she was a year younger than Kamito. Like Rubia Elstein, she was one of Fianna's few close friends and confidantes while she was at the «Divine Ritual Institute».

She served the Fire Elemental Lord – in other words, she succeeded the Calamity Queen elementalist's position.

Kamito had already introduced himself, removed his disguise, and revealed that he was in truth male.

Upon discovering that Kamito was in fact male, Reicha very nearly fainted on the spot, and only managed to stay conscious thanks to Fianna's eloquent explanations.

"I-I-If I am ungracious, it is because it is my f-first time talking to a male..."

"N-Never mind. I should be the one apologizing, to barge in on you suddenly like this."

Looking at the Queen bobbing her head apologetically in his direction, Kamito also bowed his head in response.

Despite obviously being the highest ranked princess maiden in the continent, she was nonetheless humble and polite.

Due to her rank, Kamito should have used genteel, formal language when addressing her. However, regardless of that fact, she nonetheless looked like an ordinary young girl, so Kamito could not help but speak to her as an equal.

"Hee hee, little Reicha is still as cute as ever."

Fianna smiled mischievously and reached out to feel her small chest.

"Ah – ! S-Sempai, what are you doing!"

"Your chest seems to have gotten a little bigger?"

"Oooh... I-I really haven't...!"

Reicha blushed and twisted her body defensively.

... Even if she was indeed an old friend, to do something like that to a Queen was pushing it a little, wasn't it?

Kamito broke out into a cold sweat and averted his eyes awkwardly.

The two girls reminisced fondly for a while, then—

"Reicha, actually... I have a favor to ask of you."

Fianna made her request with a serious expression.

"A favor – yes?"

Reicha blinked, not understanding.

"Mmhmm, I need to borrow your power, to break the curse on him – Kamito."

"You mean to say this male has been cursed?"

The Fire Queen asked, turning to look at Kamito.

"My blade spirit might have been trapped by this curse. Please save her, I beg you."
Kamito placed both his hands on the ground and pleaded with Reicha with all his heart.

"That is a curse so strong that even I cannot break it. However, you have received the blessing of the Fire Elemental Lord; with that power, you can surely destroy even the harshest of curses."

"You are right. If I use the «Sacred Flames of Judgment», any curse will turn into smoke, that's true. But..."

Reicha lowered her head and mumbled.

It was only natural that she would hesitate.

Even on the behest of one of her best friends, Fianna, she was nevertheless a «Queen» who had to follow rules and do things by the book.

Using the Fire Elemental Lord's power for personal gains was an act that would never be condoned.

A long period of silence ensued, and then—

"I know."

"Huh?"

At that, Kamito raised his head and regarded Reicha quizzically.

"Because it is sempai's request, so... But only this once; I will not make this exception again."

The Fire Queen let out a sigh, and nodded her head as if making a decision.

==Part 6==

After a while more—

"– Now then, let's begin the ritual."

Reicha, who had changed into a set of pure white ritual clothes, knelt demurely in front of Kamito.

Her serene, assured appearance contrasted sharply with that of the nervous, embarrassed young girl just a while ago; they seemed like virtually two different people.

So as not to disrupt the ritual, Fianna had retreated to a corner of the room to guard them from afar.

"I'll leave everything in your hands, R-Reicha-sama."

"Please, just call me Reicha, Kamito-sama."

The Fire Queen smiled quietly, then caressed Kamito's hand gently.

"Will you be scared – I mean, scared to touch a male's body?"

"... To be honest, yes, a little scared. But... you are a friend of my sempai."

"It seems like you trust Fianna a lot."

"... Yes, indeed. Fianna-sempai was one of the only people to stand by my side."

Reicha mumbled to herself, as if recalling a faraway memory of some past event.
The rapport between the two seemed to go deeper than mere friendship.

"Also, I can feel it, you're not a dangerous evil person."

"Is that so?"

"Don't judge me based on my looks and age. I am after all a Queen, and I am quite confident in my ability to assess people."

Reicha said with a genuine smile.

Her smile was full of charm, and could easily mesmerize someone looking at it.

"Now, then, Kamito-sama, please remove your shirt."

"Oh... Mmm-hmm..."

Kamito nodded, and took off the thin tunic he was wearing under the princess maiden dress.

The «Brand of Darkness» on his chest, positioned just above his heart, had turned into a pitch-black wound.

"Ahhh... T-That's really something...!"

Reicha clapped both hands to her cheeks, blushing furiously red.

"T-This is my first time seeing a m-male's body..."

"Oh, is that so..."

Kamito looked away, feeling a little uneasy.

To have his naked body scrutinized so closely by a girl made him mysteriously embarrassed.

"Kamito, your face is very red."

Standing at a side of the room, Fianna said, then immediately coughed a few times.

Reicha stretched out a hand nervously to touch Kamito's chest.

"... Very... very firm and solid!"

"It's alright, it's a result of all the training at the Instructional School..."

The Queen's slim fingers wandered along Kamito's naked upper body, making him itch slightly.

However, where her fingers touched, he suddenly felt waves of aching pain.

Then, Reicha shut her eyes, and solemnly began chanting a curse in spirit language.

"O supreme master of all earthly flames, our harsh judge and great warrior—

These were the words of the prayer for a ritual dedicated to the «Fire Elemental Lord».

Reicha's hair started blowing wildly as if by a hot gust of wind, and a bright white light shone at her fingertips.

"Sacred Flames of Judgment – redeem our sins and cleanse our filth—

The words coming from her thin pale lips were the highest level of spirit language, the High Ancient.

The little girl before his eyes seemed to be possessed.

"... Oooo, uhhhhh...!"

Kamito let out uncontrollable moans of pain.

The bright blue flames from Reicha's fingertips were burning his skin, scorching his flesh.

"Oww... aaaaaaaa... aaah—!"

The unimaginable pain seemed to morph into the roar of a monstrous beast, which rushed out of Kamito's throat.

He felt a sharp tinnitus, as if fireworks were exploding in his head. Sweat oozed from his every pore, and his muscles tensed so hard as to nearly break his bones.

"Into ash and dust! Your flames can purify all darkness, burn away all curses!"

The «Brand of Darkness» imprinted on Kamito's chest suddenly started burning intensely.

"... – !"

Kamito burst into wordless howls.

In his quickly fading awareness – Kamito felt a dull pain coming from his right hand.

''– Could it be... Est's spirit mark...!?''

Just as he saw, from the corner of his eye, his spirit mark radiating a bright light—

Kamito lost consciousness, and plunged into darkness.

<noinclude>{{SeireiDance Nav|prev=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume5 Chapter4|next=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume5 Chapter6}}</noinclude>

Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume5 Chapter4

2013-02-23T07:11:54Z

Worker:

=Chapter 4: Laurenfrost Sisters=
==Part 1==
Kamito and the others returned to the tower just before the sun had fully sunk past the horizon.

As with yesterday, there was a ball in the great hall of the tower. This one had nothing to do with the commencement ceremony, however; it was simply an activity organized for the aristocrats, so there were virtually no elementalists participating. As they were to do battle in the main tournament event the very next day, they were simply not in the mood to go to something as frivolous as a ball.

Kamito returned to his own room and gathered the things he would take with him tomorrow.

The items he put into the bag included some easy-to-carry food and a lantern made of spirit ore, and other necessities for survival in the forest.

As the rules of the game limited the weight of things he could bring with him, the items had to be carefully selected

"The individual fight three years ago was much easier than this..."

At that time, Kamito only had to concern himself with beating the opponent immediately in front of him.

However, this time, he would have to make plans to ensure the survival of all his group members.

Because alone, Kamito was no match for Ren Ashbell.

No... as things were right now, without Est, he probably did not have enough power to beat even Leonora Lancaster and the other elementalist teams.

"... I must not become a burden to the others."

Kamito muttered to himself. Then –

From outside the room came sounds made by lovely girls.

"Wow, so beautiful! My sister's hair is really pretty!"

"Ah ah... Mireille, don't pull my hair!"

... That was Rinslet's voice.

"What is it?"

Kamito opened the door and walked to the hallway –

And saw a little girl playfully tugging at Rinslet's hair.

"...... Rinslet, what're you doing?"

"Ah... Kamito-san!?"

At the sound, Rinslet turned her head in surprise.

"Kamito?"

The little girl playing with her hair turned to face Kamito too.

Just like Rinslet, the little girl also had a head of gorgeous pale gold hair.

The white dress she was wearing contrasted very nicely with her clear emerald-green eyes.

The little girl looked to be about seven or eight. While she was still young, she looked extremely cute, and somewhat alike to Rinslet.

"Oh wow, it's Kamito onii-chan! Look, I see Kamito-chan!"

Grinning widely, the girl took big strides towards Kamito –

And, with a bump, buried her head in Kamito's tummy.

"Ahhh... what!?"

Stunned, Kamito could not respond, but Rinslet hastily ran over, saying:

"Mireille, you cannot do that! You are a lady of the Laurenfrost family, how can you display such thoroughly indecent behavior! "

"It doesn't matter, Kamito-chan will soon be Mireille's brother-in-law anyway."

"... What?"

Upon hearing the girl's words, Kamito could not help but frown in puzzlement.

"M-M-Mirelle! W-W-W-What rubbish are you saying!"

"Huh? Doesn't sister always write in her letters to me... ooo, ooo..."

Rinslet quickly put her hand over the girl's mouth.

Kamito scratched his head and said:

"... Uh, this kid... is Rinslet's younger sister?"

"That's right. My name is Mireille Laurenfrost, and I am the third daughter of the Laurenfrost family."

Breaking free of Rinslet's grasp, the girl curtsied to Kamito like a perfect aristocrat.

Her lively emerald-green eyes danced cutely.

When she grew up, she would surely be a noble beauty, just like Rinslet.

"I am Kazehaya Kamito, teammate of Rinslet –"

"I know, little pet dog of your teammate and my elder sister, right?"

Mirelle smiled sweetly and said.

"L-Little pet dog, what the hell?"

"M-Mirelle! Stop talking nonsense!"

Rinslet quickly hushed her, but Mirelle simply wore an innocent look and continued:

"Huh, that's not right? Then, is it... boyfriend?"

"O-Of course not! H-H-How can he be... b-boyfriend..."

The elder of the two sisters clapped her hands to her cheeks, her face so red she looked about to go up in smoke.

"Oooh... elder sister is embarrassed now, how cute!"

"... Hmph, I h-hate you, stop speaking nonsense to bully me!"

[[File:STnBD V05 111.jpg|thumbnail|right]]

Rinslet gently patted Mireille on the back.

Looking at the two of them, Kamito could not hold back a smile.

''... Silly Rinslet, losing all dominance before her little sister.''

While this scene was indeed hilarious, to be mistaken for Kamito's lover or girlfriend was certainly not very nice for Rinslet.

Kamito gently placed his hand on Mirelle's head.

"Ai!"

Mirelle squealed as if she was being tickled.

"I am not Rinslet's pet dog, or her boyfriend. You shouldn't vex your sister like that."

"... Oh... uh-huh. Kamito-kun, I'm sorry."

Blushing slightly, Mirelle nodded.

It seemed that, like her sister, she was a naturally honest and good child.

"Oooh... you didn't have to deny it so thoroughly..."

For some unknown reason, Rinslet pursed her lips and bore a slightly unhappy expression.

Then –

"It can't be Kamito-san, the one who captured all three of us young ladies with your sweet talk..."

"Carol!? When did you come –"

The maid, who had appeared out of nowhere, smiled and chuckled.

At Carol's words, Rinslet stared at Kamito in astonishment and said:

"K-Kamito-san... n-no, I will not have a threesome with my sister!"

"Rinslet... Are you thinking of rude indecent things?"

Rinslet took a step forward and reached out as if to protect her sister, while Kamito rolled his eyes at her.

"I-I think, if I'm together with my big sister... I don't mind doing anything at all."

This little sister was really something, to say such odd things.

Carol cleared her throat, pinched the back of Mirelle's neck and said:

"All right, Mirelle-san... your elder sister has things to do, so let's be good and go back to our room."

"Oooh... but I still want to play more with Kamito-kun."

Seeing that Mirelle was about to defiantly shake her head in refusal, Carol whispered in her ear:

"Be good, you mustn't disrupt your sister's private time!"

"Oh... t-true. I see, Carol."

Mirelle abruptly stopped her fuss and grasped Rinslet's arm tightly.

"Sister, I'll be cheering you on tomorrow, you must save Judia and bring her back!"

Her innocent, smiling expression suddenly turned very serious.

Opposite her, Rinslet also nodded with a look of firm determination.

"I know, leave it to me."

Mirelle gently released her sister's arm, broke out into her original smile, and turned towards Kamito.

"Kamito-kun, after the Blade Dance ends, you must come visit our Laurenfrost area."

"Mmm, I know."

"If Kamito-kun could really be my brother-in-law, that would be so great..."

"Huh?"

With those words, which left Kamito shaken, Mirelle –

Exited from the other end of the hallway, accompanied by Carol.

"I h-hate her... taking care of this little sister really gives me a headache..."

"But Rinslet is an elder sister who really knows how to take care of people."

"B-But of course, I am after all the eldest sister of the house."

Rinslet rumpled her long hair, a little embarrassed.

Kamito suddenly grew curious about the name Mirelle had mentioned in passing.

"Oh yes, who was that Judia person you two talked about just now?"

"..."

A dark cloud passed over Rinslet's face.

"S-Sorry... did I just ask a question I shouldn't have?"

"N-No, not at all!"

Lowering her gaze, and shaking her head, Rinslet said:

"Judia is my other sister, the second Laurenfrost daughter."

"So you have another sister."

"Mmm. She's now in the Laurenfrost castle, in a long unwakeable sleep."

Tearfully, Rinslet told the whole story to Kamito.

The second daughter of the Laurenfrost family, Judia Laurenfrost, was originally a highly ranked, excellent princess maiden of the «Divine Ritual Institute». However, just a few years ago, while performing a sacrificial ritual towards the Water Elemental Lord, she made a mistake. In a fury, the Elemental Lord imprisoned her in a curse of never-melting ice.

The Earl of Laurenfrost had recruited elementalists from all over the empire in an attempt to break the curse, but to no avail. Despite possessing the power of a variety of high-level spirits, they could not break the curse.

After that, Judia had lain unmoving, dormant in a deep sleep..

"... a curse of the Water Elemental Lord? That must be something no human elementalist can break."

"Yes, there remains only one way to save Judia."

Clenching her fists, Rinslet continued: "That is the reward of the Blade Dance victors – the Elemental Lord's blessing. My «wish» will be for the Water Elemental Lord to have mercy and bestow his forgiveness, to let me save Judia."

"Rinslet..."

Her words rekindled a fire in Kamito's mind.

''Yes, it's not just me...''

Claire, Ellis, Fianna... and Rinslet as well. His partners in the «Blade Dance» all had a strong unshakeable motivation.

The disappearance of Est, right before his very eyes, had dampened Kamito's spirits and made him a little more withdrawn.

However, he could not afford such excuses.

Resting both his hands on Rinslet's shoulders, Kamito told her:

"Rinslet, we absolutely must achieve the final victory."

"Y-Yes, you're right!"

Rinslet blushed and smiled happily.

Probably because she usually preferred to wear a stubborn, haughty look, Kamito felt that this candidly smiling Rinslet looked immensely adorable.

"Well, Kamito-san... I'll head back to my room and get ready."

"Sure."

Rinslet shyly turned and dashed towards the other end of the corridor.

"... Well then, I too will continue my preparations."

Kamito shrugged his shoulders and started back towards his room. Then –

"Hee hee... Kamito, you're just as popular as ever."

"Fianna!?"

Fianna was standing at Kamito's door, and appeared to have been there for quite a while.

"How was it? Had a good date with Claire and the rest?"

The second royal princess smiled and teased Kamito.

"... Date? Not at all, that was just –"

Midway through his sentence, Kamito stopped, not knowing how best to continue.

From an objective point of view, it did indeed look like a date... maybe.

Furthermore, it looked like an outing of a frivolous womanizer with three pure, untarnished beauties.

At Kamito's reaction, Fianna sighed, dumbfounded, and said:

"Ah... I see Kamito now is not just a devil at night, but a devil in the daytime as well."

"... Devil in the daytime, what's that?"

"Never mind, it was I who got you guys to go out and have fun... from now on it'll be my turn to show you my moves."

"... Your turn, your moves? What do you mean?"

Kamito tilted his head, not understanding.

Fianna suddenly looked serious.

"I found an acquaintance who can break the curse on you."

"Really!?"

While Kamito and the others were touring the streets, Fianna had been searching for people who could destroy the «Brand of Darkness».

"... Fianna, thank you very much."

"You're welcome ... However, there still remains one problem."

"A problem?"

"As she is a high-ranked princess maiden, I cannot simply ask her to leave the Grand Shrine, so meeting with her will be a bit difficult. Thus, I will need you to come with me personally, Kamito."

"... Oh, so that's it? Of course I can go with you."

"Wonderful. So, without further ado, can I please ask you to hurry and change your clothes?"

"Change my clothes?"

"Yes, I recall that Kamito... you seem to be very good at dressing up as a girl?"

==Part 2==

– A few minutes later.

Before the mirror in the room stood a dark-haired girl.

"..."

"... This is too surprising, I never expected it to be so accurate."

"You rascal, don't tell me you're actually pleased..."

"N-No such thing, it's just our only solution."

Fianna gazed into the distance, trying to brush over the issue.

''She's definitely enjoying this...''

Kamito muttered testily.

Indeed, the reflected girl in the mirror was Kamito, wearing the ceremonial outfit of the «Divine Ritual Institute».

There was a black wig on his head and makeup powder on his face.

With even a layer of pale cherry-colored lipstick on his lips, he looked the very picture of a young maiden.

[[File:STnBD V05 119.jpg|thumbnail|right]]

"What a beauty... Although your outline is a little different, such beauty is unmistakable... You truly look like the former Ren Ashbell. If you walked the streets looking like this, you will certainly be the subject of much talk."

"H-Hey... could you keep it down –"

Kamito instinctively looked around.

Although they were indoors, it was no guarantee; walls had ears.

Upon seeing Kamito's embarrassed countenance, Fianna smiled sweetly and said:

"However this outfit really is a masterpiece. It's so pretty I want to call everyone over to feast their eyes on it."

"... Please don't!"

Kamito desperately pleaded with Fianna, as if begging for his life.

"Oh... careful, with such loud cries, you'll be heard by people in the corridor."

Suddenly, just at that moment –

From the other side of the door came the sound of something dropping to the floor.

"...!?"

Kamito turned in the direction of the sound –

"Ka-Ka-Kamito!? W-what in hell are you doing!?"

It was Claire, an expression of shock and horror on her face. Scattered on the floor were things that had fallen from her hands.

"C-Claire!? Y-You're mistaken it's not what you think – ah!"

Kamito rushed forward, wanting to explain himself.

However, in his haste, he tripped over the hem of the garment and fell, and the chest pad fell out of his chest and tumbled to the floor

... Everyone was silent for several seconds.

"Uh... Well, this..."

Breaking the silence, Claire opened her mouth and said:

"N-No, it doesn't matter... I don't mind! O-Only... I was just surprised to suddenly find out that you have such a hobby. U-Uh... everyone has their own hobbies, after all!"

"That's what I'm saying, you're mistaken!"

Kamito drew himself upright and explained loudly, but Claire played the fool and pretended not to hear.

"Y-You don't have to hide, it's all right! That... you look very appropriate in that, and I think you look pretty dressed as a girl. Although this hobby is something you probably don't want to make public, I support you, Kamito; I'm rooting for you, yeah!"

"I don't need your support!"

"Ha ha... Kamito, that's fantastic."

Fianna laughed, watching the duo.

"Fianna... I beg you, help me explain this to Claire, please."

"Well, I have no choice... I would have liked to see more of this good show."

"... What do you mean?"

Claire gave her a puzzled look.

"It's a long story... Kamito and I are about to sneak into the Grand Shrine, to ask a high-ranked princess maiden to destroy the «Brand of Darkness» on his body.

"You mean... the Grand Shrine?"

At this, Claire's jaw dropped in shock.

That was a perfectly understandable reaction. The Grand Shrine was after all the most holy area of the entire floating island, not accessible to even Blade Dance participants.

"W-What do you intend to do there! Don't you know that there are very powerful guardian spirits keeping watch over the place?"

"Obviously I don't plan to storm the front gates! We will enter through a secret passageway; therefore, I need Kamito to take on the appearance of a princess maiden."

"But... t-this is too dangerous..!"

"Then, you tell me, is there any other way to rid Kamito of the curse?"

"T-That..."

Seeing Claire at a loss for words, Kamito gently placed a hand on her head.

"Ah! ... W-What are you doing!"

"Don't worry, I won't be as clumsy as to get caught."

"..."

In response, Claire bit her lip nervously –

"Well, all right... I know..."

She nodded reluctantly.

"However, in that case, I have to come along too."

"That won't do. The fewer people sneaking in, the better. And Claire, your hair color simply stands out too much."

"Claire, are you worrying about me?"

"Stupid! O-Of course not."

"Rest assured, I will return Kamito safely to you in one piece."

"... Oooh... I w-wasn't even thinking anything of the sort!"

"Ha ha... Well then, I'll leave you to mind the house. Kamito, let's go."

Fianna waved goodbye to the furiously blushing Claire, who then –

Rushed over.

She pressed her soft chest to Kamito's arm.

"Hey hey! Fianna!?"

Butterflies in his stomach, Kamito blushed.

"Oooh... S-So what... Kamito you idiot!"

Claire rushed out of the room in tears.

==Part 3==

In this part of the floating island Ragna Ys were a chain of vast underground caves.

No one alive today knew when it had been constructed, or even for what purpose.

There was a figure standing at this place where even the highest ranked princess maidens were ordered to stop.

She was the girl in the bright red mask – Ren Ashbell.

She was in an area carved into a square space.

A stark contrast to the natural caves surrounding it, this room had obviously been built by man.

The small stone room was in fact the sacred True Sanctuary.

The Grand Shrine erected aboveground was merely there to provide a majestic appearance.

There was a rotting smell wafting about the place.

The masked girl was staring at the black sarcophagus placed in the middle of the room.

The mere presence of the sarcophagus gave its surroundings a sinister and ominous air.

"– I have searched for you for a long time, Ren Ashbell."

Out of the blue came the childish voice of a young maiden.

A gray-haired girl slowly walked out of the darkness.

She was Muir Alenstarl.

She, who had been missing since the battle last night, was the second-ranked «beast» in the Instructional School.

"It seems that the fourth person is finally here. Lily is fetching her here now."

"Is that so? That princess really brings trouble to other people."

The one they were talking about was the fourth member of Team Inferno – Sjora Kahn. She and Lily were different from Muir in that they had not been picked by Ren Ashbell's own people, but were elementalists appointed on recommendation by the religious Alphas Empire.

The Alphas Empire had not provided Ren Ashbell with any information on Sjora's abilities, because Sjora's other responsibility was to monitor all Ren Ashbell's actions.

"Muir Alenstarl... You looked for me only to talk to me about this?"

"Of course not. Let me ask you... you fiend, what have you done to my brother?"

Muir asked severely, as if a knife had been stabbed into her neck.

"You are dissatisfied with how I unleashed his full power?"

"It should be Muir's responsibility to awaken my own brother."

"It was not my intention to deny you that, but because of other reasons, I had no choice but to speed up the initial plan."

Ren Ashbell shrugged her shoulders, seemingly without any second thoughts.

"And if my brother's body cannot bear it, what do you intend to do then?"

"If so, it will mean that he does not have the right to be the one to succeed the Demon King – that's all."

"What are you saying...!"

At this, Muir's expression turned sharp and murderous.

"You can't accept that? Then next time... wake him using your own hands."

After saying that, Ren Ashbell tossed Muir a small, delicate ring.

"... And this is?"

"I got this «Mythical Class» ancient artifact from the old fogeys at Alphas. The three military spirits sealed within are all weapons that were scrapped by the international guidelines."

"Do you think Muir will be so easily bribed by this toy of yours?"

"This is merely a token of our good friendship; please accept it."

"... Hmph, I'll just watch and see how long you can endure this."

While putting on the ring, Muir glared angrily at her.

"Although Muir is helping you for now, I am not like Lily. If you dare lay a hand on my brother again, I will kill you without mercy."

"Whatever... Go ahead, if you can."

Ren Ashbell easily shrugged off Muir's ferocious glare, then –

Turned again towards the black sarcophagus.

"Speaking of which... What are you doing here?"

"A resurrection ritual."

"... Huh? What's that?"

"Bringing spirits of the dead back to the living world – the Institutional School regards this as the most forbidden act of all."

"Bringing spirits of the dead...?"

Ren Ashbell was placing a chain of jewels on the sarcophagus.

That was the «Blood Stone» – found only in the original spirit world, such a highly prized spirit ore contained power that ordinary spirit ores could not possibly rival.

Next, in a clear bright voice, she started singing a chant that sounded like a curse.

"O Nether World Elemental Lord, I humbly beg you to call back the souls of the seeds of darkness – "

From behind the mask came some hard-to-understand spirit language.

If there had been princess maidens from the Institute there, they would certainly be very surprised.

For only the highest ranked princess maidens were permitted to sing the High Ancient language.

Bump, bump – from the black sarcophagus came sounds like a heartbeat.

Suddenly, the bright red «Blood Stone» shattered!

Then –

Sizzle... Hiss... Sizzle

With tiny movements, the lid of the sarcophagus slowly opened, and from the resulting small crack – emerged something!

"W-What on earth... is this...?"

Muir Alenstarl could not help but flinch at the repellent, horrifying sight before her eyes.

"He is the previous Ren Ashbell – Nepenthes Lore."

Ren Ashbell's voice echoed brightly in the stone room suffused with the smell of rotting flesh.

"He is also – the fifth member of «Team Inferno»."

<noinclude>{{SeireiDance Nav|prev=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume5 Chapter3|next=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume5 Chapter5}}</noinclude>

Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume5 Chapter3

2013-02-23T07:11:46Z

Worker:

=Chapter 3: Dragonia's Allurement=
==Part 1==
After leaving the cafe, Kamito and the others took a stroll near the port.

Surrounded by the three lovely ladies, Kamito still received quite a few stares from passers-by that made him feel uncomfortable, but since they were some distance away from the centre of the shopping street, the situation was much better.

"Can we take a look in that store?"

Rinslet's outstretched hand was pointing at a stall that specialized in selling aristocratic dresses.

"No problem." "Yeah, I don't mind."

Claire and Ellis nodded in agreement.

"Rinslet, are you buying clothes now?"

Kamito asked, puzzled. As the Blade Dance would begin tomorrow, she would not have many opportunities to wear anything else other than her uniform.

"I'm not buying them for myself; I'm getting them for Carol and my little sister."

"Your sister?"

"Yes, my sister specially came to watch me show off my talents."

Rinslet fluffed her long hair happily.

At that moment, the maid Carol had arrived at the port ready to greet the girl Rinslet was talking about.

"Oh, turns out Rinslet has a little sister too... I imagine she must look just like her older sister; she must be a beautiful, pleasant child."

"K-Kamito-san, w-what nonsense are you spouting..."

At Kamito's casual thoughtless chatter, Rinslet blushed, embarrassed.

"M-My sisters are very good-looking as well!"

"My sister Velsaria is a beauty too!"

"Uh... why are you guys suddenly saying all these..."

Claire and Ellis felt an inexplicable sense of competitiveness.

"Well, I'll wait patiently outside. Call me when you're done."

As Kamito turned to leave, Claire tugged on his sleeve to stop him.

"You have to come in with me."

"... Why? This shop only sells girls' clothing, doesn't it?"

"I-It doesn't matter... we have to stay together."

"Well... Hey...!"

Kamito was forcibly pulled into the shop by his sleeve.

The shop was unexpectedly spacious. In addition to fashionable clothing, it also sold items like underwear.

"Well then, let me first pick out something for my sister."

Rinslet happily disappeared into the shop.

"Kamito, wait here for me... I'll go try something on."

"Try something on?"

"... U-Uh, I mean, so you can help me make a decision."

Claire's cheeks flushed.

''... Oh, I get it.''

Kamito was struck by a sudden understanding, and could not hold back a smile.

Having grown up in a sheltered aristocratic family, Claire was probably not used to choosing her own clothing.

''... Nonetheless, it's hardly a good idea to ask me for advice.''

"I'd be glad to help... but I take no responsibility!"

"It doesn't matter, I just want your thoughts."

Claire lifted her two ponytails proudly, smiled sweetly and said:

"I want you to admire me after my gorgeous makeover."

"I look forward to it... But, with so amazing a model, I'm sure any clothes you pick would look good."

"... S-Stupid! You're talking nonsense again!"

Claire flushed at Kamito's teasing and left with her face red.

==Part 2==

At the instant Claire left Kamito's side –

''... Good opportunity!''

At a corner of the shop, Ellis was silently shouting to herself.

Now all the hindering people were out of the way.

Of course, as a Knight, Ellis prided herself on her honesty and nobility.

Normally, she would never take such actions behind the backs of the other two.

However, some things were too important to concede.

''Now is the perfect time!''

Ellis firmly pursed her lovely lips.

Upon further reflection, ever since arriving on this floating island, she had always been half a beat slower than the other two.

The outfit she wore to purify herself in the lake was the plain competition swimwear, the evening gown she so painstakingly prepared was no match for Claire's superior beauty, and even just now, she had been slower than Claire and Rinslet to hold Kamito's hand, and had to settle for his arm.

''I-I absolutely must find some way to improve my position right now...''

Ellis secretly shot a look towards Kamito's side profile.

It was a face she was very used to seeing; nevertheless, it set butterflies aflutter in her stomach.

To think that at first she held prejudices against him just because he was a male elementalist.

She had thought he would destroy the strict discipline of the Academy, and that he was an enemy of hers.

However, things had changed.

''Kamito... I –''

A new emotion budded in the heart of this young girl, who had previously known only of a strict education.

She still could not figure out what this unknown feeling was.

Nonetheless –

''Kamito, I would love to find out more about you...''

Ellis stroked the ribbon her sister—Velsaria—had given her.

She felt doing that would help her muster her courage.

Suppressing her rapidly throbbing heart, Ellis took a step forward.

==Part 3==

A tug.

"Huh?"

Feeling a pull on his sleeve, Kamito turned his head and saw –

Ellis, red-faced, had her hand on the sleeve of Kamito's uniform.

"Ellis... what is it?"

"That... c-come with me!"

"...?"

Tugging at Kamito's cuffs, Ellis pulled him into a small room partitioned off by curtains.

It turned out to be a dressing room with a huge mirror.

"W-What are you doing!?"

"K-Keep it down! Do you want to be blasted into crabmeat butter croquettes?!"

Ellis unsheathed her sword with a hiss, leaving Kamito no choice but to raise both his hands and nod in submission.

"... But, why are you bringing me into a dressing room?"

"Uh, uh, actually... i-it's because I want you to comment on the clothing I try on."

"Comment on clothing?"

"Right. It's a rare opportunity, so I'd also like to buy some clothes. It's just that... I'm ashamed to say I don't exactly know much about girls' dresses."

... Oh, so she wants me to give her some advice?

''Something isn't right. Claire and Rinslet are both here, so why pick me?''

"If it's girls' outfits you need help with, I think it's better you ask the shopkeepers."

"... Oooh, I-I just want to know what you like!"

"Oh... so that's what it is..."

At Ellis's ferocious glare, Kamito could not help but take a few steps back in fear.

"...Well, all right, what clothing would you like to try on, Ellis?"

"Ah... uh, right now I'm torn between these two pieces –"

Ellis coughed loudly –

Then took out two different articles of clothing and presented them to Kamito.

"Oh, so it's a choice between black and white..."

The cloth before him was dotted with intricate lace flowers.

The fabric was smooth and gave off a sense of quality. It could probably be silk? The upper edge was also lined with lovely lotus leaf decorations –

"... Hey, isn't this underwear!"

Kamito spat, repelled.

No mistake about it, what Ellis was holding was indeed a set of high-class underwear.

"Well, answer quickly... w-which one do you like!"

Ellis herself seemed embarrassed; as she asked her question, her face flushed bright red.

"Y-You want me to choose..."

Kamito swallowed.

Ellis's face bore an extremely serious expression. She did not look like she was joking in the slightest, but genuinely wanting Kamito's advice.

On the one hand was pure and lovely white.

On the other was mature, sophisticated black.

''Ellis is a high-spirited, brave and heroic Knight Captain... common wisdom would say to pick white, I guess.''

... No, precisely because of this, reverse thinking might be better.

For an honest and pure girl like Ellis, if she wore mature and womanly black underwear... the contradiction would certainly be arousing.

"Kamito, h-hurry up and decide, please! This is really embarrassing."

"Oooh, I know..."

Kamito nodded hastily and made his decision:

"... I would choose the black, I think the mature black underwear suits you well."

"Y-Yes, really... On days where the difference between winning and losing is critical, I'll often wear black underwear."

Ellis nodded, apparently satisfied.

Say, that time he had accidentally peeked in on the girls changing clothes at the Sylphid Knights' general meeting , Ellis had been wearing black underwear... which means to say there had been some important game that day?

"T-Then I'll get this, next I just need to make sure it's the right size."

"Mmm, then... I'll leave first –"

Kamito sighed in relief and started out of the dressing room. Then –

"Oh no... that rascal Kamito, where on earth has he gone now? I clearly told him to wait here!"

Kamito suddenly heard Claire huff.

Surprised, Kamito quickly shut the dressing room curtain he had just half-opened.

''... This is terrible!''

If Claire found him and Ellis nestled in the dressing room together, he would certainly be burned to a crisp.

Kamito quickly turned to tell Ellis about Claire being right outside –

"E-Ellis... what are you doing!?"

Kamito could not help but stare, wide-eyed and tongue-tied.

In the blink of an eye, Ellis had already taken off her uniform and put on the set of underwear.

"Aaaaaa –"

"... Wow!"

Seeing Ellis on the verge of shrieking, Kamito quickly covered her mouth with his hand.

"Mmmm..."

He used his momentum to push Ellis's whole body against the wall, then whispered in her ear:

"Don't make a sound... Claire's nearby."

"...!?"

Ellis's eyes widened in surprise.

"... Kamito? Where on earth has he run off to?"

Claire was searching everywhere; by the sound of her voice, she was very close.

Even the slightest movement would give them away.

The duo huddled against the wall, barely daring to even breathe.

"..."

"..."

A little sigh of relief escaped from between Kamito's fingers over Ellis's mouth.

Through her underwear, he could feel the softness of her huge bosom. Kamito felt as if his furiously beating heart was loud enough to be heard.

''E-Ellis's chest was really something...''

Her tender breasts wobbled and changed shape as his arm pressed against them.

For some unknown reason, moist ripples were swimming in Ellis's pair of brown eyes as well.

... Like this, they passed tens of seconds, that felt like forever.

Claire had probably gone somewhere else, since her voice could finally no longer be heard.

"...Whew."

It appears the crisis had been averted. A weight lifted from Kamito's shoulders, he caught his breath.

"K-Kamito... you...!"

Ellis quickly moved away from Kamito, and sharply glared at him.

"W-Why did you suddenly do that!"

"... I'm sorry, it was an urgent situation, I'm so sorry."

While apologizing profusely, Kamito turned away from the underwear-clad Ellis.

"Uhm... Never mind, in any case it was I who asked you to help me pick underwear in the first place."

[[File:STnBD V05 079.jpg|thumbnail|right]]

Ellis softly cleared her throat, shyly lifted her eyes in Kamito's direction and said:

"Oh – Oh yes..."

"What is it now?"

"Do you think t-this underwear really... looks good on me?"

Ellis rubbed her attractive and alluring thighs against each other while shyly asking.

"Ah, I think it looks good. How should I say it... I feel excited when I look at it."

"R-Really...!"

At Kamito's candid answer, Ellis's lips curved upwards in a happy smile.

"Excellent... Then at the critical moment, I will be sure to wear it."

"... Critical moment? Oh, you mean the competition that starts tomorrow."

"I hate you... That's not at all what I meant!"

As if purposely to be difficult, Ellis pinched Kamito's arm.

''... That Ellis could actually say something like "I hate you" was adorable.''

==Part 4==

"– Claire, sorry to have kept you waiting."

After departing the dressing room, Kamito, feigning as if nothing much had happened, tapped Claire's shoulder and said.

"Y-You rascal, where did you go! I was looking for you everywhere!"

"Sorry, I went outside the shop for a second... Oh, the dress you're wearing is very cute."

"Huh... R-Really? You really think it's very cute?"

A puff of hot air emerged from the top of Claire's head, and her two ponytails bobbed up and down.

She was wearing a white dress of a more mature style, that was also cut very low in the front.

Truthfully speaking, the chest area of the dress looked a bit collapsed, but Kamito intentionally neglected to mention this point. Additionally, leaving aside the issue of whether or not the dress was suitable, Claire was as lovely as ever.

"Hmph... Well, never mind. From now on, I forbid you to come and go anytime you wish. You're to stay by your master's side, got it?"

"All right, I get it."

It seemed like he had successfully managed to appease the Hell Cat maiden.

Fortunate to have avoided being burnt to a crisp, Kamito let out a sigh of relief.

"Ho ho, looks like you bought something revealing on accident."

"W-What's the matter with me, why would I go so far as to buy such provocative underwear..."

As the other two waited at the front of the stall, Rinslet finished shopping for her sister and Ellis bought her underwear. The task completed, they headed towards the Biblion, a short walk away from the port.

Situated on a slightly raised plot of high land, it looked like a huge citadel from the outside.

Like the tower where Kamito and the others were settled at, this building had also been repaired through ancient relic restoration.

In terms of sheer size, the Biblion could not compare to the library of seals, the pride of the Areishia Spirit Academy, but it was home to many ancient rare collections and even legendary forbidden books.

Such a place was one where they were likely to find a way to destroy the «Brand of Darkness» eroding at Kamito, or even a clue as to how to bring back the disappeared Est.

As Kamito and the others entered the building, the sight that greeted them was that of innumerable bookshelves, each as high as the ceiling.

"This library sure is huge..."

"We'll take charge of researching the «Brand of Darkness». Kamito, go look for clues of Est – there should be quite a bit of information here about legends of the Demon Slaying Sacred Sword."

"Oh, okay."

Kamito nodded to show his agreement, then walked to the bookshelf that held records of legends from all across the continent.

On his way there, low murmurs of the «Divine Ritual Institute»'s princess maidens whispering to each other floated into his ear.

"Quick, look, it's the male elementalist." "He's the pervert we've heard rumors about?" "Careful, don't look at his eyes, you'll be defiled!"

''W-Why do even the princess maidens in the Sanctuary know of these rumors about me?''

Kamito sighed heavily and began searching for documents about the Sacred Sword.

==Part 5==

Meanwhile, Claire and the others, led by the librarian, had entered the sealed archives located underground.

After all, the curse Kamito bore was one even Fianna—once the second-best princess maiden of the «Divine Ritual Institute»—could not destroy.

As such, it would be a waste of time to simply browse literature on general spirit magic. Therefore, after some thought, the girls decided to instead focus their research on the forbidden books in the sealed archives.

The forbidden books covered quite a diverse range of content; for example, some held confidential information on the curse-bearing seal—a technique many countries had now banned the research of.

"Given the nature of that curse, it might be something similar to the curse-bearing seal."

"That is a possibility... Furthermore, there are also signs that Ren Ashbell's Alphas Empire is secretly conducting research on the curse-bearing seal –"

"While we're at it, it might be better if we investigated the Alphas Empire as well."

One by one, Claire and the others began flipping through the forbidden books displayed on the shelves.

Although they were all aristocratic daughters from distinguished families, just their princess maiden status alone would not get them access to these forbidden books.

All of them could have access to these books only because of their particular situation—they were participants in the Blade Dance.

"Records of the punitive expedition of S-rank spirits in a deep sleep in the spirit forest... nope."

"Data on the curse-bearing seal collected during the time of the Blue Baltic War... Oh, this one might contain a clue."

"... Ancient Taboo Magic... This book should be useful—Ahhh!?"

While looking through the collections, Ellis let out a shriek of shock.

"Ellis, did you find a clue!?"

"What's happened to you? Why is your face so red?"

"N-Nothing! It's nothing at all –"

"...?"

Claire stole a glance at the book was Ellis holding open.

Then –

"Ah ah ah! W-What is this!"

Claire blushed hotly as well.

The picture on the book was a portrait of a princess maiden in a very indecent position.

The taboo ritual magic—this content of book was so explicitly realistic that even Claire, who had a soft spot for provocative romance novels, could not help but take three steps backwards.

"N-Nasty... this is simply too obscene!"

"Captain, you pervert!"

"N-No! I was looking for books about rituals and accidentally took this one, that's all!"

From the way Ellis was hurriedly shaking her head in denial, one could tell this
noble Knight girl had been quite shocked.

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

They were silent for a while.

Looking at the taboo book before them, the girls swallowed nervously.

"I say... w-why don't we flip through it briefly and take a look?"

Claire proposed a suggestion, a note of slight hesitation in her voice.

"... T-That could be good, there might be something useful in there, you never know."

"Y-Yes... one can't deny there is such a possibility –"

[[File:STnBD V05 086.jpg|thumbnail|right]]

Rinslet and Ellis both nodded, but averted their glances, not comfortable with looking at each other.

Claire nodded and psychologically prepared herself, then began flipping through the book with trembling fingers.

Then –

"... Wow!? W-What is this thing! I-I don't understand..."

"What's going on... b-blindfold him, and then do something like that... aaaah!"

"Is t-this... a man's... thing?"

"Put it i-in one's mouth... and... a-also lick it?"

"T-To go as far as to put that in between one's breasts... ewwww... h-how could one be willing to do such a thing!"

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

These girls were relatively innocent, and would be shy to merely hold hands with a boy of their own age.

The impact of peeping into the unknown world left them suddenly speechless.

The only sound to be heard was the flipping of pages, echoing in the silent sealed archives.

In all honesty, all three of them thoroughly enjoyed what they saw.

==Part 6==

While Claire and the others were getting excited in the underground archives –

"... Whew... when I finish reading these, I shall be dead of exhaustion."

Kamito moved the heap of documents onto the table and began his investigation on the legends of the Sacred Sword.

The Demon Slayer Sacred Sword—also known as the «Sacred Sword of Severian», was a highly prized sword of legend.

The source of this name came from the Sacred Queen—Areishia Idriss's legend.

She was the wielder of the «Sacred Sword», as well as the one who vanquished the demon king.

There was no one on this continent who did not know her name.

Surprisingly, however, most people knew only the name of Areishia Idriss, and not the truth of her exploits. Furthermore, future generations had embellished many of her legends, such that the truth was virtually impossible to know.

''... All right, never mind, the great Sacred Queen isn't important.''

His immediate priority right now was the «Sacred Sword» she wielded.

Only paying attention to phrases related to the «Sacred Sword», Kamito flipped through the document quickly.

A «Sacred Sword» able to vanquish the Demon King was definitely no ordinary weapon.

The most likely argument was—the Sacred Sword had in truth been created from high-level spirits.

After eliminating the Demon King, the Queen Areishia had apparently sealed the contract spirit that had fought alongside her all the way in one of the swords inside the castle of the devil king.

The sword used to seal the spirit, the sword that she had relied on to do all these, was the «Sacred Sword of Severian».

As for the reason why Areishia would want to seal her own contract spirit inside the sword—no one knew. Similarly, there was much speculation as to her whereabouts after she eliminated the Demon King, but no conclusive answer.

Kamito closed the book, speechless..

''The conclusion is... we still cannot say anything for certain; what is unknown is still unknown.''

Although they had accessed a wide range of documents, virtually all of them contained only hearsay with no basis in fact.

As for the spirit forest that Est had originally been sealed in, he could not find anything more detailed than what was already in the library of seals.

– Having said that, however, Kamito had not had high hopes in the first place.

''However many similar documents I look at, there is no way to bring Est back.''

Moreover, whether or not Est was the real Demon Slaying Sacred Sword did not matter. To Kamito, she was his most important partner, a point that would not change regardless of anything.

"Est..."

Kamito gently stroked the spirit seal on his right hand.

Est, with dazzlingly beautiful silver-white hair, virgin milky white skin, and a face that usually bore no expression, until Kamito stroked her head; she would then narrow her eyes in a smile to show her pleasure.

''... Est will surely come back to me.''

To believe in her wholeheartedly and await her return – that was all Kamito could do for her now.

Kamito got back to his feet, picked up the pile of documents with both his hands and prepared to return them to the shelves..

Just as he finished putting all the books back to their original display positions –

"– You are Kazehaya Kamito?"

Kamito turned in the direction of the sudden call.

"Oh my god!"

The young lady before him was one he had met before.

The reason for Kamito's inadvertent shocked scream was because he really did not want to bump into such a person.

"What the – is that a greeting you thought up yourself? Kazehaya Kamito?"

The girl frowned unhappily.

With thick bright shoulder-length black hair, she had an icy kind of beauty.

The girl was wearing a beret inlaid with the crest of a flying dragon, as well as a black military uniform that gave her a majestic aura and suited her very well.

She was also staring coldly at Kamito, through her glasses, with a strong and forceful gaze.

She was a contestant from Dracunia, Leader of the Knights of the Dragon Emperor – Leonora Lancaster.

In this Blade Dance, she was among the more promising elementalists and favorites to win the tournament.

However, she was also a dangerous girl who was seeking to physically deal with Kamito's lower half.

"Y-You fool, what are you doing here?"

"What a stupid question. Obviously, I'm gathering intelligence on other countries' teams."

Leonora pushed at her spectacles with her middle finger, gave Kamito and exasperated look and replied.

So that was it... Indeed, there were some documents in her hands. Despite possessing power few other players could rival, she still put in the effort to find out about her competitors – she truly was a formidable opponent.

Kamito then raised a question about another thing he had realized:

"You didn't wear glasses before, did you?"

"... You really are a worse pervert than the rumors say, if even such subtle changes cannot escape your notice."

"Uh... is this a subtle change?"

... If it were a change of hairstyle, he might not notice, but glasses were rather difficult to overlook.

"I only wear them to read. My eyesight is actually quite poor. I use spirit magic during the blade dance to strengthen my vision."

The Dragon Knight maiden stared at Kamito icily, and continued:

"Say it directly if you wish... say I don't look good in glasses."

"Ah...? Not at all, I think the look suits you, I think it's very cute."

"W-What nonsense are you saying! You pervert with a glasses fetish!"

"What now..."

The sudden and inexplicable scolding left Kamito squinting and mumbling in confusion.

Leonora cleared her throat and replied with a question of her own:

"And you, why are you coming to a place like this?"

"... Ah, uh, because I wanted to investigate some things."

It would be a disaster if his competitors came to know about him losing Est.

Kamito gave a vague answer hoping to evade the topic, but –

Leonora suddenly turned her gaze towards the shelf Kamito had returned his books to.

"So, the thing you're investigating has to do with your contract spirit?"

"... Ah!?"

Surprised, Kamito instinctively struck a combat pose to fend off an enemy.

"... Even you guys know about it?"

"Are you referring to – your blade spirit's disappearance?"

"..."

Leonora's frosty gaze seemed to pierce right through Kamito.

"Sorry, I took the liberty to spectate the battle between you and the military spirits."

"... So that's how."

Apparently, she had seen the full course of the battle between the crowd and Muir Alenstarl.

At that time, in order to prevent anyone from becoming aware of the battle outside, Ren Ashbell had laid down a large-scale Isolation Barrier around the tower, but it had not deceived an elementalist as powerful as Leonora.

"So you just silently watched Claire and the others get hurt?"

"Did I have an obligation to enter combat to rescue them?"

"This..."

Kamito forcibly swallowed nasty words of accusation.

She did indeed have a point. By no means was she obliged to extend a helping hand to a rival team elementalists.

"You are too naive. The «Blade Dance» is no friendly contest, it is a symbolic war with matters of national prestige and prosperity at stake."

Her line of reasoning was quite correct.

The victorious country of the Blade Dance would receive all manner of blessings from the Elemental Lord – the influence of this was large, and could even affect the fortunes of the entire country.

Furthermore, the Dracunia Knights were surely not the only ones who had watched the skirmish by the side.

"In any case, I'm sure you guys loved watching us beat each other bloody."

She was not to blame – although Kamito understood this in his heart, he could not keep the harsh words from escaping his mouth.

"No... in fact, regarding the disappearance of your blade spirit, I'm also very sorry."

Shaking her head, Leonora spoke up unexpectedly.

"I could feel that spirit had strength to equal my Dragon Slayer Sacred Sword – as a knight, I had very much hoped to do battle with you at your peak condition."

Looking at her sincere expression, Kamito's response was –

"Leonora, you're mistaken."

"Mistaken?"

"Est has not really disappeared. Also... her real strength is far more than you know."

"... Oh, if that's so, I'm sorry."

Leonora smiled and nodded in understanding.

It was perhaps an illusion, but in that moment, her pupils seemed to change color.

"I don't intend to go easy on you, though. As the saying goes in our country—«The dragons of Dracunia will go all out to take down even hunting lions»—I will do everything in my power to defeat you."

"That's fine... show me what you got."

Kamito replied indifferently, but sighed bitterly to himself:

''This girl really is a rival...''

Leonora Lancaster possessed solid power, and could stand up to the strongest elementalist in the Academy – Velsaria.

The «Nidhogg» she summoned was a dragon spirit that could, in a single blow, instantly vaporize military spirit that attacked flying craft. The extent of its power was hard to comprehend.

However, that was not where the true power of this dragon girl lay.

Although she also had overwhelming strength, it did not make her arrogant. She was not complacent or careless even against weaker opponents – this impeccable temperament was her most threatening weapon.

With things in their current state, with Est lost, they really could not fight her.

"Well, if you insist –"

All of a sudden, Leonora abruptly pushed Kamito against the bookshelf.

"... You!?"

Kamito just barely stopped himself from shouting.

A pair of upwardly curving eyes regarded Kamito from beneath glasses.

The faintly sweet smell of shampoo tickled Kamito's nose.

"... W-What do you want!?"

"Wasn't it you who just said 'show me what you've got'? Kazehaya Kamito."

Leonora held her index finger to Kamito's lips, and stepped even closer to him.

Her perfectly bouncy breasts pressed tightly against Kamito's arm.

''... This... this one's chest really is unexpectedly big!''

She probably dressed to cover her figure, like Ellis.

''... I'm so stupid, this isn't the time to have such nonsense thoughts!''

Although the two of them were hidden by bookshelves, there were several princess maidens nearby. If they were caught, they would surely be sent to the
Divine Ritual Institute's council for this delinquency.

"Your heart's beating faster, is my body getting you excited?"

"D-Doesn't that go without saying? To be held so tightly by s-such a cute girl as you –"

"... C-Cute? Me?"

The dragon girl stared with wide eyes in surprise.

"That's the first time... any man's said something like that to me..."

"A-Anyway, let me go!"

"How will that do."

"... What do you mean?"

"As I just said, «The dragons of Dracunia will go all out to take down even hunting lions». After seeing your battle against Muir Alenstarl last night, our country's military personnel made an emergency decision to change our strategy against you.

"Strategy against me?"

"Which is to chop off your thing before you sink your evil clutches into any of your princess maiden Knight teammates."

"That's your state policy!"

Kamito could not help but roar.

Dracunia... that country was more terrible than he had even imagined.

"But our military also came to another conclusion – as you are the only male elementalist in the world, it would be a terrible pity to have such an outstanding bloodline end just like that."

"... Oh, I think I understand what you mean."

Kamito said under his breath, rolling his eyes.

In simple terms, they were currently in a situation commonly known as the Beauty Trap.

"Obediently grovel at my feet – Kazehaya Kamito."

Leonora was whispering sweet words that turned one's head numb.

''T-This girl, she really has completely changed from last time...!''

Previously, Kamito only had to accidentally brush against her chest for this Dragon Knight maiden to fall into a faint; she had originally been more innocent than even the Academy girls.

Even if it was because she had been ordered to do so, how did she manage to tempt Kamito like this?

The girl before him – seemed to be an entirely different person.

"Hey, are you even..."

At that moment, Kamito suddenly realized –

Leonora's originally black pupils now had a smoky red coat, as if burnt by a flame.

''... What's going on?''

Just when Kamito was frowning in thought –

"You really are a stubborn man who refuses to obediently submit, contrary to what the rumors say..."

Leonora picked the skirt of her uniform up by both sides, and slowly lifted it upwards.

"... What!?"

At this, Kamito's heart involuntarily started to throb.

Accompanied by the sound of cloth friction, her skirt approached even closer to the edge of modesty.

For some unknown reason, although it had already long passed the warning line – her panties were nowhere to be seen.

"Hey... y-you're going to expose your panties!"

"You needn't worry, as servants of the dragon, we Dracunia princess maidens... don't have the habit of wearing panties."

"How is that nothing to worry about!"

Indeed, he had heard of elementalist princess maidens choosing not to wear underwear to enhance their connection with their spirits.

"Abandon resistance, then proclaim your eternal loyalty to my country."

"P-Please stop...!"

In pace with the rubbing sounds of fabric, in only a second, her skirt would be completely lifted. Then –

"Y-You two! Wh-Wh-Wh-What unspeakable things are you doing!"

"...!?"

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Gogogogogo...!*

It was none other than –

Claire, her shoulders quivering and her two red ponytails bristling in anger.

"D-Disgusting... that you would think to do something so immoral and depraved in the sacred Biblion..."

"We left you alone for just a moment, and you take the opportunity to do such a thing!"

Ellis and Rinslet were also glaring at Kamito furiously.

"N-No, it's not what you think! It's..."

"Disturbed by hindering nuisances..."

With a sigh, Leonora swiftly separated herself from Kamito.

"... Leonora?"

Kamito looked at her, puzzled, and realized something –

Sometime ago, the burnt smoky red glaze on her pupils had disappeared, to be replaced by the original black.

Additionally, the look on Leonora's face suggested that something possessing her had just disappeared.

"I'm very sorry, just now the «Dragon Blood» in my body seemed to awaken carelessly."

"«Dragon Blood»?"

This strange word left Kamito puzzled.

However, Claire's alert ears twitched

"– Then... We'll continue some other time. The next time we meet will probably be on the battlefield."

Leonora turned and quickly marched, military-style, from the scene.

"..."

Kamito watched her image move increasingly further away.

"... Go on, speak... You rascal, what were you doing with that woman?"

Claire questioned Kamito coldly.

"I bumped into her accidentally, and we just shared some idle chat about the main event tomorrow... I swear."

"... Ooh, is that so? Forget it."

"Have you found out anything about Est?"

"No, there was nothing useful... what about you, any findings?"

Kamito returned the question, then –

The three ladies blushed tomato-red.

"W-We found nothing!"

"Right! A-And also, we definitely didn't peek at any taboo magic books, oh!"

"T-That is...!"

"...?"

At their distraught reactions, Kamito frowned in confusion.

==Part 7==

It was sunset by the time the group left the Biblion.

On the return carriage, Kamito asked Claire:

"Hey, remember the «Dragon Blood» Leonora talked about just now? What is that?"

"... About that, I've only ever heard rumors."

Resting her cheeks on her hands, Claire mused:

"That's a specific kind of constitution... It's said that people with «Dragon Blood» will very rarely be born as princess maidens in service of the dragon. Legend has it that when the «Dragon Blood» awakens in the princess maiden's body, she will become one with the «dragon»."

"Become one with the «dragon»?"

What on earth did those words mean? It was difficult to understand.

However, what he could say for sure was that – Leonora had obviously become a completely different person just now.

''To think that such a noble Dragon Knight would actually become like that...''

Recalling the touch of her soft breasts set Kamito's stomach aflutter.

"Hey... Kamito, you aren't thinking nonsense, are you?"

"N-No, I'm not... just thinking that Leonora is quite the formidable opponent, that's all –"

"R-Really, yeah, if it were that girl's chest... she should be able to put it between!"

"Between? Between what?"

"O-Or, you could say... unless you mean, your measurements are so large that even that girl would not be able to fit it...?"

"... What?"

Confused, Kamito looked towards Ellis and Rinslet, sitting opposite, and for some unknown reason, they were both red-faced with embarrassment.

''Oh well, never mind...''

Kamito lowered his body slowly onto the carriage seat.

Gazing out the window at the scenery, he noted the sun setting gradually into the hills.

The main competition of the Blade Dance, the war, would commence tomorrow.

It would be a long day, full of arduous Blade Dance presentation.

Today was the last day he would have so much leisure time to enjoy with his teammates.

At this thought, Kamito inadvertently reached out a hand to touch her – his partner sword, usually always hanging at his waist.

"..."

However, his hand met only emptiness.

He could feel not even the slightest pain from the spirit seal on his right hand.

==Part 8==

The sword, luster all lost, fell for what felt like eternity through an endless darkness.

She was not dormant, yet not conscious, only silent and still.

Whether to call this feeling peace or torture varied from person to person, but truth be told, these additional definitions were meaningless – stillness was stillness.

The sword sank in the pitch-blackness; it was a world with nothing bar darkness.

''Kamito...''

Her power almost all lost, all the blade spirit could do was to call his name.

''Kamito... I am your sword, so –''

The spirit whispered, and at that moment –

Out of the darkness suddenly shot a dazzling light.

The figure that appeared in the light was – a naked, pale-skinned, silvery-white-haired maiden.

She looked just like Est in human form.

''– Who are you?''

The sword asked the girl before her.

''I am the consciousness of the one... previously known as the «Demon Slayer Sacred Sword».''

The silvery-white-haired girl answered, her expression blank.

''You... are me?''

''Yes. You are me – whereas I, am you complete.''

At her answer, Est finally understood the true identity of the girl.

''You are my «body»... right?''

''Yes, I am your higher physical presence.''

The girl nodded, expressionless.

She was the highest-level blade spirit with overwhelming power – the real Demon Slayer Sacred Sword.

When Est had made an incomplete spirit contract with Kamito, she had split into two individuals.

Perhaps it was because Est had lost her power and was on the verge of disappearing that the loop joining the two of them could once again reconnect.

''I cannot stay for much longer.''

The girl who looked exactly like Est gently stretched out her right hand to her –

And commanded in a cold expressionless voice:

''I command you to immediately destroy the contract with Kazehaya Kamito, and come back to me.''

For her, this was a request there was no denying.

After all, Est's contract with Kamito was in the first place an informal, happenstance event.

Because the Demon Slayer Sacred Sword had not originally intended to make any contracts with elementalists.

Even she herself did not know why she had let herself become the contract spirit to that boy.

These conflicting emotions split to form «Terminus Est» – this was the origin of the other Est.

However, now that the contract «gate» between Est and Kazehaya Kamito was closed, she could take advantage of this time to fuse back the missing piece «Terminus Est».

Unexpectedly –

''... I-I refuse.''

The sword—Est—turned down the outstretched hand of the Sacred Sword maiden.

The sword cut through the surrounding darkness, and pointed its tip towards the girl's throat.

''– You refuse?''

''I do not... I do not want to break my contract with Kamito...''

''You are merely a part of me, yet you want to defy my wishes?''

''I am the sword of Kamito, not something of yours.''

Est expressed her desire to refuse clearly to the maiden.

''– I understand, it seems... that elementalist has germinated in you the seed of self-awareness.''

Again expressionless, the girl said quietly.

Her silvery white hair, which exuded a faint light in the dark, whipped up violently.

''But I do have to tell you, Est... you—or I should say, I—do not have the right to become the sword of any person.''

''... I don't understand what you mean?''

''Because my existence itself is a kind of sin.''

''– Sin?''

The sword could not understand the meaning in the girl's words because, in the moment that she contracted with Kamito, she lost most of the memories she had in common with her original body.

The present Est was left with a handful of incomplete past memory fragments.

As well as the memory of the short period of time spent with Kamito and the others.

''Recall it, the sins that you – and I – must bear.''

The silvery-white-haired girl gently touched the tip of the sword.

In an instant, memories flowed like a fierce torrent into Est's mind –

''Recall it, the events with the very first person to contract with me... Areishia Idriss.''

<noinclude>{{SeireiDance Nav|prev=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume5 Chapter2|next=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume5 Chapter4}}</noinclude>

Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume5 Chapter2

2013-02-23T07:11:35Z

Worker:

=Chapter 2: Triple Date=
==Part 1==

Chirp chirp, tweet tweet... With their calls, the birds signaled the near-arrival of morning.

A warm ray of sunshine shone through the bedside windows into the room, rousing Kamito.

After talking to Claire this morning, he had returned to sleeping soundly once again, but it seemed that not too much time had passed.

Kamito had a fever not too long ago, but now it has almost completely faded away.

"Mmm... ah..."

He rubbed his bleary eyelids, moved around, and prepared to get out of bed.

At that moment –

"Aaah!"

"..."

His elbow suddenly touched something soft and gentle.

''Also, wasn't there some sort of lovely sound just now...''

Kamito blinked, puzzled by what it was, he turned his gaze toward the sound.

He saw a round mass of fluffy white fur, keeping him company beside him while he slept.

"... W-What is this?"

The unbelievable sight before his eyes startled Kamito.

However, he immediately thought of something...

Sneaking into my bed... the only one who would do such a thing is -

"Is it Est!?"

He hastily tossed aside the blanket.

"A-Ah! W-What in the world are you doing to me!?"

"... Huh?"

Kamito froze, speechless.

Hidden under the blanket was not the blade spirit who liked to dress in the nude with thigh-high socks.

What he saw was pure white fur, and a pair of long big ears that hung downwards.

And dazzling pale gold hair –

The lovely... Miss Bunny.

"... Hey, Rinslet! What do you think you're doing?"

"N-No, that's not right! I-I am Miss Bunny right now!"

Rinslet flushed red, embarrassed. The rabbit ear on her head twitched up.

"I said, Rinslet –"

"It's 'Miss Bunny'."

"Well, Miss Bunny."

Following her request, Kamito repeated obediently.

"This outfit of yours, what kind of act are you putting on?"

"This... I..."

In response, Rinslet could only rub both her kneecaps awkwardly while stuttering and unable to speak.

Seeing the usually stubborn and self-conscious Rinslet wearing such an expression gave Kamito an indescribable feeling of adoration.

''... Speaking of which, this outfit is too provoking, isn't it? It's practically blinding!''

A closer look would reveal that –

The Miss Bunny outfit Rinslet was wearing was borderline immodest.

It was a set of very revealing erotic clothing, made of an undergarment-like material, with soft fluffy fur sewn on everywhere.

There was puffy fur on both her hands and feet, and a tail-like a ball of fur hanging from behind.

The greatest draw of the entire outfit however, had to be the the leather collar tied around her neck.

The elegant, aristocratic, wealthy princess wearing that collar... the combination was enough to give people wrong thoughts.

"I-I was turned into Miss Bunny by witchcraft... chuu!"

The maiden said it stiffly, as if reciting lines from a script.

"What's 'chuu'?"

"It's the cry of a rabbit."

"I can't imagine the cry of a rabbit sounding like that..."

Moving his gaze away from the huge twin peaks and valley right before his eyes, Kamito shook his head and spoke.

Right at this time -

"– K-Kamito, I've made breakfast for you!"

The door to the room suddenly opened.

The one standing there was the Captain of the Knights—Ellis.

"What!?"

Kamito fell speechless once again.

Ellis, who stood before him, was dressed like Rinslet in clothing that skirted the edge of modesty.

The only difference was that she wore dog ears instead of rabbit ones, and the fur on her hands were not white, but brown.

The ears atop her head swung constantly as she moved.

"E-Ellis... how is it that you too..."

"N-No, say no more!"

Red-faced and biting her lips, the embarrassed Ellis looked as if she wanted to find a hole to hide in.

"Oooh, i-if my elder sisters were to see me dressed like this, I don't know what they would say..."

Tears glowed from the corners of her brown eyes, probably because of how ashamed she felt.

''... Now... what is the situation?''

... What on earth had happened? Why would the pure-hearted and rule-abiding Captain be dressed in such a dissolute manner?

"J-Just don't mind my outfit, alright."

"Uh... how do you expect anyone to not mind that?"

Ellis ignored Kamito's confusing reply.

She cleared her throat with a cough, and pushed a small silver dining car in from the corridor.

"Ah?"

The aroma of freshly baked toast immediately filled the room.

"... Well, come have breakfast, I made these for you."

There was freshly prepared breakfast in the dining car; the steam above it had not yet dispersed.

The dishes included – toast grilled to the perfect degree, thick French-style pumpkin soup, deliciously tender omelets, Caesar salad with added tuna, and last but not least for dessert, there was yogurt topped with strawberry jam.

At first glance, although these were not exactly high-class, one could tell that every dish had been prepared with meticulous care.

"... You're such an expert! Did you do all these yourself, Ellis?"

"Y-Yes, I prepared these in the tower's kitchen. Only because I did not want to forget my culinary skills, it wasn't specially made for you!"

Ellis looked away, a look of embarrassment suddenly creeped across her face as she bent down beside Kamito.

"Captain, how can you do this!"

Disregarding Rinslet's protests, she addressed Kamito:

"I-I'll feed you... O-open your mouth, come."

"T-There's no need! I can do it myself –"

"Absolutely not, you're the one who's hurt after all."

"My wound has already fully healed –"

– Into his mouth.

Taking advantage of the moment Kamito's mouth was open, Ellis stuffed the omelette into his mouth.

"..."

"H-How is it?"

"... S-Super delicious!"

The omelette was not only just sweet enough, but it was also soft and fluffy to the point where it melted in his mouth. This beyond-perfect masterpiece by Ellis that confirmed the saying that the simpler the dish, the greater a test it was of the chef's skill.

"Is that really so! ... That's wonderful."

Ellis smiled shyly, the dog ears on her head moving up and down.

Seeing the usually serious and stern Captain wear such an expression, Kamito could not help but feel butterflies in his stomach.

"Hmph—Captain, you're too cunning to do this."

Rinslet puffed up her cheeks a little angrily and said.

"...Rinslet?"

"T-Then I shall give Kamito-san a massage."

Having said this, Rinslet immediately began kneading Kamito's shoulders with gentle strength.

"... What!?"

"How does it feel?"

"You're so good at this... my fatigue is slowly disappearing, wow."

Kamito was not just saying empty kind words of praise; Rinslet's massage technique was really of professional standard.

The comfortable sensation made all the tense muscles in his body relax one by one.

"You know, I give Carol massages all the time, because that child keeps praising me, I have unknowingly become very good at massaging."

"So that's why..."

... That a maid could get her master to knead her shoulders for her was, in a certain sense, almost too much.

"Uh huh, you'd better thank me well. I am the heir to the Laurenfrost clan. By right, I could never serve men in this way."

"W-Well..."

At this moment , Kamito suddenly felt two soft bumps against his back.

"But... only for today... everyone..."

Rinslet leant over and whispered into Kamito's ear:

"Everyone can become... Kamito-san's house pet."

"Uh... w-what did you just say – !"

In a panic, Kamito turned his head, then –

"M-Me too, just for today, I won't be your Captain!"

Then it was Ellis, who cried out, perking up her dog ears:

"I want to be K-Kamito's... little pet dog."

"Ellis!?"

What was the matter with the both of them?

"Kamito..." "Kamito-san..."

Their small animal tails swinging, the two of them stared at Kamito with fire in their eyes.

... Why is it that he felt dizzy with confusion? Could it be another fever?

''Hey, something's not right...''

The temperature in the room had rising steadily.

''Boom boom boom...''

"... Y-You guys... what mischief are you up to?"

"Claire?!"

Kamito turned and looked –

The door, which had not been closed, opened with a slam. Standing there was Claire with a burning-hot whip in her hand.

Her shoulders were trembling slightly in anger, and her two bright red ponytails pointed upright like flames.

However, what fixated Kamito's gaze was how she was dressed.

Atop her head was a pair of shaking red cat ears.

On her slim petite body was erotic clothing made of red fur.

Her bare white thighs were displayed so boldly that one could not look directly at them.

"H-How is it that you too are doing this? That outfit is...!"

Kamito muttered, dumbfounded, then –

"Waaaah! S-Stupid fool, what are you looking at!"

Claire blushed and crossed her knees shyly.

She then made a sound like a cat's low growl, and glared at Kamito with tears in her eyes.

"Hmph, what... in any case you must feel that my chest is disappointingly small, isn't that right!?"

"..."

Truthfully speaking, that set of clothing did indeed make Claire's chest seem even tinier.

Although that very same attire could bring out the valley between the breasts of Ellis and Rinslet, the undeniable fact of the matter was, the sight of Claire wearing it only gave a person the impression of looking at a washboard.

Having said that, however, it did not reduce the charm she exuded. Her despondency over her chest size in fact made her look pitiful and delicate, which only increased her loveliness.

"Not at all. How should I say it... I think you're awfully cute like this."

Kamito expressed his honest feelings.

"A-A-Ah! W-what nonsense are you spouting!"

Claire's cheeks grew redder and redder. She waved the whip in her hand, which made slapping noises.

"Oooh..." "Kamito-san!"

At this, one of Ellis's dog ears and Rinslet's rabbit ears cocked in Kamito's direction, and they puffed their cheeks slightly resentfully.

"I-I don't care any more... you really are such a terrible fool!"

Claire muttered haltingly, then walked towards Kamito –

Then she abruptly jumped in the bed Kamito was lying in.

"... Uhhh... hey... you guys...!"

The three pretty girls dressed as erotic cute animals pushed each other around the small bed, their bare shoulders pressed against Kamito's arm.

"Well then, you tell me... is there anything I can do for you, Kamito?"

Claire bit her lip lightly and looked at Kamito with upward-glancing eyes.

"Anything I... want you to do?"

"Such as... oh yes, sleep on my lap ... or help you clean your ears... things of that sort?"

"Sleep on your lap?"

Such an action was a common dream among all men.

Kamito inadvertently glanced at Claire's soft-looking thighs – and then swiftly moved his gaze away.

"Oh, but only for today! You usually are my slave, but only for today... I-I am willing... to be your slave!"

"S-Slave?"

Kamito questioned her and Claire nodded.

"Y-Yes! For today, I will agree to anything you ask of me! Y-You better prepare yourself!"

"Wait a moment, what do I have to prepare myself for?"

"K-Kamito... it's the same for me!"

"And me!"

Ellis and Rinslet also squeezed up to him, snuggling Kamito tightly with their bodies.

"But... n-no sexual orders though."

"Who would ever do that! What kind of person do you guys think I am!?"

"Huh, you didn't want to make any such orders? Oh, okay..."

For some reason, a disappointed look crept across her face as she muttered those words.

Letting out a sigh, Kamito said frustratedly:

"– Now can you tell me why the three of you are dressed like this?"

He bluntly asked the trio.

"This... that is because..."

The three ladies looked at each other in panic.

After a while, Claire finally surrendered and said: "B-Because after Est disappeared, you looked so down and depressed –"

"... Huh?"

"So we decided to dress like this to lift your spirits...!"

Blushing furiously, Claire awkwardly finished her explanation.

It is said that when an elementalist is in a poor mental state, they will have no way of summoning spirits. In more serious cases, they may sometimes even lose their princess maiden powers.

For example, Fianna had been dealt a severe emotional blow four years ago, and had been unable to use her power for a long period of time afterwards. When Scarlet was defeated by demon spirits, Claire had also fallen into grief, and suddenly found herself unable to summon Scarlet.

If the blow from the loss of Est caused Kamito's heart to be dominated by negative feelings of hatred, the «gate» between their hearts would truly close forever, never to open again. In truth, there were actually many princess maidens who had lost their status as elementalists because of such trauma to their souls.

''So simply put, they wanted to cheer me up – roughly this kind of intention?''

Evidently, he had made these ladies worry too much.

However, Kamito thanked them from the bottom of his heart for their thoughtfulness.

"... But why dress up as little animals and put on an act?"

Kamito asked.

"It's Fianna who told us this secret. Y-You rascal, you like this kind of thing, don't you?"

"That goddamn princess, oh..."

Kamito gritted his teeth and muttered.

... So that was it, these sexual animal costumes were all from Fianna's secret collection.

"That... can't be right, you don't like this look?"

"Hmm? Well... I didn't say I disliked it."

Despite the many objections he felt, Kamito reluctantly admitted it -

Truth be told, he really thought it was quite cute.

