Editing Tasogare-iro no Uta Tsukai:Volume1 4th Play (section)

===Part 3===

“Headmaster, the students have already taken refuge in the first-year building!”

“I understand! Leave a few people in that building, and everyone else should come here!”

At the same time, the screaming sound that could nearly rupture eardrums rushed into his ears. Turning around to look, the wings of the two wyverns that he had called out had been bitten into tatters.

…….How could there be such a monster!

Zea Lordfill wiped away the beads of sweat which had appeared on his forehead. It wasn’t caused by the thick smoke rising from his surroundings or by the heat, but rather by the overwhelming pressure emitted by the monster before his eyes that made his body scream.  

Although the hydra moved rather slowly, it was still gradually approaching. The Green {{Furigana|First Scale Recitation|High Noble Aria}}’s wyverns were simply incapable of withstanding it. Blocking its advances was the limit. Furthermore, if they stopped attacking for even a little, the five heads would summon chimeras one after the other. 

Even having reinforcements arriving tomorrow morning was an optimistic estimate. Could they last until then? This wasn’t an outcome to look forward to. 

“Not just quality…… Even quantity, our side has a disadvantage……”

Glancing overhead, he cursed the mental state that was like vomiting blood.

The number of chimeras called out by the large snake wasn’t ordinary. Because they spread out in the sky and landed everywhere around the school, our fighting forces have been scattered. Because he hadn’t made an appearance, Xins should also be holding back the chimera attacks. 

If there was one more powerful Reciter…… If there was a technique-user who could rival the Rainbow Reciter…… 

But, he immediately shook off the thought that had risen to his mind like a blister. 

Ugh, I’ve become weak. No, I can’t think about such dreams. I can’t let my concentration be disrupted. 

—The school has to be protected by the headmaster.


<div align="center"><nowiki>***</nowiki></div>


“Enne, go check if there are any students who haven’t escaped yet. We will be doing something here.”

The tall teacher with the sleeve of his scarlet robe pulled up to his elbow gave this instruction to the female teacher wearing a white robe. 

“But compared to a moment ago, the number of chimeras here is even more……”

“If it’s only for a while, we can still withstand it. The safety of students has the priority.”

“But……”

Just when the female teacher wanted to argue back, someone put a hand on her shoulder.

“—It’s already been more than ten years since Elfand, hasn’t it?”

A teacher wearing a water-colored robe pushed up the glasses on the bridge of his nose while showing a bitter smile.

“We’ve all known each other for so long. You should have a little confidence in your students, all right?”

That arrogant tone of voice made her expression relax slightly for a split second. This egghead was the same as when she first met him, and hadn’t changed at all.

—But that’s true. So many years have passed already, haven’t they? We’ve been together for such a long time. 

If so, at this time…… No, because it’s this time, I should believe them.

“……Be careful.”

She smashed the flask in her hand onto the ground. The glass shattered after making a sharp noise, and white smoke to be used as a catalyst enveloped her surroundings. 

——[{{Furigana|Arzus|White Song}}]——

From among a thick, fog-like mist, three winged white horses appeared after letting out a neighing sound that echoed throughout the school. It was White’s {{Furigana|Second Scale Recitation|Noble Aria}}, Pegasus. It was the Recitation she had dreamed of ever since she was a student. 

She got onto one of them, and issued an order to the two people behind her.

“Zessel, Mirror! You two support them, I’ll be right back!”


<div align="center"><nowiki>***</nowiki></div>


'''''Let’s ring the bell of the Color of Night'''''<br>
''“—Isa Yer she riena xeoi pel”''

'''''Let’s ring the bell of twilight (beginning)'''''<br>
''[—sheon lef dimi-l-cori riec-c-wavir]''

A boy wearing a deep blue robe sang the <{{Furigana|Song of Praise|Oratorio}}>. 

He stood in the center of the school’s central campus.

It was a strange scene. Except for the center circle— Other than the diameter of only several meters, the surrounding one hundred meters in all directions was engulfed in flame. Inside that was only one person, the boy with his eyes closed to the dazzling scene.

The flame was needed to be used as a catalyst. This inexperienced Reciter could only use the catalyst to compensate for his skill. Therefore, he needed a large amount of flames. 

Gradually, the heat could be felt even in the central space, the red tendrils of flame approaching closer. There was nowhere to escape to. At this rate, it wouldn’t be long before he would undoubtedly be engulfed by the sea of flames. 

