Editing Absolute Duo:Volume 4 Chapter 1 (section)

===Part 2===
“Are you going out to run now? It’s already evening.”

“U-un. But I have been skipping these past few days so, I want to regain the lost time as much as possible so………”

“…………… I see, work hard then. However, gradually work your way back without rushing. It’s bad to suddenly force yourself. Also, you have to eat dinner once you finish running. And to avoid getting heat stroke-----”

“Fufu, it’s okay so don’t worry so much, Tomoe-chan.”

Miyabi giggled at her partner who was launching into a detailed lecture of warnings just like a mother.

Tomoe was received, since Miyabi had only worn false smiles ever since the seaside school.

After changing into clothes that made running easier, Miyabi told Tomoe that she was heading out.

But------

With the sun set and the surroundings dark, Miyabi left the dorm and looked around restlessly. Of course, there were no students walking around at night and she exhaled when she confirmed that fact.

(Eeeeeerrr………..I think I should get some more distance.)

Since there might be students coming back to the dorm, the girl ran towards the deserted south side of the academy dorms.

The conversation she had with the old man today resurfaced in her mind.





““Then, let me bestow upon you this-----the <<Power>> of <<{{Furigana|Ell.Libel|God’s Destruction soldier}}>> to you.”

“<<{{Furigana|Ell.Libel|God’s Destruction soldier}}>>………….?”

“Fuhahaha, just like how the word is read, it’s a power strong enough to destroy god.”

“Errrrr……….?”

Miyabi, who had been having a pleasant chat with him, was perplexed.

(Just what is this old man talking about?)

But the old man did not notice the girl's perplexity and continued.

“You’re a Kouryou student right?”

“------!! Ho-how did you know that……!?”

Miyabi was not wearing her uniform, but was in her casual clothes. So just how did the old man know that she was a Kouryou student?

Unluckily for the girl, having confided in the old man prevented her from being able to become as alert or suspicious as she should have been.

What’s more-----

“Oh it’s simple. I am acquainted with Tsukumo-Jou-chan<ref group="4a">"Jou-chan" is shorthand for "ojou-chan"; basically, he's saying "Young Lady Tsukumo", or "Little Lady Tsukumo" might be more accurate.</ref>.” 

“Eh………? Errr----Tsukumo? Is that the director? Then Ojii-chan is part of the research team?”

The old man----the <<Equipment smith>> only smiled; he didn't confirm or deny that.

However, Miyabi believed her words were correct judging by his smile.

That’s only normal. That’s because there was no interaction between the students and the researchers coming in and out the <<Lucifer>> research facility under the academy. They would only coincidentally pass by and greet them  during brief encounters at the dorm or at school.

But for a researcher, it wouldn't be strange at all that they would have already seen all the students' personal data.

Because of that, she did not doubt him and came to a conclusion.

“I am researching something else than the <<Lucifer>>. That’s this----<<Unit>>.”





Tooru and also Tomoe misunderstood the reason why Miyabi was sad, although they weren't far off.

It’s true that the confession was one of the reasons for it.

However, the main reason why she was depressed was because she had put the life of the person she loved—Tooru—in danger.

The cause behind her fall into despair was that she had become a hindrance to him because of her weakness.

That’s why Miyabi yearns for '''''it'''''.

The one thing she wished and yearned for----was <<Power>>.

And right now, Miyabi accepted the <<Power>> offered to her by the old man.





When she entered the forest at the south part of the grounds, Miyabi lowered her sights to the device, disguised as an accessory, she was holding.

(Is it really true………?)

Even though she placed her finger on the device’s switch, the girl raised her eyebrows at the question floating in her mind.

Maybe that old man said it as a joke to cheer her up.

More importantly, no one would suffer if anyone can gain strength with just a push of a button.

(But, even so……….)

It might be nonsense, but she still tensed with anticipation.

She wanted to say goodbye to her weak self.

As if to reveal her heart, she held the device with both her hands like she was praying and not long later-----

Miyabi pressed the button.

“Please, give me---<<Power>>!!”




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