Moreover, that these snobby aristocratic daughters would be willing to embarrass themselves so thoroughly in order to cheer him up – whether or not their methods were right, their positive intentions were enough to make one want to frankly thank them.

"... All of you, thank you."

"I-I did not do it for you, Kamito, I just want Est back quickly, that's all."

As Claire turned her head away, the cat ears on her head moved as well.

Ellis and Rinslet, too, shyly shook their tails.

"– N-Now then, shall we take a walk outside?"

Claire cleared her throat, tugged at Kamito's pajamas and asked.

"Outside?"

"Today is our last rest day before the start of the main competition,of course we should go outside and have a good time! Staying locked in a room depressed all day is hardly the solution, right?"

"... That is true."

All Kamito could do now was to believe in Est and await her return.

If Kamito, her contractor, did not get out of his depression, the «gate» would become impossible to open.

Going outside to lift his spirits was perhaps a good idea.

"And on this floating island, there is even a Biblion managed by the «Divine Ritual Institute»."

Rinslet added.

"Biblion?"

"It has been said that a lot of antique-level information is archived within the sacred Biblion, information that cannot be found even in our library of seals. If Est is really the sealed spirit sealed within the ancient sacred sword, we might be able to find clues in those documents."

"... If that is so, it sounds like it would be worth a look."

Anecdotes of the Demon King Killing Sacred Sword could be found across the continent, and although truth and fiction were mixed in them, considering that Est was such a powerful spirit, it would not be surprising to find a mention of her in one of the ancient records.

"It is decided, now hurry up and get ready to go!"

"Mhmm, we can't be cheerful cooped up indoors all the time."

"And in a place so close to the port, there are many shops set up here too."

The three girls crowded together, all trying to take Kamito's arm.

"Wait, let me first change into my uniform... Also, you don't want to go out dressed like this either, right?"

"Aaah! O-Of course not!"

The girls blushed and quickly let go of Kamito.

==Part 2==

So –

Kamito and his friends, dressed in their uniforms, took a carriage ride to the port.

The sacred Biblion was apparently located not too far from here; plain and simple wooden structures were set up side-by-side in this area of the port, creating a lively atmosphere like that of a shopping street holding a celebration.

In addition, the various countries of the continent had also combined to raise funds for various food and entertainment facilities to welcome the spectators of the Blade Dance.

Because this was the original spirit world, which humans were forbidden to live in, this fantasy street would only appear for a few days.

It was a sight only visible during the Blade Dance.

"Wow – clear skies today."

"Mm, because we are on the clouds, of course."

Claire stretched like a cat as she walked, she and Kamito chatted while walking together.

Then, a cool refreshing breeze blew past, and Claire's tresses, tied into two ponytails, swayed in the wind.

Hanging distantly in the sky, the floating island — Ragna Ys — should have stood no chance against fierce winds, but because this sacred land had the additional protection of the Wind Elemental Lord, it was in no danger of being blown away.

Small flying crafts flew one by one between the gaps in the clouds and arrived at the port.

As the main event of the Blade Dance was about to begin, nobles from countries all over the continent had already begun to gather here.

"This really is spectacular."

"Only on the floating island can you see such a view."

Ellis and Rinslet expressed their amazement in muttered exclamations.

"... It would have been great if Fianna could have come with us."

While muttering, Kamito raised his head to the clear, vast blue sky.

At the moment, Fianna seemed to searching for a way to destroy the «Brand of Darkness» imprinted on Kamito. She had been tirelessly visiting old acquaintances from her time at the «Divine Ritual Institute».

"Later, let's buy some gifts to take back for Fianna, alright?"

"Mmm, yeah."

The slate street was lined with a wide variety of shops.

As they were only temporary stalls, the materials they were made of were not particularly impressive. However, the craftsmen or chefs working inside were top talents who had been recruited from many countries. The Blade Dance was an excellent opportunity to showcase the nation's prestige so countries tend to generously spend huge sums of money on this.

The group walked to the heart of the shopping street, and passed a group of tourists who had just alighted from a flying craft.

"I didn't want to say this but this place really is terribly crowded."

"Men everywhere... I'm starting to feel dizzy."

Ellis and Rinslet looked around uneasily.

It seems that the ladies, having grown up in such a sheltered environment, were not used to such bustling places.

Furthermore, the city here was different from the college city: men accounted for a greater proportion of the people here. Although they were among the best elementalists, here they immediately turned back into pure innocent girls. Whenever a man, passing by quickly, brushed shoulders with them, they would let out small squeals and press themselves tightly against Kamito.

Claire was no exception, from the very start, she had repeatedly been sticking close to Kamito then immediately pulling away.

Whenever she leaned against Kamito, she would move away blushing; when she next bumped into a strange passer-by, she would go back to Kamito.

''This foolish girl, what is she doing?''

When Claire leaned into him again, Kamito quickly took her hand.

"Aaaah! W-What are you doing!"

The fiery cat maiden cried angrily, her face red.

"Who taught you how to walk so unsteadily? That's awfully dangerous."

"Well... o-okay, I'll let you hold my hand, but in here only."

As the two of them held hands, Claire turned her gaze aside shyly.

"You're too cunning..."

Rinslet puffed her cheeks unhappily, then grabbed Kamito's empty other hand.

"Rinslet?"

"I-I'm afraid of you getting lost, hold on to me tight."

Then Ellis, too, joined in; seeing that both Kamito's hands were full, she had no choice but to latch on his arm.

"E-Ellis...!"

"Hey... Captain! You're blocking the way here!"

"I-It's you, not me! Let go of Kamito's hand now!"

"Ah... all of you, I can't walk like this!"

The girls, all clinging to Kamito, began to quarrel.

They made such a scene that nearby passers-by started to whisper among themselves:

"Quick, look over there, three noble girls are serving that young man, wow." "That's because he's the rumored male elementalist, you know..."

"That's too wicked of him, to sink his fangs into those poor delicate girls." "But, take a look at those girls' expressions; they don't seem to hate him at all." "They must be under some kind of strange magic spell, of course."

''Well... this situation seems to have gotten a little worse...''

Kamito had long been used to hostility from strangers.

However, he did not wish to tarnish the reputations of the ladies he partnered with.

"I say... there are far too many people here, so why don't we find someplace cooler to rest?"

"Mm, that sounds good..."

Claire and the others nodded to show their agreement. It seems they were also thinking the same thing.

They looked around in search of a shop they could have a cup of tea at. And then –

"Kamito-san, look... there's a «La Parfait» shop over there!"

Rinslet pointed towards a chic-looking café across the road.

"Say, is that the famous «La Parfait»!? I've always wanted to try their cakes."

"If I remember correctly, this café is very popular throughout the empire... I-I'm kind of interested as well."

Even Claire and Ellis knew of it. Evidently, the business that had set up that temporary stall was very famous.

"... In that case, shall we go there?"

"Agreed!" "Yes!" "Mmhm...!"

The trio nodded in agreement and dragged Kamito towards it.

==Part 3==

The «La Parfait» stall was almost fully packed, so much so that the group had to wait a little before being served.

While sitting at the entrance waiting to be served, Kamito examined the stall's decor. The horizontal beams of the ceiling were naturally bent like tree branches, Kamito was very appreciative of the warm atmosphere this unique wood imparted.

"I'm surprised this is such a relaxing place. When I heard you say it was one of the empire's most popular shops, I expected it to be much more posh and luxurious."

"This is only a temporary stall put up for the «Blade Dance», so of course it won't be so well-decorated. Their regular shops are so good aristocratic ladies would be willing to hide their identities just to patronize the shop incognito."

"Oh, so that's it... Hey, speaking of which, I'm not that loaded with cash..."

Kamito's face suddenly turned pale.

A shop even noble daughters would patronize incognito – this must certainly be a very high-class shop.

"If it were a regular shop, no matter how loaded you were, you'd still not be able to afford it."

"The stalls are free for the participants of the Blade Dance."

"I-I see..."

At Rinslet's words, Kamito let out a reassured sigh.

After a while, the four were led to their seats.

"I want a peach pie, a peach sorbet... and a peach mousse."

Claire flipped open the menu and gestured with her finger at the dessert options.

"Why are you getting so many peach options... haven't you already had some in the morning?

"N-None of your business... so what if I like them?"

"This raspberry-flavored cream puff also looks delicious."

"Y-Yes, that seems tasty."

"Oh... This dish puts some ice cream on a fresh hot apple pie to be eaten together..."

"Let's order one and divide it, everyone can have some. Kamito, what would you like?"

"Oooh... Well then, I'll have a scone, I guess..."

Kamito answered perfunctorily, but then –

"What's this attitude, you seem so reluctant."

"I really pity the dessert you order like that to eat."

"If you're a true man, you should pick decisively... Well, I'm talking about choosing cake."

For some unknown reason, Kamito found himself being severely berated by the ladies.

"S-Sorry..."

The three of them had always bickered when in training, but in these situations, they were always in full understanding.

Rinslet summoned a waitress, and one-by-one ordered those cakes and desserts with names that would accidentally make one bite their tongue.

"– And lastly, I'd like four cups of black tea from the Laurenfrost area."

"Yes."

"Ah... e-excuse me, wait a minute!"

Ellis called aloud to halt the waitress, who was preparing to leave.

"Yes?"

"Please add a little whipped cream and honey to my tea, and if you could, add some floating marshmallows as well."

"Uh... I'm sorry, esteemed guest, but our shop does not serve such a kind of drink."

"I-Is that so? Can you not make an excepti – oooh!"

Halfway through her sentence, Ellis stopped.

It was because Rinslet was pinching the back of her neck.

"Hey, what are you doing!"

"Oh my god, have you no shame! I don't like saying such things, but the Fahrengart family must really have no class!"

Rinslet was very particular about tea brewing, and so forbade Ellis from randomly adding ingredients as she wished.

"So what if you're from the Laurenfrost family, it's just a countryside noble family with more land, that's all!"

"Y-You wouldn't dare...!"

An intense mini-blizzard blew up beside Rinslet.

"N-No matter what, I don't care, if it's not sweet I won't drink it!"

"If that's so, why didn't you simply order cocoa just now?"

"Don't you think cocoa's a little too childish?"

"Only childish people would call cocoa childish!"

"Okay, okay, stop arguing, the cakes are here."

Claire lightly poked Rinslet's shoulder and said.

"Hmph... no matter, next time I'll teach our Captain how to drink tea."

"Sweet things are just nicer..."

Ellis said in a half-challenging manner through pursed lips.

Not long after, the dazzling array of desserts were delivered to their table.

Placed in silver containers, each of the cakes and breads looked like an exquisite art piece.

At the sight of them, the anger of the two aristocratic girls vanished and was replaced by expressions of joy.

"I can't help but feel that... to eat something so beautiful would almost be a waste."

"These snacks are made by the very best chefs representing our empire."

As Claire spoke, she opened her mouth wide and took a bite out of the peach pie.

"Waaah... it really is delicious!"

"This raspberry cream puff also tastes extraordinarily refined and delicious."

"Mmmm, there's probably some sweet wine added to this sponge cake... I must try that next time."

Kamito listened to the girls' comments, then put his own cake into his mouth.

"Oh, it's delicious."

Although he was no food connoisseur, the sweet taste in his mouth did give him a rich and noble feeling.

But, compared to this –

Looking at the joyous expressions on the girls' faces made Kamito feel inexplicably happier himself.

"Kamito, what is it?"

"Huh? Oh..."

Kamito was jolted out of his daze, only to find Claire suspiciously staring at him. He quickly averted his gaze and feigned ignorance.

"To think that this stall will be dismantled immediately after the Blade Dance, what a pity!"

"That's just how it is. But... there's a shop in the empire, so we will definitely have a chance to visit again."

"Mmm, next time we go, we must be sure to take Fianna... and Est."

Kamito looked down at the spirit seal on his right hand and murmured.

"Kamito ..."

"Kamito-san..."

At this, Ellis and Rinslet raised their heads.

"—Est will return, I promise."

Claire spoke in a calm but confident tone of voice.

"So... just trust in her and wait for her to return. The only person who can help her out in this way is her elementalist – you."

"... Mmmm, you're right."

Kamito nodded – and then mused:

''... Partners will make one stronger – that probably refers to this feeling I'm having now.''

Three years ago, the strongest blade dancers were indeed very swift and strong.

Solely in terms of skill as an elementalist, he was unrivaled.

But these physical powers were fragile and would easily be crushed by a strong blow; they were strengths developed through loneliness.

The Kamito in the past had no one to rely on.

After losing Restia, he was left only with eternal despair.

''Now, however, I have friends willing to support me.''

So my heart will no longer shatter.

I will not sink into despair again.

''... Thus far, Est has saved me many times.''

Kamito clenched his fist on the table.

''– So, it's my turn now. No doubt about it: I will save you.''

==Part 4==

The most important Sanctuary in the entirety of the floating island Ragna Ys—the Grand Hall of the Wind Elemental Lord—was located atop a hilly area. It was some distance away from the building where the blade dance participants were.

This white building was made from a combination of the best-quality materials and the highest technology. The huge construction covered the whole of the hill; one could appreciate its majesty even from outside of the floating island.

It was not only the place where the wind spirits listened to the spirit king's decrees to the holy land, but also where princess maidens from the «Divine Ritual Institute» chosen by the various nations would practice their devotions. Therefore, even the nobility of the country would absolutely not be allowed to enter.

However, at that very moment time, there was a lady outside the gate shouting anxiously:

"Please do me a favor! Grant me an audience with Reicha-sama–!"

She was individually seperated from the team of five in order to work separately from Kamito – Fianna.

Wearing a rare serious look, she pleaded with the guard standing at the gate.

"You really don't give up do you."

The middle-aged guard regarded Fianna with unfriendly eyes.

Her face clearly expressed her stubbornness.

"Please withdraw. Our «Divine Ritual Institute»'s gate will never open simply for any one, let alone getting an audience with Reicha-sama. Your requests will absolutely never be granted."

The guard uttered a statement he had probably repeated many times before.

''... This is so infuriating! These people are as stubborn as ever!''

Fianna cursed impatiently to herself.

Having said that, she had in fact expected such a reaction from the start, because the person she wanted to see was not one who would meet with just anybody.

''If I could borrow her strength, it would certainly be enough to break the curse on Kamito. But...''

The guard looked down at Fianna, not bothering to conceal her expression of contempt.

Evidently, she had not the slightest inclination to open the door.

''... Well, I did know the reason ages ago.''

Refusing to give up, Fianna bit down on her lip.

The one she was thinking of was the Annihilation Spirit princess that had betrayed the Fire Elemental Lord – Rubia Elstein.

There had been high hopes placed on Fianna to be successor, but the incident with Rubia had left indelible horrors in her heart, causing her to lose the power of summoning contract spirits, and with that, her status as princess maiden.

And so Fianna Ray Ordesia became a lost princess maiden, thoroughly disappointing the people who had had great expectations of her and discrediting the «Divine Ritual Institute».

''... You narrow-minded people, who only know how to put in superficial effort, really disgust me.''

Even her own parents—The Areishia emperor and empress—and the various nobility were all no different.

When Fianna was still the princess maiden successor, these people had flattered her in every possible way. Once she had lost her contract spirit powers however, they immediately scorned and disdained her, changing their attitudes faster than one could turn the page of a book.

Of course, not all of them were like that. It was just that the «Divine Ritual Institute» organization had decayed under the weight of its long history, and so indeed had a darker side.

Seeing Fianna's stubborn refusal to leave, the guard shook her head and said:

"I do not wish to continue wasting my time on you."

Having said this, she turned and went back into the temple.

"Wait a minute—"

Fianna quickly moved to catch up with her, but—

"Aaaah!?"

Suddenly, a fierce wind rose and blew Fianna off her feet.

Fianna and Claire were different in that they had not received special combat training for elementalists. Too late to protect herself, she fell heavily to the ground.

"... What!?"

She saw something stand at the doors – a magical wind spirit that looked like a winged lion.

It was a Guardian Spirit; it made contracts with not elementalists, but buildings. This very building, was in fact—the true sanctuary.

"It appears impossible to break through the front gate..."

Fianna glared at the Guardian while nursing a scrape on her lip.

==Part 5==

A sword fell in mysterious darkness.

This shining, beautiful sword, swallowed by a sludge-like nothingness, was gradually losing its light.

''– How strange. What on earth is happening to me?''

Nonetheless, this sword apparently still retained its self-awareness.

Although the disappearance of her physical body had affected her, damaging her memory –

Her memory of that last event was crystal-clear.

She remembered his warmth as she embraced him with both hands on his back.

And, for just the briefest instant, the touch of their lips against each other.

Then – a harsh voice calling out her own name.

''...K-Kamito!''

Her radiance all lost, the sword slowly sank in the bottomless darkness –

<noinclude>{{SeireiDance Nav|prev=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume5 Chapter1|next=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume5 Chapter3}}</noinclude>

Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume5 Chapter1

2013-02-23T07:11:27Z

Worker:

=Chapter 1: The Broken Sacred Sword=

== Part 1 ==

"—!?"

Waking up, he found himself on his soft bed.

... He sat up and looked back down at himself.

He was not wearing his school uniform, but rather a set of loose pajamas. It seemed that someone had helped him change while he was unconscious.

The dream he witnessed had caused him to break out into a cold sweat.

"I —"

What on earth —

Trying to recall the events that happened before he fainted, Kamito rubbed his dully aching head.

At that moment —

"Kamito, you're awake?"

From the corner of the room came a voice.

Kamito turned, and saw a beautiful uniformed girl sitting in a chair by the wall.

She had two red ponytails on the sides of her head.

Her translucent ruby-red pupils gazed anxiously in his direction.

"... Claire, you haven't been here all this while, have you?"

"Eh? No, not very long at all..."

Claire frantically shook her head.

However, dark circles at the corners of her eyes belied the fact that she had not had a good night's rest.

"I apologize for making you worry."

"I-It's nothing, I wasn't worrying."

Kamito returned Claire's concern with a wry smile, and took a look around the room.

This castle room had been arranged for the participants of the «Blade Dance». Looking at its spacious windows and quality household items, one could tell that this was not Kamito's usual residence, which was no different from a storage room, but a room from some unknown other place.

With dawn quickly approaching, the sun shone weakly through a slit in the curtains.

"That's good, get some sleep now. Your fever has not fully gone down."

"Ah? I have a fever?"

"Mmhm, it appears to have gotten better now, but you were burning up quite badly just a moment ago."

Claire bent over and placed her hand on Kamito's forehead.

The touch of her ice-cold skin felt incredibly comfortable. .... Oh. There was indeed still a bit of a lingering fever.

"Anyways, Claire –"

"Yes, what is it?"

"Uh, why did I faint?"

".......You don't remember?"

Claire's eyes opened wide in surprise.

"Don't tell me you have amnesia..."

"No, nothing that serious. It's just that my head's still groggy and I can't seem to remember what happened right before I blacked out."

Kamito shook his head silently.

"The events from the ball?"

"Yes, I remember that. You turned down the invitation from the crown prince of some country with the wave of a hand..."

"Uh, yeah."

"Around that time, Ren Ashbell invited me to dance –"

While massaging his aching temples, Kamito felt his memory gradually return in chronological order.

Something big must have happened.

''No mistake about that. There was something of extreme importance –''

"Ren Ashbell carved the «Brand of Darkness» on me, and then –"

Impatience burned in his chest.

Sparkling in the corner of his mind was an image of the radiant silver sword.

"And then, I –"

"Kamito, you rescued us from the hands of the «Institutional School» assassins!"

Looking at the upset Kamito, Claire spoke up.

"The «Institutional School» assassins?"

Kamito lifted his head abruptly.

''That's right. At that time, I battled Muir's military spirit–''

At Claire's words, his memories of last night returned in a flood.

Last night, during the opening ceremony of the Blade Dance, the assassin from the «Instructional School» Muir Alenstarl, claimed to be Kamito's sworn younger sister, manipulated the military spirit , and attacked Claire and company.

Branded by Ren Ashbell's «Brand of Darkness» and covered in wounds, Kamito raced towards the battlefield reluctantly, towards Muir Alenstarl's military spirit – but at that very moment, the curse of the mark took effect on Kamito's body, and he was overcome by a blinding pain.

And then –

"...!"

The instant he regained his memory, Kamito's whole body stiffened, as if he'd been struck by lightning.

The image that sprung to mind was that of a girl – with mysterious violet eyes.

With beautiful silvery-white hair that reflected the moonlight.

With small hands that gently stroked his back.

And with lips that were cold as ice yet hot as fire when they touched his.

Then she turned into innumerable particles of light, which dissipated into a void—

That was the last Kamito saw of her.

"... Es... t?"

The name escaped from his lips in a trembling, spontaneous exhale.

It was the name of one who had always remained by his side, the name of an extremely important someone, the name of his contract spirit.

His slight memory disturbances earlier must have been because he had not wanted to face this fact.

"Kamito..."

Claire's low, worried words almost went unheard by Kamito.

"You must be joking... Est, why did she–"

Her meaningless words rang hollow.

His newly recovered memory insisted on replaying the last scene he saw before losing consciousness.

At that time, she had whispered in his ear:

Goodbye, Kamito –.

Blade spirit Est – with a head of silvery-white hair, just like a snow fairy.

His contract with her was originally a chance occurrence.

While maintaining a contract with a contract spirit from the past, the end result was an incomplete contract.

Originally, he could not even wield a tenth of the power with the contract. It must have been considerably painful for a powerful spirit like her.

However, Est had said that was all right.

To be able to contract with you, that alone is wonderful – she had said.

''But I –''

Three years ago, there was a day he had lost a previous contract spirit.

From that day onwards, he had vowed not to lose anyone important.

"Yet I – again!"

Est had disappeared.

She had sacrificed her very existence in order to save Kamito from being eroded by the curse of the brand.

"Damn –"

"Kamito!"

He threw up his hands in despair only for Claire to quickly catch hold of them.

She gazed steadily into his eyes, with the intent of calming him down.

"Est was not eliminated."

"Ah?"

"After all, your hands still bear signs of a spirit contract, right?"

Kamito's eyes widened.

"Y...es... indeed."

His right hand, the one in Claire's grasp, still bore a design of intersecting swords.

That was the proof of a spirit contract—the spirit seal.

If the contract spirit were to be eliminated, the spirit seal would then of course disappear.

The reason why Kamito had believed for all these three years that Restia had not vanished—the reason why he had retained a glimmer of hope—was entirely because the spirit seal inscribed on his left hand still remained.

The spirit seal connects the contractor to the contract spirit; it is a special «Gate».

Now the pain was too weak to be felt – but as long as the spirit seal on his right hand did not disappear, he would have proof that Est had not been completely eliminated.

"Est, she's still alive."

"Yes. And even if we cannot call her out now, there must be a way to do so."

If that's the case, I can't remain like this.

"... Ah ah ah ah ah!"

Biting back the pain coursing through his entire body, Kamito got up from the bed.

"Wait, wait a moment, what are you doing!? You still can't –"

"Est is waiting – I don't have the time to continue sleeping!"

Just as Claire's hands moved to stop him–

Gurgle gurgle ~

A lovely sound arose in the room.

"...Claire?"

All the strength had drained from his body.

"...... ~!Th-Th-This is a misunderstanding, t-there wasn't a strange sound just now!"

"You... don't tell me, you haven't had anything to eat since yesterday?"

"A-After all, you've been having a bad fever, well..."

Claire blushed and stammered.

"You can't afford to skip meals since tomorrow the battle begins."

"... I-I know. Speaking of which, you haven't eaten either."

"Well, I'm more or less accustomed to that..."

In his youth, Kamito had spent most of his time at intense trainings in the «Instructional School».

The education he received there included even starvation training. Although he had no intention of attempting such a thing, he could now easily go without food for several days.

''Then again...''

Something suddenly occurred to Kamito.

''Everyone now knows that I was from the «Instructional School»...''

Precisely because they were important companions, he had not wanted them to know of his past.

Once they learnt of that he thought, they would not want anything to do with him.

It was only natural that one would think so.

On the contrary, they had treated Kamito –

"You... what you are or aren't accustomed to, that's entirely beside the point. If you don't eat well, you'll never regain your strength. Look, I even brought fruit here specially f-for you."

At this, Claire indicated the basket on the bedside table.

It was filled to the brim with delicious-looking ripe peaches.

"– Claire, thank you."

"Don't stand on courtesy, it's nothing. After all, they were brought back from the ball."

"No such thing!"

Kamito looked directly at Claire.

"Even after learning I was an orphan from the «Instructional School», you still stayed my friend, saying it didn't matter. ... About that, I'm still very glad."

"W-What, ah, well, that..."

Claire blushed and looked away.

"B-But of course, isn't that just how it is? Regardless of your past, you're my spirit slave in the present and that will not change!"

With a wry smile and a nod of his head, Kamito reached into the basket for a peach.

"Here, hand me a small knife, I'll cut it open."

"Leave it to me. You're the hurt one, get some rest."

"The peach is fragile, so it can be difficult to peel. I thought you weren't good at peeling fruits?"

"W-well, if you think that..."

Claire hid her face. Truth be told, it seemed that all the women at the institution, both young and adult, were all not that good at homemaking. It wasn't just Claire who was particularly bad at preparing fruits.

Kamito shrugged, picked up a knife from the table, and nimbly started peeling the peach.

Watching his deft handiwork, Claire asked emotionally:

"Did you learn this from that «Instructional School» too?"

"No, cooking and other skills I picked up during my travels. My travel companion was very picky when it came to flavors and tastes!

"... Companion, meaning that dark spirit girl?"

"Yeah..."

While cutting the peach, Kamito's expression turned sour.

"Well – so it's like that..."

Claire looked doubtful.

"Look, it is peeled."

As if to change the subject, Kamito speared the peeled peach on a fork and presented it to Claire.

As she took a bite, some peach juice sprayed back at him.

"Yum yum~ so sweet, it's really delicious...!"

[[File:STnBD V05 025.jpg|thumbnail|right]]

Her two red ponytails danced in joy.

Claire put her hands to her cheeks, an expression of sheer bliss on her face. She looked so lovely one could accidentally lose oneself in admiration.

"Well, now, have another..."

Kamito raised the fork holding the peach. Like a cat being teased, Claire's gaze followed it in a trance-like state.

"Look, here it is!"

He shifted his hand away.

"Ah!"

And shifted it again.

"R-Really now!"

Claire's mouth opened and shut as she chased the peach doggedly.

Left, right. ... And again.

Finding it very interesting, Kamito intended to continue for a little longer –

"... ~Oi, w-why are you so cruel!"

Claire snarled, tears welling in her eyes.

"... Sorry, just felt like you were as adorable as a cat, so."

"...?! W-what do you mean cute... s-stupid idiot, that's what you are!"

Into the mouth of the red-faced, frantically gesticulating Claire –

"Aah."

– went the peach.

And she bit down.

"Whew, ah, it's so delicious ..."

"Just like a cat."

Claire shot Kamito a look.

"Hey, isn't this situation backwards?"

"Hrm, backwards?"

"The injured person is you, but I'm the one eating."

"Well, it's a small matter, don't worry about it."

Kamito shrugged his shoulders, and conveniently put the peach into his own mouth.

The slightly tangy taste of the peach juice spread immediately in his mouth.

"Mmm, it really is delicious. It's thoroughly ripe!"

"I-isn't that the same fork..."

"... What's the matter?"

"N-No, it's nothing –"

Claire hastily took her eyes off him.

"Anyway –"

Kamito put the fork aside and asked.

"Yes, what?"

"What's the performance for the «Blade Dance»? The divination of the Queens have already been revealed, right?"

While Kamito was unconscious, the five Queens had held a ceremony at the great temple of the «Divine Ritual Institute». where the Five Elemental Lords bestowed their divine revelation. The performance was to be decided by this divine revelation – as for the competition format, it would be announced at a later date.

At this, Claire's expression grew serious.

"Mmhm, the blade dance performance to be presented will be – the «Tempest»."

"«Tempest», huh..."

That had been the a competition format used for the Blade Dance not only in recent years, but also tens, and even hundreds of years ago.

The elementalists who will be presenting the blade dance performance will come together at the gathering place in the vast holy lands, and the teams will do battle with each other over a number of days. Each individual's combat skills will be put to the test, but beyond that, of even greater significance will be their tactical and strategic ability, as well as teamwork and cooperation.

"... It will be a tough battle."

"Indeed. On the other hand, they clearly could have chosen a knockout-style tournament. If so, I suppose this was the best possible outcome."

Claire nodded with a serious look on her face.

The blade dance performance's format would be the «Tempest». This piece of information was one he had previously thought about.

With the only constraint being "five elementalists to a team", a little investigating on the history of the Blade Dance would have made it clear that the number of possible performance formats numbered only about ten or so.

As a matter of fact, the Areishia Spirit Academy had even conducted an extensive training exercise under the assumption that this performance would be selected.

However, one could still hold out hope, for as long as possible, that this performance would not be chosen – this way of thinking was still true.

More so than individual skill, this competition format emphasized a team's combined strength. One would be hard-pressed to say this system had any benefits for Claire, who was still worried and unconfident in regards to teamwork.

Furthermore, «TEAM•SCARLET» had only formed recently. The five members had begun working together a mere few weeks ago. While each of them was a strong elementalist in his or her own right, their combined team strength still could not compare to that of the other teams.

''Furthermore...''

Kamito's gaze turned to the spirit seal inscribed on his right hand.

All along, Kamito's overwhelming strength had always been unrivaled amongst his companions.

However, Kamito was now in a state lacking his contract spirits.

Despite previously being known as the strongest Blade Dancer, without his contract spirit, Kamito could not reach his full strength as an elementalist.

Following that, he rested his hand lightly on the chest wound that was still aching dully.

''—The curse of this brand had yet to fade completely.''

The «Brand of Darkness» Ren Ashbell had engraved was even now still eating away at his body.

Although Est had suppressed the worst of the damage by sacrificing herself, she had not entirely destroyed it.

"Est..."

Murmuring her name, even injecting into it divine power, the spirit seal yielded no response.

Instead, an intense scorching pain invaded his entire body.

"... Ah, damn it..."

"You'd better not act rashly. What you can do now is get a good rest in order to regain your strength and divine power."

"... Ah, ah, I know."

Clenching his lips tightly, Kamito nodded and laid flat on the bed again.

== Part 2 ==

''... Kamito seemed to be pretty depressed.''

Outside Kamito's room, Claire let out a small sigh.

This was not unreasonable. After all, it was an elementalist who had lost their own contract spirit before his own eyes.

That bitterness, Claire understood all too well, as she too had lost Scarlet in the past. At that time, Claire had given up on herself, and had even allowed herself to be tempted by the dark spirit.

Of course, Est's eradication had left Claire somewhat shaken too.

For Est had not been just another contract spirit.

She was also an important companion of Claire's in the institution; for more than two months, they had fought side by side.

".......We need to quickly find a way to bring Est back."

The practical problem was that, without Est, «TEAM•SCARLET» had no chance of winning the battle royale. Kamito had incomparable strength, but an elementalist without a contract spirit at his side would not be able to do his best at a competition such as the «Blade Dance», where there were many tough opponents.

There must be a way to bring Est back – true, she had just said that, but what exactly one would need to do, she did not know. Assuming it was possible was fine and all, but they might not have enough time.

The Blade Dance battle would begin tomorrow; they could only afford to spare one day. If Kamito could not bring Est back in that time, they would have to rely on only the four remaining people to win the battle royale.

Although they did not intend on losing to the other teams, the fact of the matter was that their chances of victory against a strong opponent—such as, say, the Dracunia Dragons led by Leonora Lancaster—were slim indeed.

Moreover, in order to win the grand event, they would still have to take down Ren Ashbell, the most powerful of the Blade Dancers.

Then again, it was also possible for Kamito to look for another spirit to contract with.

''But, all things considered, that was not likely...''

Pacing around the portico, Claire shook her head. Leaving aside for the moment the issue of finding a suitable new contract spirit, Kamito would most certainly reject the idea of any other spirit but Est.

''Speaking of whom –''

Out of the blue, the image of that dark spirit girl inadvertently surfaced in Claire's mind.

Jet-black hair, billowing in the wind. A lovely girl with eyes the color of dusk.

''In the end, I still did not ask Kamito about her...''

A wave of pain rushed through her chest as she thought of it.

It was yesterday evening, in the courtyard of the castle: Kamito and the dark spirit girl, their lips locked in a kiss.

It wasn't that she lacked the opportunity to ask; it was just not a suitable time for such a matter. Shocked and upset over having lost Est, Kamito was not in a state for her to pursue the matter to completion.

''But that girl; what on earth was her relationship with Kamito...?''

The previous contract spirit was a girl of darkness who, even now, still held Kamito's heart.

The strange pain in her chest burned more and more intensely.

"W-Well, whatever, that rascal can get all kissy-kissy with whoever he wants to! It's got nothing to with me right?"

Claire reasoned this out herself and then stopped outside the room.

She opened the door —

"...Huh !?"

There were three people in the room who rose from the couch in unison.

"Is Kamito awake!?"

Claire nodded her head in response to Ellis's query.

"Well, yeah, but it seems the fever has not receded yet. He should continue to rest."

".....Hmm, I see. All in all, it's good that he's doing alright."

"T-To actually have a girl worry so much over him. This guy still causes headaches like before!"

Rinslet crossed and uncrossed her fingers restlessly.

"... It was really all thanks to Est. My skills were simply ineffective against the curse of that brand."

In contrast with the other two, who seemed to have breathed sighs of relief, Fianna wore a somber expression.

Fianna was originally the second-best princess maiden overall in the «Divine Ritual Institute». Her power and skill at curse-breaking was comparable to that of the current princess maidens.

However, the «Brand of Darkness» inscribed by Ren Ashbell on Kamito's body contained a curse so strong that it left even Fianna helpless.

If at that time Est had not sacrificed herself, then —

Kamito's physicial body would have been utterly corroded by the curse. At worst, he might even have died.

"I have searched through a wide range of material but still couldn't find any information on this curse."

The pile of heavy books around Fianna was as high as a mountain.

She had brought these with her from the institution. They contained incantations and curses as well as documents related to spirits.

"But even now, I still cannot believe that..."

Ellis spoke while clenching her lips.

"That Ren Ashbell would go so far as to actually do such a thing —"

"... Yeah, I know."

Claire nodded.

The strongest Blade Dancer.

Her goal was to become a princess maiden elementalist, the most lauded person.

At the Blade Dance three years ago, her blade dance performance had mesmerized countless girls.

Whether it was Claire, Ellis, or anyone, they all held a powerful and honorable person like her in high respect. They had endured the Academy's numerous, strict training regimens in order to be an elementalist like her.

Which was why when Muir Alenstarl told them that it was she who had carved the «Brand of Darkness» onto Kamito's body, they completely could not bring themselves to believe it.

However, on further reflection—

''Not a single one of them knew anything about who she was...''

For example, what wish she made to the Elemental Lord as the victor of the Blade Dance three years prior.

Why, after reaching the highest possible level of renown, did she suddenly disappear without a trace from the eyes of the world.

And why, with things in their current state, would want to make a return?

Speculation of all sorts existed, but it still remained a mystery.

Finally, why would the strongest active elementalist want to place a curse on Kamito.

The reason for that was unclear as well.

''For preemptive reasons, so as to reduce Kamito to a certain amount of strength before the battle royale?''

Even if that were so, there was no need to use such a circuitous strategy as a curse.

One would only need to fight with overwhelming brute strength to eliminate others, like what Muir Alenstarl did.

"Without conclusive evidence, that impostor elementalist may as well be the real Ren Ashbell."

"... But in that case, why not use her real identity?"

"Maybe there's some reason why she couldn't use her true identity," muttered Fiana.

"You think there is a hidden reason?"

"Ah... I-I didn't say anything!"

Addressing the frowning Claire, Fianna hurriedly shook her head.

"If there was someone masquerading as Ren Ashbell and using her name, I would never forgive her."

Placing her hands on the sword at her waist, Ellis spoke up.

"Come on, let's take the initiative to go ask her—"

"Impossible. We don't even know where she is in the first place."

Claire shook her head at Ellis's impulsive and dangerous proposal.

The team representing Ren Ashbell, Team Inferno of Alphas Empire, had apparently stayed in a tower outside the region where they waited for an opportunity to strike. No one knew where they were.

Moreover, Muir Alenstarl, who had vanished after yesterday's skirmish, had not given up on her plans to kill Claire and company. A slow, stealthy approach would be more practical than a direct dangerous one.

"Her intentions are indeed a major concern, but—the foremost problem here has to be Est."

Claire turned towards Fianna and asked,

"I'll get straight to the point. Est – can she still return?"

"That..."

Fianna stroked her chin, as though deep in thought.

"If Kamito's hand still shows signs of the spirit seal, it is evidence that Est has not been completely vanquished. Ordinarily, once she fully regains her power, she can return. It's just that –"

"Just that?"

"This is just my hypothesis – Est may have been trapped in a prison of the curse. Regarding this, I cannot be sure."

"What do you mean?"

"Est used her power to suppress the curse, but she did not completely break it. Now she might be held, shackled by the curse, unable to move."

"In order to rescue Est, we'll have to deal with the curse first, won't we?"

Ellis nodded a serious expression.

"In regards to the «Brand of Darkness», I can get some help from the forces at the «Divine Ritual Institute». ... Next, there is the problem of Kamito himself. Although I don't think this will crush his spirits..."

"But, he seemed really upset......"

Even in front of Claire, he had put on a brave front so as not to let anyone see him weak. At the end of the day however, he could not hide how much the loss of Est had affected him.

By the looks of it, it should take him quite some time to get his act together.

"In that case......is there anything we can do for him?"

Rinslet said.

"Truthfully speaking, it's not that we don't have an option..."

"Eh, really?" "What's is it?" "D-Don't leave us guessing! Tell us directly, please!"

Hearing this, Claire and the others who were not giving up, gathered in front of Fianna.

Fianna sighed and said:

"... Help our own opponents. While it is infuriating, we really have no choice."

She uttered this sentence of cryptic meaning –

And then informed them on what they - can - do - for - Kamito.

"...!"

The trio's faces instantly turned bright red.

"W-Wait a minute! That sort of thing – how could we possibly to do that!"

"R-Really now! Such a shameful thing... as a knight, I cannot accept it!"

"Keep in mind that I am the eldest daughter of the noble Laurenfrost family!"

The wave of protest from the girls came at the same time.

"Hmm – so you mean to say that you don't want Kamito to recover?"

Fianna sharply spoke and pointed at them.

"T-That is..."

"Of course that isn't true–"

"... I-I didn't mean it like that, except–"

The three blushed and stammered.

A mischievous smile formed on Fianna's face.

"All right then, it's settled. There are all sorts of ceremonial props in the luggage I brought. Help yourselves.

As she spoke, she reached into the travel bag and took out a myriad of colorful costumes and props.

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Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume5 Prologue

2013-02-23T07:11:20Z

Worker:

=Prologue=
He was watching a dream.

An extremely vivid dream― to the extent that he understood that he was within a dream.

The flashing of swords. The clashing of blades.

While walking down a corridor dyed red with the blood of countless soldiers―

The one swinging a sword of shining light, was a girl with beautiful golden hair.

Flowing movements like that of the blade dance, cutting down all sorts of spirits that came at her.

The girl's figure gave off a sense of deja vu.

Up till present times, there were many existing artworks of her, like portraits, sculptures and paintings.

Areishia Idriss.

The Sacred Queen who had once overthrown the Demon King.

''......Why did I dream of her?''

Here he did not have a physical body that he could move, only his consciousness drifted through this clear dream, bearing that question.

From when exactly was this dream from?

Furthermore― ''whose dream was it?''

In the midst of his clear consciousness― eventually, he reached ''that moment'' that was recorded in history.

Defeating the last spirit, the girl slowly walked out the corridor, heading into the deepest depths of the castle.

Raising the «Sacred Sword» which was radiating light in the air with both hands, she raised her head, looking at the throne.

There, was seated a lone man, his composure calm.

The area around the throne was wreathed in dark flames, and thus his features could not be identified.

However, who it was that was seated on that throne, was intuitively understood with just a glance.

''The Demon King Solomon―''

In the past, he had brought calamity and destruction across the lands, the worst tyrant to have gone down in history.

Dominating the powerful spirits of the seventy-two pillars, the only existing male elementalist.

Ominous dark flames danced menacingly around him, as though threatening the girl.

However, the girl did not falter.

Because within her hand was held a sacred sword, empowering her heart.

"Evil Demon King, by the names of the Elemental Lords and my sacred sword, begone."

As the blowing wind sent her golden hair billowing, the girl dashed onwards.

Engraved on the blade of the sacred sword, in the language of the spirits, was a name giving off a silver light―

The instant I saw that name, I shouted out.

"―'''Est!'''"

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Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume4 Chapter10

2013-02-23T07:09:19Z

Worker:

==Chapter 10: Showdown with the Past==
===Part 1===

Inside the forest crackling from the fire—

"......Kamito is an assassin trained at the «Instructional School»?"

Claire muttered that, dumbfounded.

Ellis, Fianna and Rinslet all exchanged glances while collapsed on the ground.

«Instructional School» — if one were to ask the empire's people, there would be none that had not heard that name.

Four years ago. At the same time as the Calamity Queen's rebellion, the empire's dark side was revealed.

In the intercontinental regions, orphans that appeared to possess the right disposition were gathered and trained as assassins by a gathering of fanatics.

"That kind of thing......"

It was not something that could be believed immediately.

But if it were true—

Kamito's uncommon strength.

It also explained why he hid his past so obstinately.

''......So that's what it was. That's why Kamito—''

Claire stood still and shut her mouth tightly.


"Aha, was it shocking? Onee-chan."

Muir said that with a sneer.

"Nii-sama is a monster just like me. He's not human."

Suddenly, «Tiamat»'s earth dragon head began chanting spirit magic.

Ghastly plants with living tendril extensions growing from it emerged from the ground and attacked Claire and the others.

The four who were completely drained of energy were at the mercy of the plants and were lifted into the air.

"Nooo!" "What is this!" "Da-Damn you, insolent thing!"

The slimy plants tore the girls' dresses and touched their bare skin like tentacles.

They struggled against the unpleasant feeling but were unable to put up any resistance.

"Fufu, that's a good appearance. Onee-chans."

"N, fuaa......this......!"

Claire swung her Flame Tongue in an attempt to burn the plants but—

The flames disappeared like smoke and were completely eliminated.

''......I'm losing divine power!''

Spirits were unusable by anyone except pure maidens. Even if you had a close bond with the contracted spirit, this didn't change.

The purification ceremony that the spirit contracting princess maidens underwent before sacred rituals or blade dances was to achieve this condition.


The teasing disgraceful treatment wasn't without purpose. Muir was corrupting their bodies so they would be unable to use their contracted spirits.

But there was no time to feel shy from showing an unladylike appearance as the plants dug into their limbs.

Breathing that was becoming difficult. The creaking sound of bones.

"......Ah, guu......"

"You're crying out in a nice voice. I'd like to let Nii-sama hear it as well."

The innocently laughing young girl's voice.

''Kami......to......''

Inside her conscience that was growing faint—

Claire called that name.

''—Save me, Kamito!''

Just then.

The flash of a sword.

''......Eh?''

A sudden floating feeling.


Following that, Claire's body fell down into the mud.

Ellis, Fianna and Rinslet were also successively freed from the plants.

"......"

Claire blinked.

Over there—

"Sorry, I made you wait."

Kamito stood there holding a gleaming silvery white sword.

===Part 2===
Kamito breathed heavily and stood a short distance from the roaring «Tiamat».

His face was pale as if lacking blood and he was drenched in cold sweat. Thanks to Est suppressing his condition, he could more or less continue to stand.

"Kamito......"

Claire let out a surprised voice.

"......So you've heard about me?"

"......"

[[Image:STnBD V04 240.jpg|200px|thumb]]


Silence answered him.

With just that, Kamito understood.

They had learned his past.

"Kamito, is it true? That you were......"

"Yeah, it's true."

Kamito turned away from Claire and nodded.

"I'm the same as Muir, an orphan from the «Instructional School»."

He heard a gasp.

It wasn't just Claire. Ellis, Fianna and Rinslet as well.

They widened their eyes as the cruel truth was appended to Kamito's profile.

A disgusting child of darkness. Possibly a pitiful monster.

He didn't know which was better.

Whatever the case, their relationship would change from now on.

''......Well, it was bound to get out sooner or later.''

Kamito sighed deeply with resignation—

And continued forward to stand before Muir Alenstarl and «Tiamat».

"Claire, I'm sorry for keeping it secret until now. But—"


He gripped Terminus Est in both hands.

"I will definitely protect you all. That will never change."

"Kamito, y-you......"

Then.

Claire's trembling voice—

"Aren't you a fool!"

"Hah?"

Kamito let out a voice that fully ignored the atmosphere of the moment.

Over there — a whip sounded.

The leather whip struck his back just like always.

"That hurts! What's that for!"

While shouting, he turned around—

Gogogogogogogogo......!

Claire's shoulders were trembling.

Her twintails stood on edge like a flame.

"......O-Oi, Claire?"

Cold sweat ran down his cheek.


......She was angry. The hellcat ojou-sama was extremely angry.

"Y-Y-You......what do you mean by that?"

Claire rapidly advanced towards him.

Her ruby eyes glared at Kamito.

"A-About what?"

"The reason you wouldn't talk about your past!"

Slight tears were present on the corners of her eyes.

"If I knew about your past, you thought that I'd look at you with those kinds of eyes?"

"N-No, because I came from that «Instructional School»......"

Kamito was overwhelmed and backed away.

"So what?"

"Eh?"

"Well, of course, I was a bit surprised, you know? I was surprised but—"

Claire pointed at Kamito's chest.

"Kamito is still Kamito. Aren't your worries stupid?"

"......"


Kamito was dumbfounded and—

"Kamito-san......that really is stupid."

"Yeah, that's right. Stupid beyond belief."

"Oh, Kamito-kun, that's so stupid ♪ ."

The three other ojou-samas also said as much with astonished expressions.

"Y-you guys......"

"Listen well, Kamito."

Claire glared at Kamito with upturned eyes.

"......!?"

Her face was close. It was a distance where lips would meet if they were any closer.

Or rather, if he actually looked, Claire was completely naked other than her panties.

Even in this kind of situation, his heart throbbed.

"Your past has nothing to do with it."

Claire gazed at Kamito with a serious expression.

"After all, you're our teammate and my important—"

"......Claire?"

While squirming, Claire's face lit up red. Kamito swallowed hard.


And then—

"Because you're my slave spirit!"

She screamed that.

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

Kamito smiled wryly.

''......I was really being stupid.''

He felt that he should have trusted his companions more.

It had only been two months since he had met Claire and the other ojou-samas.

But they had passed all that time together.

Even if they learned about his past, that time wasn't something that would change so easily.

Despite the fact that he should have known that—

"......Claire, sorry."

"Hmph, what a troublesome slave spirit."

Claire averted her eyes a little shyly.

"Nii-sama......"

And Muir Alenstarl muttered that.

"What are you saying? Nii-sama is a monster just like Muir!"


"Muir......"

Kamito looked up at the girl riding on «Tiamat»'s back.

"......I'm already not the same as the me from back then."

"That's a lie, nii-sama can't......"

Muir widened her eyes and—

Glared, not in Kamito's direction, but Claire and the others' direction.

"......I get it, nii-sama. You've been tricked by them."

"—Muir!"

The Cursed Armament Seal on her right hand began to glow ominously.

«Tiamat» roared madly and its interior portion grew larger.

The scales covering its body blew off and chunks of meat scattered.

"Muir's nii-sama — cannot be forgiven. I'll crush everyone."

"......"

Muir Alenstarl — a girl, who for some reason called him nii-sama, was a dear existence to him.

Having hardly changed, she still possessed a cute childish face.

A slight pain crossed his heart.

However—


"Sorry, Muir. The ojou-samas I must protect are here."

Kamito raised the demon slayer — Terminus Est in both hands.

"You can't abandon your past, nii-sama!"

"Yeah, I have no intention of abandoning it. This sword is—"

The sword in his hand shone with light—

"To protect those precious to me and carve the way to the future!"

Kamito jumped.

At the same time, «Tiamat»'s «Fire Dragon» released a breath of flames!

He didn't avoid it — pouring divine power into his blade, he blew away the flames.

''......Muir Alenstarl, a military spirit contracting expert.''

With a power that drew out a spirit's power to its limit — «Jester's Vise»'s user.

One who was without equal in large-scale destruction, the number two of the «Instructional School».

And the spirit she was controlling now, the {{Furigana|annihiliation spirit|Tiamat|margin=12}}, was a top-class spirit.

The opposing Kamito was heavily injured.

He wasn't the {{Furigana|strongest blade dancer|Ren Ashbell|margin=12}} anymore, but could he win with such rusty skills?

''—It doesn't matter!''

Kamito kicked the ground and accelerated.


For some reason, he didn't feel like he would lose. There was no prediction that showed him collapsed on the ground.

Companions that trust in me are here — just that is making my body unbelievably light.

"Ohhhhhh!"

Aiming at Kamito, the «Wind Dragon» began chanting spirit magic.

Innumerable wind blades were released. If they even grazed him, limbs would be lost.

"—O wind, to the brave warrior, grant your divine protection!"

From behind, he could hear the chant of a gallant knight captain.

A whirlwind gathered around him and protected his body. Ellis' specialty flying spirit. Kamito jumped and accelerated again — he dodged all the wind blades by jumping over them.

The gleaming white blade in the dark of night. With that, the «Wind Dragon»'s head flew into the air.

''One—''

"Wha......"

Muir opened her eyes in shock.

Mad with anger, «Tiamat» broke free of her control and attacked Kamito fiercely.

The «Earth Dragon» opened its rock-solid mouth filled with dull fangs. It dropped its head and in that instant, Kamito—

—A blade flash drew an arc and the «Earth Dragon»'s head fell like an iron hammer.

''Two—''


"Why!? Nii-sama, nii-sama isn't even awakened yet—"

"Muir, during our time at the «Instructional School», did you win against me even once?"

"......!?"

Muir's «Jester's Vise» paired with the {{Furigana|annihilation spirit|Tiamat|margin=12}} was indeed an unmatched weapon.

But that was only in terms of large-scale destruction.

Against Kamito who specialized in assassination, it was a bad match.

If each of the five heads was cut off one by one — it was not an unbeatable opponent.

The «Water Dragon» and «Fire Dragon» attacked at the same time from both directions. Kamito sunk his body — and flew using the power of the wind armor. Circling around behind the heads in an instant, he beheaded them both at once.

''That's four—''

These were the sword techniques for assassination taught at the «Instructional School». Kamito's true blade dance. Moves that were sealed in academy battles.

Kamito quickly corrected his stance — and just then.

The neck of the «Water Dragon» flapping in the air released water breath.

Cutting the head off was not enough to be a killing blow. With that, Kamito's body was blown into the ground.


''......Kuu!''

He tried to stand quickly but—

In the mouth of the remaining «Holy Dragon», light gathered for its «{{Furigana|Judgment Flash|Holy Ray|margin=12}}».

It was an attack that would wipe away a human in an instant.

"—Kamito!"

The burning Flame Tongue drew a red line across the sky.

The flaming whip hit the «Holy Dragon»'s neck and stopped its movements momentarily.

With that—

"Freezing fangs, pierce — {{Furigana|Demon Ice Arrow|Freezing Arrow|margin=12}}!"

Rinslet's ice arrows struck the still-open mouth of the dragon and froze it.

No. It wasn't just a freezing arrow—

"—Wait naught for winter and bloom now, {{Furigana|Ice Break Flower|Ice Break|margin=12}}!"

In concert with Rinslet's words, the demonic ice shattered.

The resulting ice blades sliced all over «Tiamat»'s body.

"Ohhhhhhhh!"

The giant dragon's body stopped moving and in a split-second—

Kamito's demon-slaying blade destroyed the remaining «Holy Dragon» head.

<noinclude>{{SeireiDance Nav|prev=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume4 Chapter9|next=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume4 Epilogue}}</noinclude>

Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume4 Chapter9

2013-02-23T07:09:08Z

Worker:

==Chapter 9: Brand of Darkness==
===Part 1===

''That was the other Ren Ashbell—''

The girl clad in pure black gave off an overwhelming pressure.

Approaching carelessly would result in becoming ashes — this illusion was felt.

Once the commotion settled, a painful silence descended.

"......"

Everyone gulped as they watched her.

Like with Claire, nobody approached her.

A chill ran down Kamito's spine.

''......I, can I win against her?''

Before he realized it, the flowing music had stopped.

The strongest blade dancer stopped in the middle of the hall—

And turned and walked towards him.

"......!?"

"Kamito-kun." "Kamito."


Fianna had unconsciously grabbed Kamito's sleeve. Even Ellis who should have Ren Ashbell as her goal was cowering.

"......"

Kamito moved before them in a protective manner.

Ren Ashbell stopped just before Kamito.

"—So you are Kazehaya Kamito, huh."

A voice akin to solid steel.

"Yeah."

Kamito nodded.

"Nice to meet you — I wonder if that's appropriate? Ren Ashbell."

Licking his lips cynically, he glared at the red mask.

However, he could not read any sort of emotion from the red eyes within.

And she held out her right hand.

"......?"

As Kamito was puzzled—

"Kazehaya Kamito, would you dance with me for one song?"

Suggested something unexpected.


''......No, this isn't a suggestion. It's an order.''

Her tone was peaceful, but a refusal — it held a power which wouldn't allow that.

Kamito turned towards Ellis and Fianna and—

"Sorry, won't you let me go for a little while?"

"B-But, Kamito—"

"......Okay. Ellis, let's go."

With that, Fianna grabbed Ellis' hand. She knew Kamito's identity as the real Ren Ashbell. The wise princess had understood the situation.

"Do you have experience in dancing?"

"If it's classical, yeah."

Kamito replied sharply and took Ren Ashbell's hand.

The paused musical performance started up again.

===Part 2===
In the dark forest surrounding the castle, Claire ran.

Various trees' branches clung to the crimson dress, tearing it apart.


Mud stuck to her red high heels. Countless wounds appeared on her smooth skin.

Without minding any of that, she ran.

''Why......''

No matter how long passed, that scene would not leave her head.

When that dark spirit girl kissed Kamito, that moment.

''......I-It's not like I think anything of him!''

As if to shake off that irritating feeling, Claire shook her head.

It was just that ignoring his master and doing that kind of thing with another girl was unforgivable.

''......That's right, that's all it is.''

But—

Why then, did her heart hurt this much?

Just before, holding that man's hand, she had hated it.

If it was Kamito, he wouldn't do anything that violent.

He teased Claire a lot, always treating her like a kid, occasionally saying mean things, but still.

—But still, he would never do something like that.

Before she realized it, she had arrived at the lake from the afternoon's purification.


Inside the silent forest. Numerous spirits floated upon the lake.

Claire hugged her knees and sat at the lake's edge.

The dress she had prepared was filthy and either way she couldn't return to the dance.

Her hair was dishevelled and her dress was ruined beyond repair.

"What's with him, that idiot......"

With a terribly miserable mood, Claire sighed.

With a light plop, tears started falling to the ground.

"......That's wrong. The stupid one is me."

She couldn't be honest once again.

If she had, she could be dancing with Kamito right now—

At that time. From with the forest, footsteps could be heard.

"......Kamito?"

She hurriedly wiped away her tears.

But the one that appeared from within the forest wasn't Kamito.

"Jeez, just how far are you going to run!"

"Rinslet......"

Claire opened her eyes.


While breathing wildly, Rinslet sunk down beside Claire.

"Whew, that's a fairly unsightly appearance."

"You, too."

"Th-That's because you ran so far!"

Rinslet's dress was torn to shreds and leaves and branches clung to her hair.

"Even though I had just worn a new dress......"

She drooped her shoulders.

Claire averted her eyes.

"......What did you come for?"

"I came to laugh at your pitiful chest. Your dress is too showy."

"......Wh-What did you say!"

Her red twintails stood on end like fire.

Rinslet moved her hair up and—

"You've finally returned to normal."

Smiled brilliantly.

"......"

"Did you fight with Kamito-san again?"


"Gu......"

Claire chewed on her lip.

"......It, it's his fault. He won't tell me anything."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, that is......aren't you interested in Kamito's past?"

"Kamito-san's past?"

Rinslet tilted her head slight to the side—

"Well, it would be a lie to say I wasn't."

"I wonder if he doesn't trust me."

Claire's twintails drooped.

"Why do you say that?"

"Because he won't tell me anything......"

"He can't bring himself to tell you because you're important to him — that is also a possibility."

"That's......"

Claire pouted and pondered.

"......I, I wonder if that's true."

Truly, there was also that way of interpreting it.

[[Image:STnBD V04 211.jpg|200px|thumb]]


But—

"You are such a child, really."

"Sh-Shut up......"

Claire groaned.

"Even I understand that much......"

But she was uneasy, so it couldn't be helped.

If it was about someone she didn't care about, she wouldn't have these feelings.

Because it was Kamito — not talking about his past,

Realizing it just now, her heart beat.

''Wh-What kind of stupid things are you thinking, me!''

Her cheeks flushed red.

"Claire, what's wrong?"

"It, it's nothing!"

Claire shook her head from side to side.

And then.

"—Hmm, so you two are here."

From within the forest, a young girl's voice.


"That voice......!"

Claire and Rinslet immediately became guarded.

The sound of trees falling one by one, and then—

"Just perfect, I'll play with you to the end."

In front of the two, a giant black monster appeared.

Riding upon it's back was a girl with ash grey hair — Muir Alenstarl was laughing lightly.

"With this annihilation spirit — Tiamat."

===Part 3===

The elegantly played waltz.

The two dancing in the center of the hall were drawing attention from around them.

With Ren Ashbell leading, the dance was intense like a burning flame.

As with when a princess maiden was performing a offering a ritual, a true ceremonial dance.

With those fluid movements, Kamito was just barely keeping pace.

"Pretty good movements. As expected of a blade dance master."

"Is that sarcasm? {{Furigana|Strongest Blade Dancer|Ren Ashbell|margin=12}}."


To the whisper from the scarlet mask, Kamito replied as such.

Ren Ashbell quickly shifted her feet. Kamito followed her lead and pulled her towards himself. They turned like a flickering flame. Both left their bodies to the music.

Their dancing was already one without splendor.

It was already a fierce blade dance.

"I have various questions I'd like to ask you."

"Impatient, aren't you? Despite that I'd like to enjoy this dance with you a little longer."

"Sorry. I'll have you let me lead from here."

Kamito pulled Ren Ashbell's hand and led her to a terrace devoid of others.

The cool night air cooled their burning skin.

Because of its large size, the terrace felt like a floating island with a clear view of the entire forest.

"This strategy is bothersome. I'll get straight to the point."

Kamito stopped dancing and separated from her.

He glared at the scarlet mask — and asked.

"What did you do to Restia?"

"What did you do, meaning?"

"Don't mess around. I know that you command Restia."


"I am not commanding her. She is my comrade."

"You're saying Restia is helping you of her own will?"

"That's right, I am using her and she is using me."

"......"

Kamito bit his lips closed.

''I can't accept that, but—''

There was certainly credibility in it.

Restia moving without commands was something he could imagine. Warning Kamito about Muir was probably done on her own will.

"What is your purpose in gathering the military spirits and orphans from the «Instructional School»?"

"For war."

And she replied immediately.

"......War?"

Kamito was speechless.

But thinking about it, it wasn't an unexpected reply.

Military spirits and «Instructional School» orphans — either one was useless for anything other than war.

"That's right. Power is necessary for fighting with «them»."


"Them?"

"This world's kings."

"Wha—"

''Fighting with the world's kings......she says?''

Kamito could not understand that objective. Was it for the purpose of restarting the Ranbal War which had involved every country—

"What is the reason for that? To destroy the world?"

"No. It is a war to save this world."

"What are you say—"

"But to start the war, a starting point is needed."

Ren Ashbell grabbed Kamito by the scruff of the neck and pulled him closer.

"......!?"

"I'll have you allow me to test it, {{Furigana|Successor of the Maou|Ren Ashbell|margin=12}}. Whether you have the qualifications to kill them."

Instantly, her right hand pierced Kamito's chest.

===Part 4===

That was — with countless scales like blades, a many-headed evil dragon.

The black giant far eclipsed Leonora Lancaster's {{Furigana|dragon spirit|Nidhogg|margin=12}}.

Its spread wings hid the moon and its claws gouged the earth.

Five heads spread from the center of its torso and each acted on its own.

"......{{Furigana|Annihilation spirit|Tiamat|margin=12}}?"

In the face of the rising oppressive force, Claire took a breath.

No mistaking it. What was before them was a first-class military spirit.

An existence not unlike Velsaria's {{Furigana|fortress spirit|Dreadnought|margin=12}} they had fought two weeks prior.

The girl riding on its back laughed lightly and smiled and—

"—Kill them, «Tiamat»."

With an innocent voice, that order was given.

"......!?"

One of the heads breathed fire.

Goooooooo!

The flames spread across the ground and in an instant the surrounding forest had burned down.

Claire and Rinslet had reacted instantaneously, jumping straight into the lake.


The night sky was dyed red with the color of the flames.

Muir Alenstarl was clapping her hands.

"Ohh, not bad. You're not blade dancers for nothing."

"You......!"

Claire broke the surface of the water and glared at Muir.

The scarlet dress was soaked and clung to her skin.

"......Claire, help......cough, cough......"

"You, what are you doing!?"

"I-I can't swim!"

"Hah?"

Rinslet flapped and choked. Claire quickly helped her out.

"How are you drowning in a place where you can stand?"

"Sh-Shut up!"

Rinslet averted her face.

"......Why are you attacking us?"

"Because you onee-sans have made nii-sama weak."

Muir replied in a cold voice.


One of «Tiamat»'s heads with a crooked neck rose up and let loose blades of wind.

"......Scarlet!"

Claire called out and summoned a hellcat clad in crimson flames.

But, it was impossible to shoot down every blade.

"......Ow!"

The scarlet dress was shredded and blood flew from her shoulder like mist.

Many wounds opened across her pure white skin.

"Fufu, your prepared dress has become worthless."

Like a cat playing with its prey, Muir licked her lips.

"Hmph, it was just slowing me down."

Claire gave a fearless smile and tore the hem of her dress.

From the tear, one could see a leather whip strapped to her thigh.

"Like I thought, rather than a dance, a blade dance is much more suited to me."

From within the dancing flames, Claire's whip let out a sound.

"What a coincidence. Me, too."

Rinslet emerged from the water, ripped the hem of her dress and summoned her {{Furigana|demon ice spirit|Fenrir|margin=12}}.


The ice wolf changed forms to the «Ice Longbow» and moved to Rinslet's hand.

Noisily, a wall of fire erupted into the night sky.

With their respective Elemental Waffes in hand, the two faced down with the giant.

"Stupid onee-chans. You think you can defeat Muir?"

«Tiamat» let out a roar that seemed to slice the atmosphere.

No, it wasn't a roar. This was—

''No way, a spirit magic chant!?''

A small portion of high-intelligence spirits could perform spirit magic on their own. The dragon race of spirits in particular was known for its proficiency at spirit magic.

The ground shook greatly.

Trees were uprooted and the ground split, sending many stones flying—

"Earth spirit magic «{{Furigana|Tribulations' Mountain of Swords|Judgement Sword|margin=12}}»!?"

"What insane destructive power!"

"You can't run, onee-chan."

"......!?"

The red dragon head spit out a fireball.


The stones released by the fireball's explosion on the ground turned the trees into smithereens.

"Kyaaa!"

They were thrown to the ground by the aftershock.

It was the same magic, but the destructive force was incomparable to Claire's.

"Ku......!"

"Aha, what happened to all that attitude from before, onee-chan?"

"Freezing fang, pierce — {{Furigana|Demon Ice Arrow|Freezing Arrow|margin=12}}!"

Instantly, Rinslet released the ice arrow.

Innumerable flying fangs of ice. It wouldn't be a killing blow, but with the added effect of {{Furigana|Absolute Zero|Ice Nein|margin=12}}, it should at least dull its movements.

But before they struck — «Tiamat» roared.

A wall of earth rose and blocked the arrows of ice.

"Wh-What! To be able to use fire and earth spirit magic at the same time—"

"......That reminds me that a long time ago, I heard this from ane-sama."

Claire sighed as she wiped the sweat from her brow.

"During the Ranbal War, amongst the knights there was a spirit that could control all of the main elements at once."


"And that is {{Furigana|the annihilation spirit|Tiamat|margin=12}}?"

"Possibly. But I heard that nobody could use it, so it was abandoned."

"......If that's true, this is bad."

"Yes."

The spirit that could control all of the five main elements—

If it were just Rinslet's demon ice spirit and Claire's flame spirit, there were weakpoints.

"But to use a spirit like that with just one person—"

Claire readied her {{Furigana|flame whip|Flame Tongue|margin=12}} and glared at Muir.

Compared to the spirits that contracted with a person, military spirits did not require a contract to be used.

Its strong-point was that it was general use — the ability of the spirit had no connection to the ability of the contractor, so as long as the disposition was correct, they could use the spirit's power. This was the reason Muir Alenstarl could use several spirits.

But on the other hand, one could not pull out any more power than was present.

For example, the spirit's Elemental Waffe could not be used, and much of its true abilities were sealed.


But that girl was pulling out all of the military spirit's power.

Muir Alenstarl was an expert that specialized at using spirits.

''But just where did she learn those skills—''

"It's about time to end playing around. Onee-chan."

And Muir's ash grey hair blew in the wind.

"......You were playing until now?"

"That's right, onee-chan."

Rolling up her black sleeve revealed a shining ominous design carved into her right hand.

"Is that a Cursed Armament Seal!?"

"That which pulls out a spirit's powers to the limit — «Jester's Vice». This is Muir's power."

In an instant, «Tiamat» fiercely roared.

Its five heads raged and its body grew larger in an unsightly manner.

It was as if an invisible vise was closing down on it.

"Just what is that!"

One of the heads, a dull white, opened its jaw.

In its throat, a mass of light was building up—

"......Kami—"


That name that almost escaped her mouth — Claire swallowed it back.

''At this kind of time, just asking to be saved is......''

She made her resolve to die at this time.

Then before her eyes appeared a knight with helmet and shield.

White metal shining, the knight readied its shield and blocked the light!

"Claire, are you okay!?"

"Fianna!"

Fianna came out of the forest.

The one that protected Claire was {{Furigana|the defense spirit|Georgios|margin=12}}.

And one other person.

"Growl, {{Furigana|Wind Winged Hawk|Ray Hawk|margin=12}}! I order you — O wind, blow wildly!"

Wrapped in a frenzied wind, Ellis threw her Elemental Waffe spear.

The multitude of wind blades cut into the evil dragon's torso.

«Tiamat» raged as its blood sprayed into the air.

"Fianna, Ellis — you're a life saver."

"It's still too early for thanks."

Ellis sighed with a sharp gaze.


"Fufu, you've only bought a short time."

Letting the Cursed Armament Seal shine ominously—

Muir Alenstarl licked her lips.

"Onee-chans, I'll kill you all together."

===Part 5===
"Kaha......!"

Kamito pressed down on his chest and crouched down on the terrace.

His heart burned like it was on fire. All of his blood was boiling.

At the same time, a tremendous pain assaulted the interior of his body.

"What did you do to me......?"

"I merely released a little. The qualities of the Maou that sleep within you, that is."

"......Qualities of the Maou?"

Kamito glared up at the crimson mask while crouching on the ground.

Breathing was painful. His heart was beating like mad.

"Ah......guu......gaa, ahhhhhh!"


A scream built up in his throat.

"As expected, your body is rejecting it."

Ren Ashbell was calmly watching the writhing Kamito.

"Well, fine. If you can't stand that much, then you were only worth so little—"

"Y-You......"

"Stand. Kazehaya Kamito."

She kicked the groaning Kamito in the stomach without a shred of mercy.

"Ga......!"

"You can lie there if you want, but things you hold precious will be hurt."

"What, was that......?"

While breathing through his throat which felt like it was on fire, Kamito somehow managed to raise his upper body.

"Look there—"

Ren Ashbell pointed out towards the forest visible from the terrace.

The direction of the lake from that afternoon. Black flames and fierce flames were rising.

"Your companions and Muir Alenstarl are currently engaged in combat."

"What, did you say......!?"

At the same moment he yelled that, the worst pain thus far assaulted Kamito. He collapsed onto the ground.


"Your companions cannot defeat Muir Alenstarl. You, who knows her, know that fact best."

"......!"

He couldn't deny it.

Muir Alenstarl was the «Monster» from the «Instructional School».

Between the ojou-samas of the academy and Muir who had been trained specifically as a weapon, there was an enormous gap.

"I won't let that......I will never, lose another......!"

Kamito pressed down on his beating chest and staggered back onto his feet.

The interior of the crimson mask — burning red eyes pierced through Kamito's.

And then she grabbed his arm.

"That's the spirit. Don't let me down, strongest blade dancer!"

Kamito was flung off the terrace.

===Part 6===

"—Blow the flute of the end, dragon vanguard of the king!"

Muir Alenstarl's innocent voice resounded across the night sky.

Fire, earth, water, wind, holy — under the influence of Muir's ability «Jester's Vise», each head released breath.

"—Thou, become the shield of my person, knight of the ancient pledge!"

The atmosphere shook and trees were felled in circular patterns.

The knight's shield was destroyed and its armor was falling apart—

The time it could withstand was only a few more seconds.

The knight with the should-be overwhelming defense was blown into bits and disappeared into nothingness.

"......Georgios!"

"Aha, that wasn't even a toy, onee-chan."

Muir sneered at the devastated and drained Fianna.

"Ellis, Rinslet — we rush at the same time!"

"Got it!" "Understood!"

Yelling, Claire drew {{Furigana|the flame whip|Flame Tongue|margin=12}}.


The crimson slash sealed its movements for a moment.

"Freezing fang, pierce — {{Furigana|Demon Ice Arrow|Freezing Arrow|margin=12}}!"

"—O wind, blow wildly!"

Rinslet released the {{Furigana|Demon Ice Arrow|Freezing Arrow|margin=12}} towards the fire head and Ellis' wind blades aimed for the earth head.

That is, they aimed for the heads which were weak against their element.

However—

"It won't work."

The earth and wind dragons chanted different spirit spells.

At the same time the ice arrows were blocked by the wall of earth, the blades of wind were struck down by opposing blades of wind.

And while the three were defense, the dull white head fired its {{Furigana|Judgment Flash|Holy Ray|margin=12}}.

The grounded exploded and a pillar of earth and sand flew up from it.

Claire and the others were blasted from the air and hit the ground harshly.

The crater which radiated outwards. The fire fragments which were mixed in painted the air red.

"......To be able to control a military spirit like her hands and feet......"

Claire groaned while gripping the ground.

It was a despairing difference in battle strength. The top class' spirits at the academy were like babies in comparison.

''But......''


Suddenly, the scales cracked and «Tiamat»'s frame grew.

Muir's «Jester's Vise» carried a heavy burden.

"Is that okay? At this rate, that military spirit will be destroyed!"

The heavily wounded Rinslet yelled such.

Muir shrugged her shoulders—

"It's fine. A spirit is just a throwaway toy."

"What did you say......!"

Claire opened her eyes in shock. She raised her bloody head without thinking.

"And you still call yourself an elementalist?"

"Muir is a weapon. The same as this «Tiamat» and nii-sama, a massacre weapon."

"......!?"

At those words — Claire's expression froze.

"You......what did you just say?"

"What?"

"The same as nii-sama, what do you mean?"

"Aha, did you perhaps not know?"

Muir's lips curled in a cruel manner.


"Nii-sama is the same as Muir — an assassin raised by the «Instructional School»."

===Part 7===
"......Damn......it......"

Kamito who had been tossed off the terrace groaned in anguish.

One or two bones might be broken.

This was the Kamito who had received the harshest taijutsu training at the «Instructional School». Even if he fell from the third floor of a building, it wouldn't result in an injury. But right now, Kamito's body was burning up and in extreme pain such that he couldn't even lift a finger.

''......What exactly was done to me?''

Within his hazy mind, Ren Ashbell's words came to him.

