Editing Unlimited Fafnir:Brynhildr Valkyries Chapter 3 (section)

===Part 1===

Slam—

As though trying to stem the tide of emotions overflowing from my heart, I shut the window.

"...Thanks for the past year."

Taking down the nameplate reading "Mononobe Mitsuki" hanging outside the door, I bid farewell to this room that was filled with memories.

What flashed through my mind was the party we had held to celebrate passing the Dragon Subjugation Squad's admission test. Listening to Haruka-san's story, eating snacks while making a lot of noise, we even ended up scolded by the dorm warden... We really enjoyed ourselves. However, that was more than a year ago.

—The nameplate of my roommate, Shinomiya Miyako, had been taken down half a year earlier.

With my hands occupied with the last of my luggage, I walked along the corridor in the girls dorms.

The girls dorms were silent in the early morning with no one coming in or out. This was precisely why I had chosen such a time, but—

"Mononobe Mitsuki, are you moving to your personal living quarters starting today?"

As though she had been waiting for me, the figure of a female student with a ponytail appeared from around a corner in the corridor.

"Haruka-san..."

I called out the name of the senior student and stopped walking.

"I would like to speak with you."

After saying that, Haruka-san took a heavily laden bag off my hands.

"Let me take your luggage. Walk with me until you reach your dorm."

"N-No way! I cannot have you carry my luggage, Haruka-san—"

I frantically tried to take my luggage back, but she evaded me.

"You don't need to mind. This is probably my last opportunity to help you as your senior."

"Eh...?"

What was going on? I frowned and followed after her.



After leaving the girls dorms, we walked along the coastal road.

The morning air was very refreshing, putting one's mood at ease. The sunlight was already very strong.

Striking the white beach, the sound of breaking waves could be heard regularly.

"—I, too, am about to graduate at last."

Holding my bag, walking in front, Haruka spoke quietly. Although it was a light whisper, which even the rustling of trees could drown out—Having waited the whole time for her to speak, I did not miss her words.

"Graduate...? Could it be that your dark matter is already—"

"Indeed. Although there were warning signs after the Kraken battle, starting last night, I no longer have the ability to generate dark matter at last. My dragon mark has also vanished completely."

Haruka-san confirmed my question without looking back.

This meant that Haruka-san was no longer a D. She was going to graduate from Midgard—this school.

"...I see."

I was supposed to praise her achievements and congratulate her on moving to a new phase of life.

However, what came out of my lips was merely a noncommital remark.

Currently in Midgard, Haruka-san was the only person with whom I could speak my true thoughts. Since she was about to leave, an unbearable feeling of loneliness surged in my heart.

Haruka-san slowed down her pace slightly and placed her hand on my shoulder.

"Due to my graduation, the Dragon Subjugation Squad will be reorganized anew—The student council will also hold a by-election, I suppose. I will recommend you as my successor on both fronts."

"What—"

I could not help but gasp. Haruka-san was saying that she would entrust the positions of student council president and captain of the Dragon Subjugation Squad entirely to me.

"Now that it is confirmed that dragons are seeking 'mates'—You are everyone's hope as the Kraken's slayer. In preparation for the next time a dragon attacks, I hope you will accept these jobs."

"..."

I bit my lip hard and lowered my head.

Memories, confined to that room in the girls dorms, flashed through my mind. They were almost entirely dominated by the smiling face of my best friend, Miyako.

The sin of taking that away by my own hand—was never going to vanish. I must abandon all expectations.

However, I had also made my decision. In order to protect my comrades, I must continue to fight.

There was nothing I could do apart from that.

"—I understand. I will put my life on the line to fulfill my duties."

Haruka-san smiled after I said that.

"Thank you... But there is no need to put your life on the line. There are other things you still need to do."

Haruka-san pointed ahead. Over there, I could see the roof of the personal living quarters I was going to live in from now on.

"As a reward for vanquishing the Kraken, this is the personal living quarters you wished for. That wish probably included considerations for your brother, right?"

"Well..."

I avoided eye contact because she was right. The principal had said she would grant any wish no matter what, so I voiced my wish for a personal dorm.

Although the pain of living in that room with Miyako gone was partially the reason, more importantly, I wanted a place where Nii-san could live after coming to Midgard.

However, this was an act of seeking personal happiness for me. I clearly had lost that kind of right already—

"There is nothing to be ashamed of. I feel relieved that you still haven't abandoned your personal wish. Hence, I hope you will make use of the power you are about to gain to this end."

Captain of the Dragon Subjugation Squad and student council president. My military rank would rise all at once.

In that case, the chances of locating Nii-san might increase a little too.

"But that and my rightful duties..."

"It's not necessarily unrelated. There might be other compatriots, Ds, imprisoned by NIFL, you know? Rescuing him is your responsibility as an upcoming leader of the Ds. Don't worry, I will help you too."

"Eh...? But Haruka-san, you are already—"

Haruka-san smile wryly in response to my confused gaze.

"After graduating, I will continue to stay as Midgard's staff. From now on, I will support you as a teacher of the school rather than as a senior student."

"—Could you tell me this kind of thing earlier!?"

Having mistakenly believed she was surely leaving, I complained loudly.

"Sorry. I wanted to save this good news to tell you at the end."

"Seriously... Haruka-san, you are malicious like this every now and then."

Pouting, I pretended to sulk but I was actually overjoyed inside.

Did my face betray my feelings of joy? Haruka-san smiled and touched my head.

"Really? But I never noticed."

"Please treat your juniors more gently!"

Despite saying that, noone knew better than I that Haruka-san was actually the most gentle person alive.

"Haha—In that case, show me by example. Newcomers will be joining Brynhildr Class immediately. Mononobe Mitsuki, you will guide them as their gentle senior when they arrive."

Newcomers—Surprised by this word, I puffed out my chest vigorously and nodded.

"Understood. Leave it to me."

This was surely the "me" that Haruka-san wanted—