Even so—

The boy didn’t have a distressed expression. It wasn’t that he couldn’t feel the heat. His small cheeks were covered with beads of sweat, and the tips of his wet hair shone with the same color drops. He was frightened at surrounding himself with flames. But, he certainly felt an emotion which exceeded that feeling.

'''''I love (desire) only you'''''<br>
''“miqvy elmei nehhe virgia-c-fifsia”''<br>
'''''I love (desire) you'''''<br>
''—elma Ies neckt evoia twispeli kei''

'''''For this reason, do you quietly cry alone?'''''<br>
''“zette ovan Yer be zarabearc solituqs”''<br>
'''''For this reason, no matter where you cry, I will go to welcome you before anyone else'''''<br>
''—zette Yer cana arcasha Loo ifex LoR zarabearc sm ferme''

'''''Not existing anywhere, Until evening (the small you)'''''<br>
''“Lears neckt ele ravience Shadir”''<br>
'''''You are here, Until the beautiful one (person with large desires)'''''<br>
''—Lom giris leya mihhya lef hid, ravience Stalwari''

Standing alone without anybody knowing, was the dusk-colored song user. The <{{Furigana|Song of Praise|Oratorio}}> of twilight which nobody had heard before. 

Then, in the place of the one who should originally be here, I shall at least watch over this small, nighttime traveler. 

[……Evhemary. A lonely little girl. My only acknowledged Reciter.]

Directly above the school, even higher in the sky than the group of chimera. Arma lifted the tip of his nose up towards the {{Furigana|Recital Gate|Channel}} that was opening slowly but surely. 

The girl had once been ridiculed by the people at her side, but with the passing of time—

[As I thought, Neight is your son.]

As if washing away the disgrace in his mother’s place, the son sang the song that his mother had left behind. Looking at that figure, even Arma didn’t notice his own expression becoming gentle. 

After that, all he needed to do was wait. 

Wait for the moment when the flames enveloping the world are dyed in the color of night.

He wasn’t standing on the boy’s shoulder, but rather on the situation descending to the ground. Arma gazed up steadily at that boy. 


<div align="center"><nowiki>***</nowiki></div>


Even so, it was still tiresome……

Xins used the sleeve of his coat to wipe away the sweat flowing into his eyes. The will-o’-wisp by his side was already the third one. Even though it was a Recited creature of the second scale, its power wasn’t unlimited. After being used up to a certain degree, it would disappear without a warning.  

He was also like that. Fatigue wore down his attention, and the success rate of his Recitations was inevitably dropping. 

Right now, the headmaster seemed to be restraining the hydra. But to that monster, even a wyvern wouldn’t be a good opponent. Except for the one head dealing with the situation here, the remaining four heads continued to spit out chimeras.

Although he wanted to go and assist the headmaster, simply knocking down the chimera took all of his strength. And while he was doing that, the hydra would call out even more chimera. It was a vicious circle. He was just barely able to fight against them for now, but how long could this balance last?

He took out a small flask from inside his coat. Ripples wavered and rose to the yellow water’s surface. Although it was a catalyst usually used only in emergencies, its amount was decreasing.

“……It’s become an astonishing recital contest.”

Without even a bitter smile, Xins pulled open the lid of the flask. 


The building two hundred meters away from the first-year school building was, in other words, the second year school building. Inside it should be the material used to create Night-colored flames. 

Holding her breath, Mio walked down the lane leading to the building. It wasn’t to escape the gaze of others, but so that she wouldn’t be spotted by the monsters circling overhead.  

The lights of the school occasionally illuminated the figures of the chimeras. The teachers should have already taken care of them, but the number of chimeras hadn’t changed much from the first time she had seen them. It was merely the kind of change like turning from a hundred to ninety.

……It would be bad if I were to be seen this time.

Green Recitation isn’t suited for battle. There was nothing in her repertoire to drive away the three-headed beasts, let alone defeat them. At any rate, she could only pray to not be discovered.

Appearing as if she was connected to the shadow of the school building, after she left the first-year building, she moved forward as if treading on the shadows of plants. 

“This here is…… The final obstacle……”

She spoke out loud to remind herself. In front of her was the straight path from the first-year building to the second-year building. There were no places to hide, nor any trees or grass. This section of the asphalt path was about fifty meters long.