Released the qualities of the Maou — that's what she said.

''......What does that mean?''

No, rather than that, right now—

Kamito dug his shaking fingertips into the ground.

The flames burning the forest were increasing in intensity more and more.


While this was happening, Claire and the others—

It was frustrating not being able to move. It couldn't be helped that it felt like the air was burning.

Even now, elegant music could be heard coming from the interior of the castle.

Despite the battle going on at the purification grounds, nobody inside the castle seemed to have noticed.

No, even Kamito who had been on the terrace had failed to hear the battle. There might have been a barrier around the surroundings.

''But to form a barrier of this magnitude......''

The only ones capable of such a feat were «Queen» rank princess maidens.

"Gu, ah......"

A racing heartbeat.

At the same time a horrible pain spread.

"—Kamito!"

"......!?"

The sound of footsteps and the one who appeared was the white dress-clad Est.

"My apologies. Because of somebody's barrier around this area, I didn't notice it sooner."

"Est, gu......"

"Kamito......don't tell me, that power—"


Est opened her mysterious violet eyes.

Leaning down beside the fallen Kamito, she pulled him back up.

Her white-silver hair lightly touched his cheek. The sweet milk-like scent tickled his nose.

"......Est?"

"Kamito, please stay still like that."

With that, Est touched the feverish chest of Kamito.

Her beautiful hair gleamed in the night's darkness.

Strangely, the pain seemed to leave with the soft feeling of her hand.

"Is this Terminus Est's power?"

"Yes. I believe this will keep it in check for now but—"

That which destroyed Velsaria's Cursed Armament Seal, a holy blade's power.

It's not like the pain completely disappeared, but he could somehow move about at this level.

"Kamito, are you okay?"

"Yeah, thanks to Est......"

Kamito raised his upper body and rose to his knees on the ground.

"Kamito, you still shouldn't move."

"I have to go save Claire and the others."


"No, Kamito!"

Est let out a panicked voice. It was the first time for her who was always expressionless to express so much.

"Est......"

"The curse is only temporarily suppressed so if you use divine power right now, you won't be able to control my current power."

"......Yeah, I know."

But, even then—

An instant. From the other side of the forest, a fearsome roar resounds.

As if to burn the night sky, the giant's flames grow higher.

"Est, I'm begging you. The only one who can fight with Muir is me."

"Kamito, but......"

"Lend me your power."

"......"

Even if he could not get her approval, he planned to head there anyway.

"......Kamito, you're unfair."

Est—

Sighed and held Kamito's hand.

"—I am Kamito's sword, as long as you wish."

"Est, thanks."

Kamito nodded and chanted the words of summoning.

—The cool-headed steel queen, the sacred sword that destroys evil!

—Now form a sword of steel and be the power in my hand!

Est's form was covered in light and disappeared into nothingness.

And in the next moment, a blade of shining steel emitting light was gripped in his Kamito's hand.

"Let's go, Est!"

Fixing his grip on Terminus Est, Kamito ran into the darkness of the night.

To bring closure to his past.

<noinclude>{{SeireiDance Nav|prev=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume4 Chapter8|next=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume4 Chapter10}}</noinclude>

Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume4 Chapter8

2013-02-23T07:08:55Z

Worker:

==Chapter 8: Ball Dance==
===Part 1===
It was evening, the ceremony of the Blade Dance started at the castle that was the lodging for the representatives.

There were already many guests of honor assembled and having friendly conversations in the grand hall of the castle.

There was elegant music flowing about. Chandeliers that arranged lavishly with spirit ores.

Extravagant seafood, meat, and fruits were laid out on a table lined up in the center.

Those invited to the ceremony were elementalists representing various countries and high-ranking royalty and nobles.

“This time, my country’s representative will be getting the victory.”

“What? The most superb elementalist is in my White Knights, you know?”

Even while they behaved politely on the surface, they unfold a fierce war of words. In a suit, Kamito set a gaze at those nobles, expressing that he’s completely fed up.

''…Geez, it’s not like you’re presenting the blade dance…''

On the other side, the girls participating in the Blade Dance had nervous expressions.

They were equally competent top-notch elementalists selected by the major nations of the continent.

They were about the same age as Kamito, and that was because the participating condition for the Blade Dance was regulated for princess maidens to be 20 years old and below, following the oracle by the Elemental Lords.


This wasn’t restricted to the Blade Dance. Most of the important ceremonies of dedicating to the spirits had the same condition. Spirits liked young pure maidens as the offerings the best.

“…Anyway, they are still not here, huh?”

Holding a plate of a sauté of duck meat, Kamito looked around his surroundings relentlessly.

He still couldn’t see his teammate Ojou-sama.

Perhaps, they might have come across difficulties in wearing their dresses—but what was in his mind was whether Claire, who he quarreled with, was coming.

After all, he wouldn’t be able to meet up with her in the castle later.

Looking at the entrance of the hall, he caught sight of one princess maiden being on a spot.

“Please don’t bring your animal inside!”

“Um, it isn’t a beast! this wolf is a friend of the forest!”

“Even if it’s a friend, no means no!”

…It seemed like the Druid girl was leading a wolf into the hall.

Although she was from a different team, it was a little embarrassing as they were representing the same academy.

Sighing in resignation, Kamito cast his sight downwards.

“Est, do you want to get something?”

He asked the sword-spirit girl holding a plate.


“I’d like fish next, Kamito.”

“Hn, you’re a good girl for not being picky. All the Ojou-sama have unbalanced diets.”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Suri-suri* *Nade-Nade*

While he praised her, he stroked her head, and Est squinted.

Wearing a pure-white dress, Est was lovely almost like a snow-fairy.

“…Est is cute.”

Stroking her head, he subconsciously let out his voice.

Est’s small ears twitched.

“Kamito?”

“Ah, it’s nothing…”

Kamito scratched his head in an attempt to dodge her question.

…That was a little embarrassing.

“Kamito, please say it once more.”

“Uh?”

“Once more.”

Est was gazing intently at Kamito with her mysterious eyes.

“E-Est is cute.”


“Kamito, once more.”

“You’re cute, Est.”

“More…”

“You’re cute, Est.”

“Kamito-kun, what are you doing?”

“Owa!”

Turning around—Fianna, dressed in a white dress, was staring at Kamito with reproachful eyes.

“Erm, that was, err…”

Upon trying to explain in a fluster—

“Before that, don’t you have anything to say?”

“Eh? A-Ahh…”

Even Kamito wasn’t such a quiet unsociable person to not notice that. No, as he didn’t notice until it was pointed out, he might indeed be a quiet unsociable person.

Kamito gulped.

It was a white dress, with a big opening at her chest area. Despite the daring design showing off her skin, the reason he could feel a sense of graceful elegance was because she was a real princess.


“…W-White also suits you.”

“Is that all?”

Seeming peevish, the princess pouted her lips.

“…Erm, you’re using pads.”

“I’m going to get angry, you know?”

“Wa-Wait!”

Fianna puffed out her cheeks. Kamito shook his head in a fluster.

And then—

“…You’re really pretty.”

He finally put his honest thoughts into his mouth.

“Hn, you pass. Kamito, your suit also suits you well.”

“…Why you. You made me say embarrassing things in public.”

“Fufu, it’s a punishment for not praising me at the start.”

Kamito could only sigh at Fianna, who impishly smiled.

“Hn, that reminds me, where’s Est?”

Before he knew it, he noticed that Est had disappeared.

Looking around his surroundings, he saw Est moving towards the dessert corner while holding onto her plate.


Upon meeting with Kamito’s eyes, she quickly turned her face away.

“It looked like you offended Miss Fairy.”

“Why is Est offended?”

“Fufu, you’re not allowed to praise another girl in front of a girl.”

Fianna morosely poked Kamito’s chest with her finger.

“Ka-Kamito-san, so here you are.”

This time, it was Rinslet, who came in a dress.

It was a striking marine-blue dress. Her glittering platinum-blonde hair was tied up, and that appearance of hers was akin to that of a snow queen reigning over a country of ice.

Her cheeks were faintly flushed and reddened, and there were her glamorous rose-color lips.

Her usual uniform appearance was indeed lovely, but—

This dressed-up Rinslet was beautiful that he almost let out a sigh.

“Rinslet, you’re pretty.”

“Eh?”

Rinslet widely opened her eyes.

Her face turned red in the blink of an eye.


“Fua, wh-what are you saying?!”

The Ice-Snow Queen’s face melted in an instant.

“Hmm, Kamito-kun, you say these things to anyone, do you? As expected of the demon king of the night.”

“I only did as you advised, Fianna!”

Kamito glared with reproachful eyes at Fianna, who pouted her lips unhappily.

“That reminds me, is Claire with the two of you?”

“She returned to the room just now. Kamito-san, you have not met up with her, have you?”

“…Yea.”

It seemed like when Kamito went to look for her, they passed each other.

“Geez, that girl, she was really troublesome since the past.”

Rinslet puffed out her cheeks.

''…This means she’s still angry.''

Kamito made a heavy sigh in his mind. If she came to the dance, he’ll even bear with her cooking later, or something— That was what he was thinking.

“…E-Erm, Kamito-san.”

“Uh?”

Rinslet bashfully called out to Kamito.


“Erm, since we’re here, err…”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Cough* *cough* The Ojou-sama coughed several times.

Then, like she gained her determination—

“Would you like to dance with me?”

“…Me?”

Kamito was perplexed.

“…Is that not okay?”

“No, I’m happy that you invited me, but is it alright for it to be me?”

“Y-Yea, I’m a little afraid about dancing with the other men.”

“…I see. However, I only know the basic steps.”

Kamito was taught the dance steps by Greyworth 3 years ago.

Honestly, he couldn’t say he was confident, and they were certainly not in fashion now.

“I-In that case, I’ll teach you!”

However, Rinslet let out her voice happily.

“Hn, is that so? Rinslet, if you’re fine with it, I’m counting on you.”

Kamito was also a boy of age.

To be able to dance with such a cute girl like Rinslet, his heart was honestly pounding.


He gently held Rinslet graceful hand covered by a white glove.

“…Th-This is Kamito-san’s hand….”

Rinslet blushed.

“…H-How sly, me too.”

Then, Fianna grasped his other hand.

“H-Hey, Fianna!? We can’t dance like this…”

“That’s right! Quickly release his hand!”

Fianna and Rinslet were pulling Kamito’s hands.

Both of their breasts touched his arms and he was flustered.

…Before they knew it, the three of them were basked in the attention from their surroundings.

“I wonder what they’re doing?” “A fighting scene?” “They look like the representatives of the Areshia Spirit Academy.” “Don’t they even know the manners at a ball dance?” “That’s that male elementalist.” “Ah, that—” “Forcing unwilling girls to…” “To collect the two as his targets.” “He’s surely collecting his night targets as well.” “What infamy!” “But he’s kind of cool…”

There were the voices of whispers being exchanged.

''Eh, why is the reproach only concentrated on me….''

Then—


“Y-You three! Don’t disrupt the public morals in the presence of the Elemental Lords!”

A gallant and serious voice came flying over.

“E-Ellis!?”

The one running over was Ellis in a dress.

Ellis pulled Kamito’s arm, and skillfully pull him off the two ojou-sama.

“Kyaa, what are you doing?”

“Captain, what are you doing?!”

“No, what are you two doing, good grief…”

Placing her hand at her waist, Ellis strictly scolded the two who complained.

“We came here to represent our academy. You should be more self-aware.”

Then, she glared at Kamito this time.

“Kamito, you too—”

She became stiff at that point.

“What wrong, Ellis?”

Thinking that he was going to have a sermon, Kamito was let down.

Ellis slightly blushed, and entwined her fingers bashfully in front of her chest.

“E-Erm, even a suit suits you surprisingly. I guess that what they mean by clothes make the man.”

“Is that so? I’m no good with a suit no matter what, but—”


While bashfully scratching his head, Kamito looked at Ellis’ appearance in a dress.

What she was wearing was a brilliant pure-white dress. In contrast to Ellis’ gallant image, this was a very girlish dress arranged with plenty of frills.

“Ellis, yours suits you well too. It’s like you’re a princess and you look cute.”

“Wh…”

Her ponytail hair sprung up.

“Ah, uh… N-No way, m-me being cute…!”

Ellis turned red and got into a panic.

“Um, Kamito-kun!”

“Kamito-san?’

Fianna and Rinslet were glaring at him.

“Wh-What is it…”

“—It looks like the rumors are true, Kazehaya Kamito.”

“…?”

When Kamito turned to the voice of those biting words, a familiar girl was sharply staring at him.

“Y-You’re!?”

She had an azure dress where a dragon insignia was at the chest area. She had put on a hat with a feather attached.

Leonora Lancaster.


As the captain of the Knights of the Dragon Emperor, she was the ace of Dracunia.

“As I thought, I should have cut it off at that time.”

While Leonora glared at Kamito, she regretfully bit her lips.

A chill ran in Kamito’s spine.

“Dragon Princess Leonora Lancaster, I’ve been hearing rumors about you lately.”

Suddenly, Ellis placed her hand at her chest, faced her, and paid her respect as a knight.

“And you are?”

“Areishia Spirit Academy representative, Ellis Fahrengart.”

“The Fahrengarts—The one that turned out that Velsaria Eva?”

Ellis lifted her head and nodded.

“This time, Aneue isn’t participating due to some circumstances, but I’ve heard that you’re a pure and selfless knight. I’m pleased to be able to cross swords with a knight like you.”

She faced Leonora and reached out her master hand.

“It seems like splendid knights exist even in the empire.”

Leonora smiled, and grasped her hand without hesitation.

As same fellow knights, they may have some things that sympathize for.

''…Certainly, those two are like glue.''


Kamito made a wry smile in his heart.

“However, that’s just regrettable. A splendid knight like yourself is being kept as Kazehaya Kamito’s lover—”

“Hey, wait a moment.”

Kamito shouted in a fluster.

''S-She, what did she—''

“Ah, lover!?”

Ellis turned red all the way till her ears and shouted.

“H-How shameless… I-I’m his lover—”

“That’s right, Ellis. Deny it please!”

“I’m… not his lover… but if Kamito wished for it, I’ll even…”

…Eh? Why is she mumbling?

“…What a frightening boy. You even corrupted such a splendid knight.”

“I’m saying that’s not it! Ellis, please quickly clear up this misunderstanding!”

“…S-Shut up! A-Are you not satisfied with me being your lover?!”

“What are you saying!?”

Kamito retorted, and at that time.


A small commotion was occurring at the entrance of the hall.

“That girl finally came.”

Rinslet muttered.

Kamito quickly looked towards the entrance.

The one at the center of the commotion was—

“Claire!?”

Claire Rouge, who was dressed in a crimson dress.

Her red twin-tail hair was tied up with ribbons. She was wearing polished enamel red high heels.

Pinching the side of her skirt with laces attached, she entered the hall.

Her breasts were small but her balanced proportion was plenty charming.

She was a beautiful girl, pretty as a rose and noble as a wildcat.

Kamito had his breath taken away and was fascinated by Claire’s such appearance.

She had such brilliantness that she overshadowed the surrounding girls that were dressed-up.

She didn’t just fascinate Kamito. Everyone in the hall leaked out a breath of admiration.

“As expected of Rubia-sama’s sister. She was born a beauty.”

It was vexing but she lost— Fianna shrugged her shoulders.

“It’s really been a while since I’ve seen Claire in a dress.”


Rinslet slightly opened her mouth.

The commotion at the hall increasingly became bigger.

“Hey, is that red haired girl also a representative of the Blade Dance.”

“Um, so this is what they mean by spirits liking pure and beautiful girls, indeed—”

“Hey, aren’t you going to invite someone to a dance?”

It seemed like a group of young nobles were setting their eyes on Claire.

Kamito felt a slight irritation to the voices of whispers being exchanged.

''…You guys aren’t fit to be that hellcat ojou-sama's partner.''

He cursed in his heart like to spit out the irritation of unknown origin.

At that moment, Claire looked over, and their eyes met.

“Claire—”

As he was about to call out to her—

She instantly averted away, so he swallowed his words.

…It seemed like she was still angry.

Losing the timing to call out to her, Kamito stood still.

Claire ignored the nobles making eyes at her, and walked towards the center.

He began to hear such voices from within the commotion over there.


“That that conflagration-like red hair… Don’t tell me, she’s the daughter of that Duke Elstein family?”

“The sister of the Calamity Queen that brought about calamity to the Ordesia Empire?”

“…What an ill omen. She’s a devilish girl.”

It seemed like there were people who knew Claire’s lineage among the participant of the ball.

Whispers of unrest were spreading like wild fire—

It wasn’t like she couldn’t hear them. However, Claire was composed.

Then, a young noble stepped forward before her.

“Would you like to dance a tune with me, fire-haired ojou-san?”

His atmosphere seemed frivolous but he was quite a handsome man.

He seemed to be an especially high-ranking person even among the nobles, as he led a group of followers in his surroundings.

“Hey, hey, are you serious?”

“Young master, I’m also worried about you playing with fire.”

His companions made a bitter smile. The boy seemed to be a royalty of some country.

“Why he…”

Kamito groaned from within his throat.

He couldn’t see the sincerity of a person asking for a dance in the boy’s expression. It was just that he knew about Claire being that Calamity Queen’s sister, and called out to her out of interest.


Claire—

“I’m sorry, but I’ll have to decline.”

She coldly declined the boy’s invitation.

It was natural. That hellcat girl wouldn’t even be emotionally attached to anyone.

“What was that?”

One of the followers looked daunted.

“Well, well, it’s fine to have such strong-will girls once in a while.”

The boy nodded with full of composure, and forcibly grabbed Claire’s arm.

And then—

“Now, beautiful girl, I’ll give your hand a kiss—”

“…Huh?”

Claire stiffened.

''What are you thinking, you stupid noble!?''

As an elementalist princess maiden, a kiss is the most scared ceremony of a spirit contract.

Even if it’s on the hand, it was unforgivable to thoughtlessly request for that.

With such a rude action of his, the sound of commotion occurred even from the surrounding.

“…Don’t touch me!”


Claire sharply shouted.

Normally, she’d act tough, but the truth was that she was an ojou-sama who wasn’t used to men. Her voice slightly trembled.

Being unable to watch on, Kamito was about to leave, and at that moment—

“What do you think you’re doing putting on airs. I’m the crown prince of the Balsutan Kingdom.”

“No, let go! You—”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Pan*— A high pitched sound resound in the hall.

Claire slapped the boy.

She then turned to and ran towards the entrance of the hall.

“Damn her, my face—”

“What uncivilized…”

“It’s because she’s the sister of that Calamity Queen.”

The crown prince of the Balsutan and his followers raised words of criticism.

''… You should be just grateful that you didn’t turn into cinders!''

Kamito cursed and then he ran after Claire—

“Wait, Claire!”

“Kamito-san!”

Then, Rinslet grabbed his arm.


“Rinslet, why did you stop me?!”

“I’ll go.”

“But—”

“Kamito-san, if you, who are in the middle of a quarrel, go, it’ll just make things complicated. After all, I’m her childhood friend, so I understand that girl.”

“…”

Kamito thought for a few seconds—

“…I understand. I’ll entrust Claire to you.”

He obediently nodded.

Rinslet went running after Claire.

“Kamito-kun”

At this moment, Fianna perceptively whispered into his ear.

“What?”

“She’s here—”

“She?”

Kamito was shocked.

A commotion, which was way greater than the one just now, was occurring near the entrance of the hall.


The person of the highest profile in this round’s Blade Dance had appeared.

Sounds of hard shoes sounded, and she entered.

She was in a jet-black dress like a queen controlling over the night.

She was a black haired girl with her face covered by a scarlet red mask.

She was the strongest blade dancer—Ren Ashbell.

<noinclude>{{SeireiDance Nav|prev=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume4 Chapter7|next=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume4 Chapter9}}</noinclude>

Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume4 Chapter7

2013-02-23T07:08:49Z

Worker:

==Chapter 7: Darkness Spirit Girl==
===Part 1===

"---What was that, stupid, stupid, stupid Kamito!"

With her hair standing on end, Claire ran through the castle's hallway.

She wiped the large tears forming in her eyes with her sleeve.

---Has nothing to do with Claire.

Those words replayed in Kamito's cold tone over and over in her head.

''I'm not trusted by Kamito......''

She became very sad when she thought that.

---Onee-chan, what do you even know about nii-sama?

That assassin girl had said that to Claire.

''That's right, I know nothing about Kamito......''

Her heart hurt. The inside of her throat was painful.

What is this feeling, she wondered.

''......Why won't you tell me anything?''

She stopped running, wiped her tears and then trudged along.


The girls in dresses turned to look at her with puzzled expressions.

''......That's right, the dance is tonight.''

The truth is that she had been anticipating it since yesterday.

Along with the new swimsuit, she had also prepared a new dress.

''It, it's not like I'm wearing it for him or anything......''

Claire quickly removed the image of Kamito's face from her mind.

''But I wonder what kind of face he'd make if he saw me in my dress......''

While zoning out and thinking about that kind of thing, her face grew red.

''Wh, what am I thinking. I already don't care about that Ka, Kamito!''

While she was biting her lip.

Suddenly a heat wave came from below her as a hellcat clad in flames appeared.

"......What's wrong, Scarlet?"

Claire asked while leaning over.

"Do you want a snack? I have canned tuna at the room."

Scarlet shook its head.

And then she noticed the silver chain shaking in Scarlet's mouth.

"That's......"


A silver cat pendant.

The present that Kamito had bought for her birthday two weeks ago.

It looked like it had been taken out of the jewelry box where she had placed it.

"Wh, what is it, jeez......"

Claire took the pendant into her hand.

The first birthday present she had ever received from a boy.

She had been truly happy at that time.

"......"

She held the pendant to her chest like a treasure.

"......That's right. That back there was also partially my fault."

She sighed as she patted Scarlet's head.

''......I can only become honest when I'm not in front of him.''

===Part 2===

"......Where did that Claire go?"

Kamito was traversing the maze-like castle in search of Claire.


......Rather, he was completely lost.

Whatever the case, the original structure was a completely strange design from the mythical age. With the repeated alterations over the course of several hundred years, the hallways stretched out in every which way to form a maze. All of the room looked the same, so it threw off one's sense of direction.

''......With this kind of thing, not getting lost would be strange.''

With the sun setting, the ceremony drew closer.

''I should return to my room. We might just miss each other, after all.''

And Kamito came to a halt.

In the middle of the hallway was a garden complete with a water fountain.

"Ohh, that's amazing......"

His gaze was drawn in by that beautiful sight.

Countless flowers were growing and small light spirits gathered there.

The water gushing from the fountain was filled with purity.

''This might be where princess maidens purify themselves.''

While thinking that, Kamito drew closer to the garden.

The light spirits floating in the air ran away like newborn spiders.


Near the water fountain were five stone sculptures.

The images of five Elemental Lords that controlled Astral Zero.

A warrior wielding a blazing sword --- fire spirit king «Volcanicus».

A boy with kind eyes --- wind spirit king «Belphal».

An iron mallet-wielding giant --- earth spirit king «Lode Gear».

A woman hugging a water jug to her chest --- water spirit king «Iseria Shivod».

An aged man with a scale and bishop's staff --- holy spirit king «Alexandros».

Those that bring prosperity or hardship to all of humanity, the kings of all spirits.

Of course, the spirits did not actually look like their sculptures.

The images here were simply representations of what people imagined their qualities to be when put in human form.

"These are also relics from the mythical age......"

They were magnificent sculptures. At the very least, they were not not products of the last several hundred years. Kamito didn't possess much knowledge about historic ruins but he knew that much.

The stones used were not just normal stones either. Valuable spirit crystals had been used.

Getting close and looking,

"Hm?"

Kamito saw something out of place.


The five sculptures which copied the likeness of the spirit kings. Beside them was---

With nothing remaining above the knees, another sculpture was there.

That was something that was completely foreign to the garden.

''......Why is this thing here?''

The tragic appearance of the sculpture with only what was below its knees remaining. It hadn't been removed afterward, so it was obviously an important ancient legacy.

"......!?"

Just then. Something floated into Kamito's mind.

''The true shrine from the ancient age's true shrine......''

Along with the five spirit kings, there was one spot that was unnaturally missing something.

''Est whispered something back then......''

They had been in a hurry so he had missed it but......

"If I remember......"

"---The one erased in the following age, Darkness Spirit King «Ren Ashdoll»."

Suddenly from behind came a voice---


Kamito immediately spun around.

A beautiful girl with black hair clad in a dress the color of darkness stood beside the water fountain.

She had a teasing smile. Gentle twilight pupils.

The one he'd been searching for --- the girl he always wanted to meet was right there.

"Restia......"

"For someone searching for a cat, you look like you've seen a ghost."

She smiled and walked towards him with light steps.

"......"

Kamito was frozen still. He simply stood with his eyes wide open.

The girl of darkness came before Kamito and stood on her tiptoes.

"You've really grown. Even though you were about as tall as me back then."

"Restia, you......"

Kamito returned from the shock.

"Don't make such a scary face, Kamito."

"......!"

A gentle and sweet voice that lured one into sleep.

It hadn't changed. Not a single thing, not even that harshness from three years ago had changed.


The seal on his left hand heated up like it was burning.

''......Why are you making that kind of face!''

---Who are you?

---Why are you throwing my heart into chaos using Restia's form!

The truth is he really wanted to shout those things to the girl before him.

But---

Those accusations stuck in his throat.

......I know. She's the real Restia.

No matter what form she took, there was no way he could ever mistake her.

The girl who had been the first light for Kamito who had closed his heart.

She had stayed by his side and granted him warmth and peace.

But now---

"......"

Kamito strongly chewed his lip.

Three years ago, he thought that would never change.

He had no idea why she had changed like this.

Possibly, something had broken when she made her «wish».


''Three years ago, I---''

Just what was the wish requested of the spirit king.

He had many things he wanted to ask.

And many things he needed to ask.

Kamito opened his mouth while still slightly lost.

"Restia......"

"Hm?"

The darkness spirit tilted her head in a lovely manner.

"That military spirit that attacked the flying ship, was it your doing?"

"Those were «her» orders. It wasn't me."

Restia replied with that and sat down on the broken sculpture.

With her feet together and resting her chin in her hands, she possessed the beauty of a fallen goddess.

"Is that referring to the fake Ren Ashbell?"

"She's not a replacement for you, Kamito."

Restia smiled gently.

Just like one would use when warning a young child.

"She is also a true Ren Ashbell."


"What do you mean?"

"I'm sorry, but I cannot reveal that to the current you."

Restia silently declined her head.

"......Why did you appear before me now?"

"To warn you."

"Warn me?"

"Your past is trying to destroy what you hold dear."

"My past......"

Kamito muttered---

"---The «Instructional School»'s orphans, huh."

"Yes. Muir Alenstarl is ignoring «her» orders and rampaging on her own. Well, it seems like «she» is closing her eyes on the matter though."

"Why is Muir targeting us?"

"Isn't that obvious. Because her beloved onii-chan was taken from her."

"......"


Yes, Muir Alenstarl had not shown any signs that Kamito was her target.

If he was, there would be no way she would have overlooked him when he couldn't use his Elemental Waffe.

Claire was a superior elementalist. Rinslet and Ellis as well, and Fianna was contracted to a powerful knight spirit.

But even though they were elementalists, they were still normal girls.

They were ojou-samas that were gentle, not honest, and liked black tea and sweet candies.

''But the orphans from the «Instructional School» are different---''

Like Kamito had been---

They were existences that had only been brought up with knowledge on how to wreak havoc and slaughter.

That was not blade dance for the sake of enjoyment --- it was only for war.

The world the noble ojou-samas from the academy lived in was completely different.

Even if they were Blade Dance representatives, there was not a chance they could win in a battle.

"---I won't allow that to happen."

Kamito gave a small groan.

Claire, Ellis, Fianna, Rinslet and Est---

"I will definitely protect my companions."

"I wonder if you can?"


Restia put her fingertip to her lips---

"The orphans from the «Instructional School» are like the past you. I don't think you can stop them when you had a hard battle against the likes of Jio Inzagi."

"It doesn't matter. I will protect them at the cost of my life."

"Hmm, I'm a little jealous."

"---That's why, I will protect you as well, Restia."

"......!?"

Restia's eyes widened.

Those twilight pupils finally showed unrest.

"---That part of you hasn't changed a bit."

She shrugged her shoulders and slowly stood.

She stepped in front of him and---

"I'm happy, Kamito."

Tiptoed and kissed Kamito.

"......!?"

Kamito froze for a few seconds.

The inside of his head had numbed and become pure white.


"......Mm."

Restia slowly parted lips with Kamito.

And she once again whispered into the ear of the dumbfounded Kamito.

"I'll be waiting, Kamito. For your awakening as the successor of the maou."

"Res......tia......?"

Kamito reached out but grabbed nothing but thin air.

The darkness spirit girl had turned into a black mist and disappeared from in front of Kamito.

===Part 3===

"......"

Claire stood in the shadow of the hall leading to the garden.

She had discovered Kamito talking with the darkness spirit girl while searching for Kamito.

That darkness spirit girl was dangerous --- she had immediately summoned Scarlet but desisted from attacking when she saw him talking with her.

They were like two lovers that had been parted for a long time.

Like that, Claire had missed the timing to come out.


She couldn't hear the contents of their conversation well from the hallway.

If she wanted to, she might have been able to hear it, but learning about the past Kamito didn't want to discuss in this way felt like she was doing something underhanded.

Thinking like that, she ended up just watching.

She saw the two kiss.

"Ah---"

Splash.

Tears fell to the ground.

''No way, why are tears......''

She wiped her eyes with the sleeve of her uniform.

''Why, why am I......''

Why was this --- her chest hurt.

''......Kamito didn't hate it. He didn't resist at all.''

The overflowing tears wouldn't stop.

Claire ran from that spot and dashed down the hallway.

===Part 4===


The floating island «Ragna Ys»' underground cave within the holy grounds.

A place that nobody other than the «Divine Ritual Institute»'s princess maidens was permitted to enter --- currently, there were two sets of footsteps resounding there.

One belonged to an orphan of the «Instructional School», Lily Flame.

She read the reports to her master in front of her.

"Muir Alenstarl lost Death Gaze in the battle. The country's military executives are going to be angry."

"Let them. They're just a bunch of geezers that only think about how to protect themselves."

The listening party said so with a merciless tone.

The girl with long black hair that fell to her waist.

Donning a black overcoat with a crimson mask that looked like a fierce god covering her face.

Lily was surprised in the least by her master's response. Their supposed allies, the Alphas Empire, was only another tool to her to accomplish her goal.

"But Cardinal, the supply of military spirits from now on---"

"Lily, I've taught you not to use that name here, haven't I?"

"I apologize. ---Ren Ashbell."


Lily shivered at her master's cold voice.

Footsteps resounded throughout the silent underground cave. The radiance of the spirit stone they were carrying reflected off the strange carvings in the wall. It was a mystery why this passage in the underground cave that even the «Divine Ritual Institute»'s princess maidens were prohibited from was known to these two.

Possibly high-ranking princess maidens --- also those close to «spirit maidens» could enter without it being strange.

"It seems that Restia has contacted him."

The crimson mask-wearing girl --- Ren Ashbell said.

"Yes. She ignored your order and---"

"That darkness spirit is not a subordinate but an equal in the organization. She has no obligation to listen to me."

"......Yes."

Lily chewed her lip unsatisfied. It frustrated her that the pieces gathered to help her master were moving on their own.

The ones who had sworn an oath to Cardinal --- to Ren Ashbell, consisted of Lily alone. Her fellow orphan from the «Instructional School» thought of nothing other than Kazehaya Kamito and she had no idea what that darkness spirit girl was thinking.

"I will be meeting with him as well this evening."


"Will you be attending the dance?"

Lily asked in a slightly incredulous voice.

"Ren Ashbell was the winner of the previous Blade Dance. There is no way she could not attend."

"But the preparations for what to wear---"

"I have at least one dress. Though I left the majority to my little sister."

"You have a little sister?"

"......"

There was no response to that question.

Thinking she had upset her master, Lily quickly changed topics.

"Muir reported that he doesn't appear to have awakened yet."

"We already have no time to wait for it. If he can't withstand it, then that was his worth as a successor to the maou --- we'd just have to alter the plan."

"---That won't do. It's Muir's duty to awaken nii-sama."

Said a voice from within the darkness behind them.

The one who appeared was the girl with ash grey hair --- Muir Alenstarl.

"Muir, what did you do!?"


Lily raised a sharp voice.

"I just played around a little. With those onee-chans that are corrupting nii-sama."

"......Acting on your own! You used another military spirit without permission."

"Not anything important. Just the special-use military spirit «Scylla». Though it was too weak and died. I wonder if I could use a better spirit next time."

"......!"

To the Muir who was puffing her cheeks, Lily responded by holding her head in her hands.

Even if it was «Scylla» which wasn't a pure war class spirit, it was still a part of the empire's military strength. Those military executives wouldn't be happy if they heard about this.

"Listen here. That group at the empire won't be supplying us with military spirits until the Blade Dance really begins."

"Hmph, we've been acting docile well enough."

"It's because you ignored orders and lost Death Gaze."

"I just wanted to play with nii-sama."

Muir pouted her lips.

"Anyway, behave yourself until the Blade Really really begins. Don't lay a hand on him until you receive orders---"


"Orders?"

Muir tilted her head in wonder.

And the light in her eyes disappeared.

"Hey, Lily, just who will order Muir?"

"---!?"

Shivers ran down Lily's spine.

Her entire body ran cold with fear. It was like someone was holding her heart in their hands.

"Hey, tell me---"

The spirit seal on Muir's right hand let out an ominous light---

"Muir Alenstarl."

Ren Ashbell called out to her.

"Yes?"

"You are an equal to me in the organization. Nobody will order you."

Muir laughed with a smile.

"It's fine if you understand. The only one that can order Muir is nii-sama."

With Muir's mood restored, Lily breathed a sigh of relief.

"But this is troubling. I can't play with the onee-chans without a military spirit."


"Then why not try using this --- «Monster»."

Ren Ashbell removed her ring and tossed it to Muir.

"This is?"

Muir looked at the ring curiously.

It was a plain silver ring. Thin characters from the spirit language were engraved onto its outer edge.

"The annihilation spirit «Tiamat» --- a spirit weapon that was created to fight the army of the ex-shadow spirit king. It was customized by those of the «Divine Ritual Institute». It can withstand your «Jester's Vise» well."

"......You're giving this to Muir?"

"Use it as you wish."

"I don't really understand why. Well, that's fine, I'll take it."

"Muir, military spirits aren't toys!"

"They are toys. At least to Muir."

She shrugged her shoulders at Lily---

And licked the ring that now adorned her middle finger.


"---Just a little longer, nii-sama. Muir will remove those meddlesome onee-chans."

While walking through the dark underground cave, Muir smiled to herself.

When she had been taken to the «Instructional School», she was only four years old.

Born in a cold village on the borderline of the Empire, she was not of noble blood and yet possessed the ability to contract spirits.

The villagers rejoiced at having borne an elementalist and raised her dearly.

And then they brought her before the village's guardian spirit on her fourth birthday.

They wanted Muir to contract with the guardian spirit so the village would prosper.

But when she made the contract, the guardian spirit ran wild.

The flames that had protected the village now burned it down and the spirit also destroyed itself.

Muir's power --- she had the uncanny ability to drive a spirit mad.

After being cast away by her village, she was picked up by the instructional school---

There, she became a «Monster».

Her heart was lost, a «Cursed Armament Seal» was engraved on her young body and she was taught nothing but slaughter techniques.

Because of her in-born ability, Muir could never connect with a contracted spirit.


Those days filled with only isolation and massacres slowly carved away her heart.

In the middle of those days --- she met with a boy that had been taken to the facility.

"You're always alone, huh."

"That's right. Muir is always alone. The only ones Muir talks with are those she kills."

"Then I'll become your friend."

"Hmph, how stupid. Talking about friends in this place."

"Then a brother. Muir is the younger sister."

"......What are you deciding on your own, idiot."

The first conversation she had with him. It was something he definitely didn't remember.

"---Nii-sama is Muir's only."

When she emerged from the underground cave, the sun had mostly set.

It was about the time the Blade Dance's ceremony began at the castle.

"That's why I won't forgive them. I will definitely get them, those attaching themselves to nii-sama."

<noinclude>{{SeireiDance Nav|prev=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume4 Chapter6|next=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume4 Chapter8}}</noinclude>

Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume1 Chapter8

2013-02-23T06:29:49Z

Worker:

==Chapter 8: The Strongest Blade Dancer==
===Part 1===

Academy Town was a small-scale town within the premises of the Areishia Spirit Academy.

The townscape, lined with stone buildings, was filled with the tumult of people.

While bumping many times over into the coming-and-going crowds of people, Kamito was running towards the arena.

—If that was him thinking about it too much, it was alright. However, he was feeling strangely uneasy.

''...Absurd. With the loss of her contracted spirit, a Blade Dance is just...''

While he was out of breath, he ran at full speed, pulling Est's hand.

He did not understand why he was so frantic for her sake.

Claire Rouge was a— tyrant, who was prideful, willful and quick to lash her whip.

However, he somehow could not leave her alone.

''After all, her true self is—''

Kamito stopped at that moment.

"—Here, right?"

Before the arena built at the center of the town, there was a crowd of spectators gathered.

The blade dance was originally a holy ritual to let spirits enjoy themselves— a kind of Kagura.


However, there was no change to the fact that it was also the highest form of entertainment to humans.

Also, the same as other festivals, the spirits preferred a great number of enthusiastic people.

He showed his academy student badge to the guard and entered inside, and pushed aside clamoring spectators to get to the front.

There were ear-splitting cheers. The sound of shrills of weapons. The intense blade dance had already started at the arena.

There were about 20 participants. Various types of spirits were jumbled together and fighting.

It was a battle royal system where the last one remaining would earn the right to contract with a powerful military spirit.

Kamito searched for Claire—

"...!?"

For that unbelievable sight, he doubted his eyes.

That Claire Rouge was—

Covered all over with wounds and crawling.

Against the contracted spirits boasting tremendous power, Claire was fighting with just a whip and Spirit Magic.

While her whole body was hit and slammed into a wall, she stood up and fought again and again.

"Claire—"

He could not go help her. If Kamito got in and helped her, she would be naturally disqualified.

If he did that, she would probably never forgive him.

Kamito bit his teeth and in front of him, Claire was blown away.


===Part 2===

''—Weak. Why am I so weak?''

While being thrown to the ground, Claire strongly bit her lips. The taste of blood spread across her tongue. It seemed that she was cut somewhere inside her mouth. She planned to stand up but her hands went numb and did not move. It seemed to have caused a cerebral concussion. Even several bones of her ribs might be suffering damage.

"Guu...!"

Even so, she still did not raise the surrender card.

She slowly stood up on shaky legs.

She sternly looked up. At the center of the altar was a worshiped stone pillar. Within that, there was a rank-A battle-class military spirit— «Glasya-Labolas» sealed inside, brought in from the imperial capital.

Having brought down many spirit knights in the past wars, it was a famous giant-man spirit.

''...If I obtain that, I can be strong.''

—Nee-sama surely can be saved!

"Flame— dance in my hand, dance!"

She turned the divine power dwelling within herself into flames and produced a fireball of spirit magic in her palm.


In her situation where there was no supply of divine power from Scarlet ''her contracted spirit'', even for Claire, who was superior, to produce such a small flame took all her might. Naturally, such a thing could not bring down spirits.

However, if she aimed for the elementalists, possibly— there might be a tiny chance of winning.

"Huh? Do you still plan on doing this? You don't learn, do you"

—She heard a scorning voice from her front.

"...!"

She bit her teeth and lifted her head. The two elementalists were standing with ridiculing expressions.

They were the Academy's upper classmen. They were respectively using «Adamantine Spirit» and «Magic Mirror Spirit».

"Hey, are you truly an idiot? You don't even have a contracted spirit."

"That very part of you is irritating, you know."

"...You!"

Aiming at the two upper classmen ridiculing her, Claire released the fireball.

However, the fireball was stopped by the bore-looking Adamantine Spirit and easily repelled.

"Ahahaa, what's that, spirit magic? —Do it, «Adamantine»!"

The girl on the other side cruelly curved her lips and gave an order to her contracted spirit.

The Adamantine Spirit emitted a blue radiance and rushed and struck Claire's abdomen.

"Agg...!"


A mumbling scream escaped from Claire's mouth.

She did not dare aim for her vital points. She was slowly tormenting her and enjoying herself.

This was not a splendorous blade dance for spirits to enjoy. It was merely unsightly violence.

"...How cheeky, you. Despite being that Calamity Queen's younger sister."

The upper classman's face was really distorted in hatred. While being hit many times over her whole body— finally, Claire recalled. These two were colleagues, who were one-sidedly knocked down by Claire at a practice match a month ago. They were still resentful about that time.

"What's with that look? If you don't give up quickly, you'll really die!"

"It's alright if you quickly kneel down and lick our shoes. Truly, that foolishness is the same as your sister."

"...Shut...up, be silent."

Claire tightly grasped the sand scattered on the ground.

"Hn, did you say something?"

"I said... be silent."

It was no good. She could not restrain it.

''Only abuses at Nee-sama, no matter what, my boiling point for that is low!''

She put divine power into her left hand, which was grasping sand. A black spirit seal that was re-engraved ominously glowed.

And then the moment the path was connected, a horrifying sensation ran all over her body.


She would not be defeated at such a place. There was no value in her weak self.

''To grasp a more powerful power in my hand—!''

"What... a contracted spirit!?"

The upperclassmen's eyes opened in surprise.

"If you wish for it, I'll show you. This is— my true power!"

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Gou!*

The black flame, released from Claire's hand, gulped down the Adamantine Spirit in an instant.

Appearing from within the blazing flame was—

A flickering jet black magic beast.

It was not a noble flame like Scarlet. It was a flame of darkness, showing signs of madness.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Guo...ruuuuuu...*

The beast's hair-raising roar shook the entire atmosphere in the arena.

===Part 3===
[[File:STnBD V01 004.jpg|400px|thumbnail|right]]
"...What's that!?"

Kamito got up from the audience seatings and shouted.


The black flame spirit, Claire brought forth, engulfed the Adamantine Spirit in front of it in an instant.

—It was not Scarlet.

Its appearance was similar to that hell cat but the presence of that divine power was overly ominous.

The jet-black flame spirit bit and crushed the magic mirror spirit at the other side and was devouring those remains like a starving beast. That was not all. The spirits around the black spirit suddenly writhed as if going mad and began eating each-others existence.

"The frenzy is spreading...!"

Kamito recalled the Magic Spirit that appeared in Astral Zero last night.

And about the water spirit that went out of control in the bathroom.

The spirits, in a frenzy, lost their reasoning and were unable to restrain their powers. Until their own existence were extinguished, they would conduct themselves with their impulses for destruction.

However, that black Magic Beast—

''It's forcefully snatching away Clare's divine power!?''

Claire stood rock still at the center of the arena with an exhausted expression.

From the black spirit seal engraved on her left hand, blood was trickling down.

Her face was pale and her whole body was quivering bit by bit. It looked like she was also barely standing.

If the situation was left as it was, she might lose her life.


The spectators, who realized that something was strange with the appearance of the spirits, suddenly began a commotion.

The elementalist girls, in the arena, were also perplexed at their contracted spirits that suddenly did not listen to their commands.

"Damn, what are the guys in Knights doing?"

Kamito looked around the inside of the arena. Despite being an obvious strange situation, the Spirit Knights that should have been prepared for unexpected situations were not moving. What was going on?

However, the Spirit Knights standing at the arena gate were all rooted at the same spot, staring into empty space. Their eyes were not focused. It was as if they had been entranced—

"...What? What the heck is happening?"

"That's a frenzy spirit, Kamito."

Est, who was beside him, muttered expressionlessly.

"A frenzy spirit?"

"It is a possession-type spirit that causes spirits to go berserk. It isn't such a high status spirit but the spirit possessed loses its reasoning and, until its own existence vanishes, it will continue to fight."

"Possess—? Don't tell me, that black Magic Beast is 'Scarlet'!?"


"Affirmative. That hell cat is a very powerful spirit, it should not vanish from the extent of being beaten by the magic spirit. It seems that it temporary lost the ability to manifest but—"


"Is that so..."

The fire remains of the flame spirit remained. However, Claire continuously thought that Scarlet vanished, so she was not able to connect the path.

"—But, in that frenzied condition, vanishing completely is also just a matter of time."

"Ah, I understand."

Kamito nodded.

'Scarlet'— a flame spirit with the appearance of a hell cat cladded in noble flames.

That was the very flame of a girl named Claire.

That flame turned into a crazy disgusting Magic Beast and was indulging and eating the spirits.

Something like that could not be her— Claire's desired flame.

"—Est. I ask of you, lend me your strength."

"I am Kamito's sword. I'll do as you desire."

Est gently grasped Kamito's hand. There was a feeling of a hand, cold but surprisingly soft.

'''"The cool-headed steel queen, the sacred sword that destroys evil— here and now, become my sword!"'''

Kamito spun the releasing of the elemental waffe; at the same time, Est's body turned into particles of light and vanished.

In the next moment, a silver glowing single edged sword appeared in Kamito's hand.

The spirit language inscription, carved on the edge, was— «Terminus Est».


Just by lightly holding it, he understood that it was a tremendously famous sword.

"I'm sorry. The path to my true form is closed, so this is the limit for me currently."

Est, who turned into the form of a sword, said apologetically.

"No, this is plenty. —Let's go, Est!"

Kamito prepared Terminus Est and jumped into the arena where the raging black flame was.

The moment he landed onto the ground, the magic beast of darkness bared its fangs and pounced to attack him.

He brandished the sword with a flourish, knocked away the black flame, and rushed over to Claire's side.

"Claire!"

"...Kamito"

Claire opened her ruby-colored eyes.

Her knees were on the ground and she was breathing heavily. Her delicate body was going to collapse at any time.

The blood, trickling from the spirit seal on her left hand, was dyeing the sand scattered on the ground red.

At that moment, the black Flame Magic Beast mowed onto the ground with its claws, like it was making fun of it.

There was the scent of burning in the air. The hot wind with pebbles mixed in gently brushed Kamito's cheeks.

"...!?"

In a hair's breadth, Kamito dodged the black flame's claws. He drove in a slash at the black flame spirit that was just knocked down.

The silver sword flash drew an arc. The elemental waffe of the sword spirit cut up even the intangible flames—


The black Flame Magic Beast let out an ear-splitting scream and broke up in the air. It didn't mean that it vanished. The flames that were scattered were burning at their respective positions and formed a flaming wall surrounding Kamito in it. Kamito clicked his tongue and stopped at that spot.

"Claire, get yourself together, come to your senses!"

"Wh...What... Why are you here—"

A confused expression surfaced on Claire's face—

"...!?"

Then, as if she just began to realize it, she opened her eyes in terror.

The scene that flew into her eyes was a cruel disastrous scene.

There was a blazing disgusting black flame.

A group of spirits was in a frenzy and devouring each other.

The students of the academy were losing their consciousness from having their divine power eaten and were falling down to the ground one by one—

"Claire, is this the power you wanted? Something like this? These are your flames!"

Kamito shouted as if he was throwing up.

While he cleared away the attacking flame with the sword, he reached out his hand towards Claire.

"I...I...—"

Claire moved her lips with her pale facial expression—


She instantly shook her head as if she had changed her mind.

"Sh...Shut up! I... I need the power!"

The red twin-tail hair violently sprung up.

The black flame blazed even more as if responding to Claire's fury.

"...You don't understand. My feelings of being always alone—"

Claire lay face down and said that while gasping.

That day, four years ago, was when the still childish Claire Elstein's life ended.

The girl, who was betrayed by her most loved sister, had both her parents imprisoned and lost everything, was—

To live taking persecutions as Calamity Queen's sister.

If she didn't become strong alone, she would not be able to live on.

"...You're not alone, idiot."

"Eh?"

At Kamito's words—

Claire raised her head with a blank expression.

"I am here. I'll be by your side. After all, I'm—"

Kamito approached Claire with a step.

The flame wall in their surroundings burned with intimidation.


"D...Don't come here..."

"Claire—"

"Do not come here!"

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Pashin!*— She closed her eyes and strongly struck her leather whip at Kamito's cheek.

Red blood flowed from his cheek. Kamito did not even wipe that and took another step—

"...!? Why didn't you avoid it?"

Claire's cherry blossom-colored lips were quivering.

"I didn't plan on hitting... and yet."

Kamito stood before Claire and slowly raised his hand over his head.

"...!"

Claire thought it was a strike, and reflexively closed her eyes tightly.

Then—

....*Poff*.

"Eh?"

Claire widely opened her ruby-colored eyes.

She looked up at Kamito with a blank expression.

"—Claire, I like your flames."


Kamito stirred up and crumpled Claire's red hair.

"...Wh!? Ah, ...Li...Like...? Eh?"

Claire's cheeks were dyed bright red inside.

"They burn prettily, dazzlingly and nobly. I like your flames."

"Ah, sh...sh..."

—That was why he wanted to protect those flames.

"If you want power—"

Kamito looked straight into Claire's eyes and said.


"I'll be your contracted spirit."

"Kamito..."

In Claire's red eyes, a drop of tear surfaced—

Confused, she wiped it with her uniform sleeve.

"Wh...What are you saying? You are originally my Slave Spirit!"

"Ah, that is right..."

Kamito bitterly smiled and gently removed his hand from Claire's head.


At that moment, he sliced and drove away the black Flame Magic Beast that roared, and advanced while attacking with the sword.

With his back facing Claire, he blocked its way like a knight protecting a princess.

"—Hey, Scarlet. Did you forget your precious master?"

With Kamito's words thrown at it, the black flame that clad the Magic Beast trembled for a moment.

Scarlet— it seemed to respond to that name.

"...Scarlet?"

Claire asked.

"Ah, it wasn't that your partner vanished. It just temporarily lost its power. Although, it's now possessed by a frenzy spirit and has turned into such an appearance."

"...Scarlet is alive!?"

Claire was taken aback and raised her head. Kamito nodded.

"Ah, this sword— Est informed me."

"...That's, by no means, that Sword Spirit?"

"That's right. But she probably can't even use a tenth of her original power."

Taking a stance with Terminus Est in both his hands, Kamito turned towards the black flame magic beast.

"..."

Claire stared at the thunderously raging black flame.


She saw something within that flame and swiftly raised her head—

"...Yes that is Scarlet."

She wiped her tears to shake it off.

"If that's the case—"

"Claire, stand back. A frenzied spirit will attack even its contractor."

Kamito restrained Claire, who planned to go to the front, with his hand—

Claire stopped that hand and shook her head.

"Scarlet is in a frenzy because of me. Therefore, only I can take her back."

—Flames, dance in my hand, dance!

Spun from her cherry blossom-colored lips was the spirit language aria.

At that moment, a small fireball was born at the palm of her hand.

"Spirit Magic? What can such a small fireball—"

"—Like this."

At that instant, Claire pushed the burning fireball into her left hand.

There was the sound of flesh burning.

"O...Oi, Claire!?"

"...A...gu...uuuu—!"


While barely clenching her teeth, Claire moaned in anguish.

On her pale face, perspiration like waterfalls flowed along her chin.

"You...!"

Kamito finally understood.

The black spirit seal, re-engraved on Claire's left hand— that was the symbol of contract with that frenzy spirit.

The spirit seal was an exclusive «gate» to connect the path between Astral Zero and this world.

If that was destroyed, naturally, the contract with the spirit would be annulled.

Claire was physically burning the spirit seal and was breaking the contract with the frenzy spirit!

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Guorooooouuu...*

The Magic Beast, clad in black flames, raged like a thunderous wind.

With the path being burned off, it shared the same pain as Claire, its contractor.

"Sorry, Scarlet, I too... will endure—"

Claire was putting up with the pain and that moment when Claire's knees hit the ground—

The frenzied magic beast roared and sprung at Claire.

"—!"

Kamito quickly stepped in and got into the magic beast's bosom in one bound.

The claws, clad in flames, burned the ends of his hair and at that instant— he slashed down with the sword when they passed each other.


There was a flashing sword swing. At the same time, the red hot flames that could melt even iron attacked Kamito's whole body—

"Kamito!"

Claire's scream resounded.

However, Kamito's body had already disappeared.

The moment the sword and the claws crossed, he dodged like a shadow and had turned to the flame spirit's back.

''—A frenzied spirit certainly has its power greatly increased.''

The black flame spirit turned around— but it was too late.

''However, no matter what, its movements became dull. In that case, it can't win against me—''

Kamito kicked the ground and sharply turned, and swung the silver shining Terminus Est—

With that stroke of the sword, the black flame, possessing the flame spirit, was severed and killed.

"—Claire, are you alright?!"

Kamito rushed over, Claire was lying on the floor with a pale face.

From her red forelock clinging onto her forehead, drops of perspiration were dripping down.

"A...guu...!"

A gasping, like it was hoarse from her inner throat, leaked out. Her left hand sustained a severe burn.

Just the texture of her thin pretty skin was hideously burned, that scar was too painfully to look at.

However, the black spirit seal that was engraved disappeared without leaving any trace.


With this, the path with that frenzy spirit should be completely severed.

"That was so reckless. Look, I'll treat it for you, so show it to me."

"I...I'm fine, it's just this much..."

Claire's cheeks slightly turned red and she quickly turned away.

At that moment, intense pain was running all over, she softly screamed "Hyauu" and her eyes turned teary.

"What, you're not being honest."

"Sh...Shut up, I'll turn you into cinders!"

Kamito bitterly smiled at Claire's usual behavior.

—However, this is the usual Claire Rouge.

She was not suited to have just a sorrowful face.

"By the way, where—"

Suddenly, Kamito turned serious and asked.

"What..."

"Where did you contract something like a frenzy spirit?"

"That's—"

Claire stammered with her words and at that time.

"Ah, did you receive my present with pleasure?"


From behind, they heard such an inappropriate voice.

It was a gentle voice, like downy hair tickling one's earlobe.

"...!?"

It sounded familiar— but that was out of the question.

For three years, he always— yearned to hear it, that voice.

Kamito slowly turned around.

And there—

A beautiful girl, wearing a dark black dress, was giggling.

===Part 4===

Kamito stood still at that place with a frozen expression.

"Don't tell me, tha..t's..."

What was there was—

A girl, who was the very light to Kamito.

She gave the boy, who had closed his heart into a cold cage, a warm light—

"...Res...tia?"


Kamito muttered in a blurry voice.

"—It has been quite a long time, Kamito."

The girl, wearing a darkness-color dress, impishly smiled.

...It was unbelievable.

However, that appearance was as it was from that time, three years ago.

That beautiful face, without doubt, belonged to the girl, who Kamito knew.

The darkness spirit, Restia.

The contracted spirit of the strongest blade dancer — Ren Ashbell.

"Restia, I—"

Kamito reached out his hand and planned to approach the girl.

However, his legs, as if they were sewed on to that place, could not move.

Despite that the girl, who he was continuously searching for the last three years, was in front of him—

—Something was strange. His elementalist intuition was telling him that.

She was smiling like that.

Moveover, in the girl's hand, what was that ominous black lump?

"I wanted to meet you, Kamito. However—"

The girl faced that black lump at the altar in the center and threw it there.


"...?"

"Let's leave the hug to the next opportunity. Look, as that child wakes up."

When the black lump turned into a fog in midair, it surrounded the holy stone pillar at the altar.

The stone pillar that was brought in from the imperial capital and sealed the military spirit.

"Restia... What in the world are—?"

Kamito muttered and at that time.

Suddenly, the ground violently shook.

"What...!?"

"Ah, looks like it has already woken up."

"Restia...?"

"Kamito, be careful! She is the one, who gave me that frenzy spirit!"

Claire shouted to Kamito, who was being absentminded.

"Wh...at...!?"

At that moment, a ground-shaking roar resounded.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Pishii*— the stone pillar enveloped in the black fog became greatly cracked.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Zu...zuzu...zuzuzuzu...!*

From the tear of the cracked stone pillar, a giant human hand appeared.


That was—

''Glasya-Labolas is— going into a frenzy!?''

Taken aback, he turned around. Restia was giggling.

That somewhat devilish smile was something Kamito had never seen.

"—Good bye, Kamito. Let's meet again."

"Restia... What is going on!? What are you—"

"Because that is your wish."

"...!?"

Kamito's face froze.

"Wait— Please wait, Restia!"

"I had waited, it has already been three years."

"Resti..."

Restia smiled once again and disappeared into the empty space that became a black fog.

Kamito dropped both his hands like he was exhausted and stood still there dumbfounded.

—He did not understand what happened.

''Restia gave Claire that frenzy spirit...?''

He could not believe it. No, he did not want to believe it.


However, the girl's appearance belonged to the darkness spirit that he had been certainly continuously searching for.

His former contracted spirit.

The girl showed Kamito, who lost his human heart, his first warm light.

If that girl changed, that—

''It's my fault... I had changed her into something different.''

The Blade Dance three years ago.

Kamito, who was victorious as Ren Ashbell,—

Attempted to have a «wish» that humans can never wish for to be granted.

For that reason, he decided to lose her.

He believed that she would be alive somewhere.

The aching of spirit seal engraved on his left hand whispered.

—She would be alive again. He could still make up for his crimes.

By no means, it became that they met up again in such a manner— it was something he never thought of.

"Restia... Is this my punishment?"

If that was the case, it was too— cruel.

Like his whole body's strength was drawn out and he was going to collapse, his knees hit the ground.

He was plunged into darkness. 


"Kamito!? Hey, are you listening, Kamito!"

Even Claire's voice calling for Kamito was only absentmindedly heard.

Once again, the ground violently shook.

Passing through the 'gate' opened in the empty space, Glasya-Labolas was attempting to emerge here.

The wall of the arena collapsed due to the tremor and a large amount of rubble poured down over Kamito's head.

Just before his body was going to be crushed— that moment.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Pashii*— Kamito's head was twined around by a whip.

"...Guoo!"

Kamito was violently dragged along the ground and he made an anguishing voice.

Immediately after, large amount of rubble fell at the place where Kamito had been at.

There was a thunderous sound. Clouds of dust fluttered up in the air.

...If he was crushed, he would have, without a doubt, died.

"Idiot! Wh...What are you doing!"

Over his head, Claire took up a daunting pose and shouted.

"Hey, do you want to die? Or do you want to turn to cinders?"

"No, not those two choices— Guoo!"

"Hmm, to retort, you are alright, aren't you!"


Claire constricted Kamito's head with her whip and with a jerk, drew her face closer.

"..."

It was at a point-blank distance as if the tips of their noses were touching.

Her ruby-colored pupils, filled with a strong will, were before his eyes.

Nevertheless in such a moment, Kamito was reflexively startled.

"...Come on, what? What is it?"

Seemingly noticing that her face was too close, Claire's cheeks turned red and she slightly loosened her whip.

"It...It's not like I'm particularly interested but... for once, listen up."

"Wh...What..."

"That girl just now, h...how is she related to you?"

"She—"

Kamito averted his eyes from Claire's clear eyes

"Was my contracted spirit."

"Spirit?"

Kamito silently nodded and clenched his left hand.

"...It's my fault. It's my fault that she—"

The thoughts of Kamito, who sank into the dark abyss once again,—


"So what!"

Claire's voice, which was cold, drew him back.

"Eh?"

"I am saying so what!"

Claire was standing straight up, with both hands at her waist and her twin-tail hair over her shoulder.

Until a while ago, her depressed state was not even minute.

There was above all else her noble, beautiful crimson flame.

"No, it is because I..."

Kamito was taken aback dumbfounded—

"Didn't you promise me just now that 'I'll be your contracted spirit'?! Please hold on the responsibility of your own words!"

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Pishipashi!* Claire placed a strike with her whip onto Kamito's back.

"Ouch! Wh...What are you doing! Whipping a dead person!"

Without thought, Kamito stood up and shouted.

Claire suddenly smiled.

"A dead person? Then how about dying once? Look, look at that."

"Aah?"


Kamito turned his face—

From the «gate» in the empty space, bluish-white light was emitted and Glasya-Labolas came crawling out.

The battle-class military spirit, whose seal was undone; its over-all length was more than ten-odd meters.

Glasya-Labolas roared. Merely with that, half of the audience seats were blown away.

It seemed that the audience had already escaped but there should still be many citizens outside the arena.

From the giant empty hole in the wall, the state of the plaza was in sight.

Everyone was screaming and jostling, while running away. In response to the sudden appearance of Glasya-Labolas, the plaza and the main street underwent a chaos of agonizing cries.

Placing its hand on the crumbled arena wall, Glasya-Labolas slowly walked out.

With just that, the ground shook like an earth tremor occurred.

How would things turn out, if such a thing got out into the town— there was no need to think so.

"Waiting for help from the academy would be too late. Just the two of us will have to do this."

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

However— Kamito still had not recovered from the shock.

Even «Terminus Est», which he was tightly grasping, was losing that cool and clear radiance.

An elemental waffe would demonstrate its true value according to the elementalist's divine power.

With Kamito's current condition, he was unable to even maintain the sword's strength.


For example, even if he fought, it was certain that it would instantly be broken.

"..."

Claire stared at Kamito in such a state with a rigid expression.

"It seems like you're still half asleep. If that's the case, I'll wake you up."

After that, for some reason, her face turned red and she quickly looked away.

And, in the next moment.

"...!?"

[[Image:STnBD V01 250.jpg|thumb]]
Suddenly, his lips were closed.

It was hot. It was a tender sensation that was gently getting wet.

The tip of his nose was tickled by a faint scent of her hair.

"Hn..."

Several seconds later, their lips slowly separated.

"Are you awake?"

"...A...Ah."

Kamito nodded like he was befuddled.

"Th...This is something... only once."

Biting her lips, Claire turned bright red and looked downwards.




The numbing-like kiss had blown away all the anguish from Kamito's mind.

"...Shock therapy? However, this is a little too effective."

"Hm,,,hmm, that's fine! —Well then, let's go, Kamito!"

While her face was bright red, Claire spun the spirit language summoning.

'''—Protector of red flames, watchman of the unsleeping hearth!'''

'''—Now is the time, by the blood contract, hurry and come to my side!'''

Immediately, a blazing flame whip was born in Claire's hand.

It was not the black flame, invaded by the frenzy spirit.

That was the flame of the noble Claire Rouge— Scarlet's elemental waffe.

"Thank you, Scarlet. Lend me your power for just a bit longer."

Responding to Claire's feelings, the flame whip thunderously growled.

"I won't make Scarlet, who is weakened, do something unreasonable. I'll go around it to support, so you strike that giant human spirit."

"Ah, I got it!"

Kamito firmly nodded and tightly grasped Terminus Est.

''—That's right.'' It is alright to not think about Restia now.

''Now, just—''


''To protect this tomboy princess, because that's what I promised!''

Taking a stance with the sword, Kamito kicked the ground and jumped.

"I'll show you, Claire Rouge"

The Strongest Blade Dancer — Ren Ashbell's Blade Dance!

Glasya-Labolas smashed the stone wall and stepped his foot out to the plaza outside the arena.

Kamito took a roundabout path to its behind and with a one-step jump, he pierced its ankle with the sword.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Vuoooooon!*

Glasya-Labolas made a destructive roar— While the shock seemed to be blowing him away, Kamito clung onto the sword that pierced it.

''...What destructive power! As expected of a Military Spirit!''

The eyes of the giant, that were burning in anger, caught sight of Kamito's figure at its feet.

It made a frenzy roar and swung down that blouder-like fist of its.

Kamito pulled out the sword and jumped back and using the giant's arm as a stepping stone, he jumped again.

In order to crush Kamito, who appeared on top of his head, Glasya-Labolas reached out its hand—

At that moment when it seemed like it caught his ankle.

"Kamito!"

Claire swung her flame whip and bound that arm. As Scarlet was exhausted, cutting up the spirit could not be done. However, roughly sealing its movement was possible.

There was the thunderous sound of the wind blowing violently. Glasya-Labolas shifted its anger to Kamito on its head. In the state of passing by, Kamito brandished the sword. He cut the black crystal-like eyeball.

At that moment, from the eyeball that cracked, something like a black fog was blown out.

''That's the frenzy spirit...!?''

The black fog coiled about the sword. Just at that moment, the tip of its edge was corroding to black.

Kamito was taken aback. —The frenzy spirit was an spirit that granted crazy attribute to spirits.

''Est is being encroached—!''

Kamito twisted his body and swung and cleared away the black fog.

He broke his stance in the air and was about to strike the ground as he was.

Then, Glasya-Labolas' fist swung downwards.

Kamito took a stance with the sword in front of him— but he did not make it!

"...!"

Glasya-Labolas' fist was— precisely stopped above his head.

Its arm, which was about to swing down at any time, was twined with a burning flame whip.

"Kamito! Now's the chance, quickly do it!"

"Ah—"


Kamito laughed fearlessly and stood up, and concentrated his consciousness to the sword.

The elemental waffe of the sword spirit, Est, increased in radiance as it responded to Kamito's feelings

He kicked the ground and jumped. Kamito's sword once again danced in the midair.

And then—

"Oooooooooooo!"

The shining flashing sword cut Glasya-Labolas' body right in half.

===Part 5===

That moment when Kamito cut and turned over Glasya-Labolas, Claire was motionlessly staring at it.[[Image:STnBD V01 255.jpg|thumb]]

With the shining sword in his hand, Kazehaya Kamito danced a splendorous blade dance—

That was almost—

Like the blade dance of Ren Ashbell, who she saw at the stage of the blade dance three years ago.

''...Don't tell me.''

The moment Glasya-Labolas turned into particles of light, the flame whip returned to the form of a small hell cat. Claire preciously embraced the flame spirit, which became small like a kitten.

"—Thank you, Scarlet."



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Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume1 Chapter6

2013-02-23T06:29:36Z

Worker:

==Chapter 6: The Blade Dance at Midnight==

===Part 1===

—It was 2 am. The time when the academy students slept and forest spirits began stirring.

On the stone paving path illuminated by the moonlight, Kamito was walking alongside Claire.

"The atmosphere is very different, the academy at night."

"Of course, the night is the time for spirits."

Claire kept facing front and bluntly replied. Solid sounds of walking resounded loudly.

Since some time ago, Claire had not said much. She might be tense about the duel with the Knights.

"Where are you planning to do it?"

Private battles should be prohibited within the academy according to academy regulations. Is there a place for a duel outside?"

"Over there—"

Claire abruptly stopped.

In front of what she was pointing, there was a gigantic stone circle.

Its ground was dimly shining in bluish-white.

"That's the— «Astral Gate»!"

"Yea, the gate that connects this world with the Astral Zero. The reason why the academy was built in such a remote place."


"...I see."

He was surprised that there was a 'gate' within the academy premises. That stone circle was perhaps a prehistoric ruin, which was used with an unknown art. It probably had a function to stabilize the unstable «gate».

"Isn't it dangerous? There are spirits that cannot be controlled by humans roaming about in the Astral Zero."

"You see, that «gate» connects to a safe area where there are only low-level spirits. If not, the academy wouldn't leave it alone, right?"

Claire murmured ''stupid'', and stepped into the middle of the stone circle.

She recited the words of opening the gate in the spirit language and the blue light on the ground further increased its brightness.

"Come on, you, faster! Get on too."

Led by Claire, Kamito hurriedly jumped on top of the formation of lights.

At that moment, his field of vision was filled with a white flash.

He had a feeling that his whole body was attacked with dizziness. And then—

...

—After opening his eyes, a scenery of another world spread out."

There was a deep dark forest with twisted trees standing tall.

Shining brilliantly in the night sky was a blood-like red moon.

There was a pale purple smoke-like fog shrouding nearby.

Astral Zero— another world where spirits live in.

"If it's here, nobody can disturb us. Even if we were injured, it would not be serious, so this place is often used by the academy students for duels."

In a situation such a thing occurred, the physical body of humans possessing divine powers would be treated the same as spirits, this meant that there's almost no physical damage received.

Naturally, this was not absolutely safe. Pain was felt normally; in exchange of the physical body not receiving damage, the mind would suffer an equal damage.

To fall into a lethargic state was still a good thing but in the case of receiving a serious injury, one would receive severe memory impairment and the destruction of the mind, there was also the possibility of not regaining consciousness.

"—Flame, illuminate."

Claire recited the spirit magic and a small fire ball was born on her palm, dimly lighting up a narrow open path in the middle of the forest.

"Let's go, Kamito."

Claire gently brushed her twin-tails and calmly walked.

"Do we have a chance of winning?"

"That depends on your ability. ...Honestly, it might be a little hard.

"Is that so?"

Kamito was surprised. For an elementalist of Claire's level, it was unexpected of her to say such a thing.

"Putting aside the other two, Ellis is strong. She isn't the Knights leader just for show. Besides, Scarlet exhausted some strength from this morning's fight with the «sealed spirit». Rinslet's ability is— well, at least I recognize it, but her teamwork is the worst."

"...That was a surprising calm battle strength analysis. I thought you were the more impulsive type."

"You, what do you see me as?"

"A dangerous fellow, who instantly swings a whip— Ouch!"

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Pashii*— A whip was promptly swung down onto Kamito's back.

...After walking a while, there was a historic ruin of a gigantic theater in the forest.

It was something from when Astral Zero and the human world were one— a long gone mythical era.

The crumbling looking stone gate greeted the two. It seemed that here was the stage for the duel.

"First of all, you, the sword elementalist, are the attacker. Rinslet and I will provide cover."

"I've got the most dangerous role! Isn't it your duel?"

"What! Do you have a complaint? Alright, if that's the case, I'll let you choose a position. Attacker or cinders, which do you like?"

"I get it. I'll be the attacker."


"A wise decision."

Claire nodded seemingly satisfied.

"By the way, you can properly handle that contracted «sword spirit», right?"

"Hn, ahh...probably."

"...Probably? What do you mean?"

Claire's eyes lifted up with danger. Kamito backed off in a panic.

"Well, you see, isn't it bad if it was summoned poorly and went out of control? That's why, I have not summoned it even once since I contracted it this morning."

''That was somewhat of an explanation''— he thought. Actually, it was half of the explanation.

The truth was that by contracting with another spirit he felt guilty in regards to her.

He felt a sense of betrayal about using a new contracted spirit.

"You succeeded in contracting in just one try, therefore there should be little chance of losing control but— well, it is a sealed spirit with a history and it certainly won't be funny if anything happened."

However, Claire seemed to have agreed for once.

"For the time being, try releasing your elemental waffe. You are able to do that, right?"

"A...aahh... Yeah."

The releasing of an elemental waffe was not something anyone could do but—

''Can't seem to get into the mood, it can't be helped—''

Kamito closed his eyes and concentrated his consciousness to the «spirit seal» engraved on his right hand.

'''"The cool-headed steel queen, the sacred sword that destroys evil—"'''

He recited the summoning in the spirit language and the crest of two swords crossing faintly shined.

The path with a contracted spirit would be normally connected— however,

''What?''

...It was strange. He could not feel the presence of such a powerful sealed spirit.

No— he could pick up its presence but it was something like gears not fitting together.

'''"—now form a sword of steel and be the power in my hand!"'''

At that moment, small particles of light gathered at Kamito's palm.

And then, what appeared was—

"..."

One short sword.

To be more precise, it was a small sword almost like a knife.

...*Shin*. An awkward silence arrived.

"...Is that the sword spirit's elemental waffe?"

Claire said with her face twitching.


For an incarnation of the powerful sealed spirit that cut down Scarlet in one blow—

...Honestly, it was too shabby.

"D...Don't judge it by its appearance, it might actually have an amazing ability."

"Y...eah, that certainly may be true!"

Claire nodded for a moment while having a stiff expression.

Kamito tried cutting a buckwheat tree as a test.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Bekii*. The short sword very easily broke and vanished.

"..."

...Ahh, how should I say it, it's probably that."

Kamito beared the frozen Claire's gaze and calmly opened his mouth.

"To tell you the truth, this is the first time I've used a contracted spirit in three years. I have yet to regained that feeling."

"...Huh?"

Claire blankly opened her mouth to that shocking confession.

"You're lying... after all, didn't you easily tame that sealed spirit!?"

"That time was because I was frantically trying to save you. To be honest, I don't really understand myself how I succeeded in contracting it."

No matter how powerful an spirit one contracted with, there was no point if one could not fully draw out that power. When an inexperienced elementalist contracted an spirit beyond his means, it was often the case that its power would be too much to handle.

''...However, for my case, it's a little different.''

Kamito stared at his left hand, inserted in a leather glove.

''Probably, within my sub-consciousness, I thought about her.''

—Therefore, he could not connect the path with the new spirit.

"Wh..Wha..What's with that..."

He heard a dead groan. After lifting her head, Claire was tightly grasping a leather whip, used for training animals, with her shoulders trembling.

"No, I mean, um, my battle strength is lacking..." 

"What do you mean! I am counting on your battle strength!"

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Pishii!* *Pishii!* *Pishii!*

"Ouch! Wait..stop!"

A tempest of unforgiving whips descended onto the escaping Kamito.

Then, there—

"What in the world are you doing? Claire Rouge."

From the other side of the dark tree grove, that voice was heard.

Claire stopped her whipping and sullenly turned around.


The ones who appeared were Rinslet and the maid Carol.

"You're late, Rinslet."

"Aah, a lady getting dressed takes time."

Rinslet proudly brushed her extravagant platinum blonde hair.

"...? What, is Carol here too?"

"Of course, as milady's supporter."

After Kamito heard that, Carol brought out a flag, seemingly from nowhere and began swinging it.

"By the way, why were you whipping Kazehaya Kamito?"

Rinslet placed her index finger at her chin and frowned dubiously.

That was— before Claire answered, Carol interrupted.

"Milady, that's something unrefined to listen to."

"What do you mean?"

"That was a form of a slightly unusual love. In a unique way, that was a perverted play."

"Ehh! Is that right, you two!?"

"T...Th..T..That's not it! W...What are you saying, you stupid maid!"

Claire's face became bright red as she denied it.

...Indifferently, he wanted the fuse-blowing whipping to stop, as it hurt.


''...Why am I already worn out before the duel.''

Kamito began to seriously think about the absurdity of his life. At that moment.

"—Your side seems to be all present, Raven class."

A frigid voice descended from right above.

"...!?"

The four of them looked upwards together.

There, above the crumbling theater wall was—

A figure of a gallant female knight with her blue hair fluttering in the gentle breeze.

Beside her, two knights, also wearing the same silver armor, were standing.

He heard their names from Claire. The one with the short hair was Rakka. The one with the braiding was Reishia.

"—Ellis Fahrengart, for how long were you here!"

"By the way, you wouldn't by any chance be waiting for a chance to appear at a cool moment, right?"

"Wha... T...There's no such thing! I just only got here!"

After Kamito pointed it out with his half-opened eyes, Ellis was frankly disturbed and ended up almost falling.

...Somehow, that was a rather deplorable Knights leader look.

Ellis sharply glared at Kamito and the rest, and drew her sword from her waist.


"Let's go, Raven class. Let's finish this duel by day break—"

At that moment. The illumination of a large flame lit the stage of the theater.

The one shined on by that illumination—

"That's—!?"

A large eagle was spreading its enormous wings and making an appearance in the red night.

"Let me introduce to you, Kazehaya Kamito. This is my contracted spirit— demon wind spirit, «Simorgh»!"

With a howl like the wind— The large eagle, clad in wind swooped down.

===Part 2===

At a point of an attack in-place of a greeting, —

The demon wind spirit glided closer and dived with its aim at the ground, where the four were.

An ear-splitting thunderous roar. Stone paving came unstuck and large amounts of earth and sand were whirled up.

A strong wind, brought forth from the force of the explosion, hit Kamito and his body was easily blown away.

"...Gahaa!"

He was thrown into a wall. With that bone shattering impact, he stopped breathing for a moment.

Even if one received an attack of an spirit of a purified form, the physical body cannot be hurt, however, the physical damage from a crashing impact and fragments of rubble were different. Small rocks fluttering up in the squall were cutting at Kamito's whole body. While covering his forehead with both his hands, Kamito clicked his tongue.

''...What destructive power! If I directly took a blow, I'll faint.''

That demon wind spirit... Simorgh.

Comparing just destructive power, it might surpass even Claire's Scarlet.

''That's right, where's Claire?''

He stood up and surveyed his surroundings, his two allies were at their respective positions.

Claire was providing direct cover from a mid-distance. Rinslet was providing rear support with a long distance attack.

Carol was...waving a flag at the outside of the theater where she had escaped to.

The thunderous wind that was blowing violently stopped. At that interval, Kamito began to run—

"Not yet, Kamito!"

"...!?"

At the same time Claire shouted, the roar of the demon wind spirit resounded.

From an empty large hole in the ground, a large demon bird flapped its wings—

"What are you doing, quickly release your elemental waffe!"

"Hn, even if you say that—"

At that moment, a cluster of wind that held an enormous mass gouged the earth while rushing over.


The stone paving came ripping off in a straight line. Kamito quickly jumped sideways.

While tumbling on the ground, he quickly recited the summoning of the spirit language in his mouth.

The spirit seal faintly glowed but as before the path with the contracted spirit was not connected.

''... It's no good, huh!?''

Just as he was about to give up, a glowing short sword was constructed in his palm.

It was the same unreliable elemental waffe but it was better than nothing.

"Are you just escaping? Kazehaya Kamito, I have misjudged you!"

Ellis, with a pony-tail hair swaying, alighted onto the ground.

"Ahh! I just have to fight, right—"

Kamito prepared the short sword and charged towards Ellis. The first to strike wins. If he defeated the elementalist first, then the summoned contracted spirit would vanished—

"Kamito, behind you!"

Claire's voice came from behind him— Kamito jumped straight to the side.

The wing of the demon wind spirit mowed down at the place Kamito was at just now.

"... What speed!"

Among the five grand spirit spirits, the ones boasting of being the fastest were the wind-attribute spirits. And Ellis was completely controlling one of them.

The demon wind spirit, dancing in the night sky, turned in an arc— and swooped down.


Kamito jumped again. The demon wind spirit that crashed into the ground blew up a large quantity of earth and sand— and then it immediately transformed into countless blades of the wind and cut into Kamito's arms.

"...Kuu!"

Tremendous pain was running in his right arm. Actually, it did not mean that his arm was cut off— but that pain was violently jolting his consciousness.

''—Well, I never thought it'd turn into the blades of wind with that timing.''

Kamito was astonished in his mind. Ellis's competency as an elementalist was something substantial.

"Kamito, I'll cover you!"

At the same time as her voice, A blazing flame illuminated the night sky red.

Claire wielded Scarlet's elemental waffe — «Flame Blaze».

The flame slash mowed down all the attacking blades of the wind in an arc—

"I won't let you interfere with the leader!"

The braided hair knight, Reishia, attacked Claire.

The elemental waffe held in her hand was a transparent ice sword— it seemed she also an ice elementalist like Rinslet.

Nonetheless, her spirit's rank was completely no match for Rinslet's Fenrir. It seemed she had the competency to release her contracted spirit into its elemental waffe but she had not made it hers yet.

''She was not good enough to be a worthy adversary for Claire''— Kamito concluded so and adjusted his direction to Ellis, who was in front of him.


In that moment, simultaneous with a violent blasting sound, the ground in front of him was being completely gouged.

"...!?"

"Huh, try taking on my elemental waffe— Rock Breaker!"

The short-haired knight, Rakka, shouted in an spirited tone.

Her specialized weapon was a large hammer with a long handle, which was easily being swung about by the thin arm of a girl.

Kamito jumped and backed away, getting some distance between them. She seemed more hot-blooded than Reishia.

While keeping his distance, he was chasing Ellis, who was within his sight—

Ellis had linked with Rakka's attack and was already moving.

As expected of the Knights' leader, Ellis' commanding ability was high.

First, she was to use her demon wind spirit to launch a preemptive attack to cause chaos on the battlefield. Next was to strike Claire on mid-guard with Reishia and Kamito on advance-guard with Rakka. While the two were pinned down, Ellis with the most battle strength would attack Rinslet on rear-guard. That was the so-called strategy.

''... Before attacking Ellis, firstly, I have to do something about this fellow.''

Kamito nimbly stepped in and let loose a slash. The flash of the silver sword shallowly cut Rakka's arm.

As it was an attack from an elemental waffe, blood did not flow out— but pain should be felt in the same way.

"This guy...!"

Rakka's face was dyed in anger. She aimed at the top of Kamito's head and swung her Rock Breaker down.


There was a thunderous roar. The ground was gouged and rubbles were whirled up. It was probably an spirit of the earth attribute. As expected, its destructive power is great but its movement was a large swing, making it easy to avoid.

"Chii, how restless!"

She too seemed to have yet to master her elemental waffe. Or perhaps, her contracted spirit's rank in contrast to her competency was too great— The spirit she was supposed to be using was manipulating her.

"Don't run, fight properly, male elementalist!"

"This doesn't mean that I'm just running away. In a group battle, you should pay more attention to your surroundings."

"What?"

"A capable hunter is taking aim."

At that moment, an ice arrow came flying and pierced the girl's chest.

Rakka was flashily blown off and bounced on the ground.

The elemental waffe, 'Rock Breaker', turned into particles of light and vanished.

"Fuu, nice shot!"

Kamito turned behind where the voice came from.

On the outer wall of the theater, there was the appearance of Rinslet brushing her hair.

"... Why are you, the support position, standing at such a conspicuous place?!"

"Ah, it's natural for me to be at a more conspicuous place than Claire!"


"Th...That stupid dog...! You were moving around and sniping, right!"

Claire shouted like she was gnawing.

"Fuu, as a worthy lady of the noble Laurenfrost family, I won't be satisfied if I'm not at most conspicuous place at a dance party."

"That's my lady!"

Carol was delightfully swinging a flag from above ground.

"Hmm, you're pretty composed, Raven Class!"

—At that moment, at the back a strong squall was winding up.

Spreading its wings, the demon wind spirit roared and flew with its aim at Rinslet.

"A good target! Freezing ice fang, pierce— «Freezing Arrow»!"

Rinslet quickly released the Freezing Arrow—

The demon wind spirit immediately transformed to the countless blades of wind and rushed at Rinslet.

"Kyaa!"

"Rinslet!?"

In front of Claire, who planned to rush over, the braided hair knight blocked her way.

She quickly entered into the range of the whip in the gap that Claire lost her focus and slashed with her ice sword. The moment she got into the range, a sword was overwhelming advantageous. Claire was gradually pressured.


"Why you! How dare you do this to Rakka!"

"Kuu— Kamito, chase Ellis!"

"Ahh!"

Claire was in a predicament, but Ellis ought to be stopped now.

Ellis was running on the stairs of the theater. Her intention was to completely take out Rinslet.

Kamito aimed at Ellis's legs and threw the short sword. He concluded that it was dangerous to ignore her— Ellis jumped to the side and got into the audience seating.

In the vicinity, a high-pitched sound reverberated. The elemental waffe short sword hit the wall and got smashed up.

"Hmm, that's a pretty fragile elemental waffe."

While Ellis said that, she called the demon wind spirit to her hand.

And then—

"—Evil winds, pierce through my sworn enemy's heart, become a demonic spear and lodge within my hand!"

The moment she recited the releasing in the spirit language— winds blew violently and in her hand a very long spear appeared.

It was a ceremonial long spear and delicate patterns were engraved on its handle.

Its tip, illuminated by the red moonlight, was clad in sharp winds and was faintly making wind sounds.

Her pony-tail hair, which reached her waist, was agitatedly swaying and flowing in the wind.

Ellis completely spun the spear in one hand and stared at Kamito with a cold expression.


"This is my elemental waffe— «Ray Hawk»."

Kamito—

"...Beautiful."

Without a thought, let out such a voice.

"Hah, you too understand— the beauty of this 'Ray Hawk'."

Displaying her truly prided spear, Ellis loosened her cheeks, slightly delighted.

"Idiot, I mean you! Don't make me say that, it's embarrassing."

"Wha..? Me..!?"

Ellis turned bright red and became flustered.

"Hey, y...you're mocking me, right? Kazehaya Kamito!"

"No, I'm just normally entranced."

"E...Entranced... Ah....."

Ellis's face increasingly redden... as if purging evil thoughts, she shook her head.

"Ehh...Such a practical joke... As I thought, you are mocking me!"

"No, you really are beautiful— Owaa!"

Being enraged, Ellis thrust her spear with her face bright red.

As a result of losing her composure, it was easy to dodge.


However, when the demonic spear tip grazed the side of his abdomen, at that moment—

The blades of winds were released and cut his whole body.

''Guu...!?''

In response to the sharp pain, Kamito clicked his tongue in his mind.

''—That elemental waffe can create the blades of wind, huh!''

While bearing the pain attacking his whole body, Kamito jumped away to the back in one go.

That demonic spear could create the blades of wind, so there also was no point evading with a paper-thin difference.

However, Ellis jumped again and released a stream of attacks like a tempest.

"Are you trying to escape... you insolent guy! I'll turn you into tiramisu<ref>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiramisu Tiramisu] is an italian cake and desert</ref>!"

"What? Is candy-making also your forte? You cute sullen young lady."

"I...I am currently practicing making candies. For the sake of the gentleman that I'll marry in the future— Eh... What did you make me say! And who's the sullen young lady!"

Ellis pierced the theater wall with all her might in one blow and fragments of rubble flew around.

''...This person, she's seriously strong!''

As expected of someone, who served as the Knights leader in this academy that gathered elementalists.

It was a beautiful blade dance like modeling after Kagura, which spirits enjoyed themselves in.

The wound in his left hand ached.


He understood that his senses were gradually getting sharper.

The serious blade dance was causing his blood to boil.

His body was recalling the sensations from three years ago.

''However, it wasn't something like this.''

It was irritating that his legs did not move as he wanted. His instinctive ability to read his opponent's movements was also falling.

''I—''

"You, don't run!"

Releasing a sharp thirst for blood and being clad in gales, Ellis came attacking.

It was not a clever thrust. It was a blow with all her might to decide the match.

However, there was a fatal chance born—

"Freezing Ice Fang, pierce— «Freezing Arrow»!"

Rinslet, who had recovered and was awaiting for a chance to snipe, released her Freezing Arrow without delay.

Simultaneously—

"Dance, crimson flame that invites ruins— «Hell Blaze»!"

After Claire settled Reishia, she released her flame attribute elemental waffe.

"...!?"

Ellis opened both her eyes in surprise.


The timing was perfect. The released ice fang and infernal flame went straight at their target—

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Pariiiin!*

They collided with each other in the air.

"...Wha!?"

Kamito's face twitched.

Ellis, in front of him, was also standing still, dumbfounded.

"Hey, Rinslet! Why did you get in my way!"

"W...What? You're the one who should please not get in my way."

At that moment, the two of them began to quarrel.

"T...Those two..."

Kamito forgot that he was in the midst of the duel and deeply sighed.

''...They have the ability, yet their teamwork is really all over the place.''

"—How foolish, to fall out among yourselves!"

Ellis Fahrengart raised her elemental waffe spear once again.

Thunderously, a strong wind, unseen before, was winding up.

"T..To make a mockery of me by saying that I'm beautiful, I'll make you regret—"

There was already nowhere to run to. Kamito resigned his fate, at that time—


"Wait, Ellis! Something is strange..."

"What? Now then you're begging for your life."

Stopping mid-way— Ellis shut her mouth.

It seemed she noticed it too.

"What, this presence is ...?"

The atmosphere of the vicinity was heavy. That sensation, like one's back turning chilly, was—

"What?"

"What is this?"

Claire and the others seemed to have noticed it too. They looked up at the hazy night sky and tilted their heads in confusion.

Suddenly, a thunder-like sound roared.

And then— from a tear in the sky, that appeared.

===Part 3===

That was— a giant jaw, floating in the sky.

It had neither head nor body nor a tail. It was an eerie jaw with just rows of teeth lined up making a chattering sound.


"That's, ...don't tell me, ... a demon spirit!?"

The sudden appearance of that spirit made Kamito groan and terrified him.

A demon spirit— that was something with an spirit make-up that greatly differed from humans, thus, that was a grotesque spirit that can never be tamed by elementalists.

"A demon spirit, why is it at such a place...?"

At that moment.

"Vo...Ruoooooooon—"

The demon spirit's rising ear-splitting roar caused the girls to cower.

There was a tremendous sense of intimidation. That divine power felt on his skin was comparable to a {{Furigana|devil-class|rank A|margin=13}} spirit.

Moreover—

''It's... going berserk?''

Kamito dropped his voice and carefully observed the demon spirit in sky.

A demon spirit was certainly a grotesque being, but it's unlikely that it would be going berserk without a reason.

''...What's going on?''

Groaning within his mind— Kamito recalled.

That reminded him, before the duel— the water spirit of the spirit device in Claire's room had went out of control.

It was a phenomenon that was normally unimaginable, but if the water spirit was in a frenzy at that time, it was natural that Claire also could not control it. ...Was that phenomenon something related?

Besides—

''Claire said that powerful spirits don't appear frequently in this area.''

For the appearance of that demon spirit to be by chance, it was too unnatural.

''What the heck—?''

The jaw floating in the sky mowed down many trees of the forest, and bit and crushed the ancient historic ruins to tiny pieces. The smashed-up rock fragments rained down from high in the sky.

"Claire Rouge, for now, we'll stop the duel. Is that alright?"

"...I understand."

Claire obediently nodded at Ellis's words.

Everyone in this place understood the danger from that demon spirit.

It did not mean that that was summoned in a purified form like contracted spirits.

If bitten by those teeth, the human body and so forth were mere scraps of paper.

"We're taking refuge. I'll take the rear, you all carry the fainted two."

Ellis prepared the Ray Hawk and gallantly got down to the center of the historic ruins.

"No, I'll take the rear. That is not something an ordinary elementalist can do one way or another."

The way of fighting spirits and fighting human elementalists were completely different. Of course, this didn't mean that the girls didn't learn how to fight spirits but— it was an opponent too dangerous for Ellis to fight alone.

"Stop the jokes. What can you, who can't even fully use his contracted spirit, do?"

"That's..."

Kamito firmly groaned. Certainly, it was not an opponent he could fight with that unreliable elemental waffe.

"There's no time to talk. Leave this to Ellis, let's hurry!"

Rinslet whistled and Fenrir, in a white wolf appearance, came giving both fainted Reishia and Rakka a lift. Carol also came running.

"Claire, what are you doing daydreaming!"

Rinslet pulled Claire's sleeves.

—Claire was looking downwards like she was thinking about something and she suddenly raised her head.

"Ellis, I'll take the rear."

"What?"

Ellis opened her eyes. Claire whipped her leather whip and called out her contracted spirit, the hell cat.

"..."

Claire's red pupils became nailed onto the figure of the demon spirit, raging like a storm.

...It was like she was completely entranced.


In response to Claire's appearance— Kamito realized and was taken aback.

''This fellow, don't tell me—''

Claire was obsessed with obtaining a powerful spirit.

For the sake of knowing the truth concerning her sister, Rubia Elstein, she needed power.

Therefore, she still reached out to the dangerous sealed spirit.

"You, don't tell me— You plan to make '''that''' your contracted spirit!?"

"..."

Claire did not answer. She just motionlessly gazed at the demon spirit in the sky—

"That's crazy! That's a demon spirit, furthermore it's in a frenzy!"

Kamito shouted, Claire swung her twin-tails and finally turned around.

"...It's a once in a lifetime chance."

She bit her lips and muttered with an expression like she had thought hard over it.

"Firstly, there's no such thing as encountering an spirit of that level in the «Spirit Forest». Besides, it's not like there weren't any elementalists who contracted demon spirits."

"You mean Greyworth? She's a witch."

"I too may have the qualities of a witch."

"Stop doing something stupid, you'll die."


Kamito grabbed Claire's arm, who was planning to dash anytime.

Claire sternly glared at Kamito.

"Don't get in my way. My reasons to want a strong spirit, I've told them to you, right?"

"Ahh, I understand. But that's no good. Your skills can't manage it."

"...Shut up, let go! You weakling, be silent!"

Claire shook Kamito's arm and shouted.

Within her ruby pupils, glaring at Kamito, genuine hatred surfaced.

"Despite snatching my sealed spirit! You can only use a weak elemental waffe, what qualifications do you have to say something?"

"That's—"

Kamito looked downwards. It was natural for Claire to be irritated. While he contracted with such a powerful spirit, he couldn't pull out that power completely.

"What? ... I was expecting a little something."

Claire awkwardly averted her eyes.

"I'll handle that alone. You all please escape."

"Claire Rouge, you—"

"Ellis, try to protect everyone. I don't want to think about it but if I—"


Claire did not speak after that.

And then—

"—Scarlet!"

She called her partner, flame spirit's name and ran towards the demon spirit, devouring the forest.

"Claire!"

Kamito held out his hand in a fluster.

At that moment, the demon spirit roared.

A lump of shock struck. The trees in its vicinity were thoroughly blown off.

"Winds, grant us the hand of divine protection— «Wind Wall»!"

Right away, Ellis recited the spirit magic and protected everyone at the back.

''Damn, Claire—''

While defending against the pebbles that were blown off, Kamito followed Claire with his eyes.

Claire was— dancing in the air.

She got on the winds like sparks dancing in the air.

In her hand was her flame spirit released into its elemental waffe— «Flame Tongue», which she was grasping.

The blazing crimson killing flash cut off the evening darkness.

Claire landed onto the ground and while running through the gaps of the tree grove, she drew closer to the demon spirit.


The demon spirit opened its giant jaws and made chattering sounds with its lined-up rows of teeth.

''...It's no good, this is too reckless!''

The girl, Claire Rouge, that Kamito knew was an excellent elementalist, possessing calm judgment and an insight for tactics at least in a battle.

However, she had lost sight of herself now.

Her feelings for her sister, Rubia Elstein, caused her to lose her calm judgment.

Her anger towards her sister, who betrayed her. Yet, her overwhelming love— caused a great number of conflicts to be mixed and that changed into a craving for great power.

"How tenacious! Become mine!"
[[File:STnBD V01 183.jpg|thumb]]

The flame whip dance splendidly. Her red twin-tails danced in the dark night.

That was— elementalist, Claire Rouge's blade dance.

"..."

Beautiful— he thought.

Despite being at such a time, Kamito, for a moment, was fascinated by that appearance and forgot everything.

...It was same as that time.

That time when she was fighting that rampaging sword spirit alone.

Kamito calmly clenched his fist and turned behind. And then—



"Ellis, Rinslet, I'll entrust the rest to you."

"Wha... are you an idiot!?" "Are you an idiot!?"

Both of them shouted at the same time. His ears shrilled.

"...Ah, I'm an idiot. Truly an idiot."

If Greyworth was here, she would have had relentlessly poured abusive words.

To take back the precious thing he lost, he had lived with lifeless eyes for these past three years.

Yet, he was recklessly giving his life away for such a thing.

However—

"I am her contracted spirit."

Therefore—

"That's, hm, I have to help her, that returning hell cat girl."

"Wait, Kazehaya Kamito!"

Kamito shook off Ellis's hand that planned to stop him and began running.

The crimson flame was dancing with the demon spirit in a blade dance.

It was no good for that noble flame to be extinguished. —He did not want her to die.

After all, she was— a normal girl.

Full of ego, hot-tempered.


Putting on a strong front, easily lonely.... truly kind.

Liking canned foods and romance stories—

Merely a princess found anywhere.

"Oooooo...oon—"

The demon spirit roared.

It released a shock wave like blowing away the forest and Claire was thrown onto the ground.

"—Claire!"

===Part 4===

"...Ah...Aah, Ah..."

Claire, thrown onto the ground, cowered.

The grotesque demon spirit made a creaky sound with its giant jaw.

It seemed— like it was laughing.

She planned to escape but her legs were shivering and did not move.

It was frightening. While she was fighting, her sensations paralyzed. However, presently—

"Y...You are not scary, therefore, become my manservant!"


The demon spirit, floating in the air, had no reason to even respond to that jeer but— it loudly laughed.

Claire's body trembled and spontaneously, she closed her eyes. The roots of the teeth did not bite at the same time. Towards an unfamiliar thing, instinctive fear bound her body.

—At that moment. The Flame Tongue in Claire's hand suddenly vanished.

It was not that she canceled the release of her elemental waffe. Scarlet opposed Claire's will and voluntary returned to the form of a hell cat.

"Scarlet!? Why...?"

Claire muttered in a blurry voice.

Was she finally even abandoned by her contracted spirit—

However, the hell cat, clad in flames softly growl and kicked the ground and flew up.

"...!"

At that moment, Claire finally understood. Scarlet—

"Noo— Scarlet!"

Claire's scream resounded.

Scarlet did not stop. It bared its ferocious fangs and rushed at the demon spirit.

It was a red hot flame that even melted steel. However, it was not effective against the demon spirit.

In an instant, the demon spirit's teeth mercilessly bit and crushed Scarlet's body.


It screamed with agony. The flame spirit, which was bit and crushed, vanished in the sky like a whirlpool winding.

"...Ah...Scar...let..."

Claire, as if all her body strength left her, sank down to the floor there.

Following reason, she knew that she should be escaping.

It was a last chance Scarlet made for her.

Despite that, her legs were trembling bit by bit. She could not even stand.

The extreme deep despair paralyzed Claire's whole body.

''Because of me, Scarlet—''

In the blank eyes, where the flame vanished, tears overflowed.

''...I'm an idiot. Kamito stopped me and yet—''

''—despite being unable to win, I plunged in alone.''

She was unsightly defeated.

Her contracted spirit, which was precious like a family, was also lost.

While the demon spirit was making the chattering sound, slowly descended.

Those sinister teeth that just ate and tore up Scarlet—

"No..."

Tears flowed along her cheeks. A stiff voice came out from deep in her throat.


"Save me... Save me— Nee-sama<ref>Nee-sama is an honorable way of referring to an elder sister in the japanese language. The term is difficult to properly translate to Englsih and so has been left as is</ref>!"

She closed her eyes in despair, and at that time.

"Claire!"

She heard his voice.

===Part 5===

"Oooooooooooo!"

While making his war cry, Kamito rushed towards the demon spirit.

The spirit seal, engraved on his right hand, emitted a bluish-white glow.

'''—The cool-headed steel queen, the sacred sword that destroys evil!'''

'''—Now form a sword of steel and be the power in my hand!'''

While running with mud splashing, he recited the summoning.

At his palm, particles of light were born and transformed into the form of a sword—

However, it was not good like this. Against the demon spirit that brought down Scarlet's level of spirit in one blow, that short sword cannot be effective.

''—I beg you, lend me your power, you stubborn spirit!''


''—I know it, your power is just like that!''

The wound on his left hand sharply ached.

Again, the opened path with the contracted spirit was closed—

However, without minding it, Kamito continued to pour divine power into the spirit seal on his right hand.

It was an intense overload. Pain like burning was running throughout his arm's nerves.

''—Sorry, Restia. What I need now isn't you.''

Yes— what he needed was not the past.

It was the power to protect her here and now.

From the spirit seal on his left hand, violent flashes of lightning surged.

That sensation from three years ago was resurrected.

Everytime he kicked the ground to speed up, his whole body's sensation sharpened.

Just that demon spirit's movement was seen as slow motion.

''Recall it, that feeling—''

The sensation of the blade dance— where he danced together with his partner, the dark spirit.

''I am—''

Kamito kicked the ground and jumped high up.

''I am the Strongest Blade Dancer — Ren Ashbell!''


At that moment, a conspicuous dazzling flash was born in his palm.

From the spirit seal on his right hand, a huge amount of divine power came surging out.

The path to that sealed sword spirit was connected!

At the next moment, in Kamito's hand; he was grasping a sword that people wielded.

It was too gigantic for people to wield— the Demon Slayer.

And then—

"—Begone, jaw rascal."

The swing of the lump of the steel pulverized the demon spirit jaw into many pieces.

===Part 6===

The rain that began falling soaked Claire's back.

Her red twin-tails withered and closely clung onto her bare skin.

"Claire..."

Kamito called out to her back, who was cowering on the ground.

"Hmm... it's good that you're safe."

"It's...not good..."


Claire muttered in a shivering voice.

"My... My Scarlet..."

She turned around and from her red pupils, a drop of tear came out.

"You—"

"You're late... Idiot! Despite being my contracted spirit."

"Ahh. My bad..."

Kamito awkwardly looked away.

"Why?"

"Eh?"

"You have such great power and yet, at the beginning, why—?"

Claire firmly grabbed Kamito's uniform collar—

"..."

She weakly removed her hand.

"...No. It's because I'm weak."

She let out such a defeated voice.

"It's because I'm weak, that I couldn't protect Scarlet. It's because I'm weak—"

—She could not stop her sister.


"If I had more, more power, such..."

While being struck by rain, Claire repeated that with a blank expression.

"Oi, get yourself together!"

Kamito grabbed Claire's shoulder—

''...Eh?''

His body slanted.

His field of vision was growing dark. ...His consciousness suddenly went far away.

It seemed that the strike of the previous elemental waffe had thoroughly exhausted his divine power.

''Damn, what a bad fuel consuming... spirit...''

While cursing in his mind, Kamito lost consciousness.

<noinclude>
==Translator's notes and references==
<references/>

{{SeireiDance Nav|prev=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume1 Chapter5|next=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume1 Chapter7}}</noinclude>

Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume1 Chapter5

2013-02-23T06:29:23Z

Worker:

==Chapter 5: Claire's Feelings==

===Part 1===
''...Sigh, I have totally gotten myself into something troublesome.''

While walking on the stone pavement of the academy, Kamito sighed a number of times today. In front of his eyes was the culprit with her red twin-tailed hair swaying about.

As before he had an empty stomach, he had lost his house and to make matters worse that was the outcome from a duel by fellow elementalists.

...No matter what the circumstances, this is beyond misfortune. It has to be none other than the Dusk Witch's curse.

"Unh, are you grumbling? How unmanly!"

Claire turned around and snapped her fingers.

"My house."

"U..."

Kamito groaned with his eyes half-opened. Claire averted her eyes to look far away.

"Pyromaniac. Criminal."

"...I... I get it! I also feel a little bad!"

She blushed and pouted her lips. It seemed she was at least aware of her crime.

As it was the right moment, Kamito blatantly sighed.

"Oh boy, the homeless me will have to sleep out in the «Spirit Forest»."

"......"

"Sleeping at night in the Spirit Forest is seriously a suicidal act. But it can't be helped, after all, my house has been completely burnt down."

Kamito dropped his shoulders unnaturally for Claire to see.

Claire gnawed her lips. And then, she tip-toed—

And stared into Kamito's eyes, motionlessly.

Her face was near. Kamito was involuntarily startled as his nostrils were lightly tickled by the scent of a girl.

"...Okay then. I...I'll compensate you, properly!"

"Compensate?"

Kamito's face somehow twitched to a bad premonition.

===Part 2===

— Kamito was brought to the front of the female dormitory of the Raven class.

Although it was called a dormitory, it was not a normal building. It was an elegant mansion akin to the residences of upper aristocrats.

"...Eh, what's this?"

"For a while, I'll allow you freeload in my room. Please be grateful."

"Huh?"

...What did she suddenly propose, this ojou-sama<ref>Ojou-sama is the Japanese term for a high born lady, one who is well refined and often lives a sheltered life.</ref>.

"After all, if I left you outside, Rinslet would come meddling. And because you are my slave spirit, it is natural for me, the elementalist, to take care of you."

Claire informed him, bending her empty chest.

"No, that's not it... you are still a girl of age and I may do something, did you not consider that?"

"D...Do you plan to do something to me?"

Claire glared. Kamito shook his head horizontally.

"Scarlet will stand watch. If you try to do something...cinders."

"Isn't it a violation of the dormitory rules? A guy like me, entering the female dormitory."

"It's alright, because you will be treated as my contracted spirit. The same as Scarlet."

"That is completely not alright."

Kamito retorted with his half-opened eyes, Claire was fidgeting with her hair irritated and thrust her finger.

"Ahh, come on, do you want to stay? Or do you want to turn into cinders? Which?"

"... Why are there only those two choices?"


Kamito dropped his shoulders and sighed in resignation.

Claire's room was on the second floor of the aristocrat residence like female dormitory.

"Don't make too much noise, because the dormitory secretary is super scary."

"A...aah...pardon my intrusion."

For Claire, who is ideally pictured as arrogant, to be afraid of the dormitory secretary, his interest piqued a little.

While thinking of that, he timidly stepped into the room.

No matter how rough her personality was, Claire was a girl.

In addition, she was an outstandingly, pitifully, beautiful girl; even Kamito could not help but admit that.

As expected, when he entered the room, he grew tense.

"—Flame, illuminate."

Claire recited the spirit magic and the room was lit up.

Claire's room was—

"......"

In senseless disorder.

There was a collapsed mountain of a large number of books. Clothes were left crumpled, plush toys and small items and so on, were scattered here and there till there was no place to stand.

It did not look like a room of a pedigree ojou-sama.

"...You should at least do some cleaning."

"U...Usually, Scarlet does the cleaning. Come on, quickly get in."

Claire kicked Kamito's back, sending him to the middle of the room.

"Ouch...good grief, you actually use such a powerful fire spirit to clean the room, if the elementalists across the world hear about it, they'll all cry you know."

"Hmm, Scarlet is different from you, she is clever you know. She also burns the trash."

"Ahh, I see. It is good as long as it's convenient."

As soon as they were arguing, a hell cat, cladded in flames, manifested and started to put the room's trash together and tidy up. ... Indeed, there seemed to be a place where the wastepaper was incinerated.

"...Are you fine with just that?"

If that fire spirit of Claire grew, it could match up with even a large dragon type.

...What a sorrowful sight? Was it being made to do things like cleaning the room?

"Thank you, Scarlet. Good girl."

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Suri suri*.<ref>The sound/feeling of a cat skimming over your cloth</ref> *Nade nade*.<ref>Petting and fondling sound</ref>

Meow. Meow.

"Are you a cat!?"

Kamito retorted, without thinking, to the fire spirit fawning happily.

''...That proud spirit has been completely tamed...''

Well, if one was gently stroked like that by Claire, whose outward appearance at least was that of a beautiful girl, it was understandable to be completely attached.

For now, since there was no place to stand, Kamito too helped with the cleaning.

A long time ago, because of Greyworth working him hard, housework became his forte.

He started carrying the books that were in a huge pile at his feet to put aside at a corner of the room.

Then, he caught sight of the titles written on the books' front cover.

'The Count And The Naughty Princess', 'Tease Me More, Master!', 'The Princess Abducted By Pirates'... Indeed these are what teenage girls like. There were ten-odd such romance novels, which were intended for teenagers.

"Hmm, so, you like this kind of stuff. That was a little unexpected."

"...Id... Don't look!"

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Bofun.*

The pillow, Claire threw, landed a direct hit on Kamito's face, and he toppled over and was squashed by the books.

"If you don't want anyone to look, you should have tidied up. I feel that it's no big deal to like such novels."

"S...Shut up, it...it's not like I like them! ... Err, yea, I borrowed them from a friend, so I have no choice but to read them!"

"Hmm, I see. You borrowed fourteen volumes of novels you do not like."

"S...Shut up!!"

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Poka poka poka*.<ref>Sound of being hit</ref>

Claire got partially teary and hit Kamito. It was weak, possibly due to being embarrassed.

Kamito shrugged his shoulders and placed his hand on the floor to stand up.

And, just then, that hand came in contact with—

''...Hn?''

A cloth that was somewhat nice to touch.

Was it silk? It was soft, silky and very nice to touch.

Unintentionally, he grabbed it. At its edges, white flutters were attached to it.

''—..., white flutters!?''

With his face twitching, he stared at his hand.

Kamito's hand tightly grasped an undergarment attached with fine laces.

...Surprisingly, it was a rather mature silk panty.

Cold sweat broke out on his forehead.

"Hn, what are you doing?"

"Owaa!?"

Kamito got flustered and stuffed it into his pocket.

—..., what was he going to do stuffing it in!

''What am I doing! Doesn't this make me a real pervert?!''

"What? Why are you so shocked?"

Claire frowned and drew her face near with suspicion.

"N...No, it's nothing!"

Kamito stood up while shaking his head. Was there a topic he could distract her with? He looked around... then he realized.

"...By...By the way, about this room, don't you have a roommate?"

Even if this was a dormitory of the academy attended by princesses, the room was a little too big for one person to be living in it.

With the room so messed up, wouldn't the roommate girl get angry?

Speaking of it, was it good to take in a guy without even getting permission from her roommate?

Thereupon, Claire tightly bit her lips and look downwards.

"I don't. Nobody wants to be in the same room as someone like me."

"...? Don't tell me, you do not have a single elementalist partner?"

"W...Who needs things like partners. As long as I have a strong spirit, I, alone, am more than enough."

Claire folded her hands and declared so; she looked like pretending to be tough with all her might.

''...Why is it so?''

This person sure had a hard personality but, as an elementalist, her ability was top class.

He thought with such ability, she could ignore any team, however.

"But without gathering 5 people, you can't enter into the «Blade Dance»."

"...I... I'll manage it somehow. If I have to, I'll somehow gather up just that number of people."

Claire averted her line of sight awkwardly.

It seemed like she did not want to touch on this topic.

"Ig...Ignoring that, you are hungry, right?"

Claire cleared her throat forcefully.

"Hn, Ah... your long-awaited soup, which you blissfully received, was wrecked."

It was a certain somebody's fault, Kamito glared scornfully at Claire.

"Hmm, it can't be helped. Today, I'll specially feed— treat you."

"Did you say feed? Did you say that?"

"It was your imagination. Come on, bring out that table."

While sighing, Kamito took out the table.

Claire started lining up a large amount of canned food, taken from the shelves.

Canned tuna. Yakitori. Salted cod. Vegetables boiled in soy sauce. Beef stew....etc.

Kamito was dumbfounded and looked down on the pyramid of cans. Canned foods are preserved foods that soldiers carry with them on a long campaign. It was at least not dinner for an ojou-sama attending the academy.

"...W...Why is it nothing but canned food? It is definitely bad for the body, you know."

"What a foolish question, it's because I like canned food."

"No, no matter how much you like it, having just canned food is just—"

"What, it's no problem, after all I like them. If you have any complaints, then I won't give them to you."

Claire embraced the mountain of canned food with a sullen face. That face of hers was subtly red.

With that, he got it.

...Aha. That's right.

"You can't cook, right?"

After directly pointing it out, Claire stiffened her back.

"Th...Th...Th...That's not it!"

"That reaction revealed it all. Even if the mouth lies, the body is honest."

"D...Don't speak lewdly, idiot!"

"To misinterpret a very normal speech, I think that you're the lewd one. You read too much of those novels. Claire is a lewd ojou-sama."

"U..uuuu!"

Tears flowed out faintly from her red eyes, Claire bit down on her molars.

''...Damn it.'' He had teased her a little too much.

''...What should I say, I unintentionally ridiculed her.''

The result of going overboard was frightening. Kamito honestly apologized.

"S...Sorry... It was my bad. I said a little bit too much."

"....!"

Claire was groaning. Like a wild animal of the feline family.

"S..Such a glare... how about, to make up to you, I'll make dinner?"

With that, Claire, with her bristled hair, opened her eyes.

"You can cook?"

"Well, it's pretty much my forte. Do you have seasonings?"

"Such things are at the shared space at the front of the dormitory."

"Okay, if I arranged things a little, even these canned foods will become something like a cuisine. As for the fire—"

"Scarlet."

Claire snapped her fingers and Scarlet breathed out a small fire ball.

The fire ball drifted lightly in the air and stayed still on top of Kamito's hand.

"...This is convenient."

"I know!"

—And with that, after a few minutes.

In the room, the sound of something being fried resounded.

Spinach, bacon and sliced garlic were fried with butter.

Next to the frying pan, there was pasta just enough for two, boiling in a pot.

"If I recall right, she said she likes it al dente."

He chewed one piece of pasta to check.

"Hn, this is just right. Claire, where are the cutlery—"

He put down the frying pan and turned around... There was no one in the room.

"...Eh? Where is she?"

He looked around the room restlessly.

The hell cat, lying down near his feet, purred and reached out its forelimb.

Once the fire was extinguished, he looked at the front of its forelimb—

From the other side of the door in the room, faint water sound could be heard.

"Oh, she's showering."

The shower installed in the room was a type of spirit device, which used the power of the water spirit.

To be clean in both mind and body at any time was— the ironclad rule of elementalists.

Kamito, feeling relieved, ignited the fire once again—

''... Shower!?''

He turned around again.

''W...Why... is she so thoughtlessly defenseless at such a vital moment!''

"..."

Kamito swallowed his saliva.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Saaaaaaa*—

Once he was aware of it, the sound of running water, which resounded in the room, sounded strangely bewitching.

Even if she has a child-like chest, she is still a sixteen year old girl.

Furthermore, her face, without flattery, was cute. Extremely cute.

Her chest was quite a shame but... nevertheless, it was there.

Suddenly, the memory of meeting her in the forest this morning revived.

Her beautifully nude body, with red hair clinging to it.

That properly elastic sensation his hand touched.

''Waaa, don't recall it, me!''

He shook his hand, shaking off his worldly desires.

At that moment.

"Kyaaa!"

He heard a shriek from the bathroom.

Kamito was taken aback and came to his senses.

''... A scream?''

Perhaps she lost control of the water spirit, causing cold water to come out.

''No, an elementalist of her level should not fail in controlling the spirit device—''

"Nooooooooo!"

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Bam!* The bathroom door suddenly opened and Claire dashed out.

"Wha..!?"

Her dripping wet hair disheveled—

She ran nude towards him in a straight line.

"... Hey, what's with your appearance—"

Then, Kamito's hair froze.

She was— not nude.

She was nude but she was not exactly nude.

Transparent jelly-like water was twining itself slimily around her smooth, bare body!

"What's wrong!? What the heck is—"

"...K...Ka...Kamito, he...lp me...!"
[[File:STnBD V01 002-003.jpg|400px|thumbnail|right]]

In front of his eyes was Claire, who collapsed on the floor and was gasping in agony.

"...No, don't look... idiot....Aaaa!"

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Biku, bikun!*

Claire turned red and her nude body was jumping about like it was convulsing.

''...Sorry. It is impossible to not get excited!''

Kamito got flustered and averted his line of sight. On the other hand, hearing the heavy breathing, stimulated his imagination.

"Ah... Hyaa... don't...do... that..."

It seemed that the water spirit of the spirit device went wild. Claire was frantically trying to control it but there was no way she could do it in that condition.

"Hold on, I'll help you right now!"

Kamito closed his eyes and concentrated.

"Unruly spirit of water, comply with my command and settle down!"

While he murmured softly spirit words of Chinju, his right hand was charged with divine power—

"Claire, grab my hand!"

"No, ahh...h!"

While Claire let out a hot long breath, she somehow reached out her hand.

The moment the tip of their fingers touched.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Paan!*

The water spirit, which was running wild, had its form dissolved and immediately returned into water.

Claire stayed collapsed on the flooded floor and with her face flushed; she was breathing roughly.

Her untied red hair clinging onto her skin was strangely erotic.

Kamito turned away in a fluster.

"What's wrong? With an elementalist of your level, how did such—"

"U... Erm, when I was using the shower, the water spirit suddenly went crazy... such a thing has never happened before."

While Claire moaned, she slowly got up.

"Fo...For the time being, why don't you wipe your body. You will catch a cold after all."

Kamito, with his face turned away, took out and handed over a handkerchief from his pocket.

"Th...Thank you..."

Claire nodded and accepted it—

....

"Hey, Kamito"

"Hn. What is it?"

"What is the meaning of this?"

Claire's voice trembled.

Moreover, somehow the room's temperature had rapidly risen.

"Ah"

Kamito finally realized it.

....That was right. What was in his uniform's pocket was not a handkerchief.

That was something he hid in a fluster a while ago.

That silky panty.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Gogogogogogogogogogogo....!*

In Claire's hand, an earnest flaming ball of spirit magic was born.

"Wa...Wait, calm down. You're mistaken, this is a mistake, if I explain you'll—"

"Shut up! T...Turn into cinders, you pervert—!"

===Part 3===

"Kamito, get me another serving!"

"...You sure can eat. You'll get fat, you know."

It was minutes after that event. The table was lined up with numerous of Kamito's home cooking.

There was tuna potato salad to go with the spinach-and-bacon pasta. Pumpkin potage with gratin from the canned salmon, and for dessert, there was fruit yogurt.

They were made with the canned food, of which a great amount was found on the shelf as ingredients; however, Claire seemed full of praise. The act of her gleaming her eyes and stuffing her cheeks with pasta was somewhat awfully cute.

The fire spirit, in the form of a hell cat, was also devouring the canned tuna beside Claire.

Spirits can maintain their own existence, so they do not need material sustenance. However among the high ranking spirits, there were also some rare ones that like human food. Although, it was only as a luxury.

"No problem, I have a constitution that doesn't get fat."

Claire placed pasta on the plate and said that with a nonchalant face. Certainly, using spirits consumed physical strength, so it was true that there were a lot of ladies with a slender figure.

"Hey, don't eat the dessert early. Despite being an ojou-sama, you have bad manners."

"Unh, shut up! That's up to me, right, you panty thief!"

"Guu....."

Kamito groaned. Once she said that, he could not say anything back.

"You are demoted from slave spirit to panty thief spirit."

"... What kind of spirit is that?"

Somehow, another new variety of spirit was born.

"You really are the worst. O...Of all things, you stole my number one favorite panty!"

"I have been saying it wasn't on purpose!"

"What? Are you being defiant?"

Claire glared.

"...No, sorry."

Kamito bowed his head in embarrassment. Well, no matter how much he thought about it, it was his own fault this time.

While Claire put the tuna potato salad into her mouth, she caught a glance of him.

"Well, I'll recognize your cooking skills at least. This is very delicious. If you make meals for me every day, I'll promote you to cooking spirit."

"I'm grateful for that. By the way, those are almost like words of proposing."

Upon pointing that out. Claire's face turned bright red.

"D...Don't be an idiot! Do you want to be turned into cinders? Come on, do you want to be turned into cinders?

"I..I get it, so stop pointing the fork at me."

"Hmm... n...next time you say such idiotic things, I'll really burn you!"

Claire pouted her lips and turned away.

Kamito sighed in relief while he cut and divided the salmon gratin.

"...If only there was some soy sauce, this would be much better, but..."

"What's that? Food?"

"It's a seasoning circulated in my hometown. Well, you can't get it here though."

Kamito shrugged his shoulders and said that—

"Hometown, huh...."

Claire murmured with her eyelashes slightly lowered.

Somehow— she had an awfully lonely expression.

After that, for a short while, there was only the sound of cutlery being used.

After eating that satisfying dinner, Claire's mood also got a little better.

Somehow, there was a calm atmosphere.

Kamito suddenly raised his head and looked at Claire.

—He felt that it could be asked now.

He had wanted to ask her, since meeting her this morning in the forest, but did not have a chance to.

"By the way, you—"

"What?"

Claire placed down her cup of black tea.

"Why do you want such a powerful spirit?"

It was a simple question.

Despite using a spirit such as Scarlet, she still risked harming her body to reach out to a «sealed spirit». He wanted to know the reason for that.

"..."

Claire—

Cast her slightly perplexed eyes down and murmured.

"There's someone I want to meet no matter what."

"Someone you want to meet...?"

Kamito dropped his sight to his left hand, concealed in his black leather glove.

What he lost three years ago, an irreplaceable, important bond which was there—

''So, she's the same as me...''

The scar engraved at the back of his hand ached.

Claire sighed and inserted her hand into the neckband of her uniform.

"...Yeah, I'll say it. Something that I can't help but hide."

What she took out from her chest was a small pendant with silver chains.

At the very center, a shiny crimson red spirit crystal was inserted in it.

Kamito saw a crest engraved there— and raised his voice in surprise.

"A flame lion... the crest of Elstein duke family!?"


Claire silently nodded.

The Elstein duke family. The grand nobles who had served the royal family for generations ever since the founding of the Ordesia Empire.

It was the noblest of the nobles, turning out one of the five princess maidens, who stood at the top among all elementalists, — Queen, who served directly under the five great Elemental Lords. 

No— that should have been so.

—Till four years ago, when that incident occurred.

Rubia Elstein.

The one who brought a great unprecedented calamity to the Ordesia Empire— The Calamity Queen.

She too, same as the girl in front of him, had burning-like crimson red hair.

"Don't tell me, you're..."

"Yes, I am the Calamity Queen —Rubia Elstein's— little sister."

Claire looked straight into Kamito's eyes and nodded.

"..."

Claire Rouge. He had thought that it was an alias.

But, by no means—

''... I see. What she cast away was the Elstein family name.''

In this large continent, there was no one who did not know about that incident.

Four years ago, the Queen, serving under the fire Elemental Lord— Rubia Elstein, suddenly snatched the strongest flame spirit, «Laevateinn» from the shrine and disappeared.

After learning of the Queen' treachery, the outraged flame Elemental Lord got fired up and went into a frenzy.

It burned everything related to Elstein duke's territory, including the Ordesia Empire's land, the empire took enormous damage. And that did not put the Elemental Lord's anger to peace, about a year after that, no matter what method was used, not a single fire could be lit within the Ordesia Empire.

Nobody knew why the fire Queen disappeared.

The Ordesia citizens furiously cursed her and, filled with hatred, called her

—The Calamity Queen.

"I want to meet my elder sister. When I meet her, I want to hear the truth."

For that, she had to get strong.

She had to obtain the strongest spirit.

With the reward given to the winner of the blade dance—

For the sake of obtaining the right of granting just one desired 'wish'.

Claire's expression was filled with a tragic determination.

"Besides—"

Claire slightly looked down and muttered.

"This round's blade dance has that Ren Ashbell participating."

"...!? Kehoo, kehoo—"

Once that name came out from Claire's mouth, Kamito reflexively coughed.

"...? What's wrong?"

"Aaah, that's bad..."

Ren Ashbell was the winner of the last Blade Dance.

She suddenly appeared three years ago, the strongest blade dancer.

That blade dance was splendidly vivid. At the finals, even with Numbers candidates of elementalists, she overwhelmed them.

Due to her dedicated blade dance, the flame Elemental Lord's rage was finally appeased.

"Three years ago, I saw her blade dance at the assembly hall. I also feel that I want to be like that, a noble, strong elementalist."

Claire blushed and looked down a little embarrassed.

"Ever since that day, I've always admired her...."

"...I see."

Kamito looked at Claire with a complicated expression— calmly grasping his fist tightly.

...After that, it was a strangely quiet time.

They tried to talk about anything a number of times but all of it did not last long.

Claire yawned cutely after eating up the dishes on the table. After filling her stomach, she seemed drowsy. Well, she did use a spirit of Scarlet's level twice in one day, so it was natural.

"Wake me up when it's time. If you do something funny, cinders."

"...Wait. Does that mean I have to stay awake for the whole time?"

Kamito complained, and in front of him, Claire was making sleeping breaths.

She had an astonishing ease of falling asleep.

"...Good grief, you'll catch a cold!"

Kamito carried Claire's petite body up like a princess.

He carried her to the bed in the corner of the room.

Scarlet walked and jumped onto the bed.

''...Even so, this girl's sleeping face is truly angel-like.''

While looking at the face, making the gentle sleeping noise, Kamito smiled bitterly.

When he put Claire to the bed, her cherry blossom lips faintly moved.

"Elder Sister....Father...Mother..."

''Sleep-talking... huh?''

He seemed to have somewhat heard something he should not.

Certainly, after the incident of the Calamity Queen disappearing, Elstein duke family's territory should have been seized and the duke and his wife imprisoned in the Balsas prison—

"...Hn, Kamito."

"...!?"

He was shocked when his name was called suddenly.

"Ahh, what are you doing, pervert...idiot."

"...What kind of dream is she having!?"

Kamito muttered while sighing, as he stared at his hand.

After that day three years ago, he hid his left hand with a leather glove.

''You and I are the same, Claire''

''These three years, I have stayed alive to get back my important person.''

Due to his error, he had lost her, his former contracted spirit—

===Part 4===

At the same instant, in every room of the female dormitory Claire lived in, a little incident occurred.

The spirits used in the spirit devices in the kitchen, bathroom and etc. suddenly began to go out of control.

After the spirit investigation party investigated the dormitory, it brought it to an end with meager words that the incident was of an unknown cause—

In the darkness illuminated by the blue moon— a black-winged angel gently alighted at the academy tower.

It was a black haired girl, dressed in a jet black dress.

The girl landed gently on the roof of the female dormitory and smiled pitifully.

"—I wanted to meet you, Kamito."

On the girl's palm, wriggling lumps of darkness were floating.

"But you're still not the true you."

She reached her hands to the empty sky and the darkness colored orbs drifted and disappeared in the night sky.

"That's why, I'll offer up my memories."

The girl chuckled.

Like a cruel little girl.

Like a pure demon.

<noinclude>
==References and Translation Notes==
<references/>

{{SeireiDance Nav|prev=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume1 Chapter4|next=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume1 Chapter6}}</noinclude>

Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume1 Chapter4

2013-02-23T06:29:16Z

Worker:

==Chapter 4: The Wolf, the Cat and the Knight==

===Part 1===
Yare, Yare.<ref>The term '''Yare, yare''' can be loosely translated as '''Oh dear''', basically it's like an exclamation of slight weariness.</ref> I have suffered quite a lot since coming here.

One hour had passed since then. Slowly rubbing the pain in his back away, Kamito walked through the courtyard of the academy.

Although he had not been turned into cinders after receiving a hit from that flame whip; maybe Claire had held back some of her power, still, it didn't change the fact that it was quite painful.

Claire must be harshly admonished by Madam Freya in the punishment room.

Having eluded those female classmates who had enthusiastically pursued him, Kamito finally obtained a moment of peace.

Unlike other students, he had no classes for the afternoon. After all, he had entered the school just now and had not registered for the courses.

Areishiya Spirit Academy operated on a credit system in which the students could freely choose their preferred courses so long as they could meet the requirements. Because of enormous diversity of the contracted spirits of the students, a uniform curriculum wouldn't be able to fully develop the potential of each and every princess maiden.

"For the time being, I'll make some preparations for school life starting tomorrow."

Kamito finally reached his specially prepared dormitory, a hut erected on the side of the stable.

Its appearance now looked even worse than when it was seen from the window. On top of that, it had the smell of cattle.

The door opened with a squeak. Kamito timidly stepped in.

"Hmm, surprisingly, it's not too bad."

Kamito expressed his impression of the interior.

First of all, the bed was clean. Looking from the inside, the room itself was spacious. Straw bed, table, chair, cabinet and other furniture were prepared after all. Cooking utensils were present as well. Anyhow it wouldn't be too troublesome living here.

Kamito immediately laid down on the straw bed, although it prickled his back a bit, the smell of sun dried straws was good for a comfortable sleep.

"Oh, well, no matter how I look at it, I just need to endure it for two months."

Lying still on the bed, Kamito fixed his eyes on his left hand, covered by the black leather glove.

Two months from now, the Blade Dance would be held in Astral Zero.

Before that, he must find four more teammates in order to enter the contest.

It was not clear what Greyworth would have him do.

But there was something he had to check with his own eyes.

A name that was deeply tied to the fate of his own self.

Participating in the contest of the Blade Dance 3 years ago, the Strongest Blade Dancer.

That accompanying her was an spirit of darkness that took the form of a human girl.

Who on earth were they?

Ren Ashbell shouldn't exist in this world anymore. Besides Greyworth, only a very small number of people were aware of this.

Even though one was just an impostor who gained the title of Strongest Blade-Dancer by fraud, it couldn't be for this reason that the witch took this much trouble to summon him here. Greyworth must be holding a huge secret.

No matter what, to find out the truth, the only way was to cross blades directly in the Blade Dance in two months.

"But, in your current state, you won't be able to defeat her." Greyworth had said.

That is most likely true. The witch was not lying. But surely she was not telling the truth either.

In the end, it all comes down to 'the current state'.

But in merely two months, he had to regain what was lost in the past three years.

"..."

....*Guu*, suddenly his stomach growled.

Feeling exhausted, Kamito lowered his arm that was raised towards the roof.

After all, he had not had anything to eat since wandering into the Spirit Forest this morning.

However, he decided to endure his empty stomach.

The reason was that he was out of money. Although there were restaurants for the students in the academy, the price was surprisingly high. This had already passed the level of a school for high class ladies, a school for princesses indeed.

What's the point of one cup of soup being as expensive as normal folk's salary?

"It can't be helped. Maybe I'll ask Ellis to show me around the academic town tomorrow."

One should be able to find cheaper and delicious restaurants in the academic town at the foot of the hill.

With the cooking utensils, he could also just buy the materials and cook it on his own. For the fire all he needed to do was to go to the Spirit Forest and catch some low level fire spirits.

"Bacon and mushroom pasta sounds really good..."

He got more hungry by thinking about food.

"Should I go to the Spirit Forest and collect some mushrooms now?"

As he started to seriously entertain that thought, from somewhere, the smell of delicious soup flowed in.

"....Hmm?"

Frowning, Kamito got up from the bed.

It seemed the smell was coming in from the gap of the half opened door.

Twitching his nose to inhale the smell, Kamito opened the door...

In front of him was a bowl of soup that gave off white steam.

Filled with a lot of onions and chicken with bones, the soup looked delicious.

"...Am I imagining things, or is this the kindness from heaven for my unending misfortune?"

Drawing a blank because of the hunger, Kamito reached out with his hands toward the bowl without any suspicion.

Suddenly the bowl rose up a bit.

He stretched out his hand again.

Once again the bowl was raised.

Then in front of the Kamito was the face of that princess with platinum-blond hair.

Her name should be Rinslet Laurenfrost if he remembered correctly.

Behind her, the girl Carol in a maid's uniform stood courteously.

"What's the meaning of this?"

Kamito asked with half-closed eyes<ref>An expression one shows when humoring another especially when it is too bothersome to go against the other.</ref>.

"Fuu, you must be hungry, right? Kamito Kazehaya?"

"Yeah."

Kamito nodded honestly.

"Bark, woof, and then swear that you will be my slave, and I'll let you have this bowl of soup."

Rinslet held the bowl still, and puffed up her large chest.

"I refuse. Bye Bye."

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Bang*.

"Ahh, wait, wait a second. Listen to what I say, you insolent person."

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Bang!* *Bang!* The door was kicked repeatedly.

''It would be troublesome if she breaks it.'' Kamito opened the door again.

"What's that? Are you going to let me have the soup now?"

"Right away if you lick my foot... Ah, why are you closing the door again!"

Rinslet quickly stuck her foot into the gap of the door, like a veteran debt collector.

"Ouch! That hurts!"

''That looked painful... What the hell was she here for anyway?''

"Are you alright, my lady?"

Worried about Rinslet, the Maid, Carol, asked.

Kamito had no choice but to open the door, Rinslet glared at him with tears in her eyes.

"How can you be so insolent after I offered my hands of kindness towards you?"

"No, you... Hands of kindness?"

It appeared that she was serious. Slowly Kamito's head starts aching.

''Sheesh, all the princesses of this academy are so troublesome.''

Kamito complained inside his mind.

"Ah—"

After Rinslet got a glimpse of the inside of the hut, her face started to twitch.

"Ah, you, why are you living inside a stable?"

"The stable is next door. This is my dormitory. Home is where you make it."

"..."

"Stop looking at me with such pity. It makes me feel sad."

Her face looked like that she was seriously concerned about it. Kamito's attitude softened a little bit.

"Rather than living in a condition like this, you should come to my house. I'll specially hire you as a servant."

"Ah, my lady, I believe he will look great if we dress him as a maid."

Carol showed her support with a big smile. ''This girl is troublesome as well.''

Well, even so, it seemed like that Rinslet was genuinely worried about the circumstances.

"Your sympathy is appreciated, but I don't plan to throw away my pride." Kamito shook his head.

Displeased, Rinslet perked up her lips.

"So you don't like becoming my servant?"

"That's right. It is no use to try to placate me."

"So full of yourself, even though you wag your tail at Claire Rouge."

"When did I wag my tail at her?" Kamito grumbled with half-closed eyes. ''Well, many people might think the same—''

Could it be that this princess was trying to get close to Kamito mainly out of her rivalry with Claire?

"Yare yare, such an unexpected annoyance." Kamito let out a heavy sigh.

"I got it. That's fine with me if that's how you want it." Rinslet cleared her throat, and placed the bowl on the ground.

"Hmm?"

"I'll leave the soup here. From the very beginning it was because Carol cooked too much of it and it will be a shame to waste the leftovers. You should be grateful for my benevolence."

"Eh?"

''This young lady, by any chance''——

[[Image:STnBD V01 113.jpg|thumb]]
Rinslet turned around elegantly and was about to leave.

"Ahh, Wait, Rinslet!"

Kamito suddenly called out.

Rinslet winced and stopped in her steps.

"Wh-What is that? Suddenly calling other people's first name—"

"I can't be your servant, but we can be friends."

"Eh?"

Rinslet's emerald green eyes open wide.

"Thank you for being worried and coming to see me."

"Wh-Wha, you, you insolent. Of-Of course that's not true."

Rinslet suddenly blushed and turned her face away.

"Fufu, my lady is so..."

Carol covered her mouth and giggled.

===Part 2===

Right at that moment—

"Rinslet Laurenfrost!"

A voice with which Kamito had gotten familiar, suddenly passed into his ears.

Claire was walking towards them, her red pigtails swaying.

It appeared that Madam Freya's admonishing session was finally over.

"Don't feed my contracted spirit without permission, you thieving dog."

"You... Who are you calling a thieving dog!?"

Here we go again, Kamito let out a tired sigh.

"What's that? Isn't your family crest a dog?"

"Why you— Laurenfrost's family crest is a proud White Wolf!"

"White Wolf? Changing it into a Chihuahua fits you better."

"...!"

Provoked by Claire's words—

"Claire Rouge... You really got my dander up." Rinslet said with a suppressed voice.

In a flash, a fog-like chill hung around them. The temperature dropped dramatically.

"Wait, you can't be calling your spirit—"

Kamito hastily called out, but it was too late.

The cold wind swirled. Rinslet's hair flew up, rippling.

—Oh freezing beast with Ice-teeth, merciless hunter of the forest.

—Now is the time to abide the contract of blood, hasten to my side as commanded!

As soon as Rinslet finished chanting the summoning spirit spell, a gust of ice storm engulfed all of the surroundings.

Amid the roaring and swirling blizzard, a figure appeared.


A beautiful wolf, with a coat of silver white fur.

Its body exuded a freezing chill.

"This is..."

"It is the contract spirit of my lady, the demon ice spirit «Fenrir»." Carol said with a smile.

The imposing aura that white wolf carried, was definitely incomparable to a low level spirit.

In regards to ranking between spirits, the white wolf was unmistakably higher than mid-level. To have made contracts with spirits of this level, this young lady was definitely not an ordinary person.

"Well, your dog is still the same, with its coat color barely meritable."

Claire shook her pigtails in disdain.

"You... You called it a dog again, You flat chest! I absolutely will not forgive your insult to the family of Laurenfrost!"

Covered with the chilling air, the white wolf roared, and dashed toward Claire.

"Who are you calling flat chest!? Come, «Scarlet»!"

Claire lashed at the ground with her whip. A scorching hell cat immediately appeared from the twirling rising flames.

It appeared that Claire had long conjured up her spirit already.

"—Hey you two! No fighting with your spirits here!"


Kamito cried out. The horses in the stables neighed in fear.

"I will not forgive you for putting your hand on my slave. I'll end it here today, you thieving dog."

"I'll surely steal your servant and make him mine!"

Sparks burst out between the two girls.

If one listened to these lines only, it sounded like two women in love, fighting over a man.

"The two ladies look like lovers fighting over a man!"

"Carol, you don't have to say that." Kamito looked at the maid standing next to him with squinted eyes.

"By the way, is it really OK to not stop them?"

"That right. They have always been like this."

"These two girls have always been behaving like this towards each other...?"

"Yes, the relation between the two ladies is very good."

"Is this irony?"

Kamito grumbled with a sigh.

"You have always been an eyesore, Claire Rouge!"

"You are the same, Rinslet! Why do you have to always cause me trouble!"

Demon ice spirit Fenrir—

Flame spirit Scarlet—

The two spirits suddenly jumped up in the air and clashed.

Ice and Fire collided, sending a storm bursting around.

From Kamito's point of view, the levels of the two spirits were almost the same. But it seemed that Claire had an advantage in the skill of mastering the spirits.

However, the flame spirit in her command was apparently quite spent out.

''Because she was beaten up by the sword spirit a few hours ago—''

Receiving such a large amount of damage, she couldn't possibly have recovered by taking a short break.

Kamito observed the fighting of the two spirits.

''Eh? What? ......A burning smell?''

Kamito frowned and looked around.

When the sight came into his eyes, his expression suddenly froze.

It was burning.

Kamito's hut was burning fiercely.

The straws that stocked next to his hut had caught the sparks of the flame spirit and started burning.

"Ah, mmmmmmm-my home!"

Hearing the cries of Kamito, Claire quickly turned toward him.

"Rinslet! Pause! We got fire!"

"It is no use to distract me... Huh? It really is burning!"

The hut on fire burned more and more violently. Sooner or later the stables would catch fire too.

"My home—"

"Calm down. A fire of this scale, I'll put it out in no time— Fenrir!"

Rinslet cried out, the ice demon white wolf instantly came back to her side.

Just as one thought that, the white wolf suddenly disappeared in the air, in Rinslet's hands a huge «Ice Longbow» appeared.

Spirit waffe — the second purified form of the spirit.

"Oh freezing ice fang, pierce your target! «Freezing Arrow»!"

Rinslet drew an ice arrow and shot.

The arrows turned into countless shards of ice and rained down, the burning flame was instantly extinguished.

"Well, with me here it is a piece of cake!"

Rinslet stroked her long platinum blond hair and puffed up her chest proudly.

"......"

Kamito stood motionlessly with a dumbfounded stare.

By raining-down ice arrows, '''the hut was smashed into pieces'''.


"Kohon", Rinslet let out a dry cough.

"...Seems that I went a bit too far."

"This is not called a bit! Don't you have any control of your power?"

"You... Shut up! From the very beginning it was you who lit it up!"

Ignoring the stunned Kamito, those two engaged in arguments again.

At that moment—

"What are you doing!"

The footsteps of several people running from the middle court could be heard.

One of them was the ponytail girl in a silver breastplate.

Ellis Fahrengart, the commander of the Sylphid Knights, which was in charge of upholding the Academy's discipline.

Behind her there were two girls in the same attire.

Claire clicked her tongue, and Rinslet also didn't bother to hide her face of displeasure.

"It is prohibited to fight due to private matters in school... What!?"

The hastily running steps suddenly stopped.

Her eyes widened, looking dazed at pile of rubble that was Kamito's home.

Black smokes slowly rose from the charred rubble.

"This is...... What on earth is this?!"


Ellis questioned Kamito, her voice charged with fury.

She drew the sword that hung at her waist, pointing it at Kamito's throat.

"You, you hate the house that I made! Is that it? Is this your act of protest?!"

"No... There is absolutely no such thing! This is because—"

Kamito quickly explained.

"It was this stupid dog who blew it up to dust."

"Before that, this pitiful chest lit it on fire!"

Hearing the voices from behind, Ellis turned around.

Claire and Rinslet, pointed their fingers at each other in accusation.

"... So that's how it was. It was your work, just like always."

Ellis sighed with an expression that said 'I understand'.

"Knight commander, your greeting is more enthusiastic than usual."

"It is the usual greeting, isn't it? Problematic students of the Raven class?" Ellis looked sharply at Rinslet.

Soon, the girls from the Knight brigade who were following Ellis finally caught up.

A girl with tea colored hair tied in braids, and another girl with black hair in a tomboy style.

As soon as they saw Claire and Rinslet, the two girls put on expressions like they had bitten some bitter worm.

"...Hell cat Claire! And Ice Wolf Rinslet!"

"What did they do again this time, these guys from the lowly Raven class?"

In the eyes of the girls plainly floated a contemptuous look.

"...What did you say?"

"What did you utter just now?"

Claire and Rinslet glared at the two girls at the same time.

But the girls completely ignored them focusing their eyes on Kamito.

"Are you that newly transferred male elementalist?"

"Oh, not bad. Very handsome."

The girl with braids looked at Kamito up and down like she was evaluating his value.

The girl's scrutiny made Kamito shrink away in discomfort.

"Wait, this guy is my slave spirit that I caught!"

"I tamed Kamito Kazahaya: he is my servant!"

Claire and Rinslet arbitrarily declared their ownership of Kamito at the same time.

The knight girl with braids sniffed with disdain, said: "Alas, because nobody wants to form a team with you, you use your sex appeal to seduce the transfer student. Such a fitting style for countryside nobles."

"You dare to call me a countryside noble!"

Rinslet's face suddenly turns livid.

It appeared that the girl stepped on a mine that should not have been stepped on.

"Sure I did. Laurenfrost family has only a big-name, they are really just country bumpkins."

"You... You... You...!"

"My-My lady. Please calm down—"

"Fu-Fufu-Fu, ...Carol, I am quite calm."

Rinslet revealed a bright smile... Although she tried to be ladylike, her face was still quite scary.

Another girl knight turned to Claire, and scorned: "As for Claire Rouge, although she is a noble, isn't she the sister of a traitor? Really, why did the Academy accept this person for admission—"

At that instant, Claire suddenly lashed at the ground with the whip.

"—Shut up. Or I'll turn you into charcoal cinders."

Claire snarled with suppressed voice, her voice trembling, her red eyes quietly burning with anger.

''...Claire is the sister of a traitor?''

Kamito frowned.

''...What on earth is the meaning of this?''

The two girls felt the sudden change of atmosphere and fell silent.

"You went too far." Ellis chided the two, then turned to Claire.

She cleared her throat and said: "In short, I will report this instance to the knight headquarters. The charge will be using spirits to start a small fire and and causing property damage. We'll give you notice for the specifics of the punishment at a later time. Please refrain from doing such stupid things again. We are busy, you know?"

"Let's go." Ellis said and was about to lead the other two away.

However, from behind came a voice.

"Hold on! Ellis Fahrengart, are you trying to run away?"

"What?"

Ellis stopped, turned back to Claire who called out her.

"What did you say just now?"

The calm tone of voice was full of anger. Ellis's hand was on the hilt of the sword at her waist.

"Oh, you heard it? I did not expect the Sylphid Knights to be cowards."

"Claire Rouge, do you think I'll just let it go if someone insults the Sylphid Knights?"

Ellis unsheathed her sword. The other two drew their swords at the same time.


"I'll return that line intact right back at you. You may insult me as you please, but I will not forgive anyone who insults my sister."

Claire struck the ground with her whip.

"I request a duel, Ellis Fahrengart, with the other two as well."

"Let me join as well, Claire Rouge. It is the Laurenfrost family's injunction to take revenge at those who dare to smear the Laurenfrost family name."

Rinslet ruffled her hair, and showed an undaunted smile.

At this point, Ellis pointed the tip of her sword toward these two.

"Well, it will stain the name of the Sylphid Knights if we are accused of running away. I accept the request. I can't stand the mess of your Raven class any longer."

"Hey, isn't it prohibited to fight for private matters?"

At such a precarious intense moment, Kamito instinctively spoke out.

"It is forbidden to fight for private matters within school grounds. Anyway, I have no intention of doing it here."

"What do you mean?"

Ignoring Kamito who was tilting his head, Ellis turned to Claire.

"The time will be 2am tonight, in front of the «Gate». I'll leave it to you to decide the format."

"...One-on-one is too much trouble. How about a three-man match."


"That will do."

Ellis nodded and put away the sword, then turned around and left.

Claire glared at the back of the knights and cursed viciously:

"Well I will let you regret this, especially that short haired girl. I'll definitely kick her ass!"

"Such a good opportunity. I have disliked the bunch from the Knights since long ago."

"Rinslet, try not to be a burden."

"Huh? Who are you saying that to?"

"...Why you two. After destroying the hut, now you are having a duel. Please take mercy on me."

Kamito sighed deeply. Then suddenly he realized.

''Battle as a team of three. So, who will be the third person?''

"As it turns out—"

Claire placed one hand on her waist, and pointed a finger at Kamito.

"It is time to show us your strength, slave spirit!"

"Ahhh... I knew this is how it would be..."

In front of rubble heap that was his former home , Kamito reluctantly dropped his shoulder.

<noinclude>
==References and Translation Notes==
<references/>

{{SeireiDance Nav|prev=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume1 Chapter3|next=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume1 Chapter5}}</noinclude>

Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume1 Chapter3

2013-02-23T06:29:09Z

Worker:

== Chapter 3: My Classmate is a Princess ==
===Part 1===

Stubborn footsteps resounded in the academy hallway.

A sleeved uniform had been provided directly to Kamito, who was following the swaying ponytail.

The uniform Greyworth prepared was custom-designed for his personal use. The fundamental colour was the same as that of the other students, pure white, but the dress below it was certainly not a skirt. The cloth of his pants, which was incorporated with holiness, was worn nicely like a gentleman.

''Damn, the size is perfect...she knew it from the very beginning.''

Kamito cursed Greyworth in his head.

"The instructor building and the student building are connected on the second floor's hallway. The cafeteria is located on the first floor."

Guiding him through the school building was the girl from before, Ellis Fahrengart.

While Kamito was changing into his uniform, Greyworth seemed to have summoned her.

At first, she openly showed a displeased face, but maybe because of her serious personality she did not abandon him midway and dutifully continued to guide him.

The school building's design was recklessly complex and in order to create a comfortable space for spirits, it has adopted the standard of the latest spirit engineering architectural style. Anyway, it was for sure a design that had given little consideration for the people using it.

Staring at Ellis' swaying ponytail, Kamito recalled the conversation from earlier. In the end, although he wasn't pleased that things had gone the way the witch had predicted—

Hearing '''that name''', which was mentioned, Kamito was left with no other choice.

Ren Ashbell— suddenly appeared three years ago, The Strongest Blade Dancer.

And, that Ren Ashbell's contracted spirit is—

'''A dark spirit in the form of a young girl'''.

"..."

While walking, Kamito dropped his gaze to his left hand which was covered with a leather glove.

''...No, it can't be her. Because, she is—''

Kamito shook his head. Trying to deny it rationally— but could it be... mixed thoughts were in his mind.

''...Well whatever. I'll make sure of it with my own eyes. For now I'll dance in your palm, Greyworth.''

"You..."

Then Ellis, who was walking in front of him, suddenly stopped.

Facing him with her hand on her waist, she sternly scowled at Kamito. 

"Are you listening or what? It's for your own sake that I'm explaining these things."

"...Um, my bad. I was thinking of something."

"Mm, thinking of something?"

For some reason, Ellis' face became red, and she quickly walked towards him.

"Y-You, what kind of things were you thinking while looking at my back!"

"Wai-Wait, Don't swing your blade here!"

The blade was swung at point blank range, and Kamito quickly dodged it.

''Perhaps... this girl is also...''

It appeared that it was a common problem that all the students of this academy had no immunity to men.

Maybe the reason that she was walking so fast since before, was because she was conscious of the fact that Kamito was a man.

"Listen, don't misunderstand anything! I have not accepted you. I'm guiding you because I have no choice but to comply with the Academy Director's orders!"

"Ah, I get it. But don't treat me like an enemy either. As of today I'm a student of this academy like you."

"I'll never accept you. The fact that there is a man such as you who is an elementalist, there is no way I would accept it!"

Returning on her heels, Ellis began to walk quickly.

"All things considered, why would the Academy Director want a man transferred here..."

...It seemed that he was being disliked a lot.

''Well, it can't be helped. This is my fate as the only man in this garden of maidens.''

It's as if a lion had been released on a herd of rabbits.

Naturally, the overly boxed princesses would be wary of a man of the same age.

The «Blade Dance» will be held two months later.

He had to obtain their trust gradually in this school life.

''Hmm, yeah. Speaking of life.''

Suddenly, something came to his mind.

"Hey, Ellis."

"What."

Ellis turned around in a sullen mood.

He thought she might rage because of him calling her first name so casually, but apparently she didn't.

"From today onwards, where should I lodge at?"

There was no male dormitory in this academy, and there's no way that he would be given a room in the female dormitory. Would that mean commuting to the school from the academic city at the foot of the mountain?

"Don't worry about it, the academy has prepared a splendid lodge of great expense for you. A part of the endowment had been especially allocated for the construction cost."

"What a strangely thorny way of speaking."

...Well whatever. It's certainly better than being homeless or be outside in the «Spirit Forest».

"It can be seen from this window— there it is."

Kamito looked in the direction Ellis was pointing at.

"...Um, where is it?"

Looking around the vast grounds, it seems he can't find any lodging house there.

"Look well, over there at the corner of the plaza square"

Ellis was pointing towards—

"That's... my lodge?"

A splendid building with a large roof.

More spacious than an ordinary residence house, there were many rooms inside.

Beside it was an exclusive bathing area. Mangers have been piled up near its entrance.

"Is-Isn't that a stable!"

Kamito yelled loudly.

"Are those eye sockets empty? Look closely."

"What?"

''Um, am I seeing something wrong?''

He only saw the stable.

No, it was a stable at best. After all, they are soothing their horses in that place.

''Mm?''

—And then, Kamito finally discovered it.

Next to the stable, where wooden planks had been put together and were erected, there was actually a lodge.

Here and there, different lengths of planks had been nailed down together.

The roof was flaky. A sudden gust of strong wind would destroy such a lodge.

"Ah, maybe— that one?"

"Yeah."

Ellis simply nodded.

"Where's the splendid lodge! It seems like it was been built in three days!"

"Three hours. Do not underestimate the power of my contracted spirit."

"You built it?! I mean, wasn't it built at a high price?"

"A high price indeed, I wasted my time because of you. Are you unsatisfied?"

"I'm full of dissatisfaction. It's almost harassment towards me."

"There's a proper bed, made of straws."

"I'm getting the same treatment as a horse..."

"Fu, You have a strong sense of pride. Of course a horse is more worthy of caring for than you."

With the ponytail at her nape brushing on her shoulder, Ellis said clearly.

Somehow, he wanted to cry.

"The restroom? The bath?"

"You can use the back of the lodge as restroom. Unfortunately, you'll need to share the bath."

"Shared bath... with the horses."

Kamito grumbled, "Are you complaining?" Ellis scowled at him.

"Look, even in the highly unlikely event that you try to invade the academy's restroom, my contracted spirit would turn you into a sauté mushroom."

"Sounds delicious. So, you really like to cook?"

"Aa, It's a hobby. Someday an ideal gentleman will take my hands for marriage, and to please him with my cooking, I'm usually training for it."

"Really, um, if there is a chance, please let me try it too. At least, I have a fine pallete."

"Aah. If there's a chance, I would like to demonstrate my proud cooking... Wha? Who are you to think that I would do something like that for you!?"

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Zing*— In a flash the blade was been swung, and Kamito dodged it by a thin margin.

"...You. Forget about cooking, these are not the kind of hands for marriage—"

"Uh..."

Kamito retorted with half an eye closed. Maybe being self-conscious, Ellis quickly glanced away.

"Another thing, being the leader of the knights, aren't you messing up the order the most?"

"Shu-Shut up. It was because you said something strange!"

Kamito shrugged his shoulders, then turned towards the corridor again.

"Let's leave the topic of the dormitory for now. Where's my classroom?"

"The Raven class. Where extraordinary problem children are gathered, a perfect class for you."

"Extraordinary problem children?"

"It's exactly as it sounds. ...Mm, Why are you looking so bitter?"

"No, I happen to know something about it."

Kamito remembered in his head, the crimson haired young girl he encountered inside the forest.

Seriously? No way! —That stroke of uneasiness, he couldn't shake it away.

"Are you also from the Raven Class?"

Kamito tentatively asked a question.

The term "extraordinary problem child" fit this young girl perfectly.

"As if... I'm from the superior class Weasel!"

In an instant, the sword was swung in a flash.

Kamito was expecting it this time, and only the forelocks had slightly been cut.

"...T-The Fahrengart secret sword skill was fended off."

"....As such, don't casually swing at me with your hidden sword skills!"

Climbing up the staircase and walking through the long corridor, Kamito finally saw his classroom.

A large wooden double leaf door with an abstract spirit shaped carving was there.

Areishia Spirit Academy's classrooms were arranged a floor apart from each other. Because classrooms close to each other would likely duel or create some other commotion immediately.

"All the students attending here are princesses from noble families. There are some who hold a grudge against each other. Although as a regulation of the academy, personal struggles are prohibited, frequent incidents like dueling have never stopped."

While sighing, Ellis clasped her fist strongly.

"We the Sylphid Knights will protect this peaceful academy from the perpetrators."

"No, the one who is disturbing this peace is you—"

—Was what he was about to say, but Kamito shut his own mouth.

As she spoke, the side of Ellis' face was extremely serious.

He thought that she was a reckless girl who swung her blade on every occasion— his impression of her changed a little.

She possesses the pride of a knight.

The '''male elementalist''', whose mere existence would bring disturbance to the academy.

From the point of view of the leader of the knights, who maintains public morals, she naturally couldn't accept Kamito.

Despite all of it, she could sincerely face and talk to him.

A bit stubborn, but at heart she was honorable.

"...Hm, why are you glaring at my face?"

Ellis suspiciously frowned her eyebrows.

"Well, I'm sorry for the various teasing from some time ago."

"...? Wh-Why you, suddenly!"

Her embarrassed reaction seemed somehow strangely cute.

===Part 2 ===

Looking inside the large auditorium classroom, no one was there. During this time everyone was out. Perhaps they are all engaged in practical training outside in the training field area.

"It's okay from here, I'll hear the rest later from my classmates. Thanks for your guidance."

"Fu, such gratitude is unnecessary. If there was a failure to properly guide you, '''You might deliberately lose your way''' into the toilet later."

"You really have no faith in me......"

At this comparatively caustic line from the departing Ellis, Kamito let out a deep sigh.

Judging from his experience so far on the first day, it would be a tall order to gain the trust of his classmates.

While muttering, Kamito stepped into the empty classroom.

Then, at that moment *swoosh* a slash sounded in the air—

"Gueh!"

A whip forcefully coiled around Kamito's neck.

Being caught by the rough sudden attack, he had been pulled and thrown down in the corridor.

''Wh-What!?''

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Cough* Looking around himself while coughing—

"Kazehaya Kamito!"

Over his head, a familiar voice of a young girl descended upon him.

...Honestly, a voice he didn't want to hear.

"Y-Yo-You have escaped from me, despite being my contracted spirit!"

"Hugh, ug"

"Defying me!"

"Guh!"

Feigning ignorance and trying to whistle, the thing around his neck tightened.

''This sucks.....''

Thrown down flat onto his back, in front of Claire—

A blazing red haired beautiful young girl with her folded arms looking down to Kamito.

The blowing winds from the window caused her uniform's pleated skirt to float in the air.

"Claire, you...."

A deep groan came from Kamito's throat.

"What, do you intend to reason your way out?"

"No, from here, I can slightly see your panties."

"Wha!"

Claire's face blushed, then she quickly restrained her skirt.

"Pe-Pe-Pe-Pervert~!"

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Gogogogogogogogogo......!*

A heat haze was rising from Claire's body.

No. It was not a heat haze. It was a completely burning Astral Zero's flame.

"It seems, you really want to be turned into cinders, Kamito?"

"Wai-Wait, not yet!"

Kamito felt that his life was seriously in danger, and quickly shook his head.

"Black is too early for you."

"...............gu!"

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Strike*— then Claire's whole body solidified.

From her neck to the tip of her ears, it turned deep red liked boiled octopus—

"It-It's not black! It is always white, black is....rarely, what have you made me say, idiot!"

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Fwump*. .......She seemed to have overheated.

Losing her strength, she sunk down to the floor.

Being overly boxed into an ideal priestess was her greatest weakness.

.......Is it really okay for an elementalist to be so naive?

"Uugh, this is the second time...... I can't become a bride anymore"

With both of her knees on the floor, Claire began weeping gloomily.

......Somewhat, it looked that he had done something terrible.

"My bad....don't cry, ok?"

Kamito stood up then approached her while Claire glared at him.

.....Frightening. She could have burnt a person with merely her glaring.

She wiped her tears with her uniform sleeve, then clenched her leather whip tightly.

"Kazehaya Kamito."

"Wh-What?"

"I-I'm quite generous, so I'll give you one chance to explain."

Although her tone was calm, obviously her voice was trembling.

........Extremely angry.

"Earlier, why did you escape?"

"No, it's common sense that I would think of escaping."

Kamito unintentionally replied immediately.

An answer— that he immediately regretted.

"......I got it. There's only death for a fugitive slave."

"Wa-Wait, calm down. From a spirit I have become a slave?!"

"Slave, you're my '''slave spirit'''!"

"A new species of spirit was born. How about announcing it to the Spirit Research Agency?"

By the way, in whichever «Spirit Forest» of the continent, these species of spirit were yet to be discovered.

"Ch-Cheeky slave— No, a slave spirit isn't it!"

"Uwah, I gi.....give, give up, seriously I'll die!"

Forcefully the whip on his neck ruthlessly tightened, and his consciousness was likely to fly away.

''The knight group, what are they doing! A murder is about to happen inside the academy!''

Looking around in the corridor with no sign of any student.

"By the way—"

Then, Claire's face got closer. Looking rather displeased, she said,

"Sometime ago, you were speaking with the knight group's Ellis Fahrengart, '''you seemed to be getting along well with her'''. What does that mean?"

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Cough*, "How could you call that getting along together? She was just guiding me."

"Guide? Why?"

"Because today, I have specially transferred into this academy."

"What?..... You have transferred? Here at Areishia Spirit Academy?"

Claire spread open her eyes, then looked to Kamito's uniformed figure, she just noticed it now.

"No way....you are a man!"

"Aa. But, you have seen me contracting a spirit."

Kamito nodded, then showed his right hand where the spirit seal was imprinted.

"I'm a '''male elementalist'''. That's why Greyworth summoned me here. "

"........"

Therefore, Claire—

Lost in thought, she put her finger on her cherry colored lips.

"Really, what........a transfer student......"

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Pfft* *pfft* She murmured something to herself.

''......If she stays quiet, she looks just like a normal, ordinary cute girl.''

And, while staring at the side of her face, Kamito thought.

Claire suddenly raised her head, then turned to face him.

"Um, because you are here, perhaps, you are also in the Raven class?"

"Yeah. .....does that mean, you are in the same class?"

"Yeah. I'm also from the Raven class!"

Claire spoke with a seemingly cheerful voice. Somehow she seemed awfully happy.

Her smiling face would charm anyone who was unaware.

"Say, since it has turned out this way, I'll give you another chance Kamito."

"What chance?"

"Contract. Without a doubt, this time become my exclusive contracted spirit Kamito."

"Wh-Why do I have to do that?"

"Fu, It's natural! Because you snatched the spirit that should have been mine."

Puffing up with her unfortunate chest, Claire pointed her index finger at his front eyes.

As always, she put forth an arrogant reason.

''......An annoying girl''

Kamito is really quite irritated. Particularly, with no gratitude for saving her life, he had been called a thief.

—For such an arrogant princess, some proper punishment was needed.

"Okay. I'll bind a spirit contract with you, alright."

Helplessly, Kamito purposely nodded his head.

"........Eh? Um, so, at last you have finally become obedient."

She thought that he would be more resistant. Due to the unexpected response, Claire nodded as though quite bewildered.

"In that case—"

[[Image:STnBD_V01_088.jpg|thumb]]
Slowly, Kamito raised Claire's chin by his fingertip.

"Ha? Wha-Wha-What are you doing?"

"Doing? A spirit contract, a high level humanoid spirit contract..... you understand?"

"A......."

Claire's face froze.

A high level humanoid contract.

In short, it was—

"'''A contract sealed by a kiss''', isn't it?"

Kamito said it, and Claire's face blushed red.

"Uh, not, to that extent— you don't have to go that far, I mean, that."

In a panicky irritable tone, she shook her head furiously.

"Eve-Even without any such formality, I don't mind...."

"Are you scared?"

"I-I'm not particularly scared! Um, but, that......"

"Then close your eyes."

Kamito mischievously whispered to a shrinking Claire's ears.

"Eh, wait......hiwaaaa!?"

''.......She is totally green in such things.''<ref>Green as in "inexperienced"</ref>

Such a cute reaction, of course I would want to bully her.

Slowly, bringing his face closer to her thin cherry color lips.

"Um, sorry, I apologize......so.....forgive me"

"Too late—"

"Su, so...kyauu!"

Claire gave up then closed her eyes.

''An obedient girl.....''

Kamito smiled bitterly in his mind.

Of course, he did not seriously plan to contract by kiss.

It was a thorough revenge for being tormented by her, but he was not so devilish as to go that far to mistreat a young girl.

Time to let her off— then, as he was about to detach his body, at that moment—

"Hey, you."

He was tapped from behind on his shoulder.

Kamito slowly, timidly turned around.

In that place—

"What are you doing, here in this sacred institute Areishia Spirit Academy?"

A gentle smile floated from the beautiful woman standing there.

She seemed to be in her mid-twenties. Long black hair, and wearing a pair of green black rimmed glasses.

She was dressed in a dark grey suit with a long sleeved white robe on top of it.

"I'm the one in charge of the Raven Class, Freya Grandol. I've heard of you from the Academy Director. The Academy's first ever male elementalist."

Wearing a smile that looked like it was pasted on her face, the beautiful woman introduced herself.

However, her eyes were not smiling.

"Now, why did you make our princess cry, bastard?"

=== Part 3 ===

Kamito rose up onto the platform, causing some quiet murmurs within the classroom.

That a male elementalist had transferred in, the rumors seemed to have already spread around. But they don't often get the chance to meet a young boy of the same age, so they couldn't hide their anxiety and curiosity from him.

"Is that a male elementalist—"

"He has such vicious looks, like he will kill someone with them."

"Seems like he has already raped Claire Rouge."

"Wh-What is rape?"

"I-I don't know, but....so-something, perverted!"

"However, his delinquent look, is quite cool ♪."

"Don't be fooled by his outward appearance. Because every man is a perverted beast."

"Rumor has it that he was also having an affair with Ellis Fahrengart."

"Eeh, with that super-serious leader of the knights? By the way, what is an affair?"

"I don't know but..... so-something, indecent!"

.......*whisper* *whisper*.

''.......What are they talking nonsensically?''

Looking around the classroom built like an old theater, Kamito let out a sigh.

The number of students are fourteen or fifteen. Everyone has been brought up as a princess. Almost all of them are looking towards Kamito with interest, but some of the girls seemed really scared.

''Well, It was an expected reaction from them.''

After all, whenever anyone heard about a male elementalist, the first thing that came into their mind was the name of the ancient demon king who brought disaster and chaos to the continent. .....In other words, an excessively bad image.

Inside the classroom being showered with sharp glances like needles, Kamito had the urge to immediately run away.

Among them the specially intense glare— came from the red haired girl in the front row.

Claire's glare that could burn people merely by her sight was fixed on Kamito.

"Burn, Burnt, Burning......"

She grumbled with different forms of the word.

Apparently, for a while ago up until now, she still seemed angry. —Obviously.

For that, Kamito reflected whether he had overdone it.

''If I don't properly apologize later...''

"Obliterate into cinders, obliterate into cinders, obliterate into cinders....."

.......don't know whether he would be forgiven when he apologizes.

"Stop chirping. Be quiet. Do you bunch want to lose credit?" 

The professor in charge Freya Grandol, hit the desk with the class list, and the classroom became silent.

She was not a teacher of practical skills but a special lecturer, and also a member of the spirit research agency who is traveling in every region of the «Spirit Forest» of the continent performing field work.

"Here, you, hurry up and introduce yourself."

The eye glasses worn by the beautiful woman gave her an intellectual appearance, but if she opened her mouth it would expose her true colors.

Well, to put it nicely she had a daring and largehearted disposition. At least, she didn't seem to be a bad person.

Kamito stepped forward in front of the podium, and briefly introduced himself.

"I am Kazehaya Kamito, sixteen years old. However, as you can see, I'm a male elementalist......so, don't be afraid and let us get along with each other, thanks."

It was too simple, but he had nothing else to say.

'''For secrets that can't be said''', there were plenty.

The classmates reaction were—

"Like, ordinary......right?"

"Yeah, ordinary. Not much of a demon king."

''.....oh?''

"However, seems like, I have fallen for him ♪."

"A, see. An aloof look, doesn't he make you want to protect him?"

The once quiet classroom was filled with buzzing again.

''Wh-What is this fluffy sweet feeling?''

Due to the unexpected reaction of the young girls, Kamito was puzzled.

He thought that he would be greeted with chilly eyes, or even despising eyes.

However, the reactions that he felt earlier from all of the girls were very light.

Guessing Kamito's doubt, Madam Freya whispered into his ear.

"Ah, the princesses here have different senses to the commoners. After all, they are constantly handling the most puzzling neighbor to humans: 'the spirits'. Well, rather than criticizing you as a male elementalist, they are just curious in many ways about a young boy of the same age."

''Really? Is that how it is—''

Since it was put that way, it might be a little easier.

"U-Um, Kamito.....you?"

And, one of the girls timidly raised her hand.

"Ye-Yeah, What?"

"Um, umm, wha-what's your, favorite food?"

"Eh? Well, anything.....if anything, I like [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gratin Gratin]"

"Ordinary!" "Quite Ordinary!" "I thought he would say [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nyotaimori Nyoitaimori]!" "Cute!"

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Blah blah blah*.

".....What's this. A [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nyotaimori Nyoitaimori]?"

Starting with that girl, one by one they poured questions towards him.

"Where is your home town?" "Your three sizes?" "Which place do you wash first in a bath?"

.....Princess, It was almost sexual harassment.

However, the one who was asking the question was blushing red all the way to her ears.

"Have you decided your team yet?"

"Team?"

"Of course the team for this coming «Blade Dance»"

"Aa—"

The «Blade Dance» that would be held two months later was going to be in the format of a five person team group battle. Kamito, as one person, couldn't enter by himself, he needed to find other elementalists and form a team.

"As of now, I don't have a team yet. I'm going to start looking for my other fellow teammates now."

In two months, whether he would find such people, he didn't know.

"Is it true, that you have tamed the sword «sealed spirit» that no one else has been able to contract?"

"Wh?"

Kamito's eyebrow frowned in surprise. It looked like words of the event from this morning had already went around in the academy.

Who on earth—

"Yeah, and I am the one who tamed this Kamito that tamed the spirit!"

Slowly rising, Claire puffed up her almost nonexistent chest proudly.

"......as I thought, you!"

The princesses shrieked together in excitement.

"Kamito, what's your relationship with Claire?"

"Master and her slave spirit!"

"Totally nonsense. Don't answer it for me!"

Kamito quickly retorted against Claire who was answering it with her hands on her hips.

"What, an insolent slave spirit."

"When did I become your slave spirit!"

Watching the interaction between these two people, the girls became more and more excited.

The situation was about to be out of control—

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Bam*. Madam Freya strikes her desk. The classroom settled down.

"Arg. Girls, cut it out! You, hurry up and choose your favorite seat."

"Ye-Yes.....!"

Madam Freya sent a lifeboat, Kamito gladly rode on it.

Of course, he preferred to sit as far from the red haired princess as possible. he started walking towards one of the seats in the back.

At that moment. *Pashii*, a torturing leather whip coiled around his neck.

"Arg!"

With the neck being strangled, in that way, he had been pulled backward.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Cough* *cough*, "What are you doing!"

"Where are you going? Your seat is next to me."

"Hah, Who will sit in such a dangerous seat? Uooooh—"

While his neck was being strangled, Kamito tried to move forward.

"Hm, trying to oppose me. I'll show you who's the master!"

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Scratch scratch scratch scratch*...........!

Kamito tried to unfasten the whip, Claire skillfully controlled her whip and prevented him from doing so.

"dddd.....da, mn......"

He couldn't breathe. More and more oxygen ceased to circulate in his brain, at that time.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Swoosh* the sound of a gust of wind, Kamito's body was suddenly released.

"Oooowahh.......!"

Kamito lost his balance and tripped over the staircase.

What on earth happened—

".......h!?"

Turning around, in front of him standing stabbed into the floor was a sharp arrow.

Not a metal arrow. It's a clear ice arrow sparkling from the reflection of the sunlight.

''......Is this, an elemental waffe?''

The same as Claire's flame whip, the incarnation of their spirit was turned into its weapon form.

Who was it...?

"A disgrace, Claire Rouge."

An elegant voice was heard in the highest part of the classroom.

Kamito staying down on the ground, looked up and there—

An extravagant platinum blonde beautiful young girl, standing with her hands on her hips.

A high class princess, as featured in a painted picture. Her skin is as white as the first snow.

The color of her pupils is a fine emerald green in pale radiance.

A charming smile appeared, calmly looking down at Claire.

".......W-What do you want, Rinslet Laurenfrost?!"

Claire growled in a deep voice. A dangerous color floated in her ruby eyes, it seemed like she would bite at any moment.

"Give up, because he had already said that he wants to sit next to me."

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Hmmp*, combing her platinum blonde hair, declared the princess.

''I have not said anything of that sort— Anyway, it was a big help.''

Kamito was about to stand up when the blonde haired princess gracefully came down the stairs.

She bent down in front of Kamito, and stared at him as though evaluating his value.

As the adorably beautiful girl was intently staring at him, Kamito's eye unintentionally diverted.

"Hmm, the face is not so bad."

Rinslet seemed satisfied, nodded and,

"Hey! You, do you want to become my servant?"

"What?"

Suddenly, she said something unexpected.

"Do-Don't lay your hand on him as you please, this guy is my slave spirit!"

Claire ran up on the stairs, and immediately grasped Kamito's arm.

"When did I became yours."

"Shut up!"

Claire suddenly yanked his arm.

The upper arm touched her breast, Kamito's heart involuntarily beat faster.

Although it was almost '''none'''— She was still a sixteen year old young girl.

A reasonable elastic feeling was all that was needed and his heart would be pounding.

But—

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Fuyoyon~*

In his other arms, '''an utterly other dimensional sensation could be felt'''!

"Ah, he does not belong to you, does he?"

Rinslet held Kamito's left arm tightly with both hands.

Different from Claire's pitiful assets, over here there is a considerable...sense of existence.

''Wai-Wait, this is.......!''

Pressed from both sides with soft feeling, Kamito's face suddenly became hot.

"Re-Release, fool!"

"What did you say, flat chest!"

A crackling spark scatterred from the two princesses glaring at each other.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Funyu*. *Fuyon~*. Fukyun~*.

......Though it felt great, but if they don't release his arms first, it seemed like his heart would burst.

And, at that time.

"Owawawah, my-my lady, don't give more hardship to Mr. transfer student!"

From above the classroom, A young girl in maid clothes came running down.

''.....What the? A maid?''

Kamito spreads his eyes, staring at the young girl's appearance.

A waving long skirt with frills. A short bob trim cut black hair. A white brim that nicely suits her is resting on top of her head.

No matter how you look at it, she's a fine maid.

''........Why is there a maid here in this academy!?''

Since she called her my lady, it seems she is this blonde princess' maid.

But in any case, she seemed to have a more normal personality. Without a doubt, at least she would intervene against this sour dispute. Kamito embraced a dim hope, but at that time...

"Princess......Kyaaaaah!"

The maid fell.

In the middle of the stairs, it was an impressive fall.

"Carol!?"

Rinslet's face became pale.

''......Damn!''

Kamito shook off the two people's arms, and jumped kicking off the floor.

"Hiaaaaaaah!"

Somehow he caught the screaming and falling maid's flying body. He wrapped his arms around the young girl so as to prevent her head from being hurt, and they tumbled down the stairs.

The two people hugging each other while rolling down, finally stopped.

".......Hm, are you hurt—"

He opened his mouth to say that— and then Kamito's thoughts froze.

In his front. *Fuyon~*, there were large soft things.

Under the neat and tidy cloth of the maid, melons larger than that of Rinslet.

[[Image:STnBD_V01_103.jpg|"U......um, .........uaah, I'm sorry!"　fuwa~* Tears began to float in the young maid's black pupil. |thumb]]
"U......Um, .........uaah, I'm sorry!"

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Fuwa~* Tears began to float in the young maid's black pupils.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Kaatsu* her face blushed, being panicked she tried to stand up—

"He-Hey......mo-mogugugu~!"

The nose of Kamito was pressed more and more by her breast.

''I'm in trouble.....I can't breathe...''

"Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"

At the sight of two people intertwined with each other, the classroom's young girls raised an excited scream.

"Pe-Pervert!" "As I thought a lewd beast!" "Reincarnation of the demon king!"

"N-No, I'm.........mogugugu.....!"

Hurriedly attempting to deny, his voice was being absorbed by the well rounded breast.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Gogogogogogogogo.........!*

".......?"

Suddenly, A rumbling sound could be heard from above.

......An earthquake. Perhaps.

Somehow, it has a very, very bad sensation.

Looking up from the valley of the breasts—

There, the shape of Claire holding a blazing flame whip.

"Thi-Thi-This ero spirit~!"

"Wait, It can't be helped no matter how you look at it...."

"Shu-Shut up, please turn into cinders!"

''Why is it that it always becomes like this.....''

While Kamito groaned hopelessly, the whip ruthlessly swung at him with no mercy.

<noinclude>

==References and Translation Notes==
<references/>

{{SeireiDance Nav|prev=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume1 Chapter2|next=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume1 Chapter4}}</noinclude>

Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume1 Chapter2

2013-02-23T06:29:01Z

Worker:

==Chapter 2: Areishia Spirit Academy==

===Part 1===

Areishia Spirit Academy.

In this institution, all the princess maidens from across the empire are gathered and trained into fully fledged elementalists.

Holding a beautiful garden behind its castle walls, the school building lined with elegant spires seemed very much like a palace of a princess. —In fact, this was nearly entirely correct. Out of the students attending this academy, almost all of them are genuine proper noble ladies.

"However, to unexpectedly have such a terrible encounter..."

Kamito muttered to himself as he walked along the red carpet covered hallway on the second floor of the school building.

"Lost inside the forest, I winded up contracted to a sealed spirit, and furthermore..."

Since Kamito snatched the sealed spirit from her, that crimson haired young girl apparently had her eyes on him.

After that— Claire Rouge guided Kamito to the academy school building.

That was good, but apparently her claim that Kamito was to become her personal contracted spirit was serious. Round and round the whip coiled around Kamito. Rather than being guided, it might be more appropriate to say that he was being dragged, and they walked through the forest in that fashion.

Regardless, Kamito had no obligation to play along with the princess. Taking the opportunity when Claire went to the restroom, he unwound the whip and escaped.

"Ah, escaped, you traitor!"

Such a voice can be heard inside the restroom—

''What? What made you think I wouldn't run away...''

That young girl was an outstanding elementalist but, her common knowledge of society was that of a naive lady.

"Anyways, before I am found by that girl again, I need to hurry up and meet Greyworth."

Proceeding down the hallway, Kamito let out a small sigh.

... Depressed.

After all, so far nothing good had ever resulted from getting involved with that witch.

''... But, I can't ignore this.''

Kamito took out one sheet of paper from his breast pocket.

Forty days ago, he had received a letter from Academy Director Greyworth.

If, what was written on it is true—

He might finally get some clue about that girl.

Nevertheless, Kamito could not deny the possibility that it was just some bait to lure him here.

''... It is useless to ponder on it. After all the other party is that Witch.''

And, here Kamito stopped in his tracks.

In front of him was the thick wooden front door: the Academy Director's Office.

As Kamito was about to knock on the door—

"Academy Director, I can't agree with this!"

Suddenly, a voice could be heard from inside the room.

A high pitched, young girl's alto voice.

It seemed that they were occupied currently.

''... It can't be helped, I'll kill some time for a while outside.''

While Kamito was moving away from the door—

"Why should we welcome the likes of a man to this sacred academy of princess maidens?!"

He stopped his foot steps...

''...Mm, man?''

That perked up his ears.

"Because I said that we need him here. Isn't that reason enough for you?"

It was a constrained voice. But, it carried so much power that Kamito trembled even hearing it through the door. What a fearful voice from the witch no matter how many times one hears it.

"Ar-Are you suggesting that we lack the strength?"

"Nonsense. I'm not belittling the power of your chivalric orders, but, '''He is special'''"

"... You mean the fact that he can communicate with a spirit despite being male?"

"Yes, but that is not all of it."

"What do you mean—"

And, the girl suddenly closed her mouth.

Silence fell for a brief moment. Then—

"Who is there?!"

''Darn it.'' Apparently they'd noticed that someone was eavesdropping.

Kamito quickly attempted to leave—

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Bang* – suddenly, the office door was violently opened.

From the door which was kicked opened, there appeared—

A beautiful slender leg which was highly swung upward, a pony tailed beautiful young girl.

A pair of sharp, long eyes. A dignified, handsome feature.

She wore a silver breastplate on top of her uniform, and it looked like the outfit of a valiant knight.

Inside the leaf pleated skirt, a lace underwear flew into his sight.

"Black!?"

"Wha... Y-You, Insolent Person!"

The young girl kicked Kamito with her whole strength in the stomach which caused him to involuntary blurted out.

"Guoh!"

The sudden attack caught him off guard, blowing Kamito away.

In an instant, the young girl shortened the distance between them and pressed Kamito down on the floor, she unsheathed the blade at her hips.

Then she thrusted it violently, pointing the edge of her blade onto his cheek.

"..."

Shooting a cold piercing look.

Then, those clear reddish brown colored pair of eyes widened. 

"You... are you... actually a man!?"

The stern face of the girl blushed and became bright red.

That time—

"Fnn, aren't you quite behind schedule, Kazehaya Kamito?"

A displeased voice came from the back of the office.

Kamito who was still being held down by the young girl, slowly raised his eyes.

Over there— there was the figure of a witch completely unchanged from three years ago.

Her ash-blonde hair was gently waving.

Her beauty extolled the seductiveness of an alluring adult.

Beneath her small pair of glasses, her eyes, the same gray as the color of her hair, were staring in his direction.

''... So you came out, witch!''

Kamito spat out bitterly in his head.

Dusk Witch — Greyworth Ciel Mais.

With the appearance of a bewitching, carnivorous, beautiful woman, she was an experienced Spirit Knight that boasted the title of being one of the twelve Knight Generals of the Empire.

The rumor that the highest ranked elementalist may transcend her age might have been real.

"—It has been three years, Kamito. Looking at your face, it seems you have changed."

"... You just don't change, Dusk Witch."

A sarcastic response while he was still pressed down on his back, the witch let out a smile.

"Kazehaya Kamito!? Then, this guy..."

The ponytail young girl raised her eyebrow.

"Hey, isn't it about time that you let go of me?"

Kamito squinted his eyes and murmured towards the young girl riding on his chest.

"What is that? You shameless, rude person!"

"After all, I said it for your own sake."

"... What do you mean?"

"Well, how to say it... since some time ago, your thigh has been touching my body."

Her moderately tight thigh felt soft. It was a pity that he had to point that out, but it wasn't rubbing so much that he would enjoy the side benefits under such a situation either.

"......~wa!?"

The stern young girl's face blushed burning hot red.

Standing up quickly while holding down her skirt, without mercy she swung down her blade.

[[Image:STnBD_V01_059.jpg|thumb]]
Within a hair's breadth, Kamito dodged it by twisting his body.

"Wha-What are you doing!?"

"You-You indecent... in this instant, I will make you into a marinated salmon!"

"Wait, Calm down! I'm not a salmon!"

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Zing*— a sharp slash, Kamito's forelock was cut.

Serious. Not even a shred of doubt in her eyes.

''... Um, in this one day, how many times have I almost been killed?''

An unlucky day. Or is it because of the curse of the Dusk Witch.

''Are all the girls of the academy like this?''

Being driven to the wall. Kamito felt the seriousness of the threat to his life— at that time.

"Sheath your blade, Ellis. Any personal struggle in this academy is prohibited."

"... Uh!"

Greyworth's voice called out, the girl named Ellis stopped instantly.

"Ac-Academy Director... I'm just—"

"Do I need to say the same thing twice? Ellis Fahrengart."

"... No, um, I apologize."

Ellis while glaring intensely at Kamito, reluctantly sheathed her blade.

Greyworth pushed up her glasses and then smiled.

"So, you are already at that age. Well, to be pushed down by Ellis' delicate body hidden under the armor, most boys would not be able to control themselves."

"A-Academy Director!?"

"Wait, please don't say anything that will cause a misunderstanding! I'm—"

Kamito quickly objected. But, his eyes unintentionally went in the direction of Ellis' breasts—

... Indeed. She was wearing her armor so it was hard to tell, but certainly, Claire Rouge's pitiful breasts were incomparable to hers.

"Yo-You, whe-where are you looking at!"

"My bad..."

Kamito quickly averted his eyes.

"Guh, if you weren't the guest of Academy Director, I'd have made you into a Pot-au-feu already!"

"... Why a Pot-au-feu!"

Although he didn't understand her metaphor, it sounded scary.

"Ellis, you can go now. It's unpleasant to have people flirt in front of my eyes."

Greyworth's cold voice informed.

"I-I can't leave you alone in the same room with... this man. If he impudently lusts towards the Academy Director..."

"There is no such thing!"

Kamito interrupted strongly. ... What was this girl saying?

"Well, it does not matter if that's the case. I'm always wearing my lucky underwear."

"What..."

"Mm, Your face became red, boy, quite cute. By the way the color is—"

"I don't want to hear it!"

"Just kidding. Why are you blushing?"

"Guah!"

The Dusk Witch giggled with pleasure, Kamito directed looks filled with killing intent towards her.

"Bu-But, the Academy Director should not to be alone together with such a guy without guard—"

"Ellis Fahrengart."

Due to that calm tone of voice , Ellis' shoulders trembled.

"Do I need to repeat what I am saying twice?"

"Um, I apologize!"

What a frightening Greyworth, with her voice trembling, Ellis nodded, and left towards the hallway swiftly.

===Part 2===

Finally released, Kamito stood up letting out a sigh of relief.

Brushing the dirt from his coat, he set foot inside the office.

After Kamito closed the door behind him, Greyworth shrugged her shoulder.

"She is the daughter of the ducal House of Fahrengart. An excellent knight, but somewhat stubborn."

"Is that girl a student here, too? She was wearing armor on top of her uniform."

"She is the leader of the Sylphid Knights, a party which manages any disturbance of the order of the academy."

"Like a public morals committee. In that case, they should manage it more strictly."

Kamito remembered, what happened inside the forest when he met the crimson haired young girl.

... To leave her at large was bad, in all sorts of ways.

"Fu, I'll take that into consideration. By the way Kamito, why are you so grimy. As if you were attacked in the Spirit Forest?"

".....No, I was scratched by a cat. A tomboyish hellish cat girl." 

Kamito answered impatiently with a bitter face, Greyworth shrugged her shoulder.

"You'd better be careful, rumors say that within the inner depths of the «Spirit Forest» that even the Spirit Investigation Committee would not enter, are S-rank spirits still slumbering. Once you encounter one, your life is forfeited— in your case, can you manage to tame it?"

"Please stop. I don't want to associate myself with an S-rank spirit again."

"Yeah. '''As You are now''', you would probably be mincemeat in five seconds."

"Not even one second. Actually, with a contract spirit I might last for seven seconds."

"Fu— '''with a contract spirit'''?"

Greyworth directed her grayish eye towards Kamito's right hand.

"That wound? Is ''that'' also a scratch by the cat?"

"This is—"

The wound— on the right hand, that was where the spirit seal was engraved a while ago.

Kamito clicked his tongue inwardly— No, after all he couldn't possibly hide it from the Dusk Witch.

"Well, how to say it. It is just happenstance. I made a contract with a particular sealed spirit. It was ultra-violent, had I failed the contract, I would not be standing here right now."

"Ha, what a change of heart, that you have contracted with spirits other than ''her''."

The grayish eye, inside the glasses, glistened sharply.

"Finally you decided to say farewell to that ghost, is that it?"

"... Guh!"

At that mocking tone, Kamito couldn't help but get agitated.

"She is not a ghost! She is..."

Kamito took out the paper in his coat's pocket, then slapped it onto the front desk.

The beautiful witch did not waver in the slightest. A detestable calmness.

Kamito bit his lips, then asked Greyworth.

"This, you sent this to me. Is it true?"

"Ah, it's true. Witches don't tell lies."

"It was... Indeed, you haven't told a lie. But, you've never spoken the truth either."

Kamito spat out what he wanted to say.

"... Well whatever. Tell me what you know."

"Oh boy, Is that the attitude of someone asking a witch? You were cuter three years ago."

"The cat changed into a tiger in three years. Do not think it will stay as your pet forever."

"A cat does not change into a tiger and never will."

Greyworth intentionally shrugged her shoulder and fixedly looked in Kamito's eyes.

Kamito was involuntarily overcome by the pressure of that overbearing stare.

"The thing written there is true. '''Your contracted spirit is alive'''."

"... Guh!"

Kamito swallowed his breath.

A Witch does not speak the truth. But, she never tells a lie either.

"Her... Restia, where is she now?"

Kamito raised his voice, leaning his body onto the office desk.

The witch without moving her eyebrow, thrust a bundle of documents to the tip of Kamito's nose.

"... What are these?"

"Agreement Terms. Sign here."

"This doesn't make any sense. What do you mean?"

"There is nothing you shouldn't understand. For what purpose do you think I summoned you here? Did you take it that I, the Dusk Witch, will simply let you have the information out of goodwill?" 

"I understand fully that you have nothing but malice."

Kamito snatched the bundle of documents, then slapped it onto the desk.

Bundled with a clip, Areishia Spirit Academy's Admission Notification.

It was written there. No doubt— Kamito's ''public'' Background Profile. 

"What kind of joke is this?"

"Today you will be admitted into the academy. Don't worry I've already taken care of all the necessary procedures."

"How can I be calm! What do you mean by this, explain!"

"I need you. That's all."

"What?"

The witch's words are always unexpected. Like a midsummer breeze.

"What are you talking about? I mean, this academy is, a garden of pure maidens."

"No problem. Such a thing is no big deal with my authority."

"That would be a problem in itself! '''Now is Different from Three Years Ago.'''"

Provoked by Kamito—

"Don't get the wrong idea, Boy. You don't have any right to choose."

Greyworth told it in a shockingly cold voice.

"... Gu!"

"Till now I have allowed you to roam freely. Originally, the elementalist must be managed by the organization. You know that, right?"

"That is——"

In the Ordesia Empire, elementalists are given various privileges, but in exchange they must be registered with the organization. If there exist stray elementalists that harbor ideologies that are against the empire, it will be extremely dangerous to the nation.

"They will sniff out your existence sooner or later. Don't underestimate the country's Spirit Knights, we don't know how it would have been three years ago, but with your current slump you will lose for sure; besides—"

Then, a demonic grin floated from Greyworth.

"There's a slight chance that I might carelessly blab out the secret."

"... What carelessly? In short this is blackmail."

"It helps a lot that you understand so quickly."

"So shameless."

Kamito threw a loathsome sentence, Greyworth as if in regret shrugged her shoulder.

"Fu, why are you dissatisfied. One man in an institution of maidens where real princesses are gathered. Isn't it like a marvelous luxury harem?"

"Oh, please, I'm—"

"If you like, you may take one student from the academy and do whatever you like to her. For example, Ellis Fahrengart from earlier— who is seriously stubborn, but she is of the type to become ultra obedient once well trained. I am sure she will respond to whatever perverted radical play you have in mind."

"Am I a sex deviant?!"

"A joke. There is no way that I have such authority."

"I can never understand your jokes..."

Kamito moaned holding his temple.

"Why did you summon me now. What do you plan to do with me?"

"Glad that we can get to the point directly."

"Since it is useless to oppose the Witch."

A casual reply, Greyworth let out a smile—

"In two months, the Blade Dance will be held in Astral Zero. I have put you up as an entrant there."

"What did you say?"

—Blade Dance.

Once every few years, it is the largest Kagura<ref>Kagura ''神楽, かぐら, "god-entertainment"''refers to a specific type of Shinto theatrical dance.</ref> ritual carried out in Astral Zero.

Elementalists gather from the continent, and perform blade dance as an offering for the Five Great Elemental Lords.

So to speak, it's a grand martial battle festival of fellow elementalists.

The country of the victorious team will be given a few years of divine protection by the Elemental Lords, a guaranteed prosperity for the country. Together with a general assembly for the champion—

A single «wish» will be granted.

"Win the cup, Kamito. Nevertheless, '''as now''' it might be impossible for you."

"I—"

Kamito bit his lips, strongly clenching his fist.

Not his right hand where the spirit seal was engraved— It was his left hand covered by the black leather glove.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Zukiri*, A sharp pain runs in his chest.

"I-I have decided that I will never participate in the Blade Dance Festival again."

"No, You will compete. Otherwise there will be trouble."

Greyworth placed her both hands onto the office desk, calmly shaking her head.

"Because, nobody but you, can win against that Strongest Blade Dancer."

"Wh... at...!?"

The moment that he heard that name, Kamito's face froze.

The Strongest— the elementalists that are given this title, currently, there is only one in the whole continent.

Three years ago, a mere fourteen year old young girl dominated the Blade Dance's individual matches.

"—That is right. '''She''' has returned."

Greyworth's grayish pair of eyes, peered into those of Kamito's.

"The Strongest Blade Dancer— Ren Ashbell."

<noinclude>

==Translator's notes and references==
<references/>

{{SeireiDance Nav|prev=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume1 Chapter1|next=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume1 Chapter3}}</noinclude>

Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume1 Chapter1

2013-02-23T06:28:48Z

Worker:

==Chapter 1: You Are My Contracted Spirit==

=== Part 1 ===

In a quiet forest where the sun rays were shining through leaves.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Splash—*

Such sound of water resounded.

Kamito, he— opened his mouth wide and just stood there.

There was a girl. In front of his eyes was a naked girl.

On top of that, she was a cute girl.

There was her widely opened eyes of ruby pupils, and her lustrously moist cherry-red lips.

Her white skin was smooth like milk and dazzling.

Her slender beautiful legs were standing in the surface of the water.

Then, what caught his eyes more than anything was—

Her blazing-like crimson red hair that clinged on her gorgeous fine glass work like body.

However, she was '''naked'''.

Stark naked.

"......"

Kamito felt cold sweat on his back.

Not good. It's nakedly not good.

......Speaking of which, he ought to run away.

His rationality was certainly telling him that.

However, his body wouldn't move.

Actually, he was ''charmed''. The scene felt too surreal.

The girl—

[[Image:STnBD V01 013.jpg|thumb]]

Her moist and beautiful eyes blinked and were gazing at the intruder who appeared suddenly.

She had a blank expression. It seemed like she had yet to grasp the situation.

She didn't even cover her developing small breasts.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Tick.*

The water drops fell from the young girl's bangs.

Kamito regain his senses with that sound.

"Ah— Err......"

Kamito coughed.

He removed his glance from the naked girl who was standing motionlessly.


"How can I say it......this looks like an accident, right? It is an unfortunate accident for both of us..."

At that time, Kamito made two fatal errors.

The first, of course, was that he started to make futile explanations. The best choice was to take advantage of the fact that the girl was dazed, and run away from the trouble immediately.

And the other error was—

"Even though it was an accident, I have seen you like this. Sorry, my apologies."

Until here it was still fine, but the following......

"Though, don't worry. I'm still a healthy boy, so I don't have ''that kind of interest''. I......"

Looking at the young girl's ''small developing chest''—

"I have no interest towards a kid's naked body."

Looks like he stepped on a gigantic landmine.

"......"

A frozen silence fell.

The girl—
Sliently raised her arm with red hair coiled around.

Her shoulders were slightly shaking.

That wasn't because of the cold, but Kamito was oblivious to that fact.


"Sixteen—"

"Eh?"

The girl's delicate lips were mumbling something, and Kamito lifted his eyebrows.

"I-I-I am sixteen!!!"

At the instant when she screamed that out, the young girl's red hair stood on its end.

"Huuh!?"

As Kamito opened his eyes wide in surprise—

"Sixteen!? For real? A sixteen year old with such a pitiful chest—"

He quickly covered his mouth. But it was already too late.

"......Unforgivable."

The young girl said that in a low, cold voice.

"D-Definitely unforgivable......you-you-you-you peeping demon, pervert, lewd beast!"

"You're quite knowledgable to know words like lewd beast."

Kamito said that in a low voice with narrowed eyes.

"Hn?"

......At that time, he noted that the forest's trees were making a low whisper-like rustle.


''Is that the wind? No, that's—''

——Guardian of the crimson blaze, keeper of undying hearth!

——Now's the time to abide by the blood contract, come forth and do my bidding!

From the young girl's cute lips strung out an incantation in fluent Spirit language.

At that instant, accompanied by the sound of an air blast, a '''whip of flames''' appeared in the hand of the girl.

''.....An elementalist!''

Kamito shouted in his head.

An elementalist— «Astral Zero», something that existed in a different dimension as this world.

They were princess maidens, who had made contracts with spirits living there.

Elementalists could use different types of spirits and freely wield their powers.

It seemed that the girl in front of him had a contract with a fire-type spirit.

The young girl was a elementalist. That itself wasn't something to be that surprised about.

After all, this was the place where the country's excellent elementalists were gathered together.

''.....Nevertheless, it's surprising that she can even use an elemental waffe.''

The forms of the spirits living in Astral Zero when they were summoned here were greatly separated into two.

One was a base form that appeared as a lump of divine power, which was massless and had an indeterminate form. This was purely the summoning of a spirit's power, and was used as a battery for the time spirit magic was used.


The other type was the pure form that summoned a part of the spirit's existence as it was.

This required tremendous amount of divine power and, on top of that, it was difficulty to control. So, thos capable of this were said to be even a handful amongst the elementalists. Even so, the girl before his eyes was not just using a spirit, but was using it a highly optimized elemental waffe.

''.... it means that, eh? – Would I now happen to be in a life or death situation?''

As the thought suddenly hit him, Kamito was stunned.

At the place where the flame whip touched the water's surface, a gush of white steam was rising from it.

"You, you have guts..... "

The girl murmured in a trembling voice.

Her face was red. Was it due to her anger, or her embarrassment?

"Rea-Really, you have some nerve, to p-peek , while I, Claire Rouge, am taking my bath....."

"W-Wait, that's a misunderstanding! Let me explain it first!"

Kamito shook his head in panic.

"I will not listen to your excuses. Turn into cinders, you pervert!"

The flame whip ignited furiously in the wielder's hand and was moving as if it was licking the water surface.

"Oooooh..!?"

Kamito propelled his body into the dense bushes nearby.


Nearly at the same time, the Flame Tongue brushed its way over his head.

The idle red residue remained on the trees, which were cut off like a complete joke. The cut surface of the tree trunks' remains were surprisingly clean, without any trace of burn. The attack was so quick that the flames didn't even have the time to ignite the trees.

The hair on Kamito's forehead was fluttering down on his mouth while cold sweat appeared on his forehead.

''.....Um, that's a joke, right? I'm not going to die like that, am I?''

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Zing*, *biyutsu* – there was like an endless dance of crimson flash cutting horizontally and vertically in the forest. The bush was mowed down in a blink of an eye and losing his place of hiding, Kamito hurriedly dashed out.

"Don't dodge, pervert, I can't hit you!"

"Don't ask for the impossible, and I'm not a pervert!"

Kamito screamed out and at the same time, the whip swung downwards on his feet, causing a violent spark to scatter. Rising from the ground, the whip immediately sprang up in the direction of the forest woods, which got ruthlessly severed.

But fortunately among all the unluckiness, the girl— Claire's aim wasn't quite accurate.

After all, one hand was hiding her pitiful chest from being revealed, and in order to conceal her most important part, she squatted down in the pond. However, considering how she handled her whip in such a position, she should be normally talented at using it.

"How conceited despite being a pervert, please obediently turn into cinders!"


"I'm saying that I'm not a pervert! By the way"

Kamito stopped and turned around.

He pointed out '''something that he had noticed for some time'''.

"You, cover yourself properly. The gaps between your fingers aren't able to hide them delicately."

"......eh?"

Instantly, Claire's facial expression froze. And—

"Kyaaaaaaaaaah!"

Blushing deeply and screaming strangely in a cute voice— she quickly hid her chest with both of her hands.

"Ah, idiot!"

Kamito involuntarily exclaimed.

Claire let go and lost control of the flame whip, and it cleanly severed the trees behind her.

Slowly, the huge trees came falling down right at her.

However, Claire didn't notice it. Her eyes were closed in embarrassment as she kept embracing her naked chest.

''Damn—''

At this instant, Kamito kicked the ground.


Running with his whole strength towards the pond, he then jumped while grabbing Claire's shoulders.

"Wha—!?"

Claire's red pupils dilated widely.

Kamito ignored it and aggressively pressed her down in the water.

The moment Claire's hand touched the water, a gush of steam rose, and the flame whip disappeared.

Immediately after, the nearby trees were mowed down and a trunk collapsed.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Duuuun!*

There was a deafening sound, and magnificent large water columns rose.

Absorbing the heat of the flames, the warm pond water poured down like heavy rain.

.....A few seconds later.

"Um......"

Making a seductive voice, Claire slowly opened her eyes.

She had an expression of shock, and her eyes blinked in wonder.

Kamito leaned on Claire, and briefly he found himself staring into her eyes.

Their faces were so close that if someone was to push his back lightly, their lips would likely touch.

The crimson red hair clung closely to her nape. Her moist lips were cherry red.

Her delicate glass doll like perfect face was in front of Kamito's eyes.


For a short moment it looked like he was subconsciously captivated by her. Kamito quickly shook his head.

"......Um, are you alright? Are you hurt.."

Claire nodded. Somehow, it seemed she had not fully absorbed the situation yet.

Kamito sighed, then tried to stand up.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Funyuu.*

His hand under the water had touched something soft.

"Hwaaah!"

''What is that? Mud?—''

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Funyu*. *Munyu*<ref>These are sounds of touching and squeezing</ref>.

"Hm, ya, hwaaa"

From her moist lips came a shallow sweet voice. Claire's submerged naked body twitched for some reason.

"Um ..this is?"

Having come this far, Kamito finally arrived at a certain conclusion. A certain......awfully frightening conclusion.

''No, wait, calm down. This can't be it... right?''

It could't be. There was no such thing. While releasing a flow of cold sweat, he desperately tried to deny such a possibility.


''When I looked at it earlier, it wasn't so...''

"Wh..Wha.. Wha..Whattt .... are..you...do..ing"

Claire's lip trembled, shaking involuntarily. She was blushing with tears in her eyes.

Apparently, it probably wasn't.....a lump of mud that he touched.

"You, pervert—!"

"Gwah!"

Because he got hit hard by a knee in the stomach, Kamito collapsed into the pond's water.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Gugugugugu....!*

With rising wobbling heat haze behind her, Claire slowly stood up.

Before one knows, the flame whip, which was an manifestation of her flame spirit, was again grasped in her hand.

The water in the pond instantaneously started to boil, and bubbles began to show here and there.

"No..No, it's a misunderstanding! Wait, I'm really gonna die....."

"Sh..Shut up pervert, you will die here!"

Together with an almost ear-spliting deafening sound, Kamito's body whirled highly into the air.

=== Part 2 ===

".....Um"

A few minutes later. Kamito starts to recover his consciousness, before his eyes, trees within the forest unfold.

He tried to rise—

Suddenly, he noticed something which was coiled around his neck.

It was a leather black whip for torturing. ''What is this thing...'', Kamito tried to remove it,

"Finally woke up, You Peeping Tom Pervert"

The thing on his neck tightened.

"Gweh!? Release me...."

Kamito coughed then looked upward—

Scarlet haired young girl – Claire, stood with her hands at her waist. Keeping her slim eyebrow arc raised, she gazed sharply down at Kamito.

This time she was not naked. The girl has changed into an adorable uniform. It has the pattern of black line within the pure white, Areishia Spirit Academy's uniform.

A ribbon tie decorated the front of her chest. Instead of a button, a talisman was sewn on it. Between the gap of knee sock stockings and a pleated skirt, her slender beautiful legs stuck out brilliantly. The tiny ribbons tied her blazing crimson hair on both sides. This was the so called twin tail hair style. Judging from her still wet hair, it seems that he hadn't lost consciousness for that long.

Keeping the neck of Kamito bound tightly, Claire puffed up her small chest.

"Well, be grateful. I went easy and didn't try to kill you"

"That has to be a lie. You definitely intended to kill me. "

"What are you talking about? If I was serious, you would've been cinders by now. "

..... She just said something terribly frightening in a calm manner.

By the way, cinders are the soft ash residue left from incinerated firewood.

"I beg your forgiveness to spare me from becoming cinders. After all, I helped you."

"Yeah, I'm a fair noble, I'll give you credit for that. You are of a higher grade than an average pervert, so you are a high grade pervert."

"In the end the pervert designation doesn't change. By the way, isn't a high grade pervert even worse than an average pervert?"

"Wh.. What.....pretending to help, you ...you touched, my breast!"

Recalling what happened earlier, Claire's shy face suddenly turned red.

''Hmm?''

Seeing such a reaction from her, Kamito had an idea.

.....This girl, could it be that she is that kind of person?

"So it seems, that my lady is a pervert that has a hobby of whipping men."

Kamito teased her nonchalantly—

"What!? Wr-Wro-Wrong, I'm not!"

The response was immediate as expected. Claire shook her head, and her cheeks instantly became bright red all the way to her ears.

"Then do you enjoy being whipped?"

".....m! Wha... What.. are...you..sayi..ng?"

Claire's eyes twirled, as a steam puff rose out from her head. She is surprisingly flustered.

''Oh, as I expected....''

Kamito smiled bitterly in his heart.

''This girl, is really really innocent.''

Probably, it wasn't only this girl that was special..

After all, this Areishia Spirit academy is a school building, where elementalist princess maidens were gathered.

Only pure maidens are capable of exchanging feelings with the spirits from Astral Zero. Among them, those who retain enough divine power so that they can command a contracted spirit, are noble girls from the family of kings or lords of ancient and honorable lineage, whose elementalist blood was strengthened through marriage of many generations.

To maintain the purity of their body and heart, these girls are raised in an environment that's completely separated from the males since childhood: the so called elite education for elementalists. Therefore, all the girls attending the academy are super boxed-in princesses who are unaccustomed to men.

Finding the unexpected weak point of the girl, Kamito had a slight desire to play a prank on her.

Keeping a kneeling position, Kamito looked up at the embarrassed bright red face of Claire.

"Wh— Then, there is something I have meant to say since earlier."

"Wh...What, you pervert!"

"I can see your panties from this angle."

"Fuwah!"

Tears began to float in her crimson eyes, Claire hastily pressed down the fringe of her skirt with both hands.

"You... You saw it?"

"Only a glance, you are unexpectedly quite daring. It has the same color as your hair."

"You... You lie! It is not red! It's white, white!"

"So, it's white."

"......huh!?"

Realizing that she was tricked, Claire bit her lips—


"U-Uuuuuuuuuh~"

..... Somehow she started to cry.

At this sudden unexpected reaction, Kamito panicked. "No, you're the pervert, a dirty ojou-sama, who reveals the color of her own panties", he had planned to tease her more with such words..... but, as expected, he was starting to feel pitiful.

Taking the chance while Claire was still in disarray, Kamito removed the whip coiled around his neck.

"My bad, I went a bit too far with my prank. Sorry."

Kamito stood up and placed his hand on Claire's head. Claire stopped crying, and looked puzzled.

"It's my fault that I have seen your naked body while bathing, and I have .... have touched your breast as well. But those actions were not intentional. Please believe me."

"Wha-What....."

Seeing the truthfulness in Kamito's eye, Claire could not help but to avert her eyes.

"....What-What is this? If you are not a pervert, then '''why are you here?'''"

A question of matter of course. This forest was under the jurisdiction of Areishia Spirit Academy, known as the «Spirit Forest». There is no reason for the presence of a man in the academy where pure princess maidens are gathered.

Even if he was not a pervert, there was little doubt that he was someone suspicious.

"I was, summoned here by Greyworth."

"Greyworth..... the Academy Director!?"

Claire suspiciously questioned. Indeed, it is only natural to doubt.

"I'm not lying. Look, here's the evidence."

Kamito shrugged his shoulders, and took out a letter from his burned coat's inside pocket. The letter was signed by the renowned academy director. Also, it was stamped with the emblem seal that symbolizes the five great Elemental Lords.

"Is....that, the first rank emblem seal of the empire!?"

Claire let out a voice of dismay from her lips. The first rank emblem seal is produced by sealing spirits with a special technique. It is rated as the highest among the emblem seals issued by the empire, and is said to be completely impossible to counterfeit. Of course, it is something that is rarely seen, but as a elementalist, Claire could certainly tell its authenticity.

".....It seems to be the real thing. But, why would the academy director call a man here?"

"Well, for that you have to ask Greyworth, that old hag. It was troublesome for me, too."

"That... that old hag!?"

Instantly, Claire's face stiffened.

The Dusk Witch, Greyworth is greatly respected by the princess maidens who aim to become spirit knights. It was said that her popularity in the Ordesia Empire is neck and neck with the Strongest Sword Dancer Ren Ashbell. Even after a decade since she retired from the squad of the Twelve Knight Generals, the most elite force of the Spirit Knights known as the «Numbers», her legendary name as a witch is still being feared and revered to the highest degree.

''Well, for me, she is nothing but a nightmare....''

Tucking away the letter in his pocket, Kamito shrugged his shoulders.

"Greyworth is an old acquaintance of mine. I came all the way here, but the academy ground is very large, so I have lost my way."

Areishia Spirit Academy ground is incredibly vast. After all, beside the academic town at the foot of the hill, it also includes the entire spirit forest that spreads around it.

"Could it be, that you were misled by the spirits in the forest. That's so lame."

".....Yeah, that's how it is."

Claire chuckled, while Kamito nodded, feeling a bit dejected.

Existing in various locations of the continent, the spirit forests are connected with Astral Zero through the GATE, and are inhabited by the spirits that have gone astray into this world. Most of the spirits have no interest in humankind so they are harmless. But there are also spirits who enjoy playing pranks, and they deliberately mislead the travelers who stray into the forest. As he was guided by the spirits' whispers and went deeper and deeper into the forest, he must have lost the way to the academy.

"Anyway, I'm really glad that I met a person. It is not very appealing to become a victim of the forest. From here onwards, which direction should I follow to get to the academy?"

"Which direction.....for your own information, I shall tell you, that it takes two hours to get to the academy from here on foot."

"What, that far!?"

If he was to walk for such a long distance, most likely he would be once again tricked by the spirits. Since a student of the academy was here, he had thought that the academy was much nearer than it was.

''.....hmm? Why was this girl taking a bath at this kind of place?''

A plain question suddenly arises. Today is indeed a bit hot, nonetheless instead of coming all the way here, there should be showering facilities inside of the academy no matter what. Anyhow there are only girls in the school, there is nothing to be embarrassed about.

Being asked, Claire dug her hands into her wet twin tail hair and tried to comb it.

"I was here for the purification ritual for a spirit contract. Being a spring next to a shrine, the water here has the highest holy quality. Do you at least know that spirits like a woman which has a pure mind and body?"

"Spirit contract?"

The moment he heard those words, a throbbing pain came from the back of his left hand covered in leather gloves. Kamito grimaced from the burning sharp pain.

"A bit further from here, there is an ancient holy sword in a historical shrine. Rumor has it that a powerful «sealed spirit» inhabited there. Since the founding of the academy, not a single princess maiden has successfully formed a contract with it. It surely sounds like a very proud spirit."

Sealed spirits – are not the spirits that reside in Astral Zero.

Among the spirits, there are those who were sealed into weapons or armors by powerful ancient elementalists. Most of them have brought about terrible disasters to the humans, and are dreadful beings called Djinn or Ifrit by ancient societies.

Of course, they are not meant to be employed by the human elementalists. For that purpose, the ancient great elementalists sealed them in weapons or armor so that they will never be summoned again.

"You, do you plan to form a contract with a sealed spirit?"

"That's right! Do you have a problem with it?"

"Stop, it's too dangerous."

"Hmm, you seem to know it quite well, even though you are not a elementalist. I'm quite aware of the danger, but I need a powerful spirit no matter what."

Claire muttered, biting her tightly closed lips.

Seeing her serious facial expression, Kamito involuntarily shut his mouth.

"But, don't you already have a contract with the flame spirit from earlier? That is also a quite powerful spirit, won't it be fine if you raise it up?"

For its attribute, a flame spirit is not very rare. But, there are only a handful of elementalists who can control a spirit of such rank and even capable of «elemental waffe» in the whole empire. Besides, elementalists that have formed a contract with multiple spirits are so rare that they are almost nonexistent. Discordance between the spirits can cause deterioration of the balance of divine power. Without enough talent one can't control them.

"«Scarlet» is an important partner. But—"

I need more power— Claire calmly shook her head.

"I have a goal. To achieve it, I must have a strong spirit."

=== Part 3 ===

Chasing the back of Claire on which her fluffy crimson twin tails swung, Kamito followed her inside the forest. Although Claire's leather loafers looked quite difficult to walk in, Claire was a well trained elementalist after all, and her steps were light and lively.

"Here."

Then, suddenly her well proportioned feet stopped walking.

With her hands on her hips, she looked back with a half eye glare towards Kamito.

"Why are you following me? You pervert peeping maniac. "

"Without you, I don't know the way towards the academy. As I have said several times, I am not a pervert peeping maniac. It's Kamito, Kazehaya Kamito."

"Fufu, what a weird name. Kuina's origin?"

Kuina is an empire in the eastern region of the continent. It is said that its language, culture and the relationship of people with spirits largely differed from Ordeshia.

"No, it's not from Kuina. I was born in a far remote island minority group village."

Kamito intentionally obscured his own statement. Certainly, he was born in an island country in the east, but the larger half of his childhood life wasn't spent there.

"Your name also has quite a rare taste, Claire Rouge."

"Don't call my name in a friendly manner. Anyway it's a strange name."

"Really? But, I consider it a nice name."

"Wha-What are you saying, stu-stupid!"

Claire's face blushed, then she suddenly changed back to her former direction, and briskly walked faster than usual.

Claire Rouge —— obviously a pseudonym.

Most of the students attending the Areishia spirit academy are surely young ladies of noble families who have been trained as elementalists since childhood. But Kamito has never heard of the Rouge residence. For hiding a noble family name, she must have some reason for it, but Kamito had no intention to delve more.

''.....Everyone has some secrets they want to hide.''

Kamito glanced in the direction of his left hand covered by a leather glove.

''Even I have mine, too—''

Claire kept advancing steadily. Kamito hastily chased after her back where the twin tail were swaying. Now, losing sight of Claire inside the forest will bring only trouble for him. Kamito was well aware of the dangers of spending one night inside the «Spirit Forest».

"Is that dress the academy's uniform?"

"Yeah."

Claire nodded in a cold manner while walking.

Areishia Spirit Academy uniform are pretty sturdy and also serve as a protective garment, which have undergone spirit's blessing, and it has the effect of raising the sacred attributes. It could also function nicely as a high ceremonial dress for contracting with spirits.

"What, are you saying that it doesn't suit me?"

"No, it suits you gorgeously. Honestly speaking, I am charmed."

Kamito shrugged his shoulder, and then answered honestly. Fine feathers make fine birds, Kamito planned to mock her with some caustic words, but it did fit her so perfectly that Kamito couldn't help but to compliment her.

"Wha-What-What are you saying!? Aren't you an idiot!"

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Kaatsu* Claire blushed in deep red, while *Pyun-Pyun* waving her whip.

"Uwahh, Calm down!"

"Wasn't it because you said some weird thing?"

"Me saying a weird thing?, I simply speak the truth— *in pain*, I got it, I got it, please stop waving your whip for every little thing."

''....phew, I need her as a guide, but what a bothersome princess.''

Dodging the whip which was swung downward at a paper thin distance, Kamito sighed in his mind.

The shrine that held the holy blade stood quietly in a clearing in the forest.

Claire easily removed the entry forbidding ward, then stopped her steps, and turned to Kamito.

"From here onwards, it will be really dangerous, so, as a commoner you should stay away."

"If you know that it's dangerous, why not stop?"

"As I am saying, ''I need to have a strong spirit''."

Claire calmly shook her head, and stepped into the shrine.

Disregarding her warnings, Kamito followed her. As for coming all the way, it was true that he needed a guide, but more importantly he was just worried about Claire.

After all, "sealed spirits" were strong and at the same time have a wild nature. They prefer destruction and chaos; given the chance they would even murder the elementalist that employs them.

They are not something that can be managed by humans— that is why they have been sealed.

Sixteen years of age, with such an innate talent of wielding a spirit, Claire might as well be called a prodigy. However, if by any chance, she was to release a sealed spirit and fail to control it, what would happen?

Although she was just a girl he met by chance, Kamito couldn't leave her alone.

"Why did you follow me? I can't guarantee what will happen to you."

"Don't you have the absolute confidence to tame it?"

"Of-Of course I do!"

"Then there's no problem if I come along. "

Kamito shrugged his shoulder and Claire turned away from him.

"....Suit yourself."

Inside the shrine is a dark gloomy misty atmosphere. Claire frowned slightly at the moldy smells mingling in the air.

"......Flames, let there be light."

A tiny fire ball immediately started to glow from Claire's fingertips, a basic spirit spell drawing on the power of Flame Spirit. The flickering light of the fire ball dimly illuminated the walls of the shrine which looked like a stalactites cavern.

The sword was at the innermost of the shrine.

"That..... is the sword that the sealed spirit resides in?"

Kamito muttered, while Claire nodded quietly.

A naked sword was stabbed standing in a huge stone. Although without doubt it was an antique of hundreds of years old, it had no rust on its body or dent on its edge. Delicate ancient runes were engraved on its belly, radiating a dimly blue light.

"Existing here even before the academy was found, «The Sacred Sword of Severian»."

"The Sacred Sword of Severian? The one that slayed Demon King Solomon?"

Demon King Solomon— commanding seventy two powerful spirits, brought chaos and destruction to the continent, and was '''the only male elementalist in history'''.

It was said that the one that slayed the demon king was the sword of Severian.

"Idiot, there's no way that's the real thing."

Claire stated like she was amazed.

"Sacred Sword of Severian stabbed into a stone can be found everywhere in the empire. Some remote villages even have one for the revitalization of the village. Anyhow, even if it is not the real deal, since it is a rune sword, there might be a powerful spirit sealed in itself."

".....Indeed. Certainly, the real thing would not be in such a place..."

Claire walked towards the sword determinedly.

"Hey...."

"You stay back."

Gesturing to Kamito who was coming close, Claire clenched the hilt of the holy blade.

"Don't strain yourself."

"....Got it."

Kamito decided to watch over Claire at the edge where the light barely reached. The sealed spirit might be provoked by the presence of other people. A heavy silence filled the surroundings.

".....Let's do this, Claire Rouge."

Breathing deeply, Claire murmured to herself. Her voice trembled a bit; it seemed that she was nervous after all.

«center»''"—Oh Noble Spirit Sealed in Ancient Holy Sword!"''«/center»

«center»''"—Thou Shall Accept Me As Thy Master, And I Shall Be Thy Sheath!"''«/center»

From her cherry red lips flew a fluent incantation for contract ritual in spirit language. Her crimson hair stood on its ends. A crashing wind started to swirl inside the shrine.

Holding his breath, Kamito watched her intensely. Once the contracts had been exchanged and the spirit recognized Claire as its master, a spirit seal would be engraved somewhere on her body. The contract vows entered its conclusion. In this moment, a dreadful gust of wind swept inside the shrine.

"......eh?"

But, Claire was unfazed. She calmly recited her contract vow.

—And, dazzling light radiated from Severian's holy blade in her hand.

''I can't....believe it, She was exchanging a contract with the sealed spirit!?''

Preventing being swept by the wind, astonished Kamito raised his voice.

From the holy blade stabbed in the stone came overwhelming tremendous divine energy. If it was an average elementalist, she would have already passed out.

«center»''"—Thrice I Command Thee, Exchange Vows With Me!"''«/center»

And, Claire's vow reverberated inside the shrine— in that instant.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Clink!*

"Pulled-Pulled out. I pulled it out."

".....What, seriously!?"

Brandishing overhead the sword pulled out from the stone, Claire exclaimed with joy. In the next second—

The ancient runes engraved in its blade suddenly shone violently!

"......huh!?"

Claire involuntarily released the blade from her hand—

The holy blade thrust into the ground. With a flash, it blasted into bits.

"Kyaaaaah!"

A short shriek flew, then Claire collapsed onto the ground.

"Hey, are you okay!"

Kamito quickly ran towards Claire.

"Wha-What? What exactly has...."

Claire held her temple and got up, then looked around restlessly.

"My-My sealed spirit?"

"No, I....can sense something terrible."

Sweat was flowing intensely from the back of Kamito's neck. Wearing a terrified facial expression, he looked up at the shrine's ceiling. In that place, '''swinging while floating in the air was the blade'''.

It's not the shattered holy sword. But, it was a rough steel blade that looked very sharp.

"Is that.....the sealed spirit in the sword!?"

"So it was of the «sword spirit» class. Looks like it is rather irritated."

"How do you know so much? You are not even a elementalist!"

"It is plain to see. No matter how you look at it, that doesn't seem to be someone who pledges his allegiance to his master."

".....Umm, indeed so."

Claire meekly nodded uncharacteristically.

The floating sword slanted pointing its tip in a downward direction, suddenly it become motionless.

Then—

".....Get down!"

Kamito in that instant, pushed Claire down to the ground. A buzzing sound of an insect grazed the ear, in a flash it went far away.

"Wai-Waa-Wait, where are you touching me, I'll turn you into cinders!"

With her face deeply red, Claire beat on Kamito's chest repeatedly.

"Idiot, stop rampaging!"

Kamito quickly moved his body away, and looked in the direction that the sword spirit had flown to.

Fragments of rocks fell down with clattering sounds. The shrine's ceiling was completely sliced off cleanly.

"It is remarkable to release a spirit of such rank—"

Kamito glared with half opened eye towards Claire.

"...... but the spirit has completely gone berserk."

"Shu-Shut up. The-The taming of it starts now."

"YOU...."

Kamito was stupefied, but he was in no situation to quarrel with her.

The spirit sword released a chattering noise while approaching them. Inside the shrine, they couldn't move freely, and even their range of sight was restricted.

Kamito grabbed Claire's hand and stood up. Touching each others' soft skin, *Doki* a heart beat, but he showed no vexed expression 

"Hwaah."

"Stopping making a cute reaction at every little thing. Let's flee."

"Wha.. whaa. whatt.. Cute.. what, me? Kyaa!"

"Let's run outside!"

Pulling Claire's hand, while running towards the direction of the shrine's exit that was basking with sunshine.

The spirit sword did not immediately chase after them. Maybe as of now it has not yet completely awakened. With this opportunity they might be able to run away.

The moment they were out of the shrine, the flash of the sword grazed in front of his eyes. Kamito's forelocks fell while dancing in the air. The spirit sword let out a tremendous roar, decisively knocking down the surrounding trees in succession.

"Crazy, what a wild spirit, just like a certain princess."

"Alwa-Always, you're noisy..."

Feeling slightly awkward, and Claire deliberately coughed, then stood up.

"What a rebellious child.....I'll give you a proper spanking."

Her pair of crimson eyes were burning with a fierce determination; somehow she said some lines of provocation. Rolling up the fringe of her skirt, she then took out the leather whip which was coiled around her thigh, hitting it hard in the ground. Kamito's heart beat for the brief sight of her white underwear, but he said—

"Are you insane!? Your opponent is a high rank sealed spirit!"

"Easy victory. Amateurs like you please stay back!"

"Where are you getting all of your confidence? Whatever, let's run away!"

Claire shook off Kamito's hand that was grabbing her wrist.

"No, you escape yourself. I will absolutely make this spirit mine."

"You, for what reason— do you need a strong spirit that badly?"

".....You will never understand."

At the same time Clair averted her eyes.

"I need...power, I need an unbeatable powerful spirit that will not lose to any other spirit!"

«center»''"—Guardian of the crimson blaze, keeper of undying hearth!"''«/center»

«center»''"—Now's the time to abide by the blood contract, come forth and do my bidding!"''«/center»

Claire recited the summoning spell of her "Flame Spirit". A crimson flame surged and she was engulfed by intense heat.

"The hunting begins, Scarlet!"

Together with scorching flame – a Scarlet Red Hell Cat appeared. Instead of fur, it was blazing scarlet red colored flame that was wrapped around the beast's body.

''Is that the real form of her flame spirit!?''

Indeed, she was not all talk.

To be manifested in beast form is proof that it is a high rank spirit. "Scarlet" might just be a name of affection, perhaps it was not the true name of the spirit. Without doubt it is a high rank spirit that carries a true name. 

Claire wielded her whip, and the hell cat growled with a frightful roar, then rushed towards the sword spirit. Dancing sparks scattered. The atmosphere trembled at the roar of the beast. The floating spirit sword went against them, cutting all the trees in its way.

"Scarlet, go get it!"

In response to Claire's shout, the hell cat leaped. High above the floating sword it went, and sharp blazing claws swung down at the sword. With a high pitched shrill sound, intense sparks sprinkled down, and the spirit sword dropped to the ground.

Claire ran at the same time. It was not a fatal hit. The spirit sword rose and flew in a split second, rolling over while drawing an arc in the air.

The flame spirit chased after it, trying not to lose it from its hands. Roaring loudly, it made a great leap again.

Violent sparks scattered once again. Claire struck hard at the ground with her leather whip, slowly pressing forward against the sword spirit. It looked like the leather whip was not meant for battle, rather for signaling instructions to the spirit.

At the fierce attacks of Scarlet, the spirit sword's movement stopped— At this instant,

"Eat this, '''Searing Fire Ball'''!"

Clair released a huge fire ball from her palm.

Fire Ball is a high level spirit magic which uses ultra hot flames and can terribly burn up any of its target, leaving it traceless. The spirit magic's power is determined by the elementalist's own divine spiritual energy and the contracted spirit's strength as a whole.

The released fire ball drew an arch in the air, then exploded in a blast that even Scarlet was caught in. The shock wave of the explosion knocked down the trees in the surroundings and fallen tree trunks radiated from the explosion center.

''What terrible power......''

Shielding himself from the flying stones coming at his head, Kamito wrapped his tongue and marveled.

Such power was nothing like what a sixteen years old girl is capable of.

Inside the swirling fire the hell cat's figure showed up. Naturally, the hell cat can't possibly be harmed by the blazing fire because of its fire nature.

The spirit sword floated motionlessly in the air. It seemed that it had not received any damage either. Naturally, Claire didn't think that she would bring down a high rank spirit with spirit magic. But she should be able to get its attention.

"Scarlet!"

Claire exclaimed. The flame spirit's claws attacked the spirit sword again. Its scourging hot claws could melt the iron steel. If its opponent was an average spirit, it would be instantly eradicated. But, the spirit sword quickly turned around, and the attack was stopped by the steel edge of the blade.

In an instant, the strange sound of metal scratching each other reverberated in the trembling atmosphere.

"Wh...What?...."

Kamito suppressed both his ears with his hands.

Receiving the full impact of the sound, Claire's face distorted from pain and she crouched down there.

The spirit sword released a weird sound— and then, transformed. Its shape changed from an average long sword to that of a huge bastard sword.

In a flash.

"What!?"

Claire's flame spirit took the unexpected strike and couldn't avoid the big swing. The body was severed into two, and it vanished into the void together with the flames wrapped around its body.

With only one hit, it had lost the strength to manifest in this world.

''....Damn! Isn't it in a completely different league? It seemed that it has completely awakened.''

Kamito cursed, then took a glance at Claire—

Claire had collapsed on the ground, and her stunned blank eyes were fixed upward at the void where the flame spirit had disappeared.

Having finished off the flame spirit in one swing, the spirit sword aimed its next attack at Claire.

The huge bastard sword flew with a bursting sound—

"Claire!"

Kamito shouted, and started to run. Without reason, his own body just moved before he knew it.

"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"

Diving in front of Claire, he thrust his palm toward the bastard sword. Not his left hand enclosed by the leather glove – it was his right hand.

''......No choice but to do this!''

«center»''"—Oh Noble Spirit Sealed in Ancient Holy Sword!"''«/center»

«center»''"—Thou Shall Accept Me As Thy Master, And I Shall Be Thy Sheath!"''«/center»

Sweat rushed down from his forehead, he started to recite the incantation for spirit contract ''that he had sworn to never utter again''. The spinning tip of the sword pierced the skin of his palm. Red blood gushed intensely from it.

''.....Gwaah, Gah!''

Crushing amounts of divine energy knocked on him, the soil and sands surrounding them were whirling up from the wind pressure. He almost lost his consciousness from the sharp pain. But if Kamito fainted here, Claire who was behind him would surely be cut in half.

«center»''"—Thrice I Command Thee!"''«/center»

".....No way, a Spirit Contract!?"

A surprised sound came from Claire's throat.

Kamito's heels sank into the ground. And, the sound of his breaking bones resounded underneath his scalp.

«center»''"—Exchange Vows With Me!"''«/center»

Withstanding the terrible sharp pain, Kamito finished his last word of the contract ritual.

Instantly, the body of the spirit sword radiated a pale blue light.

''What!?''

Intense flashes and thunderous sounds filled his consciousness.

=== Part 4 ===

He opened his eyes, and Claire Rouge's face was there. Hanging lower onto his face was her twin tailed hair tickling his face.

It seemed that she shouted something, but he couldn't hear it clearly. Probably the sound blast had messed up his ears.

''.....Looks like I'm still alive.''

Wearily lying on the ground, Kamito let out a breath of relief. The chance of success against a spirit of such rank was very low, but it looked like his gamble had paid off.

Raising his eyebrow, he grimaced from the torment of his whole body's pain and raised his right hand slowly.

In his right hand which was stabbed—

Instead of a wound, an emblem of two swords crossing each other was engraved on it.

It was the proof of the spirit contract — The spirit seal.

''Aah, I did it....''

Staring at the carved seal on the back of his hand, Kamito murmured.

A sharp sense of guilt bit his heart.

He had broken the promise with ''her''—

But, to save Claire under such a situation, that was the only method.

Claire noticed that Kamito had woken up, with her hands in his nape and her face approaching him. So close that he could feel her breath. With her clear crimson eyes, she stared at Kamito. Her cherry colored lips weakly trembled.

"......Why?"

"'''Why? You're a male. How can you contract a spirit!?'''"

"......"

Kamito did not answer and slowly rose up. Being ignored, the annoyed Claire raised her eyebrows.

"My-My sword spirit!?"

"My bad. Just a moment ago, I contracted with it."

Kamito sighed and at the same time he showed her the back of his right hand where the spirit seal was engraved.

"Wha-Whaa-Wha-Whaaaat!"

Claire wore a stunned expression with her mouth wide open.

''Well, a natural reaction....''

A long sigh— Kamito felt a faint ache in his heart. Of course, he could clearly understand such a response. Originally, a privilege that was granted to no one except pure maidens— the spirit contract.

The existence of a man which could contract a spirit, throughout history, belonged solely to one person. And the one who brought chaos and destruction in the world, the so called Demon King elementalist.

It is natural to fear him, who carried the same power of spirit contracts as the Demon King.

Kamito stood up and quietly turned around.

He did not regret it. To save the girl, this was the only way he could think of.

"Wait, wait I say!"

Kamito was about to leave, but a voice called him from the back.

Turning around, he saw that Claire with her hands on her hips glared intensely at him.

"You stole...my spirit...take responsibility for it!"

"Huh?"

Kamito frowned. ....It didn't make any sense to him.

At such a reaction from Kamito, Claire impatiently brushed her twin tail.

"I should have been the one who had obtained that spirit, as I am saying, you have to take responsibility for it."

"Re..sponsibility?"

Because of that unexpected word, Kamito had become even more confused.<ref>Normally while using the Japanese language, when a girl tells a guy to take responsibility it carries the implication of marriage. Hence Kamito's confusion.</ref>

....What was the girl saying.

"Therefore...."

Claire snapped her whip, then she pointed her index finger toward Kamito.

"You have to become my contracted spirit!"

<noinclude>
==References and Translation Notes==
<references/>

{{SeireiDance Nav|prev=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume1 Illustrations|next=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume1 Chapter2}}</noinclude>

Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume4 Chapter7

2013-02-23T05:57:59Z

Worker:

==Chapter 7: Darkness Spirit Girl==
===Part 1===

"---What was that, stupid, stupid, stupid Kamito!"

With her hair standing on end, Claire ran through the castle's hallway.

She wiped the large tears forming in her eyes with her sleeve.

---Has nothing to do with Claire.

Those words replayed in Kamito's cold tone over and over in her head.

''I'm not trusted by Kamito......''

She became very sad when she thought that.

---Onee-chan, what do you even know about nii-sama?

That assassin girl had said that to Claire.

''That's right, I know nothing about Kamito......''

Her heart hurt. The inside of her throat was painful.

What is this feeling, she wondered.

''......Why won't you tell me anything?''

She stopped running, wiped her tears and then trudged along.


The girls in dresses turned to look at her with puzzled expressions.

''......That's right, the dance is tonight.''

The truth is that she had been anticipating it since yesterday.

Along with the new swimsuit, she had also prepared a new dress.

''It, it's not like I'm wearing it for him or anything......''

Claire quickly removed the image of Kamito's face from her mind.

''But I wonder what kind of face he'd make if he saw me in my dress......''

While zoning out and thinking about that kind of thing, her face grew red.

''Wh, what am I thinking. I already don't care about that Ka, Kamito!''

While she was biting her lip.

Suddenly a heat wave came from below her as a hellcat clad in flames appeared.

"......What's wrong, Scarlet?"

Claire asked while leaning over.

"Do you want a snack? I have canned tuna at the room."

Scarlet shook its head.

And then she noticed the silver chain shaking in Scarlet's mouth.

"That's......"


A silver cat pendant.

The present that Kamito had bought for her birthday two weeks ago.

It looked like it had been taken out of the jewelry box where she had placed it.

"Wh, what is it, jeez......"

Claire took the pendant into her hand.

The first birthday present she had ever received from a boy.

She had been truly happy at that time.

"......"

She held the pendant to her chest like a treasure.

"......That's right. That back there was also partially my fault."

She sighed as she patted Scarlet's head.

''......I can only become honest when I'm not in front of him.''

===Part 2===

"......Where did that Claire go?"

Kamito was traversing the maze-like castle in search of Claire.


......Rather, he was completely lost.

Whatever the case, the original structure was a completely strange design from the mythical age. With the repeated alterations over the course of several hundred years, the hallways stretched out in every which way to form a maze. All of the room looked the same, so it threw off one's sense of direction.

''......With this kind of thing, not getting lost would be strange.''

With the sun setting, the ceremony drew closer.

''I should return to my room. We might just miss each other, after all.''

And Kamito came to a halt.

In the middle of the hallway was a garden complete with a water fountain.

"Ohh, that's amazing......"

His gaze was drawn in by that beautiful sight.

Countless flowers were growing and small light spirits gathered there.

The water gushing from the fountain was filled with purity.

''This might be where princess maidens purify themselves.''

While thinking that, Kamito drew closer to the garden.

The light spirits floating in the air ran away like newborn spiders.


Near the water fountain were five stone sculptures.

The images of five Elemental Lords that controlled Astral Zero.

A warrior wielding a blazing sword --- fire spirit king «Volcanicus».

A boy with kind eyes --- wind spirit king «Belphal».

An iron mallet-wielding giant --- earth spirit king «Lode Gear».

A woman hugging a water jug to her chest --- water spirit king «Iseria Shivod».

An aged man with a scale and bishop's staff --- holy spirit king «Alexandros».

Those that bring prosperity or hardship to all of humanity, the kings of all spirits.

Of course, the spirits did not actually look like their sculptures.

The images here were simply representations of what people imagined their qualities to be when put in human form.

"These are also relics from the mythical age......"

They were magnificent sculptures. At the very least, they were not not products of the last several hundred years. Kamito didn't possess much knowledge about historic ruins but he knew that much.

The stones used were not just normal stones either. Valuable spirit crystals had been used.

Getting close and looking,

"Hm?"

Kamito saw something out of place.


The five sculptures which copied the likeness of the spirit kings. Beside them was---

With nothing remaining above the knees, another sculpture was there.

That was something that was completely foreign to the garden.

''......Why is this thing here?''

The tragic appearance of the sculpture with only what was below its knees remaining. It hadn't been removed afterward, so it was obviously an important ancient legacy.

"......!?"

Just then. Something floated into Kamito's mind.

''The true shrine from the ancient age's true shrine......''

Along with the five spirit kings, there was one spot that was unnaturally missing something.

''Est whispered something back then......''

They had been in a hurry so he had missed it but......

"If I remember......"

"---The one erased in the following age, Darkness Spirit King «Ren Ashdoll»."

Suddenly from behind came a voice---


Kamito immediately spun around.

A beautiful girl with black hair clad in a dress the color of darkness stood beside the water fountain.

She had a teasing smile. Gentle twilight pupils.

The one he'd been searching for --- the girl he always wanted to meet was right there.

"Restia......"

"For someone searching for a cat, you look like you've seen a ghost."

She smiled and walked towards him with light steps.

"......"

Kamito was frozen still. He simply stood with his eyes wide open.

The girl of darkness came before Kamito and stood on her tiptoes.

"You've really grown. Even though you were about as tall as me back then."

"Restia, you......"

Kamito returned from the shock.

"Don't make such a scary face, Kamito."

"......!"

A gentle and sweet voice that lured one into sleep.

It hadn't changed. Not a single thing, not even that harshness from three years ago had changed.


The seal on his left hand heated up like it was burning.

''......Why are you making that kind of face!''

---Who are you?

---Why are you throwing my heart into chaos using Restia's form!

The truth is he really wanted to shout those things to the girl before him.

But---

Those accusations stuck in his throat.

......I know. She's the real Restia.

No matter what form she took, there was no way he could ever mistake her.

The girl who had been the first light for Kamito who had closed his heart.

She had stayed by his side and granted him warmth and peace.

But now---

"......"

Kamito strongly chewed his lip.

Three years ago, he thought that would never change.

He had no idea why she had changed like this.

Possibly, something had broken when she made her «wish».


''Three years ago, I---''

Just what was the wish requested of the spirit king.

He had many things he wanted to ask.

And many things he needed to ask.

Kamito opened his mouth while still slightly lost.

"Restia......"

"Hm?"

The darkness spirit tilted her head in a lovely manner.

"That military spirit that attacked the flying ship, was it your doing?"

"Those were «her» orders. It wasn't me."

Restia replied with that and sat down on the broken sculpture.

With her feet together and resting her chin in her hands, she possessed the beauty of a fallen goddess.

"Is that referring to the fake Ren Ashbell?"

"She's not a replacement for you, Kamito."

Restia smiled gently.

Just like one would use when warning a young child.

"She is also a true Ren Ashbell."


"What do you mean?"

"I'm sorry, but I cannot reveal that to the current you."

Restia silently declined her head.

"......Why did you appear before me now?"

"To warn you."

"Warn me?"

"Your past is trying to destroy what you hold dear."

"My past......"

Kamito muttered---

"---The «Instructional School»'s orphans, huh."

"Yes. Muir Alenstarl is ignoring «her» orders and rampaging on her own. Well, it seems like «she» is closing her eyes on the matter though."

"Why is Muir targeting us?"

"Isn't that obvious. Because her beloved onii-chan was taken from her."

"......"


Yes, Muir Alenstarl had not shown any signs that Kamito was her target.

If he was, there would be no way she would have overlooked him when he couldn't use his Elemental Waffe.

Claire was a superior spirit contractor. Rinslet and Ellis as well, and Fianna was contracted to a powerful knight spirit.

But even though they were spirit contractors, they were still normal girls.

They were ojou-samas that were gentle, not honest, and liked black tea and sweet candies.

''But the orphans from the «Instructional School» are different---''

Like Kamito had been---

They were existences that had only been brought up with knowledge on how to wreak havoc and slaughter.

That was not blade dance for the sake of enjoyment --- it was only for war.

The world the noble ojou-samas from the academy lived in was completely different.

Even if they were Blade Dance representatives, there was not a chance they could win in a battle.

"---I won't allow that to happen."

Kamito gave a small groan.

Claire, Ellis, Fianna, Rinslet and Est---

"I will definitely protect my companions."

"I wonder if you can?"


Restia put her fingertip to her lips---

"The orphans from the «Instructional School» are like the past you. I don't think you can stop them when you had a hard battle against the likes of Jio Inzagi."

"It doesn't matter. I will protect them at the cost of my life."

"Hmm, I'm a little jealous."

"---That's why, I will protect you as well, Restia."

"......!?"

Restia's eyes widened.

Those twilight pupils finally showed unrest.

"---That part of you hasn't changed a bit."

She shrugged her shoulders and slowly stood.

She stepped in front of him and---

"I'm happy, Kamito."

Tiptoed and kissed Kamito.

"......!?"

Kamito froze for a few seconds.

The inside of his head had numbed and become pure white.


"......Mm."

Restia slowly parted lips with Kamito.

And she once again whispered into the ear of the dumbfounded Kamito.

"I'll be waiting, Kamito. For your awakening as the successor of the maou."

"Res......tia......?"

Kamito reached out but grabbed nothing but thin air.

The darkness spirit girl had turned into a black mist and disappeared from in front of Kamito.

===Part 3===

"......"

Claire stood in the shadow of the hall leading to the garden.

She had discovered Kamito talking with the darkness spirit girl while searching for Kamito.

That darkness spirit girl was dangerous --- she had immediately summoned Scarlet but desisted from attacking when she saw him talking with her.

They were like two lovers that had been parted for a long time.

Like that, Claire had missed the timing to come out.


She couldn't hear the contents of their conversation well from the hallway.

If she wanted to, she might have been able to hear it, but learning about the past Kamito didn't want to discuss in this way felt like she was doing something underhanded.

Thinking like that, she ended up just watching.

She saw the two kiss.

"Ah---"

Splash.

Tears fell to the ground.

''No way, why are tears......''

She wiped her eyes with the sleeve of her uniform.

''Why, why am I......''

Why was this --- her chest hurt.

''......Kamito didn't hate it. He didn't resist at all.''

The overflowing tears wouldn't stop.

Claire ran from that spot and dashed down the hallway.

===Part 4===


The floating island «Ragna Ys»' underground cave within the holy grounds.

A place that nobody other than the «Divine Ritual Institute»'s princess maidens was permitted to enter --- currently, there were two sets of footsteps resounding there.

One belonged to an orphan of the «Instructional School», Lily Flame.

She read the reports to her master in front of her.

"Muir Alenstarl lost Death Gaze in the battle. The country's military executives are going to be angry."

"Let them. They're just a bunch of geezers that only think about how to protect themselves."

The listening party said so with a merciless tone.

The girl with long black hair that fell to her waist.

Donning a black overcoat with a crimson mask that looked like a fierce god covering her face.

Lily was surprised in the least by her master's response. Their supposed allies, the Alphas Empire, was only another tool to her to accomplish her goal.

"But Cardinal, the supply of military spirits from now on---"

"Lily, I've taught you not to use that name here, haven't I?"

"I apologize. ---Ren Ashbell."


Lily shivered at her master's cold voice.

Footsteps resounded throughout the silent underground cave. The radiance of the spirit stone they were carrying reflected off the strange carvings in the wall. It was a mystery why this passage in the underground cave that even the «Divine Ritual Institute»'s princess maidens were prohibited from was known to these two.

Possibly high-ranking princess maidens --- also those close to «spirit maidens» could enter without it being strange.

"It seems that Restia has contacted him."

The crimson mask-wearing girl --- Ren Ashbell said.

"Yes. She ignored your order and---"

"That darkness spirit is not a subordinate but an equal in the organization. She has no obligation to listen to me."

"......Yes."

Lily chewed her lip unsatisfied. It frustrated her that the pieces gathered to help her master were moving on their own.

The ones who had sworn an oath to Cardinal --- to Ren Ashbell, consisted of Lily alone. Her fellow orphan from the «Instructional School» thought of nothing other than Kazehaya Kamito and she had no idea what that darkness spirit girl was thinking.

"I will be meeting with him as well this evening."


"Will you be attending the dance?"

Lily asked in a slightly incredulous voice.

"Ren Ashbell was the winner of the previous Blade Dance. There is no way she could not attend."

"But the preparations for what to wear---"

"I have at least one dress. Though I left the majority to my little sister."

"You have a little sister?"

"......"

There was no response to that question.

Thinking she had upset her master, Lily quickly changed topics.

"Muir reported that he doesn't appear to have awakened yet."

"We already have no time to wait for it. If he can't withstand it, then that was his worth as a successor to the maou --- we'd just have to alter the plan."

"---That won't do. It's Muir's duty to awaken nii-sama."

Said a voice from within the darkness behind them.

The one who appeared was the girl with ash grey hair --- Muir Alenstarl.

"Muir, what did you do!?"


Lily raised a sharp voice.

"I just played around a little. With those onee-chans that are corrupting nii-sama."

"......Acting on your own! You used another military spirit without permission."

"Not anything important. Just the special-use military spirit «Scylla». Though it was too weak and died. I wonder if I could use a better spirit next time."

"......!"

To the Muir who was puffing her cheeks, Lily responded by holding her head in her hands.

Even if it was «Scylla» which wasn't a pure war class spirit, it was still a part of the empire's military strength. Those military executives wouldn't be happy if they heard about this.

"Listen here. That group at the empire won't be supplying us with military spirits until the Blade Dance really begins."

"Hmph, we've been acting docile well enough."

"It's because you ignored orders and lost Death Gaze."

"I just wanted to play with nii-sama."

Muir pouted her lips.

"Anyway, behave yourself until the Blade Really really begins. Don't lay a hand on him until you receive orders---"


"Orders?"

Muir tilted her head in wonder.

And the light in her eyes disappeared.

"Hey, Lily, just who will order Muir?"

"---!?"

Shivers ran down Lily's spine.

Her entire body ran cold with fear. It was like someone was holding her heart in their hands.

"Hey, tell me---"

The spirit seal on Muir's right hand let out an ominous light---

"Muir Alenstarl."

Ren Ashbell called out to her.

"Yes?"

"You are an equal to me in the organization. Nobody will order you."

Muir laughed with a smile.

"It's fine if you understand. The only one that can order Muir is nii-sama."

With Muir's mood restored, Lily breathed a sigh of relief.

"But this is troubling. I can't play with the onee-chans without a military spirit."


"Then why not try using this --- «Monster»."

Ren Ashbell removed her ring and tossed it to Muir.

"This is?"

Muir looked at the ring curiously.

It was a plain silver ring. Thin characters from the spirit language were engraved onto its outer edge.

"The annihilation spirit «Tiamat» --- a spirit weapon that was created to fight the army of the ex-shadow spirit king. It was customized by those of the «Divine Ritual Institute». It can withstand your «Jester's Vise» well."

"......You're giving this to Muir?"

"Use it as you wish."

"I don't really understand why. Well, that's fine, I'll take it."

"Muir, military spirits aren't toys!"

"They are toys. At least to Muir."

She shrugged her shoulders at Lily---

And licked the ring that now adorned her middle finger.


"---Just a little longer, nii-sama. Muir will remove those meddlesome onee-chans."

While walking through the dark underground cave, Muir smiled to herself.

When she had been taken to the «Instructional School», she was only four years old.

Born in a cold village on the borderline of the Empire, she was not of noble blood and yet possessed the ability to contract spirits.

The villagers rejoiced at having borne a spirit contractor and raised her dearly.

And then they brought her before the village's guardian spirit on her fourth birthday.

They wanted Muir to contract with the guardian spirit so the village would prosper.

But when she made the contract, the guardian spirit ran wild.

The flames that had protected the village now burned it down and the spirit also destroyed itself.

Muir's power --- she had the uncanny ability to drive a spirit mad.

After being cast away by her village, she was picked up by the instructional school---

There, she became a «Monster».

Her heart was lost, a «Cursed Armament Seal» was engraved on her young body and she was taught nothing but slaughter techniques.

Because of her in-born ability, Muir could never connect with a contracted spirit.


Those days filled with only isolation and massacres slowly carved away her heart.

In the middle of those days --- she met with a boy that had been taken to the facility.

"You're always alone, huh."

"That's right. Muir is always alone. The only ones Muir talks with are those she kills."

"Then I'll become your friend."

"Hmph, how stupid. Talking about friends in this place."

"Then a brother. Muir is the younger sister."

"......What are you deciding on your own, idiot."

The first conversation she had with him. It was something he definitely didn't remember.

"---Nii-sama is Muir's only."

When she emerged from the underground cave, the sun had mostly set.

It was about the time the Blade Dance's ceremony began at the castle.

"That's why I won't forgive them. I will definitely get them, those attaching themselves to nii-sama."

<noinclude>{{SeireiDance Nav|prev=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume4 Chapter6|next=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume4 Chapter8}}</noinclude>

Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume4 Chapter6

2013-02-23T05:57:47Z

Worker:

==Chapter 6: Cracks==
===Part 1===

"—Muir Alenstarl."

Kamito muttered that name as he lay on the bed in the dim room.

The number two of the «Instructional School» who had received the title «Monster».

''......Why is she here?''

He thought that they would never meet again after that day.

And yet they ended up meeting in such a terrible way.

Muir Alenstarl is an expert military elementalist.

What reason could that girl, an orphan from the «Instructional School», have for coming here—

It's not like he couldn't guess. Just a few weeks prior, Kamito had fought with another orphan of the «Instructional School», Jio Inzagi.

The one behind the incident that time—

''......Does she have a connection to Restia?''

His left hand under the leather glove ached.


At that time. A knock came from his room's door.

"......Yes?"

While pressing down on his hurting ribs, Kamito got off the bed.

"Who is it?"

He opened the door and—

"......Nyaa ♪"

A cute cat was there.

No, more accurately, it was somebody wearing cat ears on their head, the Empire's second princess.

"......"

"......"

"......Um. Fianna, what are you doing?"

Kamito asked, astonished.

"I-I have come to s-service my master-nyan ♪"

"......"

The air froze.

"Jeez, wh-what are you making me say......"


"No, I don't really understand......"

Fianna cleared her throat and said,

"It is a healing ritual."

"Healing ritual?"

Kamito repeated like a parrot.

"Kamito-kun, you were hurt, right?"

"Yes, well......it's not anything serious."

"That's a lie."

Fianna poked Kamito's ribcage.

"Owwwwww!"

"Look at that. You can't fool me."

It was the injury he received when he was hit by Muir's water spirit.

He had been hiding it, but it appeared that the holy spirit user had seen through him.

"Come on, lie down on the bed."

"Owaa."

Fianna pulled on Kamito's hand.

Kamito was pushed onto the bed in that manner.

[[Image:STnBD V04 149.jpg|200px|thumb]]


The feeling that had pushed on his chest made his heart throb unconsciously.

"I'm thankful for the healing but......why cat ears?"

"Fufu, this is a tool for the ritual......ah, a tool for the ritual-nyan ♪"

Fianna quickly amended the end of her sentence.

"Liar! I think something's a little strange with that!"

That morning when she had packed her luggage, he was sure those cat ears had been there.

The other things included rope, a candle and a whip......she had packed them under the pretense of them being ritual equipment, but there was a lot that was fishy about it.

"Um, Kamito, you don't like this kind of thing?"

Fianna asked with a nervous expression.

"No, I don't d-dislike it......"

Kamito quickly shook his head.

Fianna with cat ears was definitely cute. Seriously cute.

About enough to make him want to pet her.

"......I'm glad. It was pretty embarrassing."

Fianna made an expression of relief and relaxed.

The captivating sound of rustling clothes. The breath coming from near his ear.


"......Fianna!? Y-Your ch-chest is pressing against me."

"Don't move. We have to be touching or there won't be an effect."

"I understand the theory but......"

Kamito gulped.

"......Nn, chuu......ahn."

The cute princess's lips and her fingertips glided over his bruised ribs. The moist tongue running over his wound tickled.

"Fufu, Kamito-kun, does it feel good?"

"......!"

Even if asked in this kind of situation, there was no way he could honestly reply.

''......But it's definitely working. Fianna's ritual magic, that is.''

As expected of a former elite princess maiden of the «Divine Ritual Instititute».

Even though it wasn't her specialty, her ability in it was top-class.

Not just the wound but even his whole body's fatigue being removed could be felt.

Kamito stopped resisting and left his body in the her care.

"......But I'm always surprised by it. Kamito-kun's regenerative ability, I mean."

"Yeah, it's a mystery to me, too."


He hadn't paid particular notice to it, but it appeared to be that way.

It seemed like it was thanks to the development of the divine power of an elementalist flowing within him.

But it was to an abnormal degree in Kamito's case.

"Isn't it because you've contracted with Est?"

"I also thought that at first......"

A contracted spirit's attributes affecting the contractor wasn't anything rare.

For example, Claire's ability to have her hair stand on end was because of this. Because of Est's attribute being metal as a sword spirit, his body may have become robust as a result.

"But it doesn't seem to just be that."

Fianna tilted her head.

The other possibility was a Cursed Armament Seal. Amongst the orphans at the «Instructional School» that received a Cursed Armament Seal, some possessed regenerative ability that far surpassed human limits.

However, of course, there was no Cursed Armament Seal on Kamito.

"Fianna's technique is good."

Kamito shrugged his shoulders while saying that and received a reply,

"It's the opposite."

"Opposite?"


"My holy attribute spirit magic is barely working on Kamito's body."

"What do you mean?"

"I don't know."

Fianna shook her head.

"Of course, it's not like it's totally ineffective — it's being repelled. That's why I have to be touching you like this."

Press.

"......Fianna!?"

"Look at that, your body is so stiff. Relax more."

Fianna smiled teasingly and gave his ear a playful bite.

"W-Wait, as expected this is......"

"Like I said, I wouldn't do this stuff with just anyone, you know?"

To Fianna who pressed her lips together while looking unsatisfied,

"Y-You should only do this kind of stuff to the person you l-like......"

She placed her hand on the shoulder strings of her dress-like uniform—

Dogooooon!

Suddenly the room's door exploded into smithereens.


"......!?"

Gogogogogogogogo......!

The one standing there---

It was Claire with a blazing Flame Tongue in hand.

"Hey, Kamito, wh-wh-wh-what are you doing?"

Kamito seriously prepared himself for death.

===Part 2===
"Now, choose! The way you'd like to be roasted!"

"That's why I'm saying, that was a healing ritual!"

Five minutes later. Kamito was made to do seiza upon the dusty floor.

In front of him was Claire who was sounding her whip.

Her red twintails were standing on end......it seemed she was quite angry.

Claire looked down at Kamito with a cold gaze—

"Hmph, with cat ears? And pressed against a large chest in that ma-manner?"

"Guu......"


Kamito internally groaned.

......It was no good. Regardless of what he said, those cat ears took away all credibility.

"......Well, that's fine."

Said Claire, who shrugged her shoulders and sighed deeply.

"S-Since whatever you do with that erotic queen doesn't concern me."

"Then why are you angry......"

"Sh-Shut up!"

Because of Claire's glare, Kamito shut up.

......In any case, he was relieved.

Her mood was still bad — but it seemed like she would overlook the situation this time.

But the conversation didn't end there.

"Kamito."

She suddenly became really serious—

"I have something to ask you."

"......"

''......Well, I guess it's expected.''

He had made his resolve for this.


Or rather, he'd been thinking about it since a while ago.

"The girl who attacked me — you knew her, right?"

"Yeah."

"What did she mean by nii-sama? Who is she?"

"......"

Claire's suspicion was well-founded.

The assassin that had been aiming for her life was his former teammate and friend.

Being interrogated was natural.

"What's wrong? Why aren't you saying anything?"

Claire's voice had a tinge of irritation mixed in.

But Kamito averted his eyes from her and kept quiet.

''I......''

He felt that he should reveal his relationship with Muir Alenstarl. He knew that in his head.

But if he did that, he would also have to reveal that he was an escapee of the «Instructional School».

His childhood when he had battle techniques necessary for an assassin hammered into him.

Something that he could never erase, that unpleasant past.

''If she knew the truth about me, Claire would—''


He might be scorned. Or possibly — he might be pitied.

At any rate, it would be different from now.

He was scared of that.

''My becoming weak might be because of this......''

He derided himself while avoiding Claire's gaze.

He wouldn't have even thought about this two months ago.

He didn't care how other people viewed him.

If he could get Restia back, then that was all he needed — that's what he thought.

"Claire, sorry......"

"......Why?"

Claire's voice was slightly wavering.

"Is it something you can't tell even to me?"

"......"

"Could it be a past lover—"

"Like that's it."

Kamito tsukkomi'd with half-closed eyes.

"Then why can't you say it?"


"—Can you not trust me if I don't tell you?"

A cold voice with slight irritation that even shocked himself.

He gasped and looked up at Claire who had her eyes wide open in shock.

"Th-That's not it. But—"

"But what?"

"......"

Claire's question was obvious.

He also understood that she was worried for his sake.

But — no, that was the reason, that's why he couldn't tell her.

"But......"

Claire chewed her lip.

"Because Kamito won't talk about himself at all.

"That's......"

"And it's not just this. Even about that darkness spirit girl—"

"The thing about Restia has nothing to do with Claire."

Kamito shook his head coldly. That showed his complete rejection of her question.

"......Is that so, I see."


Claire breathed out waveringly and—

Turning her back on Kamito, she left the room in silence.

===Part 3===
"I'm the worst......"

Sitting on the creaking bed, Kamito muttered that.

He was regretting getting angry with Claire for no real reason.

That said, there was no way he could discuss his past with her.

''If she knew my past, she would......''

At that moment, Ellis and the others entered his room.

"Kamito, did something happen with Claire?"

Ellis surveyed the room.

"Yeah, just a little something......"

Feeling uncomfortable, Kamito shifted his gaze.

"You fought again?"

Rinslet sighed. Kamito nodded ambiguously.


"She really can't be helped. Well, she'll be back before the dance."

"Dance?"

"The opening ceremony's dance. Of course, Kamito will also be attending, right?"

Fianna asked.

"No, I'm fine."

"What did you say!?" "What!?" "Kamito-kun!"

When Kamito shook his head, the three cried out at the same time.

"Wh-Why?"

"......I don't like the dance."

Kamito had a little trauma concerning the dance.

The Blade Dance he participated in three years ago as Ren Ashbell. Remembering all the dance invitations he received during that time gave him goosebumps even now.

Of course, he wasn't going to be dressed in girls' clothing this time around so there was no direct connection, but he still couldn't erase that feeling.

"That and I have no formal wear."

"They'll lend you formal wear if you ask."

"I said I wasn't going."


"Hmm, I wonder if that's a good idea?"

Fianna laughed lightly.

"......What do you mean?"

"The Blade Dance participants will be coming out at the dance, meaning that Ren Ashbell will also be attending."

"......!"

"Fufu, so what will you do?"

To the Fianna wearing a teasing smile, Kamito—

"......Okay then."

Grudgingly agreed to go.

''......The dance, huh.''

Claire would also wear a dress — that thought popped into his head.

"......I have to apologize."

Kamito got off the creaky bed.

"Kamito-san, where are you going?"

"To find a cat. It may have become lost."

<noinclude>{{SeireiDance Nav|prev=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume4 Chapter5|next=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume4 Chapter7}}</noinclude>

Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume4 Chapter5

2013-02-23T05:57:34Z

Worker:

==Chapter 5: Water Play==
===Part 1===

The sun beamed down gently into the forest.

The rich colors flitting about in the air.

Colorful fruits adorned the branches of the densely growing trees.

It was the lake beside the castle.

Because of the spirits floating near the lake shore, this lake granted high purity. It was a place of the highest quality for a princess maiden's purification.

"Claire and the others aren't here yet......"

Kamito, who had just arrived, surveyed the area.

His top half was naked. On his bottom half, he wore trunks. Of course, he had removed the leather glove on his left hand, but he wrapped the seal underneath with a black cloth.

"Being the first one here makes it look like I'm really excited and that's embarrassing."

While scratching his head, he complained and–

"Kamito-kun, sorry to keep you waiting!"

"Owaa!?"

Squish.


Being suddenly hugged from behind, Kamito unconsciously yelped.

"Fianna!?"

Surprised, he turned around–

And there stood the cute princess wearing a bold black swimsuit.

"Does it suit me?"

"......!?"

Fianna's swimsuit was an adult-like bikini. Wrapped around her supple hips was a low-leg pantie. A black ribbon adorned her chest. The frills wrapped around her thighs coupled with the garter looked erotic. The triangular cloth covering her breasts was very suggestive and seemed about to spill over.

"A queen shouldn't be that immodest!"

"Fufu, Kamito-kun got angry ♪"

Fianna stuck out her tongue in a cute manner and released his arm.

"Y-You......"

Kamito's heart throbbed at those enchanting words.

"That's right. Kamito-kun, should I show you my «Spirit Seal»?"


"Wha–"

Fianna bent over and–

Allowed him to gaze at her breasts within the gap of her bold swimsuit.

Kamito swallowed hard.

"Look, it's right here. On the inside......"

While teasing him with her bold actions, her face was lightly tinted red.

Despite wearing a mature swimsuit, she was still a pure ojou-sama.

The soft cleavage that, even now, urged him to bury his face in it.

Just as he glanced the «Spirit Seal» carved within–

"Fianna-san, wh-what are you doing!"

From the small path within the forest ran the swimsuit-clad Rinslet.

It was a proper-looking swimsuit suited to an ojou-sama, but it emphasized her breasts' volume. The legs peeking out from under her pareo were so beautiful that Kamito froze in fascination.

"Ka-Kamito-san, how is my swimsuit?"


"......Y-Yeah, it really suits you."

Kamito spoke his true thoughts and Rinslet blushed.

"Y-You really......think so? I-I don't like being flattered."

"It's not flattery. You're really, um......beautiful."

"......Auu......"

Rinslet reddened right up to her ears.

And fell over just like that.

"S-Sorry for making you wait!"

And now came a rigid voice.

The one who emerged from the same path as Rinslet was the knight captain, Ellis.

She was wearing a sporty navy blue swimsuit with a stress on practicality. It was plain compared to Fianna and Rinslet's, but the gap between her armored state and the current one emphasizing her body line was dangerous.

He was rooted to the spot.

"Ka-Kamito, don't look here, look over there!"

"S-Sorry......!"


Kamito quickly averted his gaze and––

Ellis cleared her throat.

"......N-No, I mean it's fine to look?"

"Which one is it......"

"Sh-Shut up! Besides, you probably just thought it's a boring swimsuit!"

"Nobody said that."

Kamito tiredly sighed.

"......I should've worn a more erotic swimsuit."

"Hmm?"

It felt like the knight captain had just said something amazing but–

"Ellis looks very beautiful in her swimsuit."

"Eh?"

Exclaimed Ellis whose amber eyes widened.

"I thought it suited the serious Ellis."

"Kamito......"

Ellis tightened her arm to her chest and blushed.


"The only ones left are Claire and Est–"

Kamito muttered and,

"Ka-Kamito......"

"Claire?"

At the voice he'd grown accustomed to, he turned around – Claire stood there.

......No.

From behind a large tree, twintails were poking out.

"You, what are you doing?"

"......"

Claire stayed hidden behind the tree.

"Did you swimsuit's string get cut by any chance?"

"Th-That's wrong!"

The twintails stood on end.

"Then why aren't you coming out?"

"B-Because it's......embarrassing."

"Embarrassing, you say......everybody's also in a swimsuit."

"That's true but......o-okay."


Claire resigned herself and timidly came out.

At that moment–

Kamito's breath stopped.

Claire was wearing a pure red bikini. A plain and simple design – on the contrary, it actually accentuated her beauty. The panties held with string wrapped the smooth skin and her thighs had a thin line from her leather whip.

It was painful to admit, but she was insanely cute.

Honestly, he didn't understand why she was embarrassed.

"You......"

"D-Don't say anything, since I'm just......"

When he saw her timidly hiding her chest with both hands–

Kamito realized the reason.

Claire was concerned about her small breasts.

"......Jeez."

Kamito made a wry smile and placed his hand on the embarrassed Claire's head.

"Fuaa!"

"Listen, okay? These are my true thoughts. I won't say it again."


"Wh-What is it......!"

"You're cute, Claire."

"Fuaaa, i-idiot, what are you saying!"

Hit, hit, hit.

Claire hit his shoulder with a beet-red face.

===Part 2===

"This time the knight captain is the demon!"

"I won't lose in swimming."

"Ellis, you can't use your wind armor."

The lovely voices echoing within the forest. Glistening water droplets.

Breasts that shook in tango with the rest of the body met the eyes.

The swimsuit-clad bishoujos frolicked in the lake.

......No matter how you look at it, there's no feeling of this being a purification ceremony.

[[Image:STnBD V04 006-007.jpg|200px|thumb]]
''Well, it's important to relax as well......''

Kamito stretched out on the lake shore.


He couldn't play with the girls because he'd be constantly distracted, so he took to sunbathing. The girls seemed dissatisfied, but perhaps because they had heavy-handedly forced him to come, they let him go.

Beside him, Est was kneeling while licking a popsicle.

Her snow fairy-like body was covered by a navy blue academy-issued swimsuit.

Her smooth milky skin and smooth silvery white hair.

On both of her legs were knee-high socks.

Est had the sort of appearance that maniacs would like, wearing both a swimsuit and knee-high socks.

There wasn't much skin showing, but for some reason, it felt like it crossed even more lines than being fully nude.

"Est, you're not going to play with everyone?"

"It would be embarrassing to be barefooted."

Est replied expressionlessly.

"Besides, I can't swim."

"Ahh, I see......"

Est was a sword spirit so she couldn't float.

No matter how strong of a spirit she was, she couldn't cast off her basic metal attribute.

''......Come to think of it, it was also near a lake that I made the contract with Est.''


While gazing at Est's side profile, Kamito thought that.

Demon Slayer – Terminus Est.

A legendary sealed holy sword spirit. It was a mystery why a sword of her calibre had chosen Kamito.

–He still had no idea.

Besides, Est had many other secrets as well.

"Hey, Est–"

"?"

Est turned towards him while licking the popsicle.

"Are you really the holy sword that defeated the maou?"

The legend of the Demon Slayer remained everywhere on the continent.

Est was undoubtedly an unrivaled sword, but there was no way she was the real one – that's what he thought.

''But if she really is......''

The power that had destroyed the «Cursed Armament Seal» on Velsaria's heart two weeks ago.

That was not the ability of a regular sword spirit.

In the legend of the Demon Slayer, the holy sword was also said to have destroyed the spirit seals for all seventy-two of the maou's contracts.


"I'm sorry, Kamito."

But Est silently shook her head.

"My memories are incomplete right now. If I regained my true body, my memories should return with my full power."

"No, I should be the one to apologize. Sorry."

Because Kamito clung to his contract with Restia, the contract with Est remained incomplete. Est could not display her true power.

"No, Kamito."

[[Image:STnBD V04 121.jpg|200px|thumb]]
Est brought the popsicle away from her lips and gazed at Kamito with her mysterious eyes.

And then–

"I'm glad I contracted with you."

"......Est?"

For a moment, the fleeting expression on Est's face made his heart race.

"–Kamito-san."

"Owaa!"

Platinum blonde hair sparkled in the sunlight.

At some point in time, the swimsuit-clad Rinslet had stood beside him.


"Don't surprise me like that......"

"No, that is, sorry......"

Kamito apologized to the pouting Rinslet.

"What's wrong, Rinslet, you're not going to swim with everyone else?"

At his words, Rinslet squirmed a bit and her face reddened.

"I c-can't, that is......I can't swim very well."

"Is that so?"

That was unexpected. That the perfect Rinslet would have that kind of weakpoint.

"Hmm? Even though you were playing tag in the water normally just now?"

"Th-That was......umm, it was a little trick."

"Trick?"

Rinslet nodded timidly and stuck out her finger.

A freezing atmosphere gathered and from thin air appeared a white wolf.

The demonic ice spirit «Fenrir».

"I was riding on this child's back while in the water."

"......I see."

Upon imagining the white wolf elegantly running around under the water surface with all its might, Kamito wryly smiled.


"Y-You just laughed, didn't you! That's horrible!"

"S-Sorry......"

"And so, umm......"

And Rinslet's cheeks became even redder.

"I'd like to ask a favor of Kamito-san."

"A favor?"

"Umm, that is, my......"

And then Rinslet became inarticulate.

''......What?''

It was at times like these that her maid would translate for him–

Kamito looked around and found the hiding figure of Carol.

......He had thought from a while ago that he hadn't seen her, but she was hiding this entire time.

She was moving her lips and appeared to be saying something–

Kamito used the lip-reading ability he had been trained in at the institute.

''Ojou-sama, do your best – was it......what did that mean?''

Waiting for a little while like that–


"Ka-Kamito-san!"

Rinslet yelled out and seemed to have found her resolve.

Sweeping her platinum blonde hair up and pointing at Kamito–

"I-I shall allow you to teach me how to swim!"

......I see, thought Kamito with a wry smile.

''......As always, she's an ojou-sama that just can't be honest.''

But if you got used to it, those points about her also became cute.

"Est, I'm going to swim with Rinslet for a bit."

"Yes, Kamito......"

Est pouted a little sadly.

===Part 3===

"Ka-Kamito-san, please don't let go......"

"Yeah, it's fine. Spread out your body more."

Splash. The sound of water echoed near the shore.

A little bit away from where everyone was playing, in the shadow of a rock, Kamito was teaching Rinslet how to swim.


It seems she didn't want the others to know.

"F-for sure, okay......i-if you let go, I'll make you into an ice sculpture!"

With a nervous expression, Rinslet gripped onto Kamito's arms.

With the soft sensation upon his skin, his heart throbbed.

"I-I got it, so please don't force your nails into me."

"S-Sorry about that......"

Taking her hands off his arms, she instead grabbed his hands.

She held tightly with her slender and soft fingers.

"A gentleman's......hand."

With red cheeks, her upturned eyes were wavering.

"Well, I am always holding a sword......"

Kamito said while quickly averting his eyes.

''Th-This angle is bad......!''

From the white nape to the collarbone adorned with water droplets.

The breasts that could be seen under the water surface were much too distracting.

"Kamito-san, where are you looking?"


"Ah, no......come on, loosen up and stretch out."

Kamito immediately changed the topic.

"T-To have a boy give me an order......that's the first time."

Rinslet shut her mouth tightly.

But that expression looked somewhat happy.

"Sorry, ojou-sama. I'm just an impertinent fellow."

"No, i-it's fine if you give more orders. B-But perverted orders are a little......"

"Hmm?"

"N-Nothing!"

Rinslet spoke into the water and formed bubbles.

What a strange person – Kamito thought that and then.

"......?"

Kamito felt someone watching him.

He felt a blade-like pressure on the back of his neck.

Kamito quickly surveyed the area.

He only felt the presence for an instant and it had already disappeared.

''I don't think it was my imagination but......''


It might just have been the spirits around the lake.

Well, it had disappeared quickly so there was no point worrying about it.

"What's wrong?"

"No, it's nothing......come on, relax more."

"......L-Like this?"

Rinslet nodded honestly and stretched out her entire body.

Her cute butt wrapped in the white swimsuit rose out of the water.

"I-I floated!"

Her smile was like a blooming rose, very bewitching.

"Rinslet really becomes cute when she's honest."

With a wry smile, Kamito whispered that and Rinslet became red to her ears.

"......Kamito-san, you're teasing me, aren't you?"

Bite. Like she was scolding him, she bit onto both of his arms.

Bite. Bite.

"Rinslet, it hurts......"

"Fufu, it's punishment for teasing me."


Rinslet smiled elegantly and finally stopped biting him.

But as expected of a talented lady, her learning rate was really fast.

"Then, next, try moving your feet."

"Y-Yes......"

[[Image:STnBD V04 129.jpg|200px|thumb]]
Rinslet nodded and–

"Kyan!"

Suddenly gave out a cute yelp.

"W-What happened?"

"Fua, ya, ahn......w-where are you touching!"

Rinslet flopped around in the water.

"N-No, at this kind of place......Kamito-san......you're perverted."

"......Wa-Wait, I'm not doing anything!"

"Kamito denied with all his heart and–

Gogogogogogo......!

The water surface that had been calm until just now boiled.

"That seems like fun, Kamito."

"Claire!?"


What rose from the water was Claire who had her twintails standing on end.

Her tone was calm but......she was angry. No mistake.

"Y-Y-You, what are you doing alone with Rinslet?"

"No, this is just swimming training–"

At his answer – Kamito hurriedly shut himself up.

Rinslet had wanted him to not reveal that she couldn't swim.

He couldn't betray her trust.

Because Kamito had suddenly become quiet, it seemed that that incited Claire.

"Could it be that you were doing s-something that you can't tell me......"

Gogogogogogo......!

"Th-That's wrong, Claire, this is–"

What came to Kamito at that time was–

"That is......it was a secret lesson!"

Those words.

"......Secret lesson!?"

Claire's eyebrows shot up.

......Crap, it seemed that he had messed up his word selection.


"Th-That's right, it was a lesson about things that can't be said!"

While still holding onto Kamito's arm, Rinslet said that.

"A-A lesson about things that can't be said......"

"Wait, Rinslet, that wording will invite misunderstandings–"

But Claire had already turned red from whatever she had imagined.

"......Kamito, th-this pervert, how lewd!"

Hit, hit, hit.

"Calm down, you're wrong! It wasn't a lesson like you're imagining!"

"Claire, could you please not interrupt our secret lesson?"

Rinslet said with a composed smile.

"......Y-You, separate from Kamito!"

"Oh my, why should I?"

Sparks flew between the hellcat girl and the ice magic girl.

......The usual fight had begun.

"Ka-Kamito is my slave spirit and I won't give him to you!"

"No, Kamito-san is mine!"

Both of them grabbed one of each of his cheeks.


......A fight between two top-class elementalists started.

While sending water droplets flying, both of them grappled with each other's swimsuits.

Rinslet was always standing normally. This was the sandbar, so there was a foothold.

The breasts and butt that could be seen from the offset swimsuit made Kamito turn red.

"G-Give up already!"

Rinslet placed a hand on Claire's breast and pulled at her swimsuit.

And then.

The string of the red bikini came undone–

"......!?"

Time stopped.

Claire quickly covered her breasts with her hands, but it was too late.

The figure of those small, cute hidden mounds was burned into Kamito's vision.

"......D-Did you see?"

Kamito nodded truthfully.

"A, uu......"

Claire flushed red up to her ears–


"......Fuaaaaan!?"

"Claire!"

And bolted into the forest.

"Jeez......"

"I-I wonder if I did something bad......"

Rinslet was reflecting.

The forest that spread around the lake.

Even if it was the spirit king's sacred land, there might be dangerous spirits in the forest.

He knew Claire was a top-class elementalist – but as expected, he was still worried.

Kamito sighed and chased after Claire who had disappeared into the forest.

===Part 4===

While running in the dark forest–

''Ka-Kamito saw my breasts......!''

Claire reddened.

It was embarrassing to the point that her face felt like it would burst into flames.


''Jeez, what is this, what is this, idiot!''

He had seen her naked in their first meeting.

But then and now were totally different.

She didn't know why though......

''Wh-Why is my heart......beating this fast, I wonder.''

Claire stopped running and suppressed her beating heart.

That's right, she didn't hate that he had seen her naked.

Having him see her underdeveloped breasts had been a shock.

''Th-This small of a chest is strange, isn't it......''

Rub. Rub.

While feeling her soft chest, she bit her lip.

Claire had read it in a book.

That boys liked girls with big breasts.

That definitely did not exclude Kamito–

After all, Kamito had been all happy around that big-breasted Rinslet.

''Wh-wh-wh-what's this secret lesson about things that can't be said, y-you idiot!''

Remembering it again, she felt her anger resurge.


Just what were those two doing in the shadow of that rock–

"I-I d-don't really care about who he gets along with......"

–Just as she said that with a pout.

She felt a cold sensation on the back of her neck.

"......Who is it!?"

Turning around, she inquired with a sharp voice.

And.

"Hmm, you're unexpectedly sharp, onee-chan. But separating from the group isn't good."

Appearing from the trees like a shadow–

A single hooded girl.

Slightly visible ash grey hair. Transparent blue pupils.

A young girl that was even smaller than the short Claire.

''–A child in this place?''

Claire was suspicious.

She didn't appear to be a princess maiden of the «Divine Ritual Instititute».

The only possibility was that she was a member of another team.

"Do you have some business with me?"


Claire asked while keeping her guard up.

What she had felt just before was close to killing intent.

Even if her opponent was a small girl, she couldn't be careless.

The girl laughed lightly.

"I'll have you disappear, onee-chan. For nii-sama's sake."

"......!?"

Instantly, Claire reacted.

Water came from the ground as many tentacles and attacked her.

''......A water spirit user!?''

The writhing water tentacles splintered the surrounding trees' branches.

Claire landed on the ground and performed her summoning.

Guardian of the crimson blaze, keeper of undying hearth!

–Now's the time to abide by the blood contract, come forth and do my bidding!

"–Scarlet!"

A crimson flame-clad hellcat appeared from thin air.

The hellcat immediately transformed into a whip in her hand.

"You, do you understand who you're picking a fight with?"


"Of course, Claire Rouge. The Calamity Queen's younger sister."

"Looks like you really did your research!"

Claire swung down the flame whip.

Drawing a pure red line in the air, it easily mowed down the forests' trees

But the water tentacles coming from the ground easily stopped the flame whip.

"Wha–"

"There's no way onee-chan's flame spirit can defeat this «Scylla»."

"......Scylla?"

Claire had read that name at the academy.

It was the name of a special-use military spirit that could be used by one person. That flexibility to switch contractors was deemed too dangerous and it was supposed to have been sealed after the Ranbal War–

And then Claire realized.

If she was an assassin that used sealed military spirits–

"Don't tell me, you're the one who attacked the flying ship......kyaa!"

In a moment, a tentacle that came from the ground grasped Claire's foot.

The tentacle wrapped itself all the way around and threw her into the air.

"......This damn thing, let me go......!"


She swung her Flame Tongue with all her might but it did nothing inside the water spirit.

Her opponent's spirit was the worst match-up for her fire spirit.

On top of that, this area weakened flame spirits because of its proximity to water.

Even if it was a high-class spirit like Scarlet, overcoming that was hard.

The tentacles entered into the gaps of her swimsuit.

Wrapping around her thigh, it was a terrible feeling.

"......Ah, n, wh-what are you doing, noo......!"

"Fufu, what a disgraceful appearance, onee-chan. But I'll let you enjoy it soon."

The girl approached Claire who couldn't move.

"......Why are you targeting me?"

"Because onee-chan has corrupted nii-sama."

"......Nii-sama?"

Claire had a realization. The one that came to her mind was–

"Could this be about Kamito?"

"Don't say nii-sama's name so lightly."

The water tentacle slapped Claire's cheek.

"Ku......"


"If I kill onee-chan, nii-sama will definitely wake up."

"Wh-What do you mean wake up! Kamito is Kamito!"

"Don't speak like you know what you're talking about."

A bone-chilling tone. Shivers ran down Claire's spine.

"Onee-chan, what do you even know about nii-sama?"

"Eh?"

At her words–

Claire widened her eyes.

''......That's right. I don't know anything about Kamito.''

For example, this girl who called Kamito nii-sama.

This girl probably knew.

Kamito's past that Claire didn't know.

She felt a pain in her heart. She didn't know why.

"Good bye, onee-chan."

The girl gave the command to kill what it had caught–

"......!?"


Then a blade line flashed.

"–Claire!"

===Part 5===

The short sword pierced the ground.

The girl jumped and landed after turning in the air.

At the instant Scylla's power weakened, Scarlet returned to its hellcat form and destroyed the water tentacle. Kamito caught the released Claire with both arms.

"Ka-Kamito......"

"Claire, stand back."

Kamito placed Claire on the ground and turned to face the girl.

''I didn't think an elementalist would be here–''

He regretted not bringing Est along.

With the last exchange, he understood. His opponent was a skilled assassin.

The short sword disappeared. It was the product of the only spirit magic Kamito could use as the elementalist of a sword spirit – {{Furigana|Weapon Production|Weapon Works|margin=12}}.


''So that presence I felt at the lake was this person......''

Kamito looked at the girl. He couldn't see her face because of the hood.

The girl's lips lightly shook and opened.

"......Nii-sama."

At the same time, the water spirit reformed its tentacles and attacked again.

"Kahaa!"

He took a blow to the stomach.

Kamito flew and smacked into the muddy ground.

"Ouch......"

"Kamito!"

Claire ran up beside the collapsed Kamito.

"Why didn't you dodge it! You should've been able to."

Claire closed her mouth tightly......that's right, he couldn't dodge it.

"......You covered for me?"

"I can't allow a wound to touch an ojou-sama's face."

Kamito wiped the blood from his mouth and shakily stood up.


Once again, the tentacles swung down like whips.

Kamito raised both arms and blocked. But no matter how strong he was, a human couldn't match up to a spirit.

A blunt attack. The sound of bones being crushed rang out.

"......Aguu!"

"Nii-sama, why are you interrupting me?"

The girl muttered this to the fallen Kamito in a sad tone.

"......Nii-sama?"

He was sure she had called him that at the start as well.

The encroaching girl. From beneath the hood, he spied ash grey hair blowing.

"You, don't tell me you're–"

Kamito's eyes widened.

The girl waved her hand and gave the order to attack–

"Freezing fangs, pierce – «Freezing Arrow»!"

In an instant, many ice arrows impaled the water spirit.

The water spirit instantly froze. Then–

"Now!"


"–Take this, Blazing Fireball!"

Claire's fireball scored a direct hit.

A fierce blaze.

The frozen water spirit shattered.

"Hmph, that was easy."

Wielding a magic bow, Rinslet swept her hair aside.

Though she was doing such a carefree action, her breathing was ragged from chasing Kamito.

"Rinslet, you're a life saver......"

Kamito stood as he groaned in pain.

Rinslet and Claire equipped their respective Elemental Waffes and faced the assassin girl.

"Aww, he got killed. It turns out like this if I don't use «Jester's Vise»."

Sticking out her tongue in a childish manner, she flipped her hood off.

[[Image:STnBD V04 145.jpg|200px|thumb]]
"......!?"

Ash grey twintails. A lovely, youthful face.

Kamito stood shocked at the face that had hardly changed from four years ago.

"Muir......"


"Muir?"

Claire knit her brows.

"Muir, why......"

"Nii-sama, you've become very weak."

The girl sighed sadly and turned around.

"But don't worry, Muir will definitely wake you up."

Saying that, she disappeared into the forest–

"Stop–" "Right there!"

"Wait!"

Kamito stopped Rinslet and Claire who were about to pursue.

"Hey, why are you stopping us!"

"–You can't beat her."

The two gulped at Kamito's serious expression.

And so, the assassin girl completely disappeared.

<noinclude>{{SeireiDance Nav|prev=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume4 Chapter4|next=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume4 Chapter6}}</noinclude>

Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume4 Chapter4

2013-02-23T05:56:08Z

Worker:

==Chapter 4: Floating Island==
===Part 1===

A few hours after the destruction spirit's attack.

The Bellfahle-class flying ship, repaired by the engineering team, landed in the sacred land of the Wind Elemental Lord.

"Ah, I can see the island!"

On the deck, Rinslet seemed to be in a good mood and pointed at the island.

The pure and high-spirited figure of the ojou-samas was cute.

"Do-Don't say it so loudly. It's embarrassing."

Claire whispered that in a small voice while poking Rinslet's elbow.

"Oh my, to want me to be quiet, are you jealous?"

"You give off a bad impression is what I'm saying."

Kamito watched over them with sidelong glances while he got to the side of the ship.

"So that's the sacred land......"

Between the thick clouds and surrounded by a steep mountain range was a floating island.

«Ragna Ys» – even within Astral Zero, it is one of the most important of the sacred lands.

"Restia is there......"


Kamito gripped his leather gloved left hand.

The flying ship quietly advanced towards the floating island's port.

===Part 2===
Past noon. A little after the appointed time, the flying ship docked at Grand Ys' harbor.

Upon seeing the battered condition of the flying ship, all the ship mechanics held their heads.

They transferred at the port into the «Divine Ritual Institute»'s prepared horse-driven carriages.

Because horse-driven carriages were meant for four people, it was a little tight with six. Est went as a sword but that only freed up one space.

During the horse-driven carriage's bumpy ride, he had felt Rinslet's breasts. Kamito quickly separated himself from her but it was really tight.

"Ka-Kamito-san......you're perverted."

"S-Sorry, it was unavoidable."

"Well, I understand that but......"

Rinslet sulked.

But there was no reproachful look in that face.


By the way, on the opposite side, Claire–

"......Whatever, anyway, my breasts won't shake......"

For some reason, she was muttering to herself with teary eyes.

The horse-driven carriage continued to the {{Furigana|opening ritual|ceremony|margin=12}}'s castle.

While pointing at various things outside the window, Claire acted as a guide.

"The floating island «Ragna Ys» is one of the five sacred lands, the sacred land of the Wind Elemental Lord. The Blade Dance was held here 74 years ago."

By the way, the Blade Dance three years ago had been held in the fire Elemental Lord's territory at Fire Mountain city. There was no rule as to where the Blade Dance would held as it was decided by oracles received by the Queens.

"And the castle in the center is a historic ruin from a mystical age."

"So that's where we're lodging, huh?"

"Yes, it is an unequaled opportunity. Normally the «Divine Ritual Institute» would never allow anyone except princess maidens to enter. Which reminds me, have you been there before, Fianna?"

"Yes, but just once. I normally remained at the fire Elemental Lord's shrine."

"......The Elemental Lord's true shrine. I'm a little nervous."

Ellis whispered that with a nervous expression.


There were no signs of people on the paved road.

The ones invited to the opening ceremony were the Five Great Elemental Lords and the Queens that serve them, the elementalist representatives and the uppercrust nobility only. The entrance of others was not permitted and may have provoked the beginning of a real war.

"Are the king and queen of the Empire not coming?"

"......It seems. But that doesn't concern me."

Fianna shrugged and Kamito–

"......S-Sorry."

Fianna had been named the «Lost Queen» after she lost her spirit contracting powers despite being a Queen candidate and consequently was shunned by the king and queen.

Speaking about the king and queen to her may have been insensitive of him.

"I don't mind. To begin with, our relationship wasn't that good and not returning to the «Divine Ritual Institute» almost got me disowned. I have no intention of clinging to my title as the second princess and even if I'm removed from the monarchy line–"

And then Fianna stopped talking.

Claire's parents had been imprisoned and she was chasing her rebel sister who had disappeared.

"I don't mind."


Claire flicked her red twintails up and turned to Rinslet.

"Is anybody coming from Rinslet or Ellis' households to watch?"

"Yes. My father and younger sister will be coming."

"One of the Blade Dance's objective is to gather superior talent. The Fahrengart family traditionally adopts those excelling in martial ability."

Rinslet and Ellis nodded at the same time. Come to think of it, Ellis' step-sister, Velsaria Eva, was adopted, thought Kamito.

"Th-That's why, that is, if you display your true power before them, they might be wi-willing to accept you as an adopted child......"

"......?"

For some reason, Ellis was muttering unintelligibly with a red face.

"Will Kamito's family be coming?"

"Eh?"

At Claire's words–

Kamito asked without thinking.

"......My family?"

With the way the conversation was going, it was obvious that he would be asked that.


But Kamito suddenly couldn't manage to reply.

Family – the one word Kamito was most separate from.

"You, you really don't talk about your family. I think I heard your parents were from the empire?"

"Y-Yeah......"

He nodded with ambiguity. In the academy application that Greyworth had prepared, Kamito was the adopted son of a lower-class family of nobles. Claire had believed that.

Of course, that family of nobles didn't really exist. It was just a family created on paper.

Kamito had no known family name. Any vague memories he had of his parents when he was young had been overwritten with the experiences at the «Instructional School».

The one who had been by the young Kamito's side was darkness spirit – only Restia.

Possibly–

''I wonder if I could call them family......''

Kamito recalled the other girls at the facility.

The other two girls in his tactical team at the «Instructional School».

They didn't know each others' real names and it wasn't a relationship between comrades.

The intelligence expert elementalist, Lily Flame.


And that girl that was attached to him and called him nii-sama.

''......The military-use elementalist, Muir Alenstarl.''

Four years ago. Ever since the facility had been destroyed in the flame spirit's attack, Kamito had lost track of where she was. He had heard the greater half of the orphans there were taken in for protection by the Empire but there were sure to be others like Jio Inzagi who had used the chaos of the institution's destruction to escape.

He wondered if his remembering them was because of that dream he had–

"......? What's wrong, to make you have such a grim face?"

"Nothing, just thinking about the past."

Kamito averted his eyes from the inquiring Claire and looked out the window.

They were approaching the castle on the mountain.

===Part 3===
The horse-drawn carriage stopped before a large gate made of stone.

The castle at the top of the slightly inclined mountain was prepared with unparalleled beauty and grandeur.

It was surrounded by a forest and had a lake a short distance away.

Other teams also arrived and stopped their horse-drawn carriages before the gate.


''......It's a good thing we haven't run into that Dragon Princess.''

Relieved, he descended from the horse-drawn carriage and,

"We have been awaiting your arrival. Princess maidens who have come to entertain the Elemental Lords."

Inside the gate, a group of miko garment-wearing girls greeted them.

"They are the apprentices of the «Divine Ritual Institute». My kouhais."

Fianna whispered that into his ear.

"While you are staying here, we will be in your care for instruction in femininity."

When the princess maidens bowed, Kamito stole a glance of their bare breasts underneath the garment and his heart throbbed.

Looking closely, the ceremonial garments they were wearing was equivalent to being half-naked.

The opening above the breasts was large and at the hem of skirts, a slight amount of youthful skin was peeking out.

Even though the clothes were to inspire purity, they were strangely erotic.

Maybe if Claire and the others wore those clothes......he suddenly thought of that.

"Hm? Kamito, what are you looking at?"

He was asked that by Claire–

"Ahh, I was just thinking that if you guys wore those clothes, it'd really suit you–"

"Wha!?"


......Kamito said his thoughts out loud without thinking.

''......Uwa, I messed up!''

"Wh-wh-wh-what you sa-sa-sa-saying, you perverted slave spirit!"

Claire's face flared red and she beat her whip against the ground.

"Ka-Kamito-san likes those kinds of things, it seems......"

"Wh-What do you think the holy garments are!"

"I wonder if I still have my holy garments from when I was in the «Holy Ritual Institute»?"

The three ojou-samas whispered amongst themselves.

"So, Kamito-sama, whose figure did you imagine?"

"......!?"

The smiling Carol asked and Kamito averted his eyes.

===Part 4===
Entering the castle, they arrived at a large entry hall.

Beautiful arches with a high ceiling. A carpet was spread on the ground through a pillared corridor up to a door that led further in.

The lighting was provided not by lamps or spirit stones but by small floating light spirits.


Even if it was called a relic of the mythical age, several thousand years of repeated reconstruction and remodeling had left few traces of things from that long ago. The sole remaining traces were scultures hidden by stone pillars.

Along the pillared corridor's walls were colorful illustrations. These were at best the remnants of a few hundred years and the motifs were Queens that had left their name in history as well as «Blade Dance» winners.

"Hm?"

Kamito stopped before a large set of pictures.

Depicted there was the winner of the Blade Dance from three years ago.

The strongest blade dancer – Ren Ashbell.

Wrapped in the strange garments of foreign country, with an ominous demonic blade of darkness in her left hand.

That blade in her left hand was the darkness spirit, Restia's elemental waffe «{{Furigana|The Sword That Pierces Truth|Vorpal Sword|margin=12}}».

Bewitching black hair. Pearly white cheeks.

That girl's profile, drawn with a delicate touch, viewed as a goal, was very beautiful.

"......This is overdone. The work of a painter without a discerning eye."

Kamito muttered that and Ellis who had walked around turned around.

"It's you who lacks appreciation. Her beauty wasn't like that."

"That's right. Even though we're the same gender, she made my heart throb."


Claire also nodded in agreement.

"Ah–, I see......"

Kamito made an sour expression and groaned.

"Fufu, aren't you glad, Kamito-kun."

"You......"

Fianna teasingly laughed and looked at Kamito through half-opened eyes.

Following the princess maidens through the large castle, they finally arrived at their rooms.

"Empire representatives «Team Scarlet», your room is over here. If you would like to eat, use something or anything else, please do not hesitate to do so."

"Wait a second, am I in the same room?"

Kamito quickly asked the princess maiden and,

"Th-th-th-there's no way, what are you thinking!"

Claire refuted it with a panicked expression.

"Y-Yeah, as expected, staying in the same room as a gentleman is difficult."

Said Ellis as she cleared her throat.

"That's right, as expected......right."

"B-But, it can't be helped if there are no open rooms, right?"


Fianna and Rinslet also exchanged nervous glances.

"......? Of course, we have prepared a separate room for the gentleman."

To the guiding princess maiden's words,

"Th-That's right, of course!"

"Y-Yes, it is an obvious requirement!"

The ojou-samas said in high-pitched voices.

"Fufu, that's a pity."

"Like that would happen. Having just a lone male in a room of girls, what kind of torture is that?"

Kamito said that to the laughing and smiling Carol with half-opened eyes.

"Then, I'll be going straight to bed. See you later."

"Kamito, wait a moment."

His collar was grabbed as he turned to head for his room.

"What?"

"We are going to purify ourselves now."


"Purify?"

Purification meant the act of washing one's body with water in a purifying ceremony. Maidens that were not pure could not use spirits. For that reason, elementalists had to constantly maintain a pure mind and body.

"That's why, that is......y-you get changed and come to the lake as well!"

"Nah, I'm fine. I'll do it alone later."

Kamito shook his head in a troubled manner.

"Or rather, you don't want me to see you in swimsuits, right?"

"Th-That is......"

Claire's cheeks flushed and she averted her gaze,

"No, not really, i-it's not that I don't want it......it's fine if it's Kamito."

"......?"

"N-Nothing!"

Unfortunately, Claire's voice had been too quiet and he couldn't hear it well.

......He wondered what that was. Recently, Claire had become inarticulate.

"A-Anyway, we're a team so we'll be doing the purification together as well!"

This was a command to her slave spirit – Claire said this as her red twintails stood on end.

"Th-That's right, breaking the team's unity isn't good!"


"Kamito-san doesn't have enough self-recognition as part of a team!"

"Being able to do the purification ceremony together is a sign of trust!"

The three ojou-samas all agreed with each other.

"No, you guys are exaggerating......"

......He wondered why they were fussing over the purification so much.

The maid Carol cleared her throat with furrowed brows.

"To be clear, the ojou-samas simply want to show Kamito their new swimsuits–"

""""Carol!""""

The collective voice of the ojou-samas.

"What is it, exactly......"

Kamito felt troubled–

A tug.

His cuff was being pulled.

"......Est?"

Est, who had returned to human form at some point, looked up at Kamito.

"Kamito, I want to play with Kamito at the lake."

"......"


Being looked at by Est's mysterious pupils, Kamito gulped.

''I did something bad to Est this morning so......''

It seemed like Est wasn't mad anymore but–

He felt that he had to do something to compensate her.

Kamito placed his hand on Est's head and caressed it.

"Got it. Let's play at the lake together."

"Yes, Kamito. I'm happy."

Est nodded expressionlessly.

Kamito turned towards Est and the others.

"With that, I'll also be doing the purification – hey, owaa!"

""""Why are you so soft on Est!""""

Four peoples' luggage flew to his face.

......It seems like we have no problems with teamwork.

===Part 5===
"–Here is Kamito-sama's room."


Kamito was led down the hallway to a gloomy room the furthest in.

The room was putrid and had a gloomy air to it. In the corner were painting and sculptures as well as other junk covered in spiderwebs.

"......Is it just me or am I the only one being treated this badly?"

......In Claire and the others' room, there had even been a fireplace and chandelier.

Rather than a room, this was closer to a storage.

"The «Divine Ritual Institute» decided this."

The princess maiden cleared her throat.

......It seemed like she was being openly cold towards Kamito.

''......Well, it can't be helped, I guess.''

The «Divine Ritual Institute» was, like the academy, far removed from the presence of men.

"Does this room not have a light?"

"Yes. Light spirits wouldn't come near this kind of gloomy room."

"I'll open the window."

"As you wish. However, it may be rusted shut."

"......"


Kamito sighed deeply and entered the box-like room.

He had left Est at the girls' room so he had to clean the room by himself.

''......Now that I think about it, it's about time to eat.''

Other than the black tea he drank on the flying ship, he had not eaten anything since that morning.

"Sorry, could I request something light to eat?"

"Kamito-sama wishes for nyotaimori? <ref> nyotaimori = "body sushi", is the practice of serving sashimi or sushi from the body of a woman</ref> I apologize but that–"

"I didn't say that! Just something normal like a sandwich!"

"A nyotai-sandwich......wrapping yourself with breasts......?"

"......I'm begging you, please stop with the nyotai stuff."

Kamito sighed deeply at the scornful glare he received from the princess maiden.

===Part 6===
"This kind of bold swimsuit......is it okay?"

"The knight captain breasts are unexpectedly quite large......"

"Ahn – what are you doing!"

Ellis gave a cute cry at Rinslet fondling her breasts.


In the girls' room, the ojou-samas were changing into swimsuits from their uniforms.

Smooth, young skin. Bewitching body lines.

They were bishoujos of equally outstanding proportions.

In the corner was Claire who felt that she had lost.

''......Wh-What, it's not just me!''

......The slightly present chest.

With a pink tip, it was like a budding flower.

''Even though everybody else is growing properly......''

She sighed as she watched the rest of the team getting changed.

The only one it felt like she could win against was Est, but she was a spirit.

''Even Kamito wouldn't like this kind of small chest......''

While lightly rubbing the slight bumps–

What appeared in Claire's mind was a scene from two months prior.

The time when she had first met Kamito at the lake in the «Spirit Forest».

The words he had said when he had seen her bathing naked.

–I have no interest toward's a kid's body, he had said.

"......!"


Remembering it, her cheeks flushed red.

Having a guy her age seeing her naked, that was of course her first time.

''......But thinking about it, it was only two months ago.''

Standing on one foot and slipping on her new swimsuit, Claire sighed.

Only two months.

But ever since she had met Kamito, many things had happened.

The showdown with Ellis at the academy. Fighting the rampant military spirit.

The cooking battle with the newly transferred Fianna. The mission at the mine.

Two weeks ago, they defeated the strongest elementalist and gathered five teammates to participate in the Blade Dance.

–Until she met Kamito, she was always alone.

''But I still don't really know anything about Kamito......''

Dropping her panties on the floor, she sunk into thought.

Even when she had asked about his family on the horse-driven carriage, he had avoided the question.

''It's not like I want to pry but–''

The thing she still didn't know about Kamito was his connection with that darkness spirit girl.

She had given Claire the frenzied spirit and been at the mine with Jio Inzagi for the purpose of unsealing {{Furigana|the strategic-class military spirit|Jormungandr|margin=12}}.


She was Kamito's contracted spirit but nothing else was known.

Whenever a discussion about the past arose, Kamito would stay silent.

......She didn't like that.

''At least tell your master, idiot......''

While hiding her small chest with her hands, Claire pressed her lips together while displeased.

<noinclude>
==Translation Notes==
<references/>
</noinclude>

<noinclude>
{{SeireiDance Nav|prev=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume4 Chapter3|next=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume4 Chapter5}}
</noinclude>

Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume4 Chapter3

2013-02-23T05:55:28Z

Worker:

==Chapter 3: Dracunia's Dragon Princess==
===Part 1===

Upon ascending to the ship's deck, they could see clouds drifting at terrifying speeds.

Actually, the ship was at speeds that a person's body would be blown away in a flash by the blowing winds but not even the sound of the wind could be heard thanks to a spirit magic barrier enclosing the ship.

Looking down from the side of the airship, an eerie forest stretched out into the distance.

Kamito was looking down at the forest and—

"Areishia Spirit Academy representative, Kazehaya Kamito, I presume?"

A voice came from behind him.

"......?"

Turning around, a beautiful noble-looking girl with shoulder-length hair was there.

A beret adorned her head. A black surcoat with not a single wrinkle.

She was probably about the same age as Kamito. She was glaring at Kamito with strong-willed-looking pupils.

"Who are you? Why do you know my name?"

"You're famous. The only male elementalist on the continent."

She told him while maintaining a rigid expression.


Contrary to her magnificent appearance, her aura was thorny.

"Also, someone who plays around with women and then throws them away."

"Wait, what am I famous for!?"

Kamito yelled that out immediately.

"It's useless to attempt to deceive me. Dracunia's prized intelligence gathering agency is the finest in the continent, after all."

"Yeah, your prized espionage agents are definitely incompetent—wait, Dracunia?"

Kamito asked with knitted brows.

The Dracunia Dragon Duchy.

Located to the west of the Empire, it was a country that employed the strongest magic beasts, dragons, in their military.

"Dracunia's representative, huh?"

"Yes, Leader of the Knights of the Dragon Emperor — Leonora Lancaster."

The bishoujo in military uniform kept her eyes on him as she named herself.

"......Leonora."

Kamito said with a sigh.

He had heard that name from Claire.

''If I remember, «Dragon Princess» was the title given to Dracunia's representing ace......''

By popular opinion, she was the one known as an equal to Velsaria.

[[Image:STnBD V04 065.jpg|thumb]]


"What business does the ace of Dracunia have with me?"

Kamito put up his guard and readied himself.

The Blade Dance was not just a festival.

The «Divine Ritual Institute» would never admit it, but it was also a representative war of knights between nations.

The country whose elementalist or elementalist team won would be granted the Elemental Lord's protection for several years and this blessing would lead to the nation prospering.

The reason many countries trained elementalists was for this reason.

And there were also many countries that had no choice but to use certain methods to grasp victory as a consequence.

"Trying to kill me off before the Blade Dance begins?"

"What a stupid idea."

But Leonora gently shook her head.

"As one not from the home country of the «Silent Fortress», you are not the Knights of the Dragon Emperor's enemy. We will defeat you fair and square in the Blade Dance."

"Then, why?"

In front of the suspicious Kamito, she squirmed lightly with a red face.

"I, well, I, um, that is, your......I came to cut off that."

While averting her eyes from Kamito, she smoothly drew out a large sword.


"Wh-why are you taking out your sword!?"

Kamito backed away.

If her words were true, she hadn't come to assassinate him.

Then, why exactly—

"Or rather, cut what from me?"

"That's, y-your......kuu, you mean to make me say it!"

"Hah?"

"Thi-This pervert!"

Large tears formed from Leonora's eyes—

The large sword carved into the ship deck with a large sound.

Just now, the ship's floor exploded into shards.

"......Wha!?"

Kamito had dodged by a paper-thin margin.

"Aren't you full of the intent to kill me!"

"I won't kill you if you don't resist. Please hold still."

"I'm asking you what you mean—"

And then Kamito realized.


Leonora's gaze was fixed firmly upon Kamito's lower body.

As he noticed her cheeks colored red, she averted her eyes.

"Wait, don't tell me......"

Kamito broke out into a cold sweat.

"Yes, I will have you let me cut off your '''that'''. Kazehaya Kamito."

Leonora drew the sword back out from the smashed floor and took a stance.

"It would trouble me greatly if you were to use the commotion of the Blade Dance to lay a hand on my subordinates after all."

"Like I would!"

"You can't lie to me, you perverted brute of a maou!"

She glared at him with cold eyes.

"Perverted brute of a maou, you say......"

......It was too horrible.

He didn't think such shameful rumors would reach even outside of the country.

"W-With that devilish power and sweet words, you trick innocent maidens and do this kind of thing and that kind of thing to them, right!"

"What are this kind of thing and that kind of thing......"

"Th-That is......!"


At Kamito's question, her face burned red.

It seemed that the Dragon Princess was just as pure as the ojou-samas from the academy.

"You know, it's the opposite. You have a huge misunderstanding."

Kamito said this with a sigh.

"......The opposite?"

"Yeah, because I'm always being treated as a slave spirit by Claire."

"Wha? To make a teammate into a toy slave spirit!"

"Listen to what other people are saying for a bit!"

......Or rather, how come this young lady was using such terminology!?

"Do-Don't come any closer, you pervert!"

"Uoo!"

Leonora's blade sliced the air as she swung down.

Kamito drew Terminus Est and stopped that blow.

The high-pitched wail of metal colliding rang out across the deck.

''......This is just like a repetition of my first meeting with Ellis!''

While stopping the large blade, Kamito groaned internally.

"I see, you are truly strong......"


Leonora let out a voice of admiration.

"So this is the «Demon Slayer» that defeated a giant military spirit."

"It seems that your information is correct."

"It makes me want to test which is stronger, that or my «Dragon Slayer»!"

"......!?"

Leonora's sword gave off intense light with her words.

''This is......!''

It wasn't a regular Elemental Waffe. It gave off an impression equal to that of Velsaria's Dreadnought.

''—This person's insanely strong!''

As expected, the title of Dracunia's ace wasn't just for show.

"N-Now, please calmly remove your pants, i-it won't hurt a bit."

"Who's gonna do that! Of course it's gonna hurt!"

Kamito pushed back against the large sword.

Such power was being used against him that he couldn't believe it was coming from that girl's frail-looking delicate arms.

It was most likely a spirit magic for strengthening the body's traits. In a straight power competition, Kamito was at a disadvantage.

"Kamito!"


The sound of the air being cut.

Leonora's sword was gripped by the thing that had drawn a bright crimson arc in the air.

"You, what are you doing to my slave spirit!"

It was Claire who rose onto the deck with whip in hand.

With one hand on her hip, she pointed towards Leonora.

"Claire, thanks for the help—"

In the opening Leonora left by diverting her attention, Kamito jumped away.

"You are—"

Leonora who had repelled the Flame Tongue glared at Claire.

"Kazehaya Kamito's toy slave spirit."

"Wha!?"

Claire's face instantly reddened.

And with slow movements, she turned towards Kamito......

"Y-Y-You, don't tell me that's how you see me......!"

"Wait, you know that's wrong, right? I'm the slave spirit, right?"

......Wait, that's strange. It seems like she became even angrier.

The two ladies glaring at Kamito made him want to run away—


And at that moment.

Doooooooon!

With an ear-splitting noise, the ship rocked violently.

===Part 2===
"Kyaaa!"

The floor tilted and Claire lost her balance, falling over.

"—What!?"

Kamito leaned off the side of the ship.

He looked into the flowing clouds below and—

"That is!?"

A giant shadow was present in the clouds.

Like splitting waves, it split the clouds to reveal a gigantic black monster!

"......!?"

It's total length was about 10 metres. Its appearance greatly resembled a stingray swimming in the ocean.

The difference with stingrays was that it had enormous red eyes on its head.


And that it was flying in the sky instead of the ocean.

"A magic beast!?"

"No, that is......don't tell me, it's from the second aerial unit, {{Furigana|Destruction Spirit|Death Gaze|margin=12}}—"

Leonora Lancaster knit her brows and muttered that while looking with suspicion.

"What?"

"Dracunia's main military spirit. It should have been sealed with the end of the Ranbal War, so why is it here?"

"Military spirit......"

A spirit which was comparable to a cooperative force of several elementalists.

He didn't know why such a thing would attack the airship but—

The fact that the ship was currently under attack was undeniable.

The military destruction spirit — «Death Gaze» roared as it glided.

Even if the ship had a wind barrier, it was not a fighting vessel.

If it were to receive an attack from a giant like that, it would be helpless.

The ship alarm rang out across the deck.


The ship made a quick turn and tried to avoid the spirit.

As expected of a cutting-edge technology ship, it had impressive mobility.

But it was useless in the face of the spirit.

"—It's coming, brace for impact!"

A loud noise.

A fearsome impact rocked the ship and Kamito's body lifted up.

The destruction spirit had rammed into the side of the ship.

"Fuaa!" "Kyan!"

"You two, grab onto me!"

Kamito quickly covered the two girls that had fallen to the ground. His heart thumped at the softness of their bodies once, but now wasn't the time to think about that.

"Claire, are you okay?"

"Fuaaa, y-you, where are you touching!"

Claire's face was bright red.

"......? Where, you say?"

Kamito looked at the spot he had grabbed both of them.

His hands were caught on to both of their chests.


"......S, sorry!"

Kamito quickly withdrew his hand but,

"Th-th-th-this perverted slave spirit! Cinders, cinders!"

"Hey, stop, this isn't the time for—"

Hit, hit, hit, hit.

Claire hit Kamito with tears in her eyes.

On the other hand, Leonora—

"A-aa-a-a boy, touched my br-brbr-breasts......!"

Poof. Steam rose from her face and she fainted.

"......H-Hey!"

He shook the fallen girl but it didn't seem like she would wake up.

"It looks like she's in shock from you touching her breasts."

"I-It wasn't on purpose!"

"Hmmm, I wonder about that?"

She glared at Kamito like she was unsatisfied.

......In any case, he couldn't leave her here.

And just then. The ship rocked greatly a second time.


The spirit that had rammed into the ship was also attacking with its tail.

"Kamito, the ship will sink at this rate."

"Yeah......"

At the serious face of Claire, Kamito nodded.

Chaos could be heard below the deck.

Even if they were trained elementalists, they were still regular girls. It was a natural result that a sudden attack would cause panic inside the ship.

The long-range attacker, Rinslet, would also have a hard time reaching the deck quickly in this chaos.

"Looks like we'll have to do this alone."

"Looks that way."

With the last attack, it seemed like the engine had stopped. The ship stalled like it had a nail jammed into it and began falling.

"We have about two or three minutes before we hit the ground......"

Until the staff got the back-up spirit engine working, they had to protect the defenseless ship.

Kamito stood up unsteadily and planted each foot on the gunwale of the deck.

"Est, lend me your power!"


He drew Terminus Est from his waist and poured in divine power.

Responding to Kamito's summons, the sword gave off light.

"Kamito, it's reckless to fight with a sword. I'll do it."

"No, I will. Flame Tongue won't work on it."

"That is?"

Claire chewed her lip. Claire's battle style of wearing down her prey was not made for short-term battles. She knew that best herself.

"But what do I do then. I can't use magic to fly like Ellis."

"As long as I cling to it and don't fall off, isn't that fine?"

"Hah?"

At Kamito's carefree words, Claire was stunned.

"A-Aren't you just stupid!"

"Either way, at this rate the ship will sink. It's worth trying."

"B-But......"

Claire held fast to Kamito's uniform's sleeve.

"What, are you worried about me?"


"Th-That's wrong, I'm not worried......"

Claire averted her eyes.

Although arrogant most of the time, she was truly gentle underneath that.

"It's fine. I'll clean it up quickly."

Kamito gave a light knock to Claire's head and—

The flash of a silver white blade disappeared off the side of the ship.

"......Jeez, I don't care anymore, idiot!"

With the wind barrier damaged, the groaning sound of wind could be heard.

On the back of the destruction spirit whose head was lodged in the side of the ship—

"Ohhhhhhhhh!"

Kamito impaled it mercilessly.

Piercing through the outer shell, it dug into the underlying flesh.

The destruction spirit gave off a fearsome cry and began to roll.

On the verge of slipping off, Kamito placed his foot on the outer shell and he gripped his sword with all his might.

In order to smack the bug on its back, the destruction spirit folded its body and tried to hit it with its tail, rocking the boat in the process.


From the giant flailing about, the ship's armor fell off and into the forest.

''The ship won't last at this rate......''

Gritting his teeth, he withstood the force of the bone crushing attack.

''First I have to take care of that tail!''

Kamito drew out Terminus Est with all his strength. Pulled by gravity, he began to fall. However, just before he did, he jumped as hard as possible.

He ran up the spirit's body rhythmically.

This was just a giant body. If he just observed the muscles for contractions and planned his next step, before he began to fall, he could safely reach another foothold. Though it was a technique which required uncommon ability and battle prowess.

"Sorry. I bear no hatred against you."

Jumping using just the giant's body—

The demon slayer held in both his hands cleaved through the spirit's tail.

The tail convulsed as it fell into the forest below.

However, Kamito's body also became airborne at the same time.

Gravity took over and began to pull him — just before that.

Something wrapped around his ankle and pulled him back up.


He was thrown around in the air — the next moment, he slapped onto the ship's deck.

"......Ouch......"

Kamito was assaulted by pain.

"......Rather, it burns, so would you control your temperature output!?"

The ankle that had the Flame Tongue around it was a little charred.

"It's punishment for being reckless. If I had messed up, you'd be a pancake right about now."

"I trusted that you wouldn't mess up, master."

"......You're really an idiot, you know that......"

Mumbled the red-faced Claire unintelligibly.

"—And, here it comes!"

With its tail cut off, the enraged destruction spirit charged towards the ship.

A charge towards the deck with its mouth open, showing off its countless fangs!?

A dreadful shock rattled the ship. Pieces of the deck flew off and scattered.

Kamito took a stance and protected Claire from the shards.

"—As expected of a military destruction spirit, such insane power."

While still onboard the ship deck, the destruction spirit raged.

It appeared that its head had gotten stuck in the ship.


It was a chance. The ship couldn't take another charge.

Kamito took a stance with his Demon Slayer and charged it with divine power.

"Claire, I'm finishing it here!"

"Got it!"

The destruction spirit writhed violently.

As it flapped its fin-like wings and attempted to ascend—

"I won't let you!"

Moments before it succeeded, Claire wrapped the Flame Tongue around it.

The Flame Tongue didn't manage to pierce the outer shell.

But the flame whip had knocked the spirit off-balance and made it crash back onto the deck.

There—

"Ohhhhhhhhh!"

Kamito ran towards it with a large sword.

A shining blade line.

Kicking off the ground, the sword strike cut into the soft underbelly of the spirit.

However—


"What!?"

Even with its underbelly pierced, the destruction spirit had not been defeated.

The spirit opened its jaw to reveal many fangs in front of Kamito—

In that moment. He heard a voice from behind.

"O black-fanged dragon spirit, thou, abiding my command, eliminate my enemies—"

"......!?"

"—Destroy, {{Furigana|Dragon Spirit|Nidhogg|margin=12}}!"

With that dignified voice—

The rough, mad blaze swallowed the enraged giant destruction spirit.

This time the spirit was burned to charcoal and fell from the ship.

On the deck, there was a line of intense black flame.

"......Claire?"

A black dragon with spread wings stood there.

It was small for a dragon but still stood twice Kamito's height.

"Your finish is weak, Kazehaya Kamito."

Leonora Lancaster stood there beside the black dragon.


He wondered when she had regained consciousness.

"......That is the Knights of the Dragon Emperor's strongest dragon «Nidhogg»."

Claire whispered while looking.

''......I see, it really isn't your everyday spirit.''

Kamito was astonished.

''Looks like this time's Blade Dance will have people of this level......''

"......You're a life saver, thanks."

Kamito expressed his thanks and Leonora shook her head.

"That military spirit was from Dracunia to begin with so it's only natural that we be the ones to finish it."

"......Even though you were passed out the whole time."

"Th, that's because a man to, touched my chest......!"

The glaring Claire and panicking Leonora.

The ship shook slightly and then started gaining altitude.

It seems that the back-up spirit engine had been started.

"At least now we can relax."

"But how did a military spirit that was supposed to be sealed attack us—"


That spirit was not mad.

It had attacked the ship intentionally.

"It was probably someone who wanted to eliminate the Blade Dance competitors. It's impossible to track who used a military spirit."

Leonora analyzed the situation calmly.

"It seems these kinds of attacks are commonplace. It seems that even if we're not there yet, we should treat it as if the Blade Dance has already begun."

While leaning over the side of the ship, Claire pointed at the shadow of the ship.

"Look over there."

"Yeah?"

Kamito took a peek and saw a battleship within the clouds retreating.

"I don't know whose ship it is, but there's no way it's not connected to that attack. To use a military spirit of that class, there must be several elementalists onboard that ship."

"Are we not going to chase them?"

"Without a flying wind spirit, it's impossible to catch up to a battleship going at full speed. And they probably have more military spirits. It's too dangerous."

"......Sealed military spirits, huh."


Something was tugging at the edge of Kamito's mind.

He remembered the battle with Jio Inzagi and his mission at the mine.

''Restia was trying to unseal {{Furigana|the stretegic-class military spirit|Jormungandr|margin=12}}.''

As expected, he might just be thinking too much into it—

"This might be connected to that darkness spirit girl from the other military spirit case......"

But it seemed that Claire had the same idea.

She peered at Kamito with a meek face.

"......"

Kamito stayed silent.

"Kamito, are you unhurt!?"

"All of a sudden, the ship shook......what happened out here!?"

"Kamito-kun, are you okay?"

Ellis, Rinslet and Fianna all came up to the deck.

"Kazehaya Kamito, I will retire for today but—"

And Leonora reverted her black dragon to its sword form and turned on her heal.

"Deceiving princess shrine maidens and forming a heavenly harem — that «wish» is something this blade will never allow."


"Wait, I'm not wishing for that kind of thing!"

"Y-You, are you participating in the Blade Dance for that kind of wish?"

Gogogogogogogogo......!

"Claire, don't believe it!"

"A heavenly harem......was it?"

"Kamito-san, what does that mean!"

"Umm, what rank am I?"

"You guys......"

......After that, Kamito was questioned by the ojou-samas for about an hour.

===Part 3===
"Nii-sama, why have you become that weak?"

On the deck of the small battleship—

The girl with ash grey hair tilted her head in a strange manner.

Underfoot were the shattered remains of a ring.


It was the ring of the sealed destruction spirit.

"Muir, you should have been told not to use the «Jester's Vise»."

From the ship's hatch appeared another girl.

A girl with brown skin that looked to be around 15 years old.

Beautiful jade hair. Pure red pupils and pointed ears.

She was a sub-human Elfim with all the traits of one.

"It's not Muir's fault. It's the fault of those military guys for having a weak spirit."

"The mission this time is just to test his power. Just because you wanted to, a precious spirit was lost."

"If it couldn't stand Muir's «Jester's Vise», it wasn't fit to be used."

"Military spirits aren't your toys. They're not something you just throw away."

"Hmph, and that's why Lily is weak."

Muir pouted her cheeks in discontent.

The Elfim race girl — Lily Flame breathed a heavy sigh.

"Well, fine, so how was his power? We lost a precious military spirit. You better at least have that or you'll have no excuse for Cardinal."

"Nii-sama has become weak."


Muir put her index finger to her lips and shook her head in disappointment.

"......Weak? Even though he defeated a mid-class military spirit?"

"The past nii-sama would have done it alone. But this time, the group with nii-sama pulled him down."

"His teammates from Areishia Academy, huh. I really can't believe it......that he's hanging out with that half-baked group."

"Like this, nii-sama will just become weaker."

"......That's true. Eventually a hindrance to Cardinal's plan may appear."

Lily muttered this—

"It's fine. Muir will just kill everyone."

Muir smiled innocently and turned towards her.

"Muir, don't do willful things. We are the Cardinal's tools?"

"Shut up, Lily."

"......!?"

An instant. A shudder ran through Lily Flame's body.

The number two of the «Instructional School» — «Monster» Muir Alenstarl.

She must never be upset.


She had accompanied her for a long time so she knew that well.

"Muir doesn't care about anything other than nii-sama. I'll kill you too if you get in my way, Lily."

"Muir......"

A few breathless seconds.

And then—

"Aha, I'm joking. Lily, what kind of face are you making?"

Muir made a pure smile and turned towards her.

"Lily is my precious friend so I won't just kill you that easily."

"......"

Muir looked towards the far end of the ship and sighed.

"Wait for me, nii-sama. I'll erase the meddlesome onee-chans for you."

<noinclude>{{SeireiDance Nav|prev=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume4 Chapter2|next=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume4 Chapter4}}</noinclude>

Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume4 Chapter2

2013-02-23T05:54:40Z

Worker:

'''Note: Pending TLC, I'm not sure how much you'll be misreading'''
== Chapter 2: Sky Voyage ==
===Part 1===

The flying boat filled with ether continued to glide over the clouds.

The destination was a sanctuary in Astral Zero – Floating Island «Ragna Ys».

It was the venue for the Blade Dance.

Originally, only the princess maidens from the «Divine Ritual Institute» were permitted to enter the sanctuary to attend to the Elemental Lord.

However, it was now open to the general public specifically for the Blade Dance only.

"Oh, this flying boat is so amazing!"

Overlooking the sea of clouds that extended through the window, Kamito was feeling dizzy.

Anyway, it was his first time riding a flying boat.

But as expected from the ladies of nobility, they got accustomed to it as soon as they unloaded their luggage.

He was relaxing on the sofa in the private room that they were each allotted.

The carpet had very beautiful embroidery in red, with the walls of the room made from polished marble.

All of the furniture on board was of the highest standard.

"Nevertheless, there is not even the smallest tremor."

"This is indeed the latest flying ship. If all goes as planned, we will be arriving at about noon."


That being said, Claire laid herself down on the sofa. But no matter, her posture was....

One could easily see her pink panties. Kamito hurriedly averted his face.

"Come to think of it, I have heard that tonight will be the opening ceremony at the castle. Have you brought your dress for the Formal Ball?"

"No, I did not bring it. I hate dance parties."

Recalling the Blade Dance three years ago, Kamito groaned bitterly.

Honestly, the ball was nothing but trivial.

"Is that so...."

For some reason, Claire muttered regretfully.

"....? Don't be embarrassed if you need help over your dress, okay?"

"No no, there's nothing required!"

Claire blushed and turned the other way.

"Are you angry......?"

"I-I am not angry...stupid!"

"....Really, both of you, fighting on a ship?"

Rinslet was amazed at this and shrugged her shoulders.

"Rinslet, what are you doing here―?"


Rinslet had arranged a tea set on the table in preparation.

"I'll brew some black tea, so, shall we have some?"

"I have heard that the flavor of tea leaves from the Laurenfrost province is really good."

"Uh huh! It is essential to relax a bit before the Blade Dance."

Fianna and Ellis too, who were gazing the scene outside came forward to join the table.

It seemed to be an elegant young lady's style to enjoy tea during the evening.

As Rinslet gracefully poured tea into the cups with her hands, the steam rising immediately filled the room with a pleasant citrus aroma.

"Oh thank you! This has got a really nice flavor."

Claire sincerely gave her words of praise.

"This orange tea is a specialty of the Laurenfrost province."

"Heh-heh, the tea brewed by my lady is indeed delicious."

Her maid Carol giggled and smiled.

"Isn't this usually a maid's job to do?"

Kamito enquired―

"Well, then my adorable Carol will have burns all over."

"Ah, I am sorry..."


For some reason, Rinslet was stark angry.

Incidentally, only those people who had invitation were allowed in the sanctuary; however, Carol being the property of Laurenfrost House— was given a special permit as an accomplice to Rinslet.

Although, Rinslet seemed to be still dissatisfied with the treatment, particularly towards Carol.

"How much sugar, Kamito-san?

"Ah, I request for one."

"Claire's two?"

"You! How do you know about my taste?"

"Eh, nothing; I merely remember it by chance."

Rinslet blushed and shouted angrily.

"Well, that's because my lady and Miss Claire have been playing together since the early days—"

"Ah, is that so?"

Carol smiled when asked by Kamito.

"Yes, my lady and Miss Claire have become very emotionally attached—"

"Hey, you, when did that happen!?"

"Yes, that's right. I assure you that Claire and I are rivals!"


Rinslet suddenly faced the other way.

"I wonder if I can get it."

"As expected of your Royal Highness, you truly understand the way to enjoy black tea."

Rinslet nodded with satisfaction.

And, this time Ellis really coughed—

"I-I would like milk tea with plenty of sugar."

She said this in an embarrassed voice.

"Hai Hai<ref> '''Hai Hai''': Casually saying ‘yes yes’ in Japanese</ref>, Milk tea it is."

"So, if that's the case......"

"Yes?"

"If possible, with cream and honey. Moreover I also wish for dried marshmallow on it."

"Hey! What is that!"

Rinslet's cheek twitched.

"Such a drink in excess, such blasphemy towards tea!"

"I-I always have it that way! In order to endure harsh sword training, it is necessary to take a lot of sugar."

"Hah... because of that, the Military Family of Fahrengart is..."


“Miss Captain is also surprisingly childish. She doesn’t understand the subtle flavor of this tea.”

“Well, you are annoying! I have always preferred such sweetness in the taste!"

Ellis retorted teary-eyed to Claire’s pitying face,

While watching them —

Be it this or that, to open one’s heart, these two people……

Kamito smiled wryly in mind.

Because of the long time conflict with the Sylphid Knights, Claire and Captain Ellis had been on bad terms. Ellis was on the team, so after a mere two weeks since her arrival, they would quarrel during each day's entire training session.

In order to utilize the battle skills of the similarly neighboring [sentence requires further translation] Ellis, Kamito decided to unite them as a duo, thereupon raising complaints from Claire for some reason or another —— And thus many evenings were spent in this manner.

After all, Claire and Ellis were two people of very different personalities.

Both of them were honor students. However, Ellis was more of a sincere, hard working sort of person, while Claire was more of a fiery-tempered genius. At the very least, both were strong willed.

And thus, the first week went by in a very dangerous mood; however—

"Unbelievable! Really, putting in honey…"

“Wow, I like this.”


"Well, why it is so sweet and delicious....Eh?"

With the cup touching to her lips Ellis looked at Claire with her faintly shut eyes.

"How is it?"

"......It's not that bad. It has little bit of a mild flavor to it."

"Hasn't it?"

"But, this impairs the gentle flavor this black tea. It is at best a children's drink."

[[Image:STnBD V04 055.jpg|200px|thumb]]

"Hmm, it just might really be so......"

Nowadays, Claire's such method of retorting with frivolous talk always nearly came to blows.

"—Nevertheless, your hellcat spirit is just so adorable."

And so Ellis reached out to Scarlet who was crouched on the sofa with her hands.

But then she suddenly started playing with its tail and paws with her fingertips.

"Wait a minute, Scarlet is my contracted spirit. Do not touch her in such a carefree manner."

"Hey, isn't even a little okay......?"

Picking up and hugging Scarlet closely, Ellis' lips sharpened.

For a too serious Captain-sama, this was both a surprising and an adorably frail side.

"......So to say, you even have things such as stuffed toys in your room, isn't it?"

“Nyanya!”<ref> '''Nyanya:''' Cat’s ‘meow’ </ref>


As if calling for Claire’s assistance, Scarlet gave out a bothersome cry.

“I think it seems that your contracted spirit wants to separate from you.”

“Let’s say, Simorgh's face is pretty lovely too<ref> This is said with a negative feeling, in annoyance</ref>……”

Ellis peevishly started muttering after listening to this.

When listening to this, it seemed like it was a chant for making a contract with a spirit.

“Ellis!”

“Stop right there, I will not let this continue even a minute longer.”

Ellis seemed to be hugging Scarlet even more closely—

“Nya!”

Scarlet managed to extract herself from Ellis’ arms, and left the room.

Claire finally sighed and her mood improved.

“That’s why I have to say this: Scarlet would not become emotionally attached to any human other than me.”

“If thinking that way too, isn’t it always you who asks me for my Fenrir to be your pillow?

Rinslet glared at Claire with scornful eyes.

“…..But then what shall I do; I feel comfortable when it is chilly.”

Sitting on the sofa, Claire put her head on the back of the white wolf.


For a high ranking demon ice spirit «Fenrir», it showed an expression of great annoyance.

''……I can understand, that feeling''

Frustratingly serving as a slave spirit under Claire, Kamito gave sympathy reflexively.

“Uffu fu, Kamito-kun, do you want to call for my ‘breasts only’ pillow?”

“Stop being ridiculous, Your Highness”

And Kamito poked on Fianna’s forehead.

“…..Aammo, this does not mean that you have already won.”

She added this while placing her index finger to her lips in a seemingly dissatisfied manner.

“Hum, do not go searching for Scarlet afterwards. This ship is just too vast and spacious to search in.”

And with Claire sighing flauntingly, Ellis got diverted to the affairs of the day after tomorrow.

“So to say, the fact is that there are other countries’ representatives also onboard, right?”

“Yes, besides us, just how many other teams were picked up?”

Claire nodded at the question asked by Kamito.

Kamito placed his cup of black tea in the table.

“—Even the Strongest Blade Dancer?”

“—……Huh?”

Just then, the tension in the room rose up.


Kamito’s voice had an unusual force behind it.

“No, that girl isn’t on board this flying ship.”

And Claire quietly denied it by shaking her head.

“This time, that girl will be appearing as the representative from the Alphas Empire. If so, she will be on one of the other flying vessels.”

“Is that so……”

“Anyways, this just doesn’t make sense, right?”

“Yes, to be a representative from the Alphas Empire while utilizing spirit magic at such a level, ain’t it?”

Rinslet tilted her head in thought, and Claire nodded in assent to her.

Alphas Empire — from East to West respectively, a small country sandwiched between the two major principalities, Ordesia Empire and Dracunia — the Dragon Empire. Their main resource was the spirit ore which was excavated from mines. But, in order to bring such an enormous fortune for a small country like that, the people would have had to barter for advanced excavation equipment sourced from ancient ruins similar to the ones that held the «Gates».

Though it was unconfirmed, many people alleged the country to be the headquarters for the organization of the Dark Traders {{Furigana|Corpse Federation|Murders|margin=12}}.


But for this country to be able to ward off any confrontation from the two super powers on its land, there must have been extremely skillful diplomacy on the part of the founding leaders.

“In the first place, the representatives from that country last participated in the Blade Dance 50 years ago. But for what reason could they be participating in this tournament, even I would like to know that.”

Ren Ashbell, for now the famous elementalist herself was a source of aspiration for these young ladies and she was what they aimed for.

For such a girl, her being the representative of such a small country had lead to nothing but very bad rumors, and Claire and the others were all helpless to withstand it.

“Speaking of Alphas Empire, there is a rumor about them rapidly buying and collecting spirits for military services.”

Ellis started muttering over such a matter while folding her arms.

“Why now? Why is it necessary for them to assemble spirits for military services?”

That wasn’t just all to it.

The Alphas Empire, in addition to this, was also seen as a source of potential threat.

''As a certainty, it is also believed to be the birth place of the Demon King — isn’t that so? ''

It was believed that the Demon King had roots all over the continent at quite a number of places.

And Alphas Empire was known as its Headquarters.

At any rate, the capital of the Empire was the native of Demon King Solomon.

It was believed by the followers of the Demon King, that one day a 2nd advent would come again in the empire.


Demon King — Kamito felt an odd sensation in his chest as he started to recollect.

''It is certain that at that school, I was brought up as a Demon King, and even my colleagues believed it to be so......''

For this reason, they then blessed Kamito who was considered an elementalist blessed by that man, with an existence which was a high ranking spirit that had been contracted with by the Demon King himself.

“At any rate, this news is still unclear how it relates to Ren Ashbell, right.”

Claire shrugged her shoulders.

“Suddenly appearing 3 years ago, a nameless elementalist. After these years, of the same age of 16 years old as I, wielding a darkness spirit of . How she did reach that level is truly impossible to comprehend.”

For the sake of winning through the Blade Dance, not only the ability and power to use spirit magic, but gathering intelligence was also essential.

Though the academy was able to provide essential details of the elementalists and their spirit attributes from the other participating teams, regarding the one called Ren Ashbell, there was nothing but simply what collected from flying gossip.

Not just about her, but even about her team members there was no information.

''So not only the identity, but also their objective is obscure, or—''

But if it were just a case of deceiving everyone by imitating the legendary elementalist.

However, such a thing was not impossible.


''Greyworth, that person is the only one whom I was not able to defeat—''

For the sake of defeating her in Blade Dance, Kamito had been summoned at the academy.

''That’s—''

And, Kamito dropped his gaze to his leather gloved left hand.

''Restia, there is no doubt that the one participating will have an imitation of her.''

Just several weeks ago, at that time during the battle under the abandoned mine with Jio Inzagi--- from the «Instructional School» .

<nowiki>——</nowiki>Because it was her wish.

Those were really the words uttered by Restia.

And then, he would be reunited with that girl.

Damn it! How was that girl able to change the darkness spirit.

If she had changed, if that other Ren Ashbell overcame the barrier, if it were to happen—

''Impossible, I absolutely won’t allow it.''

Under the table, Kamito’s fist started to quiver slightly.

“At any rate, after some few hours, we will be standing at the same stage as her.”

And so Ellis muttered with strong emotions.

“3 years ago, despite just watching her debut match from the guest seating.”

“I had come to see Velsaria’s match. And she was so amazingly beautiful.”


“Ren Ashbell’s blade dance was truly magnificent, right.”

Seeing Ellis blushing rapidly, Claire and Rinslet started mocking her by making sounds.

Kamito was feeling extremely loathsome and averted his eyes.

“Well, there is no need to care about that so much. After all, her being the strongest was three years ago and rumours are always exaggerated. It seems I am just unlucky to be a slave."

Kamito shrugged his shoulder while saying—

“Oye, how dare you say that!”

“You, are you stupid or what?”

“Heh, so you are stupid to even that extent.”

“Aa, sorry, my bad......”

Being glared at by the three young ladies, Kamito apologized in haste.

''......Impossible, in any case, how can you say such when that person himself is in front of you. ''

There was no point in hearing this any longer. Kamito stood up quickly as if to recover.

“Oye, where are you going?”

“Ah, in search of Scarlet.”

Finding such an excuse, Kamito made a quick exit from the room.

“Aaa, for him to run away......”


“Fu fu, Kamito-kun in his pitiful state is too cute.”

Knowing Kamito’s true identity, Fianna could not help but giggle nonstop.

===Part 2===

Directly below one of the flying ships escorting the representatives for the Blade Dance, a petite figure geared in battle form appeared.

As if lurking around to ambush game among the woods, she was lying in wait silently.

Opening a metal hatch, a small sized girl appeared to make an exit.

Her hair was tied together in two pony-tails from both ends and was fluttering against the strong wind.

“—Found you, Nii-sama.”

An expression of a delicate smile appeared on that young girl’s face as she called for her spirit.

At that moment, the ring on her index finger glowed in bright red.

And thus—

“Come, rampage to your heart’s content. Annihilation spirit «Death Gaze».

A small crack suddenly appeared in the clear sky, and a black monster appeared from it.
<noinclude>
== Translator's notes and References ==

<references/>

{{SeireiDance Nav|prev=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume4 Chapter1|next=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume4 Chapter3}}</noinclude>

Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume4 Chapter2

2013-02-23T05:53:47Z

Worker:

'''Note: Pending TLC, I'm not sure how much you'll be misreading'''
== Chapter 2: Sky Voyage ==
===Part 1===

The flying boat filled with ether continued to glide over the clouds.

The destination was a sanctuary in Astral Zero – Floating Island «Ragna Ys».

It was the venue for the Blade Dance.

Originally, only the princess maidens from the «Divine Ritual Institute» were permitted to enter the sanctuary to attend to the Elemental Lord.

However, it was now open to the general public specifically for the Blade Dance only.

"Oh, this flying boat is so amazing!"

Overlooking the sea of clouds that extended through the window, Kamito was feeling dizzy.

Anyway, it was his first time riding a flying boat.

But as expected from the ladies of nobility, they got accustomed to it as soon as they unloaded their luggage.

He was relaxing on the sofa in the private room that they were each allotted.

The carpet had very beautiful embroidery in red, with the walls of the room made from polished marble.

All of the furniture on board was of the highest standard.

"Nevertheless, there is not even the smallest tremor."

"This is indeed the latest flying ship. If all goes as planned, we will be arriving at about noon."


That being said, Claire laid herself down on the sofa. But no matter, her posture was....

One could easily see her pink panties. Kamito hurriedly averted his face.

"Come to think of it, I have heard that tonight will be the opening ceremony at the castle. Have you brought your dress for the Formal Ball?"

"No, I did not bring it. I hate dance parties."

Recalling the Blade Dance three years ago, Kamito groaned bitterly.

Honestly, the ball was nothing but trivial.

"Is that so...."

For some reason, Claire muttered regretfully.

"....? Don't be embarrassed if you need help over your dress, okay?"

"No no, there's nothing required!"

Claire blushed and turned the other way.

"Are you angry......?"

"I-I am not angry...stupid!"

"....Really, both of you, fighting on a ship?"

Rinslet was amazed at this and shrugged her shoulders.

"Rinslet, what are you doing here―?"


Rinslet had arranged a tea set on the table in preparation.

"I'll brew some black tea, so, shall we have some?"

"I have heard that the flavor of tea leaves from the Laurenfrost province is really good."

"Uh huh! It is essential to relax a bit before the Blade Dance."

Fianna and Ellis too, who were gazing the scene outside came forward to join the table.

It seemed to be an elegant young lady's style to enjoy tea during the evening.

As Rinslet gracefully poured tea into the cups with her hands, the steam rising immediately filled the room with a pleasant citrus aroma.

"Oh thank you! This has got a really nice flavor."

Claire sincerely gave her words of praise.

"This orange tea is a specialty of the Laurenfrost province."

"Heh-heh, the tea brewed by my lady is indeed delicious."

Her maid Carol giggled and smiled.

"Isn't this usually a maid's job to do?"

Kamito enquired―

"Well, then my adorable Carol will have burns all over."

"Ah, I am sorry..."


For some reason, Rinslet was stark angry.

Incidentally, only those people who had invitation were allowed in the sanctuary; however, Carol being the property of Laurenfrost House— was given a special permit as an accomplice to Rinslet.

Although, Rinslet seemed to be still dissatisfied with the treatment, particularly towards Carol.

"How much sugar, Kamito-san?

"Ah, I request for one."

"Claire's two?"

"You! How do you know about my taste?"

"Eh, nothing; I merely remember it by chance."

Rinslet blushed and shouted angrily.

"Well, that's because my lady and Miss Claire have been playing together since the early days—"

"Ah, is that so?"

Carol smiled when asked by Kamito.

"Yes, my lady and Miss Claire have become very emotionally attached—"

"Hey, you, when did that happen!?"

"Yes, that's right. I assure you that Claire and I are rivals!"


Rinslet suddenly faced the other way.

"I wonder if I can get it."

"As expected of your Royal Highness, you truly understand the way to enjoy black tea."

Rinslet nodded with satisfaction.

And, this time Ellis really coughed—

"I-I would like milk tea with plenty of sugar."

She said this in an embarrassed voice.

"Hai Hai<ref> '''Hai Hai''': Casually saying ‘yes yes’ in Japanese</ref>, Milk tea it is."

"So, if that's the case......"

"Yes?"

"If possible, with cream and honey. Moreover I also wish for dried marshmallow on it."

"Hey! What is that!"

Rinslet's cheek twitched.

"Such a drink in excess, such blasphemy towards tea!"

"I-I always have it that way! In order to endure harsh sword training, it is necessary to take a lot of sugar."

"Hah... because of that, the Military Family of Fahrengart is..."


“Miss Captain is also surprisingly childish. She doesn’t understand the subtle flavor of this tea.”

“Well, you are annoying! I have always preferred such sweetness in the taste!"

Ellis retorted teary-eyed to Claire’s pitying face,

While watching them —

Be it this or that, to open one’s heart, these two people……

Kamito smiled wryly in mind.

Because of the long time conflict with the Sylphid Knights, Claire and Captain Ellis had been on bad terms. Ellis was on the team, so after a mere two weeks since her arrival, they would quarrel during each day's entire training session.

In order to utilize the battle skills of the similarly neighboring [sentence requires further translation] Ellis, Kamito decided to unite them as a duo, thereupon raising complaints from Claire for some reason or another —— And thus many evenings were spent in this manner.

After all, Claire and Ellis were two people of very different personalities.

Both of them were honor students. However, Ellis was more of a sincere, hard working sort of person, while Claire was more of a fiery-tempered genius. At the very least, both were strong willed.

And thus, the first week went by in a very dangerous mood; however—

"Unbelievable! Really, putting in honey…"

“Wow, I like this.”


"Well, why it is so sweet and delicious....Eh?"

With the cup touching to her lips Ellis looked at Claire with her faintly shut eyes.

"How is it?"

"......It's not that bad. It has little bit of a mild flavor to it."

"Hasn't it?"

"But, this impairs the gentle flavor this black tea. It is at best a children's drink."

[[Image:STnBD V04 055.jpg|200px|thumb]]

"Hmm, it just might really be so......"

Nowadays, Claire's such method of retorting with frivolous talk always nearly came to blows.

"—Nevertheless, your hellcat spirit is just so adorable."

And so Ellis reached out to Scarlet who was crouched on the sofa with her hands.

But then she suddenly started playing with its tail and paws with her fingertips.

"Wait a minute, Scarlet is my contracted spirit. Do not touch her in such a carefree manner."

"Hey, isn't even a little okay......?"

Picking up and hugging Scarlet closely, Ellis' lips sharpened.

For a too serious Captain-sama, this was both a surprising and an adorably frail side.

"......So to say, you even have things such as stuffed toys in your room, isn't it?"

“Nyanya!”<ref> '''Nyanya:''' Cat’s ‘meow’ </ref>


As if calling for Claire’s assistance, Scarlet gave out a bothersome cry.

“I think it seems that your contracted spirit wants to separate from you.”

“Let’s say, Simorgh's face is pretty lovely too<ref> This is said with a negative feeling, in annoyance</ref>……”

Ellis peevishly started muttering after listening to this.

When listening to this, it seemed like it was a chant for making a contract with a spirit.

“Ellis!”

“Stop right there, I will not let this continue even a minute longer.”

Ellis seemed to be hugging Scarlet even more closely—

“Nya!”

Scarlet managed to extract herself from Ellis’ arms, and left the room.

Claire finally sighed and her mood improved.

“That’s why I have to say this: Scarlet would not become emotionally attached to any human other than me.”

“If thinking that way too, isn’t it always you who asks me for my Fenrir to be your pillow?

Rinslet glared at Claire with scornful eyes.

“…..But then what shall I do; I feel comfortable when it is chilly.”

Sitting on the sofa, Claire put her head on the back of the white wolf.


For a high ranking demon ice spirit «Fenrir», it showed an expression of great annoyance.

''……I can understand, that feeling''

Frustratingly serving as a slave spirit under Claire, Kamito gave sympathy reflexively.

“Uffu fu, Kamito-kun, do you want to call for my ‘breasts only’ pillow?”

“Stop being ridiculous, Your Highness”

And Kamito poked on Fianna’s forehead.

“…..Aammo, this does not mean that you have already won.”

She added this while placing her index finger to her lips in a seemingly dissatisfied manner.

“Hum, do not go searching for Scarlet afterwards. This ship is just too vast and spacious to search in.”

And with Claire sighing flauntingly, Ellis got diverted to the affairs of the day after tomorrow.

“So to say, the fact is that there are other countries’ representatives also onboard, right?”

“Yes, besides us, just how many other teams were picked up?”

Claire nodded at the question asked by Kamito.

Kamito placed his cup of black tea in the table.

“—Even the Strongest Blade Dancer?”

“—……Huh?”

Just then, the tension in the room rose up.


Kamito’s voice had an unusual force behind it.

“No, that girl isn’t on board this flying ship.”

And Claire quietly denied it by shaking her head.

“This time, that girl will be appearing as the representative from the Alphas Empire. If so, she will be on one of the other flying vessels.”

“Is that so……”

“Anyways, this just doesn’t make sense, right?”

“Yes, to be a representative from the Alphas Empire while utilizing spirit magic at such a level, ain’t it?”

Rinslet tilted her head in thought, and Claire nodded in assent to her.

Alphas Empire — from East to West respectively, a small country sandwiched between the two major principalities, Ordesia Empire and Dracunia — the Dragon Empire. Their main resource was the spirit ore which was excavated from mines. But, in order to bring such an enormous fortune for a small country like that, the people would have had to barter for advanced excavation equipment sourced from ancient ruins similar to the ones that held the «Gates».

Though it was unconfirmed, many people alleged the country to be the headquarters for the organization of the Dark Traders {{Furigana|Corpse Federation|Murders|margin=12}}.


But for this country to be able to ward off any confrontation from the two super powers on its land, there must have been extremely skillful diplomacy on the part of the founding leaders.

“In the first place, the representatives from that country last participated in the Blade Dance 50 years ago. But for what reason could they be participating in this tournament, even I would like to know that.”

Ren Ashbell, for now the famous elementalist herself was a source of aspiration for these young ladies and she was what they aimed for.

For such a girl, her being the representative of such a small country had lead to nothing but very bad rumors, and Claire and the others were all helpless to withstand it.

“Speaking of Alphas Empire, there is a rumor about them rapidly buying and collecting spirits for military services.”

Ellis started muttering over such a matter while folding her arms.

“Why now? Why is it necessary for them to assemble spirits for military services?”

That wasn’t just all to it.

The Alphas Empire, in addition to this, was also seen as a source of potential threat.

''As a certainty, it is also believed to be the birth place of the Demon King — isn’t that so? ''

It was believed that the Demon King had roots all over the continent at quite a number of places.

And Alphas Empire was known as its Headquarters.

At any rate, the capital of the Empire was the native of Demon King Solomon.

It was believed by the followers of the Demon King, that one day a 2nd advent would come again in the empire.


Demon King — Kamito felt an odd sensation in his chest as he started to recollect.

''It is certain that at that school, I was brought up as a Demon King, and even my colleagues believed it to be so......''

For this reason, they then blessed Kamito who was considered an elementalist blessed by that man, with an existence which was a high ranking spirit that had been contracted with by the Demon King himself.

“At any rate, this news is still unclear how it relates to Ren Ashbell, right.”

Claire shrugged her shoulders.

“Suddenly appearing 3 years ago, a nameless elementalist. After these years, of the same age of 16 years old as I, wielding a darkness spirit of . How she did reach that level is truly impossible to comprehend.”

For the sake of winning through the Blade Dance, not only the ability and power to use spirit magic, but gathering intelligence was also essential.

Though the academy was able to provide essential details of the elementalists and their spirit attributes from the other participating teams, regarding the one called Ren Ashbell, there was nothing but simply what collected from flying gossip.

Not just about her, but even about her team members there was no information.

''So not only the identity, but also their objective is obscure, or—''

But if it were just a case of deceiving everyone by imitating the legendary elementalist.

However, such a thing was not impossible.


''Greyworth, that person is the only one whom I was not able to defeat—''

For the sake of defeating her in Blade Dance, Kamito had been summoned at the academy.

''That’s—''

And, Kamito dropped his gaze to his leather gloved left hand.

''Restia, there is no doubt that the one participating will have an imitation of her.''

Just several weeks ago, at that time during the battle under the abandoned mine with Jio Inzagi--- from the «Instructional School» .

<nowiki>——</nowiki>Because it was her wish.

Those were really the words uttered by Restia.

And then, he would be reunited with that girl.

Damn it! How was that girl able to change the darkness spirit.

If she had changed, if that other Ren Ashbell overcame the barrier, if it were to happen—

''Impossible, I absolutely won’t allow it.''

Under the table, Kamito’s fist started to quiver slightly.

“At any rate, after some few hours, we will be standing at the same stage as her.”

And so Ellis muttered with strong emotions.

“3 years ago, despite just watching her debut match from the guest seating.”

“I had come to see Velsaria’s match. And she was so amazingly beautiful.”


“Ren Ashbell’s blade dance was truly magnificent, right.”

Seeing Ellis blushing rapidly, Claire and Rinslet started mocking her by making sounds.

Kamito was feeling extremely loathsome and averted his eyes.

“Well, there is no need to care about that so much. After all, her being the strongest was three years ago and rumours are always exaggerated. It seems I am just unlucky to be a slave."

Kamito shrugged his shoulder while saying—

“Oye, how dare you say that!”

“You, are you stupid or what?”

“Heh, so you are stupid to even that extent.”

“Aa, sorry, my bad......”

Being glared at by the three young ladies, Kamito apologized in haste.

''......Impossible, in any case, how can you say such when that person himself is in front of you. ''

There was no point in hearing this any longer. Kamito stood up quickly as if to recover.

“Oye, where are you going?”

“Ah, in search of Scarlet.”

Finding such an excuse, Kamito made a quick exit from the room.

“Aaa, for him to run away......”


“Fu fu, Kamito-kun in his pitiful state is too cute.”

Knowing Kamito’s true identity, Fianna could not help but giggle nonstop.

===Part 2===

Directly below one of the flying ships escorting the representatives for the Blade Dance, a petite figure geared in battle form appeared.

As if lurking around to ambush game among the woods, she was lying in wait silently.

Opening a metal hatch, a small sized girl appeared to make an exit.

Her hair was tied together in two pony-tails from both ends and was fluttering against the strong wind.

“—Found you, Nii-sama.”

An expression of a delicate smile appeared on that young girl’s face as she called for her spirit.

At that moment, the ring on her index finger glowed in bright red.

And thus—

“Come, rampage to your heart’s content. Annihilation spirit «Death Gaze».

A small crack suddenly appeared in the clear sky, and a black monster appeared from it.
<noinclude>
== Translator's notes and References ==

«references/»

{{SeireiDance Nav|prev=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume4 Chapter1|next=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume4 Chapter3}}</noinclude>

Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume4 Chapter1

2013-02-23T05:52:34Z

Worker:

== Chapter 1: Travel Preparation ==
===Part 1===

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Chirp, chirp...*

Twitters of birds coming from the «Spirit Forest» surrounding the academy could be heard.

"Mm..."

Opening his eyes and rising up from his bed, his own half-asleep face was reflected in the window.

His black hair was ruffled after sleeping. He also had an insecure look in his eyes.

Compared to the innocent looks in his dream, his impression had changed greatly.

''Four years ago... huh?''

It had been a long time since he last had a dream about that period of time.

It was probably the first time he had one since coming to this academy.

To be frank, it was a memory he did not even want to recall...

Kamito unintentionally cast his sight down to his left hand, where a spirit seal was engraved.

The seal of the darkness spirit— the left hand which grasped victory at the Blade Dance three years ago.

''Now I am trying to return to that arena once more.''

With the Blade Dance drawing near, he was probably feeling emotionally overwrought without realizing it.

That must have been why he had a dream about that period of time, too.

As he was about to get off his bed―

"......"

Kamito noticed something.

His body felt strangely heavy.

Something soft and pleasant was mounted on top of his waist.

"......?!"

Startled, Kamito flipped his blanket vigorously.

And then.

"Fua... Good morning, Kamito."

"E-Est?!"

A lovely voice rang, just like a bell.

The one straddling Kamito's waist— was a silver-haired beauty.

She had mysterious violet eyes. Her skin was white like freshly extracted milk.

The figure in question, who was rubbing her drowsy-looking eyelids, was just as lovely as a snow fairy.

The sword spirit Est. She was Kamito's contracted spirit, and was also entitled «Demon Slayer».

Apparently, she had sneaked into Kamito's bed without him knowing.

On top of that, her attire was—

"What's wrong, Kamito?"

Still straddling on top of his waist, Est looked down on him expressionlessly.

"H-Hey, your attire..."

Est was fully naked― No, she was not.

She was dressed up properly.

However—

"Kamito?"

Est tilted her head blankly. Kamito averted his eyes in a fluster.

Est was wearing Kamito's uniform shirt over her naked body.

She was probably not wearing underwear. Her attire was what called a naked-shirt<ref>Similar to Naked-apron, a naked shirt is where the subject wears nothing but a shirt.</ref>.

From the exposed bosom, her slightly exposed white skin was strangely captivating.

The cuffs were big and excessive, but they gave him an unnecessary maniacal feeling nonetheless.

"Wha—? Est, why are you wearing my uniform?"

"Kamito told me that I can't sleep naked together with you."

Est replied expressionlessly.

Kamito was startled as soon as she tightly grabbed the chest area of the shirt.

"Yeah, I did tell you so."

Being at his wits' end, Kamito groaned.

"But please, at least put on some panties."

"...Pan...ties?"

"Why are you making that wondering face?!"

It might be the case if spirits have the habit of wearing knee-socks, but do not have the habit of wearing panties.

''...Nah, Restia did wear underwear properly.''

Just when he was thinking about that―

"Hm?"

Suddenly, Kamito felt something out of place about Est's appearance.

It was not just about her wearing a naked-shirt― There seemed to be something very different in Est this morning.

Kamito intently examined Est's whole body.

"Kamito... Um, if you stare at me that much, I'll get embarrassed."

The expressionless Est blushed in an unusual manner, squirmed on top of his waist and rubbed her knees together.

At that moment, Kamito finally realized it.

From the shirt-tail, her white thighs slightly came into sight.

And then came her slender and smooth ankles like sculptures made of marble.

What Est was wearing— wasn't her usual knee-high socks.

She was wearing short socks, of which the length was just about up to her ankles.

"Est, what's with those socks?"

"Well, I thought Kamito would be pleased with these kind of socks."

With her face still red, Est firmly pinned down the shirt-tail.

This was his first time seeing Est making such an expression.

It appeared that to her, exposing her bare feet was really embarrassing.

"Kamito, are you turned on by my short socks?"

"Nah, because I don't have such a maniacal fetish, you know?"

"...I see. That means this is still not enough to make you satisfied."

Est dropped her shoulders, seemingly disappointed.

"Still, it is quite impossible for me to show you my bare feet."

"I'm telling you, I don't have such a fetish."

Kamito groaned and shook his head. He really could not understand the spirits' sense of shame.

''Even so―''

It was the truth that his heart pounded at Est's expression of blushing and being bashful in an unusual manner.

The sword spirit was always calm and expressionless.

That was exactly why he wanted to try seeing more of her bashful expression.

''What will happen if I touch them, I wonder?''

Suddenly, Kamito's mind was tempted.

Anyhow, it was because Est, not any other girl, was bashful to this extent.

What would happen if he touched her bare feet? —He wanted to try seeing it.

"......"

Kamito quietly reached out his hand—

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Coochy*.

He tickled Est's small foot.

"...Hyan!"

A sweet voice leaked out from her lips.

Est's body bent with a start.

"...Kamito, what are you doing?!"

"Hm? I'm massaging you."

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Coochy coochy*.

"Hya...a-n..."

Twisting her body, Est was in agony, seemingly tickled.

Such a reaction was so cute that it drove Kamito to―

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Coochy*. *Coochy coochy coochy*.

"...A-n, please... Stop it..."

"No. This is your punishment."

"...Punishment?"

"Because Est is a bad girl for sneaking in my bed as she pleases."

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Coochy coochy*.

"Ann, Kami...to... Forgive... Me."

Tears were shed from Est's limpid eyes as she pleaded while gasping.

...As expected, she now looked a little pitiful.

"Have you reflected on your behavior?"

"Y...es..."

Kamito ceased tickling, and Est fell lying face-down in exhaustion.

Kamito gently held Est back as she flopped onto him.

"...Kamito is so mean."

Est pouted her lips in an unusual manner.

"My bad. Est is just so cute... So I did it without thinking."

He gently stroked Est's silver hair while making a bitter smile.

Just at that moment.

The room temperature rose instantly.

"...?!"

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Gogogogogogogo...!*

From behind him, a horrifying killing aura... No, heat was emitted.

When he turned around at the unpleasant premonition―

"Y-Y-You guys... Wh-Wh-Wh-Wh-What are you doing?"

With her red pigtails standing on end, the beautiful girl was trembling all over.

Her ruby eyes were imposing. Her lips had the color of cherry blossoms in early blooming. The bulge on her chest was just about the same as that of a kid, but that well-balanced proportion of hers was very charming.

Claire Rouge.

If it was appearance alone, she was exceptionally cute, an ultra beautiful girl without any exaggeration.

However, as she was now, she was more terrifying than any ferocious spirit.

"I-I've misjudged you. I-I didn't know you're such a pervert...!"

"Y-You got it wrong, Claire. This is, well, you see..."

Kamito was attempting to give an excuse while in a fluster, but―

For this particular instance, it was absolutely not a misunderstanding. There was no way to make an excuse.

"Kamito-kun, I think your foot-tickling play is indeed too maniacal."

Appearing from behind Claire, Fianna quietly cast her eyes down, seemingly sad.

It seemed like she had seen everything. ...He would rather die now.

"Kamito, how hot would you order me to grill you?"

Claire smiled pleasantly while holding her blazing {{Furigana|Flame Tongue|whip of flame}}.

A smile of an angel that would make one unexpectedly fascinated.

"Medium rare... or so."

"Too bad. I only know roasting to cinders."

Claire raised her whip of flame overhead――

"――Turn into cinders already!"

Kamito was blown off towards the outside of the window.

===Part 2===

And so, Kamito greeted another morning just like usual, but――

After eating breakfast, the situation was a little different.

The bell sounding the start of classes had already rung long ago, yet everyone still remained in their room in the dorm.

"This one and this one. This one should be necessary too... Geez, Scarlet. Don't play with the luggage."

"Nyaa?"

The flame spirit in the form of a hell cat was playing by rolling Claire's outfits as if they were a yarn ball.

Seeing a glimpse of white underwear among that lump, Kamito averted his eyes in a hurry.

Claire and Fianna were sitting on each of their beds and packing their stuff in their own bags.

They were preparing to head towards Astral Zero, the stage of the Blade Dance.

It had been two weeks since «Team Scarlet» defeated the Silent Fortress ― Velsaria Eva, who ranked number one within the academy, and obtained the right to participate in the Blade Dance. Together with the two teams that got into the determined representative trio, they were going to fight to the bitter end several days from now on as a representative of the Ordesia Empire.

"Claire, did you get enough sleep yesterday?"

"Of course. Keeping your physical condition in control is a basis as a elementalist after all."

Claire nodded while holding back from yawning, which she had been doing many times already.

Perhaps it was because of her sense of responsibility as the team leader, Claire had recently been reading a large number of tactical books and documents related to spirits, which she borrowed from the library, until the dead of night.

"Don't push yourself too hard. We won't know the {{Furigana|regulation|battle system}} until an oracle of the Elemental Lords is issued."

"Yes, I know. Still, it's necessary to prepare countermeasures in advance. Those who participate in the Blade Dance are the most elite elementalists representing each country―― It won't be so easy that you can win without countermeasures. Besides, that strongest blade dancer is also taking part in this tournament after all."

"...Yeah, you're right."

Kamito nodded with a bitter face.

The strongest blade dancer ― Ren Ashbell.

The winner at the Blade Dance three years ago.

''...Not me, but another Ren Ashbell.''

Who exactly was she? And what was her goal...?

He had to figure that out.

Kamito tightly clenched his left hand, which was covered in a leather glove.

Regardless of what her objective might be, it was no doubt that the transformed Restia was acting together with her.

"And you, are you done with packing already?"

Holding on to the nape of Scarlet, who was struggling and mewing――

This time it was Claire who asked.

In contrast with Claire's traveling bag, which was filled up as if it was about to burst, Kamito's bag was small.

"Yeah, I don't have much stuff to carry after all."

Kamito, who was wandering aimlessly until just two months ago, carried with him almost no personal belongings.

A few daggers used for throwing and, it wasn't baggage but―― he had the elemental waffe, the sword «Terminus Est», in the sword-belt on his hips. Est was offended by what happened this morning and went to sleep in her sword form. ...It was not likely for her to wake up anytime soon.

But then again, if one was to offend a high-ranking spirit of Est's level, normally one must be ready for the kind of damage like a town being destroyed.

"......"

For those two, it seemed that they still needed more time to pack.

''...Well, they are girls of noble status after all.''

They probably needed various things that a guy like Kamito would have no idea about.

Claire had been randomly stuffing in a bunch of canned peach for a while, but that made him feel a little uneasy.

"Hm?"

Suddenly, Kamito casted his eyes down the floor, where stuff was strewn all over the place.

There were some books that looked like novels getting mixed among tactical books and documents related to spirits.

Having too much time to spare, Kamito casually picked up one of them.

'The wandering prince and the imprisoned princess'―― A romance novel aimed at teens, with many illustrations in it.

''Seriously, it's surprising that Claire likes this kind of stuff.''

When he tried skimming lightly through its first part out of curiosity――

"Wha-?!"

Kamito's face turned red in a flash.

The content of the book was about a beautiful princess getting abducted by a cruel prince and got all sorts of things done to her that could hardly be expressed in words――It was that kind of hardcore stuff.

"Y-You... H-Have you been reading this kind of stuff?!"

"Eh?"

Claire turned around.

And then, when she recognized what Kamito was holding in his hands,

"Fuaaaa, g-g-g-give it back! What the hell are you reading without permission?!"

Thump. Thud.

She hit him with the peach cans in her hands.

"Whoa... Are you planning to kill me?!"

"It's your punishment for peeping into a m-maiden's secret! You deserve to die ten thousand times!"

"Then don't leave your maiden secret on the floor."

"S-Shut up~! Idiot! Pervert!"

Bursting into tears, Claire hit him repeatedly and violently.

...At this rate, he might lose his life before participating in the Blade Dance.

"Hey, you are being annoying."

"B-But Kamito――"

Taking chance when Claire turned towards Fianna――

Kamito opened a page of the book and showed it in front of Claire.

It was a page containing an illustration in which the princess, the heroine of the story, was being tied up with a rope and getting whipped.

"...?!"

"Isn't Claire more of a pervert?"

"...Eh?"

Claire's shoulders turned stiff with a start.

"A noble young lady reading such a vulgar book, don't you feel any shame?"

"W-Well, um..."

The ojou-sama blushed and mumbled in hesitation.

Upon seeing Claire in such a state――

Kamito got a feeling of wanting to play with her a little.

[[File:STnBD V04 031.jpg|thumbnail|right]]

''...Well, there I go wanting to tease her again.''

It was probably because her act of blushing in embarrassment looked strangely cute.

Moving his face close to Claire's ear, he whispered softly.

"I wonder how everyone will think if they learn that the ojou-sama, whose even test results are top-class, enjoys reading this kind of obscene books."

"Fuaa, wh-wh-wh-what are you saying?!"

"Could it be that you want to get things like stuff in this book done to you?"

"Th-That's not true! How could I want to be tied up like this?!"

"You know, this page has a fold on it."

"...~Fuaaan!"

A tiny cloud of steam erupting from her head, Claire crawled into her bed.

"...Seriously, she's the same green ojou-sama as ever."

Having escaped from his life crisis, Kamito took a sigh of relief, and――

This time he turned towards Fianna.

"Is your preparation going well?"

"...Hmm, it seems that my ritual equipment is going to be bulky no matter what."

Said Fianna while stuffing a large round mirror and a candlestick into her bag.

Fianna Ray Ordesia.

She was the second princess of the Ordesia Empire, and also the princess maiden ranked second at 〈Divine Ritual School〉, a training institution for Queen who served the Five Great Elemental Lords.

A genuine princess, who was once even chosen as a candidate for the Queen of the Elemental Lord of Flame.

However, she was by no means haughty, and was a girl who was every easy to talk to.

Strictly speaking, she was at a social status where Kamito and the like were not even allowed to look at her face, though.

"If you don't mind, I'll lend you a hand. Can I pack the stuff around here however I want?"

"Yes, that will be of help."

Kamito sat down on the bed, where stuff was all over the place, and started stuffing a bag with all kinds of equipment that appeared to be used in rituals.

Rosaries, royal goblets, folding fans, whips, candles, and even things that looked like beast ears and tails――

''Are these things really equipment for rituals?''

Such a question suddenly flitted through his mind, however,

''Well, I'm also just a beginner when it comes to princess maidens' rituals after all.''

――That was when his hand, which reached out casually, grabbed something.

A smooth and nice touch of cloth.

''...What's this?''

Knitting his eyebrows, he tried holding it up before his eyes, and then――

"...?!"

Kamito turned stiff in that posture.

It was a glossy black piece of cloth.

A thin lace embroidery with a rose pattern on it.

The material was probably silk. There were thin strings attached at both ends of the cloth piece.

"Err..."

Cold sweats gradually emerged on Kamito's forehead.

A high class-looking black pair of underwear.

On top of that――

''Wh-Why is there a hole here?!''

It wasn't torn off. For some reason, there was an unnatural cut at the center.

''This seems to have no meaning as underwear――''

"Ka-Kamito-kun?!"

"Ah――"

Suddenly, his eyes met Fianna's, who raised her face at him.

Kamito was still unfolding the black pair of underwear in front of him.

"......"

"......"

"Um..."

Fianna's face turned bright red――

"D-Do you... hate a princess who would wear this kind of shameful underwear?"

She asked him with upturned eyes.

"N-No, I mean, my bad...!"

With his heart pounding, Kamito hurriedly put the underwear back inside the bag.

"Wh-Why do you have such underwear?"

"I went and bought it on an impulse... b-but it is indeed embarrassing."

She muttered with her face still bright red.

...It seemed that she really was embarrassed.

This princess always said shocking things and teased Kamito, but she was actually a green girl, just like Claire.

"...I wonder... if that was a little too daring."

"Y-You're right. A little... yeah."

Ahem, or so Kamito coughed.

What blew away that awkward atmosphere for them was a voice which could be heard coming from outside the room.

"Geez, you're still preparing, Claire Rouge?"

A somewhat high-pitched and elegant voice.

The one who appeared in front of the room was――

Claire's rival and classmate in her Raven classroom.

It was Rinslet Laurenfrost, the demon ice elementalist.

She had dazzlingly beautiful platinum blond hair. Her emerald green eyes were topped by lovely eyebrows.

At a glance, she appeared to be a proud ojou-sama, but Kamito knew that she was a very kind and caring girl.

"Ojou-sama, I'm sleepy~"

"Geez, Carol is always such a sleepyhead."

The one being dragged by her was Carol the maid.

"Ojou-sama, you know that unlike you, my blood pressure is low... Hwa."

Apparently she had been woken up by Rinslet this morning.

...She was the same useless maid as ever.

"Rinslet, what is that thing?"

Claire, having finally revived, asked thus.

Rinslet was carrying a largish wooden box in her hands.

"Hmph, it's a tea set of highest grade. A lady of the Laurenfrost family must stay elegant at all times."

Rinslet proudly combed her platinum blond hair upward.

"You know what, we aren't going out to play."

Claire shrugged her shoulders in amazement.

And then, this time they could hear Ellis' voice coming from outside the window.

"What are you lots doing?! It's already ''one hour'' until the gathering time, you know!"

"You're just too early!"

Claire turned at the overly serious knight captain and yelled.

''...Unifying this team seems to be quite a long-term difficult task.''

Kamito shrugged his shoulders with a sense of irony while putting the baggage in order.

===Part 3===

One hour later.

Members of Team Scarlet gathered in front of the〈Stone Circle〉, which was their rally point.

It was a〈Gate〉to Astral Zero located within the premises of Areisia Spirit Academy.

This historic ruin itself was something that had been in existence long before the academy was built, but it was by no means part of the Empire's technology. The status quo was that the technology which preserved the〈gates〉which opened to this world, had been lost completely excluding such ruins, which remained at various places around the continent.

From now on, representative fighters would be moving to Astral Zero and then boarding a ship prepared by〈Divine Ritual School〉, which administered the Blade Dance.

In front of the〈gate〉, the other two teams that had been selected from the academy had also gathered already.

〈Team Wyvern〉, ranked first, was a team composed of only upperclassmen.

They gave each member of Team Scarlet a sharp glance, and then suddenly looked away. They had no intention of getting along――That was probably what they were declaring. Their reaction was natural. After all, although both teams were selected from the same academy, when the Blade Dance actually began, they would become each other's rival.

''Besides――''

With that in mind, Kamito looked at Claire with a side glance.

There was another reason for the glance of the upperclassmen being prickly.

The younger sister of Calamity Queen, who had brought about the unprecedented disaster to the empire four years ago.

There were still many students in the academy with unpleasant thinking about her existence.

Claire did not seem to particularly care about that, but she was probably suffering in her heart.

"Mu, you guys again――"<ref>Exclamation for expressing an astonishment or showing unexpectedness�</ref>

Thus a blond girl holding a wooden staff started talking to Kamito.

"'Sup, savage girl. It's been a while."

"Muu, I'm not a savage girl!"

The lovely petite girl puffed out her cheeks in anger.

This person was a member of the ranked third〈Team Cernunnos〉, whom they had fought against before.

She was from the Druid clan, who grew up in the Spirit Forest and used a powerful〈Beast Swarm Spirit〉.

As an opponent whom they may fight in the future, she was quite a strong rival.

"I will be sure to crush the likes of you guys underfoot with my〈Beast Swarm Spirit〉!"

The druid girl held up her wooden staff as she snickered.

And then, heading over there――

"Hmph, so you three teams have finally gathered?"

Teacher Freya Grandol, the manager of the〈gate〉, came walking briskly.

As she cast a glance up at the clock tower of the academy,

"I'm going to transport all of you to Astral Zero after ten minutes. Now finish saying goodbye to your friends in the meantime."

Saying thus, she started drawing a magical formation inside the〈Stone Circle〉.

Claire, Rinslet, and Fianna restlessly looked away from each other.

"Th-There's no need to say goodbye or something."

"Th-That's right. We're just leaving the academy for a mere few days after all."

"Y-Yes, that sounds exaggerating."

The three of them simultaneously nodded to one another.

''Come to think of it, all of them had no friends.''

...This ojou-sama group sure had it tough.

''Well, I'm also in no place to say so about people, though――''

Meanwhile, Ellis was surrounded and overwhelmed by a crowd of junior knights.

Her reddish brown eyes were imposing. Her blue ponytail was swaying in the gentle breeze.

Apparently, Ellis would be going to the Blade Dance wearing her knight armor as well.

That was probably her expression of determination of being a representative of the academy and also the {{Furigana|Sylphid|Knight Order of the Wind King}} at the same time.

"Captain, please fight for us as well!"

"We're rooting for you!"

"Yeah, I will definitely claim victory!"

Ellis nodded at the words of Rakka and Reicia, two former teammates of hers.�

They had entrusted Ellis their dream for the Blade Dance championship.�

And then, one more person――

Kamito knew that there was a girl who had entrusted her with a dream.

Kamito whispered to Ellis, who had returned after saying goodbye to her juniors.

"Ellis, that ribbon looks good on you."

"Y-You think so...?"

Ellis blushed and fidgeted with her fingers.

Binding her ponytail was a white ribbon.

It was something which Ellis' elder foster-sister entrusted to her before leaving the academy.

"Now that I'm wearing this, I feel like aneue is watching over me."

Ellis suddenly smiled.

Seeing her defenseless face from the side, Kamito spontaneously felt his heart pound again.

"The time has come. Everyone, get inside the〈Stone Circle〉."

Teacher Freya traced a stone pillar with her fingertips, and blue rays of light gushed forth from the earth's surface.

A〈Gate〉connecting this world and Astral Zero emerged.

Kamito and his group nodded to each other, and then stepped inside the shining〈Stone Circle〉.

===Part 4===

A dazzling flash of light. And then a fleeting intoxicating sensation as though heaven and earth were turned upside-down.

"H-m..."

Opening their eyes, what first sprang into their field of vision was――�

All kinds of trees in a dense forest, and a grand lake occupying a large area within it.

A lake that looked like a polished surface of a mirror, which existed only in Astral Zero. At the lake shore where water plants grew thickly, countless faint, flickering light orbs were floating and creating a wondrous scene.

"I have come to this lake before, during the academy's training camp."

Claire firmly descended on the muddy ground.

Members of other teams were also sent to the site one after another.

"By the way, where's the ship?"

Kamito looked around the surface of the lake.

A ship-like object was nowhere to be found.

"Where are you looking at? Look, over there――"

Claire shrugged her shoulders and pointed at the sky peeking through the gaps of trees.

"Hm?"

When he raised his head――

An outline of a ship floating in the sky casting its huge shadow on the lake.

"That's... the Bellfahle-class flying ship of〈Divine Ritual School〉..."�

Kamito opened his eyes and groaned.

A state-of-the-art flying ship named after the Elemental Lord of Wind.

He had heard about it in the rumors, but this was his first time seeing the real thing.

It had the form like that of a streamlined whale. Apparently its power source was a spirit engine made in the Kingdom of Balstan, and they used an over-6000-year-old sacred tree as material for the exterior.

It was the ship which would lead elementalists, who would dedicate their blade dances to the Elemental Lords, to the stage of the〈Blade Dance〉.

"Kamito, we are definitely going to win the grand prize."

"Yeah."

Kamito nodded, and tightly clenched his left hand.

''...We have crawled all the way up for the sake of gaining the qualification to board that ship.''

Claire, for the sake of learning the truth related to the incident that her elder sister caused.

Kamito, for the sake of regaining the contracted spirit that he had lost.�

Then Ellis, Fianna, and Rinslet――

Everyone at this place was joining in the〈Blade Dance〉with their respective wish harbored in mind.

The flying ship caused flashy splashes as it landed on the lake.

===Part 5===

"――Looks like the boy has already headed over there."

Areisia Spirit Academy, office room.

Greyworth Shelmice faced the wall of the room and spoke.

There was no response――However, immediately from inside the wall, a person's shadow emerged as if it was seeping out.

"Yes ma'am. Just a while ago."

It was teacher Freya Grandol, the shadow elementalist.

She approached Greyworth's office desk, and then spoke without hesitation.

"Still, I cannot understand the reason why you, the academy director, go that far to support that boy."

"What do you mean?"

"His fighting skills are certainly overwhelming, but the〈Blade Dance〉isn't something as lenient as to allow someone to win through with just that. You should be the one who knows that best."

"Yeah, it's just as you said. The boy still can't win against the strongest blade dancer as he is now. At the very least, I would like to have him awaken before the real war starts, but――"

"What do you mean?"

"Nah, just random silly talk."

Greyworth shook her head as if to evade the question.

"More importantly, has the investigation on that matter been completed?"

"Yes. I would like you to be moderate and stop using me to spy on the army, though."

"I've been feeling sorry about that, you know."

Greyworth shrugged her shoulders, and then Freiya rudely threw down the report.

"That's the data about the incident four years ago. After the collapse of the institution in question――〈Instructional School〉, there were 14 orphans taken into protection by the order of imperial knights. Rumors say that five of them had been admitted into the special force of the knight order. The remaining nine died several years later under the effect of the Cursed Armament Seals given to them by the institution, or so they say."

"Still, that means the number doesn't match. It conflicts with the data found at the institution."

"Apparently it was not the case that all orphans were taken into protection by the knight order. Jio Inzaghi, who broke into our academy the other day, was also one of the institution's orphans whom the knight order has little information about. It probably won't be strange even if there are still unconfirmed orphans beside him out there."

"I see..."

What came to Greyworth's mind was the eyes of the boy whom she met four years ago.

In the eyes of that boy, who declared indifferently on that day――that he had come to kill the Dusk Witch, there was no hatred, nor was there anger, only an unfathomable nothingness.

''The same kid as the boy back then, huh...''

Young children who got their heart plundered and raised as battle weapons.

Though they were also elementalists, they were basically different from noble girls who grew up at the academy.

"Academy director?"

"It's nothing. You did a good job. Please continue your investigation as is."

"Seriously, my main job isn't a spy, but a teacher, you know."

Teacher Freya once again disappeared into the wall while complaining.

Greyworth gazed outside the window, and then suddenly took a heavy breath.

"A military spirit and an orphan from〈Instructional School〉――Is ''she'' actually planning to incite war or something?"

The Dusk Witch was succumbing to impatience.

The strongest blade dancer had yet to awaken.

He was certainly strong.

Even in an academy where first-rate elementalists gather, his power was overwhelming.

However, that was, at its best, just a story in the miniature garden called academy.

As he was now, he absolutely could not win against her.

Neither could Ren Ashbell of three years ago do that――

"Please, successor of the demon king――Because even I don't have much time left now."

Greyworth suppressed her pounding heart as she curled her lips ironically.
<noinclude>

==Translation Notes and References==
<references />

{{SeireiDance Nav|prev=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume4 Prologue|next=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume4 Chapter2}}</noinclude>

Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume4 Chapter1

2013-02-23T05:49:11Z

Worker: Undo revision 228187 by Worker (talk)

== Chapter 1: Travel Preparation ==
===Part 1===

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Chirp, chirp...*

Twitters of birds coming from the «Spirit Forest» surrounding the academy could be heard.

"Mm..."

Opening his eyes and rising up from his bed, his own half-asleep face was reflected in the window.

His black hair was ruffled after sleeping. He also had an insecure look in his eyes.

Compared to the innocent looks in his dream, his impression had changed greatly.

''Four years ago... huh?''

It had been a long time since he last had a dream about that period of time.

It was probably the first time he had one since coming to this academy.

To be frank, it was a memory he did not even want to recall...

Kamito unintentionally cast his sight down to his left hand, where a spirit seal was engraved.

The seal of the darkness spirit— the left hand which grasped victory at the Blade Dance three years ago.

''Now I am trying to return to that arena once more.''

With the Blade Dance drawing near, he was probably feeling emotionally overwrought without realizing it.

That must have been why he had a dream about that period of time, too.

As he was about to get off his bed―

"......"

Kamito noticed something.

His body felt strangely heavy.

Something soft and pleasant was mounted on top of his waist.

"......?!"

Startled, Kamito flipped his blanket vigorously.

And then.

"Fua... Good morning, Kamito."

"E-Est?!"

A lovely voice rang, just like a bell.

The one straddling Kamito's waist— was a silver-haired beauty.

She had mysterious violet eyes. Her skin was white like freshly extracted milk.

The figure in question, who was rubbing her drowsy-looking eyelids, was just as lovely as a snow fairy.

The sword spirit Est. She was Kamito's contracted spirit, and was also entitled «Demon Slayer».

Apparently, she had sneaked into Kamito's bed without him knowing.

On top of that, her attire was—

"What's wrong, Kamito?"

Still straddling on top of his waist, Est looked down on him expressionlessly.

"H-Hey, your attire..."

Est was fully naked― No, she was not.

She was dressed up properly.

However—

"Kamito?"

Est tilted her head blankly. Kamito averted his eyes in a fluster.

Est was wearing Kamito's uniform shirt over her naked body.

She was probably not wearing underwear. Her attire was what called a naked-shirt<ref>Similar to Naked-apron, a naked shirt is where the subject wears nothing but a shirt.</ref>.

From the exposed bosom, her slightly exposed white skin was strangely captivating.

The cuffs were big and excessive, but they gave him an unnecessary maniacal feeling nonetheless.

"Wha—? Est, why are you wearing my uniform?"

"Kamito told me that I can't sleep naked together with you."

Est replied expressionlessly.

Kamito was startled as soon as she tightly grabbed the chest area of the shirt.

"Yeah, I did tell you so."

Being at his wits' end, Kamito groaned.

"But please, at least put on some panties."

"...Pan...ties?"

"Why are you making that wondering face?!"

It might be the case if spirits have the habit of wearing knee-socks, but do not have the habit of wearing panties.

''...Nah, Restia did wear underwear properly.''

Just when he was thinking about that―

"Hm?"

Suddenly, Kamito felt something out of place about Est's appearance.

It was not just about her wearing a naked-shirt― There seemed to be something very different in Est this morning.

Kamito intently examined Est's whole body.

"Kamito... Um, if you stare at me that much, I'll get embarrassed."

The expressionless Est blushed in an unusual manner, squirmed on top of his waist and rubbed her knees together.

At that moment, Kamito finally realized it.

From the shirt-tail, her white thighs slightly came into sight.

And then came her slender and smooth ankles like sculptures made of marble.

What Est was wearing— wasn't her usual knee-high socks.

She was wearing short socks, of which the length was just about up to her ankles.

"Est, what's with those socks?"

"Well, I thought Kamito would be pleased with these kind of socks."

With her face still red, Est firmly pinned down the shirt-tail.

This was his first time seeing Est making such an expression.

It appeared that to her, exposing her bare feet was really embarrassing.

"Kamito, are you turned on by my short socks?"

"Nah, because I don't have such a maniacal fetish, you know?"

"...I see. That means this is still not enough to make you satisfied."

Est dropped her shoulders, seemingly disappointed.

"Still, it is quite impossible for me to show you my bare feet."

"I'm telling you, I don't have such a fetish."

Kamito groaned and shook his head. He really could not understand the spirits' sense of shame.

''Even so―''

It was the truth that his heart pounded at Est's expression of blushing and being bashful in an unusual manner.

The sword spirit was always calm and expressionless.

That was exactly why he wanted to try seeing more of her bashful expression.

''What will happen if I touch them, I wonder?''

Suddenly, Kamito's mind was tempted.

Anyhow, it was because Est, not any other girl, was bashful to this extent.

What would happen if he touched her bare feet? —He wanted to try seeing it.

"......"

Kamito quietly reached out his hand—

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Coochy*.

He tickled Est's small foot.

"...Hyan!"

A sweet voice leaked out from her lips.

Est's body bent with a start.

"...Kamito, what are you doing?!"

"Hm? I'm massaging you."

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Coochy coochy*.

"Hya...a-n..."

Twisting her body, Est was in agony, seemingly tickled.

Such a reaction was so cute that it drove Kamito to―

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Coochy*. *Coochy coochy coochy*.

"...A-n, please... Stop it..."

"No. This is your punishment."

"...Punishment?"

"Because Est is a bad girl for sneaking in my bed as she pleases."

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Coochy coochy*.

"Ann, Kami...to... Forgive... Me."

Tears were shed from Est's limpid eyes as she pleaded while gasping.

...As expected, she now looked a little pitiful.

"Have you reflected on your behavior?"

"Y...es..."

Kamito ceased tickling, and Est fell lying face-down in exhaustion.

Kamito gently held Est back as she flopped onto him.

"...Kamito is so mean."

Est pouted her lips in an unusual manner.

"My bad. Est is just so cute... So I did it without thinking."

He gently stroked Est's silver hair while making a bitter smile.

Just at that moment.

The room temperature rose instantly.

"...?!"

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Gogogogogogogo...!*

From behind him, a horrifying killing aura... No, heat was emitted.

When he turned around at the unpleasant premonition―

"Y-Y-You guys... Wh-Wh-Wh-Wh-What are you doing?"

With her red pigtails standing on end, the beautiful girl was trembling all over.

Her ruby eyes were imposing. Her lips had the color of cherry blossoms in early blooming. The bulge on her chest was just about the same as that of a kid, but that well-balanced proportion of hers was very charming.

Claire Rouge.

If it was appearance alone, she was exceptionally cute, an ultra beautiful girl without any exaggeration.

However, as she was now, she was more terrifying than any ferocious spirit.

"I-I've misjudged you. I-I didn't know you're such a pervert...!"

"Y-You got it wrong, Claire. This is, well, you see..."

Kamito was attempting to give an excuse while in a fluster, but―

For this particular instance, it was absolutely not a misunderstanding. There was no way to make an excuse.

"Kamito-kun, I think your foot-tickling play is indeed too maniacal."

Appearing from behind Claire, Fianna quietly cast her eyes down, seemingly sad.

It seemed like she had seen everything. ...He would rather die now.

"Kamito, how hot would you order me to grill you?"

Claire smiled pleasantly while holding her blazing {{Furigana|Flame Tongue|whip of flame}}.

A smile of an angel that would make one unexpectedly fascinated.

"Medium rare... or so."

"Too bad. I only know roasting to cinders."

Claire raised her whip of flame overhead――

"――Turn into cinders already!"

Kamito was blown off towards the outside of the window.

===Part 2===

And so, Kamito greeted another morning just like usual, but――

After eating breakfast, the situation was a little different.

The bell sounding the start of classes had already rung long ago, yet everyone still remained in their room in the dorm.

"This one and this one. This one should be necessary too... Geez, Scarlet. Don't play with the luggage."

"Nyaa?"

The flame spirit in the form of a hell cat was playing by rolling Claire's outfits as if they were a yarn ball.

Seeing a glimpse of white underwear among that lump, Kamito averted his eyes in a hurry.

Claire and Fianna were sitting on each of their beds and packing their stuff in their own bags.

They were preparing to head towards Astral Zero, the stage of the Blade Dance.

It had been two weeks since «Team Scarlet» defeated the Silent Fortress ― Velsaria Eva, who ranked number one within the academy, and obtained the right to participate in the Blade Dance. Together with the two teams that got into the determined representative trio, they were going to fight to the bitter end several days from now on as a representative of the Ordesia Empire.

"Claire, did you get enough sleep yesterday?"

"Of course. Keeping your physical condition in control is a basis as a elementalist after all."

Claire nodded while holding back from yawning, which she had been doing many times already.

Perhaps it was because of her sense of responsibility as the team leader, Claire had recently been reading a large number of tactical books and documents related to spirits, which she borrowed from the library, until the dead of night.

"Don't push yourself too hard. We won't know the {{Furigana|regulation|battle system}} until an oracle of the Elemental Lords is issued."

"Yes, I know. Still, it's necessary to prepare countermeasures in advance. Those who participate in the Blade Dance are the most elite elementalists representing each country―― It won't be so easy that you can win without countermeasures. Besides, that strongest blade dancer is also taking part in this tournament after all."

"...Yeah, you're right."

Kamito nodded with a bitter face.

The strongest blade dancer ― Ren Ashbell.

The winner at the Blade Dance three years ago.

''...Not me, but another Ren Ashbell.''

Who exactly was she? And what was her goal...?

He had to figure that out.

Kamito tightly clenched his left hand, which was covered in a leather glove.

Regardless of what her objective might be, it was no doubt that the transformed Restia was acting together with her.

"And you, are you done with packing already?"

Holding on to the nape of Scarlet, who was struggling and mewing――

This time it was Claire who asked.

In contrast with Claire's traveling bag, which was filled up as if it was about to burst, Kamito's bag was small.

"Yeah, I don't have much stuff to carry after all."

Kamito, who was wandering aimlessly until just two months ago, carried with him almost no personal belongings.

A few daggers used for throwing and, it wasn't baggage but―― he had the elemental waffe, the sword «Terminus Est», in the sword-belt on his hips. Est was offended by what happened this morning and went to sleep in her sword form. ...It was not likely for her to wake up anytime soon.

But then again, if one was to offend a high-ranking spirit of Est's level, normally one must be ready for the kind of damage like a town being destroyed.

"......"

For those two, it seemed that they still needed more time to pack.

''...Well, they are girls of noble status after all.''

They probably needed various things that a guy like Kamito would have no idea about.

Claire had been randomly stuffing in a bunch of canned peach for a while, but that made him feel a little uneasy.

"Hm?"

Suddenly, Kamito casted his eyes down the floor, where stuff was strewn all over the place.

There were some books that looked like novels getting mixed among tactical books and documents related to spirits.

Having too much time to spare, Kamito casually picked up one of them.

'The wandering prince and the imprisoned princess'―― A romance novel aimed at teens, with many illustrations in it.

(Seriously, it's surprising that Claire likes this kind of stuff.)

When he tried skimming lightly through its first part out of curiosity――

"Wha-?!"

Kamito's face turned red in a flash.

The content of the book was about a beautiful princess getting abducted by a cruel prince and got all sorts of things done to her that could hardly be expressed in words――It was that kind of hardcore stuff.

"Y-You... H-Have you been reading this kind of stuff?!"

"Eh?"

Claire turned around.

And then, when she recognized what Kamito was holding in his hands,

"Fuaaaa, g-g-g-give it back! What the hell are you reading without permission?!"

Thump. Thud.

She hit him with the peach cans in her hands.

"Whoa... Are you planning to kill me?!"

"It's your punishment for peeping into a m-maiden's secret! You deserve to die ten thousand times!"

"Then don't leave your maiden secret on the floor."

"S-Shut up~! Idiot! Pervert!"

Bursting into tears, Claire hit him repeatedly and violently.

...At this rate, he might lose his life before participating in the Blade Dance.

"Hey, you are being annoying."

"B-But Kamito――"

Taking chance when Claire turned towards Fianna――

Kamito opened a page of the book and showed it in front of Claire.

It was a page containing an illustration in which the princess, the heroine of the story, was being tied up with a rope and getting whipped.

"...?!"

"Isn't Claire more of a pervert?"

"...Eh?"

Claire's shoulders turned stiff with a start.

"A noble young lady reading such a vulgar book, don't you feel any shame?"

"W-Well, um..."

The ojou-sama blushed and mumbled in hesitation.

Upon seeing Claire in such a state――

Kamito got a feeling of wanting to play with her a little.

[[File:STnBD V04 031.jpg|thumbnail|right]]

(...Well, there I go wanting to tease her again.)

It was probably because her act of blushing in embarrassment looked strangely cute.

Moving his face close to Claire's ear, he whispered softly.

"I wonder how everyone will think if they learn that the ojou-sama, whose even test results are top-class, enjoys reading this kind of obscene books."

"Fuaa, wh-wh-wh-what are you saying?!"

"Could it be that you want to get things like stuff in this book done to you?"

"Th-That's not true! How could I want to be tied up like this?!"

"You know, this page has a fold on it."

"...~Fuaaan!"

A tiny cloud of steam erupting from her head, Claire crawled into her bed.

"...Seriously, she's the same green ojou-sama as ever."

Having escaped from his life crisis, Kamito took a sigh of relief, and――

This time he turned towards Fianna.

"Is your preparation going well?"

"...Hmm, it seems that my ritual equipment is going to be bulky no matter what."

Said Fianna while stuffing a large round mirror and a candlestick into her bag.

Fianna Ray Ordesia.

She was the second princess of the Ordesia Empire, and also the princess maiden ranked second at 〈Divine Ritual School〉, a training institution for Queen who served the Five Great Elemental Lords.

A genuine princess, who was once even chosen as a candidate for the Queen of the Elemental Lord of Flame.

However, she was by no means haughty, and was a girl who was every easy to talk to.

Strictly speaking, she was at a social status where Kamito and the like were not even allowed to look at her face, though.

"If you don't mind, I'll lend you a hand. Can I pack the stuff around here however I want?"

"Yes, that will be of help."

Kamito sat down on the bed, where stuff was all over the place, and started stuffing a bag with all kinds of equipment that appeared to be used in rituals.

Rosaries, royal goblets, folding fans, whips, candles, and even things that looked like beast ears and tails――

(Are these things really equipment for rituals?)

Such a question suddenly flitted through his mind, however,

(Well, I'm also just a beginner when it comes to princess maidens' rituals after all.)

――That was when his hand, which reached out casually, grabbed something.

A smooth and nice touch of cloth.

(...What's this?)

Knitting his eyebrows, he tried holding it up before his eyes, and then――

"...?!"

Kamito turned stiff in that posture.

It was a glossy black piece of cloth.

A thin lace embroidery with a rose pattern on it.

The material was probably silk. There were thin strings attached at both ends of the cloth piece.

"Err..."

Cold sweats gradually emerged on Kamito's forehead.

A high class-looking black pair of underwear.

On top of that――

(Wh-Why is there a hole here?!)

It wasn't torn off. For some reason, there was an unnatural cut at the center.

(This seems to have no meaning as underwear――)

"Ka-Kamito-kun?!"

"Ah――"

Suddenly, his eyes met Fianna's, who raised her face at him.

Kamito was still unfolding the black pair of underwear in front of him.

"......"

"......"

"Um..."

Fianna's face turned bright red――

"D-Do you... hate a princess who would wear this kind of shameful underwear?"

She asked him with upturned eyes.

"N-No, I mean, my bad...!"

With his heart pounding, Kamito hurriedly put the underwear back inside the bag.

"Wh-Why do you have such underwear?"

"I went and bought it on an impulse... b-but it is indeed embarrassing."

She muttered with her face still bright red.

...It seemed that she really was embarrassed.

This princess always said shocking things and teased Kamito, but she was actually a green girl, just like Claire.

"...I wonder... if that was a little too daring."

"Y-You're right. A little... yeah."

Ahem, or so Kamito coughed.

What blew away that awkward atmosphere for them was a voice which could be heard coming from outside the room.

"Geez, you're still preparing, Claire Rouge?"

A somewhat high-pitched and elegant voice.

The one who appeared in front of the room was――

Claire's rival and classmate in her Raven classroom.

It was Rinslet Laurenfrost, the demon ice elementalist.

She had dazzlingly beautiful platinum blond hair. Her emerald green eyes were topped by lovely eyebrows.

At a glance, she appeared to be a proud ojou-sama, but Kamito knew that she was a very kind and caring girl.

"Ojou-sama, I'm sleepy~"

"Geez, Carol is always such a sleepyhead."

The one being dragged by her was Carol the maid.

"Ojou-sama, you know that unlike you, my blood pressure is low... Hwa."

Apparently she had been woken up by Rinslet this morning.

...She was the same useless maid as ever.

"Rinslet, what is that thing?"

Claire, having finally revived, asked thus.

Rinslet was carrying a largish wooden box in her hands.

"Hmph, it's a tea set of highest grade. A lady of the Laurenfrost family must stay elegant at all times."

Rinslet proudly combed her platinum blond hair upward.

"You know what, we aren't going out to play."

Claire shrugged her shoulders in amazement.

And then, this time they could hear Ellis' voice coming from outside the window.

"What are you lots doing?! It's already ''one hour'' until the gathering time, you know!"

"You're just too early!"

Claire turned at the overly serious knight captain and yelled.

(...Unifying this team seems to be quite a long-term difficult task.)

Kamito shrugged his shoulders with a sense of irony while putting the baggage in order.

===Part 3===

One hour later.

Members of Team Scarlet gathered in front of the〈Stone Circle〉, which was their rally point.

It was a〈Gate〉to Astral Zero located within the premises of Areisia Spirit Academy.

This historic ruin itself was something that had been in existence long before the academy was built, but it was by no means part of the Empire's technology. The status quo was that the technology which preserved the〈gates〉which opened to this world, had been lost completely excluding such ruins, which remained at various places around the continent.

From now on, representative fighters would be moving to Astral Zero and then boarding a ship prepared by〈Divine Ritual School〉, which administered the Blade Dance.

In front of the〈gate〉, the other two teams that had been selected from the academy had also gathered already.

〈Team Wyvern〉, ranked first, was a team composed of only upperclassmen.

They gave each member of Team Scarlet a sharp glance, and then suddenly looked away. They had no intention of getting along――That was probably what they were declaring. Their reaction was natural. After all, although both teams were selected from the same academy, when the Blade Dance actually began, they would become each other's rival.

(Besides――)

With that in mind, Kamito looked at Claire with a side glance.

There was another reason for the glance of the upperclassmen being prickly.

The younger sister of Calamity Queen, who had brought about the unprecedented disaster to the empire four years ago.

There were still many students in the academy with unpleasant thinking about her existence.

Claire did not seem to particularly care about that, but she was probably suffering in her heart.

"Mu, you guys again――"<ref>Exclamation for expressing an astonishment or showing unexpectedness�</ref>

Thus a blond girl holding a wooden staff started talking to Kamito.

"'Sup, savage girl. It's been a while."

"Muu, I'm not a savage girl!"

The lovely petite girl puffed out her cheeks in anger.

This person was a member of the ranked third〈Team Cernunnos〉, whom they had fought against before.

She was from the Druid clan, who grew up in the Spirit Forest and used a powerful〈Beast Swarm Spirit〉.

As an opponent whom they may fight in the future, she was quite a strong rival.

"I will be sure to crush the likes of you guys underfoot with my〈Beast Swarm Spirit〉!"

The druid girl held up her wooden staff as she snickered.

And then, heading over there――

"Hmph, so you three teams have finally gathered?"

Teacher Freya Grandol, the manager of the〈gate〉, came walking briskly.

As she cast a glance up at the clock tower of the academy,

"I'm going to transport all of you to Astral Zero after ten minutes. Now finish saying goodbye to your friends in the meantime."

Saying thus, she started drawing a magical formation inside the〈Stone Circle〉.

Claire, Rinslet, and Fianna restlessly looked away from each other.

"Th-There's no need to say goodbye or something."

"Th-That's right. We're just leaving the academy for a mere few days after all."

"Y-Yes, that sounds exaggerating."

The three of them simultaneously nodded to one another.

(Come to think of it, all of them had no friends.)

...This ojou-sama group sure had it tough.

(Well, I'm also in no place to say so about people, though――)

Meanwhile, Ellis was surrounded and overwhelmed by a crowd of junior knights.

Her reddish brown eyes were imposing. Her blue ponytail was swaying in the gentle breeze.

Apparently, Ellis would be going to the Blade Dance wearing her knight armor as well.

That was probably her expression of determination of being a representative of the academy and also the {{Furigana|Sylphid|Knight Order of the Wind King}} at the same time.

"Captain, please fight for us as well!"

"We're rooting for you!"

"Yeah, I will definitely claim victory!"

Ellis nodded at the words of Rakka and Reicia, two former teammates of hers.�

They had entrusted Ellis their dream for the Blade Dance championship.�

And then, one more person――

Kamito knew that there was a girl who had entrusted her with a dream.

Kamito whispered to Ellis, who had returned after saying goodbye to her juniors.

"Ellis, that ribbon looks good on you."

"Y-You think so...?"

Ellis blushed and fidgeted with her fingers.

Binding her ponytail was a white ribbon.

It was something which Ellis' elder foster-sister entrusted to her before leaving the academy.

"Now that I'm wearing this, I feel like aneue is watching over me."

Ellis suddenly smiled.

Seeing her defenseless face from the side, Kamito spontaneously felt his heart pound again.

"The time has come. Everyone, get inside the〈Stone Circle〉."

Teacher Freya traced a stone pillar with her fingertips, and blue rays of light gushed forth from the earth's surface.

A〈Gate〉connecting this world and Astral Zero emerged.

Kamito and his group nodded to each other, and then stepped inside the shining〈Stone Circle〉.

===Part 4===

A dazzling flash of light. And then a fleeting intoxicating sensation as though heaven and earth were turned upside-down.

"H-m..."

Opening their eyes, what first sprang into their field of vision was――�

All kinds of trees in a dense forest, and a grand lake occupying a large area within it.

A lake that looked like a polished surface of a mirror, which existed only in Astral Zero. At the lake shore where water plants grew thickly, countless faint, flickering light orbs were floating and creating a wondrous scene.

"I have come to this lake before, during the academy's training camp."

Claire firmly descended on the muddy ground.

Members of other teams were also sent to the site one after another.

"By the way, where's the ship?"

Kamito looked around the surface of the lake.

A ship-like object was nowhere to be found.

"Where are you looking at? Look, over there――"

Claire shrugged her shoulders and pointed at the sky peeking through the gaps of trees.

"Hm?"

When he raised his head――

An outline of a ship floating in the sky casting its huge shadow on the lake.

"That's... the Bellfahle-class flying ship of〈Divine Ritual School〉..."�

Kamito opened his eyes and groaned.

A state-of-the-art flying ship named after the Elemental Lord of Wind.

He had heard about it in the rumors, but this was his first time seeing the real thing.

It had the form like that of a streamlined whale. Apparently its power source was a spirit engine made in the Kingdom of Balstan, and they used an over-6000-year-old sacred tree as material for the exterior.

It was the ship which would lead elementalists, who would dedicate their blade dances to the Elemental Lords, to the stage of the〈Blade Dance〉.

"Kamito, we are definitely going to win the grand prize."

"Yeah."

Kamito nodded, and tightly clenched his left hand.

(...We have crawled all the way up for the sake of gaining the qualification to board that ship.)

Claire, for the sake of learning the truth related to the incident that her elder sister caused.

Kamito, for the sake of regaining the contracted spirit that he had lost.�

Then Ellis, Fianna, and Rinslet――

Everyone at this place was joining in the〈Blade Dance〉with their respective wish harbored in mind.

The flying ship caused flashy splashes as it landed on the lake.

===Part 5===

"――Looks like the boy has already headed over there."

Areisia Spirit Academy, office room.

Greyworth Shelmice faced the wall of the room and spoke.

There was no response――However, immediately from inside the wall, a person's shadow emerged as if it was seeping out.

"Yes ma'am. Just a while ago."

It was teacher Freya Grandol, the shadow elementalist.

She approached Greyworth's office desk, and then spoke without hesitation.

"Still, I cannot understand the reason why you, the academy director, go that far to support that boy."

"What do you mean?"

"His fighting skills are certainly overwhelming, but the〈Blade Dance〉isn't something as lenient as to allow someone to win through with just that. You should be the one who knows that best."

"Yeah, it's just as you said. The boy still can't win against the strongest blade dancer as he is now. At the very least, I would like to have him awaken before the real war starts, but――"

"What do you mean?"

"Nah, just random silly talk."

Greyworth shook her head as if to evade the question.

"More importantly, has the investigation on that matter been completed?"

"Yes. I would like you to be moderate and stop using me to spy on the army, though."

"I've been feeling sorry about that, you know."

Greyworth shrugged her shoulders, and then Freiya rudely threw down the report.

"That's the data about the incident four years ago. After the collapse of the institution in question――〈Instructional School〉, there were 14 orphans taken into protection by the order of imperial knights. Rumors say that five of them had been admitted into the special force of the knight order. The remaining nine died several years later under the effect of the Cursed Armament Seals given to them by the institution, or so they say."

"Still, that means the number doesn't match. It conflicts with the data found at the institution."

"Apparently it was not the case that all orphans were taken into protection by the knight order. Jio Inzaghi, who broke into our academy the other day, was also one of the institution's orphans whom the knight order has little information about. It probably won't be strange even if there are still unconfirmed orphans beside him out there."

"I see..."

What came to Greyworth's mind was the eyes of the boy whom she met four years ago.

In the eyes of that boy, who declared indifferently on that day――that he had come to kill the Dusk Witch, there was no hatred, nor was there anger, only an unfathomable nothingness.

(The same kid as the boy back then, huh...)

Young children who got their heart plundered and raised as battle weapons.

Though they were also elementalists, they were basically different from noble girls who grew up at the academy.

"Academy director?"

"It's nothing. You did a good job. Please continue your investigation as is."

"Seriously, my main job isn't a spy, but a teacher, you know."

Teacher Freya once again disappeared into the wall while complaining.

Greyworth gazed outside the window, and then suddenly took a heavy breath.

"A military spirit and an orphan from〈Instructional School〉――Is ''she'' actually planning to incite war or something?"

The Dusk Witch was succumbing to impatience.

The strongest blade dancer had yet to awaken.

He was certainly strong.

Even in an academy where first-rate elementalists gather, his power was overwhelming.

However, that was, at its best, just a story in the miniature garden called academy.

As he was now, he absolutely could not win against her.

Neither could Ren Ashbell of three years ago do that――

"Please, successor of the demon king――Because even I don't have much time left now."

Greyworth suppressed her pounding heart as she curled her lips ironically.
<noinclude>

==Translation Notes and References==
<references />

{{SeireiDance Nav|prev=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume4 Prologue|next=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume4 Chapter2}}</noinclude>

Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume4 Chapter1

2013-02-23T05:48:12Z

Worker:

== Chapter 1: Travel Preparation ==
===Part 1===

«nowiki»*«/nowiki»Chirp, chirp...*

Twitters of birds coming from the «Spirit Forest» surrounding the academy could be heard.

"Mm..."

Opening his eyes and rising up from his bed, his own half-asleep face was reflected in the window.

His black hair was ruffled after sleeping. He also had an insecure look in his eyes.

Compared to the innocent looks in his dream, his impression had changed greatly.

''Four years ago... huh?''

It had been a long time since he last had a dream about that period of time.

It was probably the first time he had one since coming to this academy.

To be frank, it was a memory he did not even want to recall...

Kamito unintentionally cast his sight down to his left hand, where a spirit seal was engraved.

The seal of the darkness spirit— the left hand which grasped victory at the Blade Dance three years ago.

''Now I am trying to return to that arena once more.''

With the Blade Dance drawing near, he was probably feeling emotionally overwrought without realizing it.

That must have been why he had a dream about that period of time, too.

As he was about to get off his bed―

"......"

Kamito noticed something.

His body felt strangely heavy.

Something soft and pleasant was mounted on top of his waist.

"......?!"

Startled, Kamito flipped his blanket vigorously.

And then.

"Fua... Good morning, Kamito."

"E-Est?!"

A lovely voice rang, just like a bell.

The one straddling Kamito's waist— was a silver-haired beauty.

She had mysterious violet eyes. Her skin was white like freshly extracted milk.

The figure in question, who was rubbing her drowsy-looking eyelids, was just as lovely as a snow fairy.

The sword spirit Est. She was Kamito's contracted spirit, and was also entitled «Demon Slayer».

Apparently, she had sneaked into Kamito's bed without him knowing.

On top of that, her attire was—

"What's wrong, Kamito?"

Still straddling on top of his waist, Est looked down on him expressionlessly.

"H-Hey, your attire..."

Est was fully naked― No, she was not.

She was dressed up properly.

However—

"Kamito?"

Est tilted her head blankly. Kamito averted his eyes in a fluster.

Est was wearing Kamito's uniform shirt over her naked body.

She was probably not wearing underwear. Her attire was what called a naked-shirt«ref»Similar to Naked-apron, a naked shirt is where the subject wears nothing but a shirt.«/ref».

From the exposed bosom, her slightly exposed white skin was strangely captivating.

The cuffs were big and excessive, but they gave him an unnecessary maniacal feeling nonetheless.

"Wha—? Est, why are you wearing my uniform?"

"Kamito told me that I can't sleep naked together with you."

Est replied expressionlessly.

Kamito was startled as soon as she tightly grabbed the chest area of the shirt.

"Yeah, I did tell you so."

Being at his wits' end, Kamito groaned.

"But please, at least put on some panties."

"...Pan...ties?"

"Why are you making that wondering face?!"

It might be the case if spirits have the habit of wearing knee-socks, but do not have the habit of wearing panties.

''...Nah, Restia did wear underwear properly.''

Just when he was thinking about that―

"Hm?"

Suddenly, Kamito felt something out of place about Est's appearance.

It was not just about her wearing a naked-shirt― There seemed to be something very different in Est this morning.

Kamito intently examined Est's whole body.

"Kamito... Um, if you stare at me that much, I'll get embarrassed."

The expressionless Est blushed in an unusual manner, squirmed on top of his waist and rubbed her knees together.

At that moment, Kamito finally realized it.

From the shirt-tail, her white thighs slightly came into sight.

And then came her slender and smooth ankles like sculptures made of marble.

What Est was wearing— wasn't her usual knee-high socks.

She was wearing short socks, of which the length was just about up to her ankles.

"Est, what's with those socks?"

"Well, I thought Kamito would be pleased with these kind of socks."

With her face still red, Est firmly pinned down the shirt-tail.

This was his first time seeing Est making such an expression.

It appeared that to her, exposing her bare feet was really embarrassing.

"Kamito, are you turned on by my short socks?"

"Nah, because I don't have such a maniacal fetish, you know?"

"...I see. That means this is still not enough to make you satisfied."

Est dropped her shoulders, seemingly disappointed.

"Still, it is quite impossible for me to show you my bare feet."

"I'm telling you, I don't have such a fetish."

Kamito groaned and shook his head. He really could not understand the spirits' sense of shame.

''Even so―''

It was the truth that his heart pounded at Est's expression of blushing and being bashful in an unusual manner.

The sword spirit was always calm and expressionless.

That was exactly why he wanted to try seeing more of her bashful expression.

''What will happen if I touch them, I wonder?''

Suddenly, Kamito's mind was tempted.

Anyhow, it was because Est, not any other girl, was bashful to this extent.

What would happen if he touched her bare feet? —He wanted to try seeing it.

"......"

Kamito quietly reached out his hand—

«nowiki»*«/nowiki»Coochy*.

He tickled Est's small foot.

"...Hyan!"

A sweet voice leaked out from her lips.

Est's body bent with a start.

"...Kamito, what are you doing?!"

"Hm? I'm massaging you."

«nowiki»*«/nowiki»Coochy coochy*.

"Hya...a-n..."

Twisting her body, Est was in agony, seemingly tickled.

Such a reaction was so cute that it drove Kamito to―

«nowiki»*«/nowiki»Coochy*. *Coochy coochy coochy*.

"...A-n, please... Stop it..."

"No. This is your punishment."

"...Punishment?"

"Because Est is a bad girl for sneaking in my bed as she pleases."

«nowiki»*«/nowiki»Coochy coochy*.

"Ann, Kami...to... Forgive... Me."

Tears were shed from Est's limpid eyes as she pleaded while gasping.

...As expected, she now looked a little pitiful.

"Have you reflected on your behavior?"

"Y...es..."

Kamito ceased tickling, and Est fell lying face-down in exhaustion.

Kamito gently held Est back as she flopped onto him.

"...Kamito is so mean."

Est pouted her lips in an unusual manner.

"My bad. Est is just so cute... So I did it without thinking."

He gently stroked Est's silver hair while making a bitter smile.

Just at that moment.

The room temperature rose instantly.

"...?!"

«nowiki»*«/nowiki»Gogogogogogogo...!*

From behind him, a horrifying killing aura... No, heat was emitted.

When he turned around at the unpleasant premonition―

"Y-Y-You guys... Wh-Wh-Wh-Wh-What are you doing?"

With her red pigtails standing on end, the beautiful girl was trembling all over.

Her ruby eyes were imposing. Her lips had the color of cherry blossoms in early blooming. The bulge on her chest was just about the same as that of a kid, but that well-balanced proportion of hers was very charming.

Claire Rouge.

If it was appearance alone, she was exceptionally cute, an ultra beautiful girl without any exaggeration.

However, as she was now, she was more terrifying than any ferocious spirit.

"I-I've misjudged you. I-I didn't know you're such a pervert...!"

"Y-You got it wrong, Claire. This is, well, you see..."

Kamito was attempting to give an excuse while in a fluster, but―

For this particular instance, it was absolutely not a misunderstanding. There was no way to make an excuse.

"Kamito-kun, I think your foot-tickling play is indeed too maniacal."

Appearing from behind Claire, Fianna quietly cast her eyes down, seemingly sad.

It seemed like she had seen everything. ...He would rather die now.

"Kamito, how hot would you order me to grill you?"

Claire smiled pleasantly while holding her blazing {{Furigana|Flame Tongue|whip of flame}}.

A smile of an angel that would make one unexpectedly fascinated.

"Medium rare... or so."

"Too bad. I only know roasting to cinders."

Claire raised her whip of flame overhead――

"――Turn into cinders already!"

Kamito was blown off towards the outside of the window.

===Part 2===

And so, Kamito greeted another morning just like usual, but――

After eating breakfast, the situation was a little different.

The bell sounding the start of classes had already rung long ago, yet everyone still remained in their room in the dorm.

"This one and this one. This one should be necessary too... Geez, Scarlet. Don't play with the luggage."

"Nyaa?"

The flame spirit in the form of a hell cat was playing by rolling Claire's outfits as if they were a yarn ball.

Seeing a glimpse of white underwear among that lump, Kamito averted his eyes in a hurry.

Claire and Fianna were sitting on each of their beds and packing their stuff in their own bags.

They were preparing to head towards Astral Zero, the stage of the Blade Dance.

It had been two weeks since «Team Scarlet» defeated the Silent Fortress ― Velsaria Eva, who ranked number one within the academy, and obtained the right to participate in the Blade Dance. Together with the two teams that got into the determined representative trio, they were going to fight to the bitter end several days from now on as a representative of the Ordesia Empire.

"Claire, did you get enough sleep yesterday?"

"Of course. Keeping your physical condition in control is a basis as a elementalist after all."

Claire nodded while holding back from yawning, which she had been doing many times already.

Perhaps it was because of her sense of responsibility as the team leader, Claire had recently been reading a large number of tactical books and documents related to spirits, which she borrowed from the library, until the dead of night.

"Don't push yourself too hard. We won't know the {{Furigana|regulation|battle system}} until an oracle of the Elemental Lords is issued."

"Yes, I know. Still, it's necessary to prepare countermeasures in advance. Those who participate in the Blade Dance are the most elite elementalists representing each country―― It won't be so easy that you can win without countermeasures. Besides, that strongest blade dancer is also taking part in this tournament after all."

"...Yeah, you're right."

Kamito nodded with a bitter face.

The strongest blade dancer ― Ren Ashbell.

The winner at the Blade Dance three years ago.

''...Not me, but another Ren Ashbell.''

Who exactly was she? And what was her goal...?

He had to figure that out.

Kamito tightly clenched his left hand, which was covered in a leather glove.

Regardless of what her objective might be, it was no doubt that the transformed Restia was acting together with her.

"And you, are you done with packing already?"

Holding on to the nape of Scarlet, who was struggling and mewing――

This time it was Claire who asked.

In contrast with Claire's traveling bag, which was filled up as if it was about to burst, Kamito's bag was small.

"Yeah, I don't have much stuff to carry after all."

Kamito, who was wandering aimlessly until just two months ago, carried with him almost no personal belongings.

A few daggers used for throwing and, it wasn't baggage but―― he had the elemental waffe, the sword «Terminus Est», in the sword-belt on his hips. Est was offended by what happened this morning and went to sleep in her sword form. ...It was not likely for her to wake up anytime soon.

But then again, if one was to offend a high-ranking spirit of Est's level, normally one must be ready for the kind of damage like a town being destroyed.

"......"

For those two, it seemed that they still needed more time to pack.

''...Well, they are girls of noble status after all.''

They probably needed various things that a guy like Kamito would have no idea about.

Claire had been randomly stuffing in a bunch of canned peach for a while, but that made him feel a little uneasy.

"Hm?"

Suddenly, Kamito casted his eyes down the floor, where stuff was strewn all over the place.

There were some books that looked like novels getting mixed among tactical books and documents related to spirits.

Having too much time to spare, Kamito casually picked up one of them.

'The wandering prince and the imprisoned princess'―― A romance novel aimed at teens, with many illustrations in it.

''Seriously, it's surprising that Claire likes this kind of stuff.)

When he tried skimming lightly through its first part out of curiosity――

"Wha-?!"

Kamito's face turned red in a flash.

The content of the book was about a beautiful princess getting abducted by a cruel prince and got all sorts of things done to her that could hardly be expressed in words――It was that kind of hardcore stuff.

"Y-You... H-Have you been reading this kind of stuff?!"

"Eh?"

Claire turned around.

And then, when she recognized what Kamito was holding in his hands,

"Fuaaaa, g-g-g-give it back! What the hell are you reading without permission?!"

Thump. Thud.

She hit him with the peach cans in her hands.

"Whoa... Are you planning to kill me?!"

"It's your punishment for peeping into a m-maiden's secret! You deserve to die ten thousand times!"

"Then don't leave your maiden secret on the floor."

"S-Shut up~! Idiot! Pervert!"

Bursting into tears, Claire hit him repeatedly and violently.

...At this rate, he might lose his life before participating in the Blade Dance.

"Hey, you are being annoying."

"B-But Kamito――"

Taking chance when Claire turned towards Fianna――

Kamito opened a page of the book and showed it in front of Claire.

It was a page containing an illustration in which the princess, the heroine of the story, was being tied up with a rope and getting whipped.

"...?!"

"Isn't Claire more of a pervert?"

"...Eh?"

Claire's shoulders turned stiff with a start.

"A noble young lady reading such a vulgar book, don't you feel any shame?"

"W-Well, um..."

The ojou-sama blushed and mumbled in hesitation.

Upon seeing Claire in such a state――

Kamito got a feeling of wanting to play with her a little.

[[File:STnBD V04 031.jpg|thumbnail|right]]

''...Well, there I go wanting to tease her again.)

It was probably because her act of blushing in embarrassment looked strangely cute.

Moving his face close to Claire's ear, he whispered softly.

"I wonder how everyone will think if they learn that the ojou-sama, whose even test results are top-class, enjoys reading this kind of obscene books."

"Fuaa, wh-wh-wh-what are you saying?!"

"Could it be that you want to get things like stuff in this book done to you?"

"Th-That's not true! How could I want to be tied up like this?!"

"You know, this page has a fold on it."

"...~Fuaaan!"

A tiny cloud of steam erupting from her head, Claire crawled into her bed.

"...Seriously, she's the same green ojou-sama as ever."

Having escaped from his life crisis, Kamito took a sigh of relief, and――

This time he turned towards Fianna.

"Is your preparation going well?"

"...Hmm, it seems that my ritual equipment is going to be bulky no matter what."

Said Fianna while stuffing a large round mirror and a candlestick into her bag.

Fianna Ray Ordesia.

She was the second princess of the Ordesia Empire, and also the princess maiden ranked second at 〈Divine Ritual School〉, a training institution for Queen who served the Five Great Elemental Lords.

A genuine princess, who was once even chosen as a candidate for the Queen of the Elemental Lord of Flame.

However, she was by no means haughty, and was a girl who was every easy to talk to.

Strictly speaking, she was at a social status where Kamito and the like were not even allowed to look at her face, though.

"If you don't mind, I'll lend you a hand. Can I pack the stuff around here however I want?"

"Yes, that will be of help."

Kamito sat down on the bed, where stuff was all over the place, and started stuffing a bag with all kinds of equipment that appeared to be used in rituals.

Rosaries, royal goblets, folding fans, whips, candles, and even things that looked like beast ears and tails――

''Are these things really equipment for rituals?)

Such a question suddenly flitted through his mind, however,

''Well, I'm also just a beginner when it comes to princess maidens' rituals after all.)

――That was when his hand, which reached out casually, grabbed something.

A smooth and nice touch of cloth.

''...What's this?)

Knitting his eyebrows, he tried holding it up before his eyes, and then――

"...?!"

Kamito turned stiff in that posture.

It was a glossy black piece of cloth.

A thin lace embroidery with a rose pattern on it.

The material was probably silk. There were thin strings attached at both ends of the cloth piece.

"Err..."

Cold sweats gradually emerged on Kamito's forehead.

A high class-looking black pair of underwear.

On top of that――

''Wh-Why is there a hole here?!)

It wasn't torn off. For some reason, there was an unnatural cut at the center.

''This seems to have no meaning as underwear――)

"Ka-Kamito-kun?!"

"Ah――"

Suddenly, his eyes met Fianna's, who raised her face at him.

Kamito was still unfolding the black pair of underwear in front of him.

"......"

"......"

"Um..."

Fianna's face turned bright red――

"D-Do you... hate a princess who would wear this kind of shameful underwear?"

She asked him with upturned eyes.

"N-No, I mean, my bad...!"

With his heart pounding, Kamito hurriedly put the underwear back inside the bag.

"Wh-Why do you have such underwear?"

"I went and bought it on an impulse... b-but it is indeed embarrassing."

She muttered with her face still bright red.

...It seemed that she really was embarrassed.

This princess always said shocking things and teased Kamito, but she was actually a green girl, just like Claire.

"...I wonder... if that was a little too daring."

"Y-You're right. A little... yeah."

Ahem, or so Kamito coughed.

What blew away that awkward atmosphere for them was a voice which could be heard coming from outside the room.

"Geez, you're still preparing, Claire Rouge?"

A somewhat high-pitched and elegant voice.

The one who appeared in front of the room was――

Claire's rival and classmate in her Raven classroom.

It was Rinslet Laurenfrost, the demon ice elementalist.

She had dazzlingly beautiful platinum blond hair. Her emerald green eyes were topped by lovely eyebrows.

At a glance, she appeared to be a proud ojou-sama, but Kamito knew that she was a very kind and caring girl.

"Ojou-sama, I'm sleepy~"

"Geez, Carol is always such a sleepyhead."

The one being dragged by her was Carol the maid.

"Ojou-sama, you know that unlike you, my blood pressure is low... Hwa."

Apparently she had been woken up by Rinslet this morning.

...She was the same useless maid as ever.

"Rinslet, what is that thing?"

Claire, having finally revived, asked thus.

Rinslet was carrying a largish wooden box in her hands.

"Hmph, it's a tea set of highest grade. A lady of the Laurenfrost family must stay elegant at all times."

Rinslet proudly combed her platinum blond hair upward.

"You know what, we aren't going out to play."

Claire shrugged her shoulders in amazement.

And then, this time they could hear Ellis' voice coming from outside the window.

"What are you lots doing?! It's already ''one hour'' until the gathering time, you know!"

"You're just too early!"

Claire turned at the overly serious knight captain and yelled.

''...Unifying this team seems to be quite a long-term difficult task.)

Kamito shrugged his shoulders with a sense of irony while putting the baggage in order.

===Part 3===

One hour later.

Members of Team Scarlet gathered in front of the〈Stone Circle〉, which was their rally point.

It was a〈Gate〉to Astral Zero located within the premises of Areisia Spirit Academy.

This historic ruin itself was something that had been in existence long before the academy was built, but it was by no means part of the Empire's technology. The status quo was that the technology which preserved the〈gates〉which opened to this world, had been lost completely excluding such ruins, which remained at various places around the continent.

From now on, representative fighters would be moving to Astral Zero and then boarding a ship prepared by〈Divine Ritual School〉, which administered the Blade Dance.

In front of the〈gate〉, the other two teams that had been selected from the academy had also gathered already.

〈Team Wyvern〉, ranked first, was a team composed of only upperclassmen.

They gave each member of Team Scarlet a sharp glance, and then suddenly looked away. They had no intention of getting along――That was probably what they were declaring. Their reaction was natural. After all, although both teams were selected from the same academy, when the Blade Dance actually began, they would become each other's rival.

''Besides――)

With that in mind, Kamito looked at Claire with a side glance.

There was another reason for the glance of the upperclassmen being prickly.

The younger sister of Calamity Queen, who had brought about the unprecedented disaster to the empire four years ago.

There were still many students in the academy with unpleasant thinking about her existence.

Claire did not seem to particularly care about that, but she was probably suffering in her heart.

"Mu, you guys again――"«ref»Exclamation for expressing an astonishment or showing unexpectedness�«/ref»

Thus a blond girl holding a wooden staff started talking to Kamito.

"'Sup, savage girl. It's been a while."

"Muu, I'm not a savage girl!"

The lovely petite girl puffed out her cheeks in anger.

This person was a member of the ranked third〈Team Cernunnos〉, whom they had fought against before.

She was from the Druid clan, who grew up in the Spirit Forest and used a powerful〈Beast Swarm Spirit〉.

As an opponent whom they may fight in the future, she was quite a strong rival.

"I will be sure to crush the likes of you guys underfoot with my〈Beast Swarm Spirit〉!"

The druid girl held up her wooden staff as she snickered.

And then, heading over there――

"Hmph, so you three teams have finally gathered?"

Teacher Freya Grandol, the manager of the〈gate〉, came walking briskly.

As she cast a glance up at the clock tower of the academy,

"I'm going to transport all of you to Astral Zero after ten minutes. Now finish saying goodbye to your friends in the meantime."

Saying thus, she started drawing a magical formation inside the〈Stone Circle〉.

Claire, Rinslet, and Fianna restlessly looked away from each other.

"Th-There's no need to say goodbye or something."

"Th-That's right. We're just leaving the academy for a mere few days after all."

"Y-Yes, that sounds exaggerating."

The three of them simultaneously nodded to one another.

''Come to think of it, all of them had no friends.)

...This ojou-sama group sure had it tough.

''Well, I'm also in no place to say so about people, though――)

Meanwhile, Ellis was surrounded and overwhelmed by a crowd of junior knights.

Her reddish brown eyes were imposing. Her blue ponytail was swaying in the gentle breeze.

Apparently, Ellis would be going to the Blade Dance wearing her knight armor as well.

That was probably her expression of determination of being a representative of the academy and also the {{Furigana|Sylphid|Knight Order of the Wind King}} at the same time.

"Captain, please fight for us as well!"

"We're rooting for you!"

"Yeah, I will definitely claim victory!"

Ellis nodded at the words of Rakka and Reicia, two former teammates of hers.�

They had entrusted Ellis their dream for the Blade Dance championship.�

And then, one more person――

Kamito knew that there was a girl who had entrusted her with a dream.

Kamito whispered to Ellis, who had returned after saying goodbye to her juniors.

"Ellis, that ribbon looks good on you."

"Y-You think so...?"

Ellis blushed and fidgeted with her fingers.

Binding her ponytail was a white ribbon.

It was something which Ellis' elder foster-sister entrusted to her before leaving the academy.

"Now that I'm wearing this, I feel like aneue is watching over me."

Ellis suddenly smiled.

Seeing her defenseless face from the side, Kamito spontaneously felt his heart pound again.

"The time has come. Everyone, get inside the〈Stone Circle〉."

Teacher Freya traced a stone pillar with her fingertips, and blue rays of light gushed forth from the earth's surface.

A〈Gate〉connecting this world and Astral Zero emerged.

Kamito and his group nodded to each other, and then stepped inside the shining〈Stone Circle〉.

===Part 4===

A dazzling flash of light. And then a fleeting intoxicating sensation as though heaven and earth were turned upside-down.

"H-m..."

Opening their eyes, what first sprang into their field of vision was――�

All kinds of trees in a dense forest, and a grand lake occupying a large area within it.

A lake that looked like a polished surface of a mirror, which existed only in Astral Zero. At the lake shore where water plants grew thickly, countless faint, flickering light orbs were floating and creating a wondrous scene.

"I have come to this lake before, during the academy's training camp."

Claire firmly descended on the muddy ground.

Members of other teams were also sent to the site one after another.

"By the way, where's the ship?"

Kamito looked around the surface of the lake.

A ship-like object was nowhere to be found.

"Where are you looking at? Look, over there――"

Claire shrugged her shoulders and pointed at the sky peeking through the gaps of trees.

"Hm?"

When he raised his head――

An outline of a ship floating in the sky casting its huge shadow on the lake.

"That's... the Bellfahle-class flying ship of〈Divine Ritual School〉..."�

Kamito opened his eyes and groaned.

A state-of-the-art flying ship named after the Elemental Lord of Wind.

He had heard about it in the rumors, but this was his first time seeing the real thing.

It had the form like that of a streamlined whale. Apparently its power source was a spirit engine made in the Kingdom of Balstan, and they used an over-6000-year-old sacred tree as material for the exterior.

It was the ship which would lead elementalists, who would dedicate their blade dances to the Elemental Lords, to the stage of the〈Blade Dance〉.

"Kamito, we are definitely going to win the grand prize."

"Yeah."

Kamito nodded, and tightly clenched his left hand.

''...We have crawled all the way up for the sake of gaining the qualification to board that ship.)

Claire, for the sake of learning the truth related to the incident that her elder sister caused.

Kamito, for the sake of regaining the contracted spirit that he had lost.�

Then Ellis, Fianna, and Rinslet――

Everyone at this place was joining in the〈Blade Dance〉with their respective wish harbored in mind.

The flying ship caused flashy splashes as it landed on the lake.

===Part 5===

"――Looks like the boy has already headed over there."

Areisia Spirit Academy, office room.

Greyworth Shelmice faced the wall of the room and spoke.

There was no response――However, immediately from inside the wall, a person's shadow emerged as if it was seeping out.

"Yes ma'am. Just a while ago."

It was teacher Freya Grandol, the shadow elementalist.

She approached Greyworth's office desk, and then spoke without hesitation.

"Still, I cannot understand the reason why you, the academy director, go that far to support that boy."

"What do you mean?"

"His fighting skills are certainly overwhelming, but the〈Blade Dance〉isn't something as lenient as to allow someone to win through with just that. You should be the one who knows that best."

"Yeah, it's just as you said. The boy still can't win against the strongest blade dancer as he is now. At the very least, I would like to have him awaken before the real war starts, but――"

"What do you mean?"

"Nah, just random silly talk."

Greyworth shook her head as if to evade the question.

"More importantly, has the investigation on that matter been completed?"

"Yes. I would like you to be moderate and stop using me to spy on the army, though."

"I've been feeling sorry about that, you know."

Greyworth shrugged her shoulders, and then Freiya rudely threw down the report.

"That's the data about the incident four years ago. After the collapse of the institution in question――〈Instructional School〉, there were 14 orphans taken into protection by the order of imperial knights. Rumors say that five of them had been admitted into the special force of the knight order. The remaining nine died several years later under the effect of the Cursed Armament Seals given to them by the institution, or so they say."

"Still, that means the number doesn't match. It conflicts with the data found at the institution."

"Apparently it was not the case that all orphans were taken into protection by the knight order. Jio Inzaghi, who broke into our academy the other day, was also one of the institution's orphans whom the knight order has little information about. It probably won't be strange even if there are still unconfirmed orphans beside him out there."

"I see..."

What came to Greyworth's mind was the eyes of the boy whom she met four years ago.

In the eyes of that boy, who declared indifferently on that day――that he had come to kill the Dusk Witch, there was no hatred, nor was there anger, only an unfathomable nothingness.

''The same kid as the boy back then, huh...)

Young children who got their heart plundered and raised as battle weapons.

Though they were also elementalists, they were basically different from noble girls who grew up at the academy.

"Academy director?"

"It's nothing. You did a good job. Please continue your investigation as is."

"Seriously, my main job isn't a spy, but a teacher, you know."

Teacher Freya once again disappeared into the wall while complaining.

Greyworth gazed outside the window, and then suddenly took a heavy breath.

"A military spirit and an orphan from〈Instructional School〉――Is ''she'' actually planning to incite war or something?"

The Dusk Witch was succumbing to impatience.

The strongest blade dancer had yet to awaken.

He was certainly strong.

Even in an academy where first-rate elementalists gather, his power was overwhelming.

However, that was, at its best, just a story in the miniature garden called academy.

As he was now, he absolutely could not win against her.

Neither could Ren Ashbell of three years ago do that――

"Please, successor of the demon king――Because even I don't have much time left now."

Greyworth suppressed her pounding heart as she curled her lips ironically.
<noinclude>

==Translation Notes and References==
«references /»

{{SeireiDance Nav|prev=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume4 Prologue|next=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume4 Chapter2}}</noinclude>

Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume4 Epilogue

2013-02-23T05:44:08Z

Worker:

==Epilogue==

"No way, why......"

Muir Alenstarl who had lost {{Furigana|the annihilation spirit|Tiamat|margin=12}}—

Was standing stock still in the mud in shock.

That appearance was akin to a girl who had just dropped her favorite toy in the river.

The «Monster» that had been trying to kill Claire and the others until just now was nowhere in sight.

"Nii-sama was supposed to stay weak forever and ever......"

"Muir, I may have really become weak."

Kamito thrust his sword into the ground and held his hand out to the frightened Muir.

Muir tilted her head to the side.

"But now I have those around me who convert that weakness into strength."

"......"

Muir blinked her eyes—

"Wh-What's with that......"

Sulkily, she averted her eyes.


"I hate nii-sama. I hate you."

"Muir......"

And then.

His heart squirmed.

"......Aguu, ahhhhhh!"

Instantaneously. His entire body felt like it was burning up and intense pain ran throughout him.

With a suffering cry, Kamito fell to the ground.

"—Kamito!?"

Claire pulled the collapsed Kamito back up.

"......Wait, what's going on exactly!?"

"......It's nothing......"

"Idiot, there's no way that's true!"

"Kamito-san!"

"Kamito, what's wrong!"

Rinslet and Ellis, along with Fianna, all hurriedly rushed to his side.

"—Show me."

Fianna unbuttoned his shirt with a serious expression.


And then—

"......What is this!?"

Upon seeing Kamito's unveiled chest — she became speechless.

Roughly around his heart's location, an ominous black pattern was engraved.

"No way, a Cursed Armament Seal......!"

"What did you say!?"

Anxiety flashed across all four of their faces.

And.

"That woman, doing such things without asking me—"

Muir stood while biting her lips.

"......That woman? You, do you know anything?"

Claire sharply inquired and Muir flinched before shaking her shoulders.

Without her military spirit, she was now just a normal powerless girl.

"......Gu, ahh, ahhhhhhhh!"

Kamito vomited and tore at his own chest.

"It's dangerous at this rate. We need to report this to a «Divine Ritual Institute» quickly!"

"Got it!"


Ellis stood up and summoned her flying wind spirit—

And.

"—Move aside."

A quiet voice resounded.

"......?"

The location the voice came from — everyone looked towards that spot.

There stood Est who had returned to human form.

Coldly shining silvery white hair.

Mysterious violet pupils.

Est's profile lit by the moon gave off a godly feeling.

In the face of that beauty—

"Est......"

Kamito forgot about his burning pain for a moment.

"Kamito."

Est whispered.

With small, cold fingertips, Est touched Kamito's jaw and,

"I am your sword. Therefore—"


On Kamito's lips.

She planted hers.

"Es......t......!?"

Dizziness. His mind was attacked by a sweet drunken feeling.

He could only widen his eyes in shock.

The warmth of the touching lips.

The softness of the touching lips.

The silvery white hair caressing his cheeks.

Small fingertips were wrapped around his back.

Those delicate limbs which seemed like they could break at any moment.

The heat from those fingertips. Or possibly coolness.

He was wrapped in those strange and gentle sensations.

He felt his entire body relax.

Their lips parted lightly.

But the hair upon his cheeks did not part.

"......Est?"

And then—
[[Image:STnBD V04 256-257.jpg|200px|thumb]]

"Good bye, Kamito."

Est's body disintegrated into many light shards and disappeared into thin air.

"—Est!"

<noinclude>{{SeireiDance Nav|prev=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume4 Chapter10|next=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume4 Afterword}}</noinclude>

Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume4 Epilogue

2013-02-23T05:42:54Z

Worker:

==Epilogue==

"No way, why......"

Muir Alenstarl who had lost {{Furigana|the annihilation spirit|Tiamat|margin=12}}—

Was standing stock still in the mud in shock.

That appearance was akin to a girl who had just dropped her favorite toy in the river.

The «Monster» that had been trying to kill Claire and the others until just now was nowhere in sight.

"Nii-sama was supposed to stay weak forever and ever......"

"Muir, I may have really become weak."

Kamito thrust his sword into the ground and held his hand out to the frightened Muir.

Muir tilted her head to the side.

"But now I have those around me who convert that weakness into strength."

"......"

Muir blinked her eyes—

"Wh-What's with that......"

Sulkily, she averted her eyes.


"I hate nii-sama. I hate you."

"Muir......"

And then.

His heart squirmed.

"......Aguu, ahhhhhh!"

Instantaneously. His entire body felt like it was burning up and intense pain ran throughout him.

With a suffering cry, Kamito fell to the ground.

"—Kamito!?"

Claire pulled the collapsed Kamito back up.

"......Wait, what's going on exactly!?"

"......It's nothing......"

"Idiot, there's no way that's true!"

"Kamito-san!"

"Kamito, what's wrong!"

Rinslet and Ellis, along with Fianna, all hurriedly rushed to his side.

"—Show me."

Fianna unbuttoned his shirt with a serious expression.


And then—

"......What is this!?"

Upon seeing Kamito's unveiled chest — she became speechless.

Roughly around his heart's location, an ominous black pattern was engraved.

"No way, a Cursed Armament Seal......!"

"What did you say!?"

Anxiety flashed across all four of their faces.

And.

"That woman, doing such things without asking me—"

Muir stood while biting her lips.

"......That woman? You, do you know anything?"

Claire sharply inquired and Muir flinched before shaking her shoulders.

Without her military spirit, she was now just a normal powerless girl.

"......Gu, ahh, ahhhhhhhh!"

Kamito vomited and tore at his own chest.

"It's dangerous at this rate. We need to report this to a «Divine Ritual Institute» quickly!"

"Got it!"


Ellis stood up and summoned her flying wind spirit—

And.

"—Move aside."

A quiet voice resounded.

"......?"

The location the voice came from — everyone looked towards that spot.

There stood Est who had returned to human form.

Coldly shining silvery white hair.

Mysterious violet pupils.

Est's profile lit by the moon gave off a godly feeling.

In the face of that beauty—

"Est......"

Kamito forgot about his burning pain for a moment.

"Kamito."

Est whispered.

With small, cold fingertips, Est touched Kamito's jaw and,

"I am your sword. Therefore—"


On Kamito's lips.

She planted hers.

"Es......t......!?"

Dizziness. His mind was attacked by a sweet drunken feeling.

He could only widen his eyes in shock.

The warmth of the touching lips.

The softness of the touching lips.

The silvery white hair caressing his cheeks.

Small fingertips were wrapped around his back.

Those delicate limbs which seemed like they could break at any moment.

The heat from those fingertips. Or possibly coolness.

He was wrapped in those strange and gentle sensations.

He felt his entire body relax.

Their lips parted lightly.

But the hair upon his cheeks did not part.

"......Est?"

And then—
[[Image:STnBD V04 256-257.jpg|200px|thumb]]

"Good bye, Kamito."

Est's body disintegrated into many light shards and disappeared into thin air.

"—Est!"

«noinclude»{{SeireiDance Nav|prev=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume4 Chapter10|next=Seirei Tsukai no Blade Dance:Volume4 Afterword}}«/noinclude»