How fast is my running time?

The painful heartbeats in her chest became stronger. Although there were nearly a hundred monsters overhead, sprinting this distance shouldn’t take more than ten seconds. I definitely won’t be noticed. I shouldn’t be noticed. Even if I happen to be noticed, I can escape as long as I enter the building. Anyhow, I can’t just stay here and let time pass. I can’t let Kluele be alone. 

—She ran.

Not looking overhead or behind her, she stared fixedly in front of her. 

The nighttime road nearly caused her to trip. It was clearly a short distance, but her head hurt from lack of oxygen. As she seized the crucial moment, that heavy pressure seemed like it would crush her. 

However. The girl ran the whole distance.

Just when her hand touched the building, she collapsed exhaustedly. 

“I still……haven’t done anything yet…… I have to find that and deliver it to Neight-kun……”

Staggering, Mio began advancing towards the inside of the second-year school building. 

Her destination was the chemical preparation room. 


At the same time.

——[{{Furigana|Keinez|Red Song}}]——

A teacher wearing a scarlet robe called out a crimson lotus flame. The two chimera, approaching the building where the students were taking refuge, were completely surrounded by the deep crimson whirlpool. Backfire— A moment before the whirlpool of fire was about to engulf the teacher himself……

——[{{Furigana|Ruguz|Blue Song}}]——

In front of the man wearing the scarlet robe appeared a thin film of water. Although it looked like a thin wall that would be penetrated at a touch, it blocked the raging blaze.

“Zessel, don’t be too excessive.”

“Hm? Did I make eye contact? Did I ask for your protection?”

Zessel gave a low laugh at the colleague standing beside him. 

“Either way, it can’t be helped if I don’t get burned a little.”

“……You’re making an unusual argument.”

While constantly moving his line of sight, Mirror returned a forced laugh.

“How many have you stopped?”

“Five. It’s rather annoying that they don’t attack at the same time.”

……Damn, are there only two imitation rubies left? While being alert for anything overhead, Zessel confirmed the number of catalysts remaining in his breast pocket. The attack was too sudden, and he was in a pained situation with nearly no equipment. 

Although he wanted to finish it quickly with something of the First or Second scale, he was worried that an attack could come from overhead at any moment, making him unable to focus his attention. Also, the creatures he could call out with a {{Furigana|Third Scale Recitation|Prime Aria}} were equally matched against the chimera. Therefore, bit by bit, he had retreated to just in front of the school building. 

“…..Enne, why so slow?”

“I had to rescue some students, so I took some time.”

She immediately said the answer she had prepared beforehand. She understood the feelings of Mirror, who muttered in a low voice. Because, she was thinking the same thing. 

Even so, right now, he had no choice but to believe it. 

“I’m going to end it with a Second scale Recitation. Until then, please cover me.”

Zessel gripped a ruby in his right hand, and before his companion could reply, he had already closed his eyes. Beside him, only the fluttering sound of Mirror’s deep blue robe reached his eardrums. 

At that instant, the bushes that were only a few meters away from him rustled. In the illumination of the embers, appeared a shadow with three heads.

“Zessel!”

Mirror uttered a shout that was close to a shriek.

……So it was hiding there!

Without even the time to be speechless, he downgraded his Recitation from the Second scale to the Fourth scale. If it were a flame, he could immediately— No, that’s no good!

Zessel felt regretful. The chimera was too close. In the short distance, even Mirror wouldn’t have time to make a film of water. If he were to use a flame, he would undoubtedly also be caught up in the whirlpool of flames. Although he thought up a few methods to withstand the attack, none of them were sufficient to reverse the situation. What could he do?

“Zessel! What are you doing?!”

The monster didn’t miss that instant of hesitation. By the time he came to his senses, the beast’s teeth were already approaching before his eyes.  

“Oh no—”

He was unable to move his body or close his eyes. He felt prepared for those teeth to impale his body.

At that instant—

——[''{{Furigana|Nussis|Return}}''] ——

Without warning, a quiet, solemn voice resounded.

Before Zessel had understood the word ‘return’—

The chimera was dragged into its shadow.

At that moment, all that remained was a *plunk* sound, like a rock being thrown into the water’s surface.

“Wha-!”

How could such a thing have happened? Looking around, he couldn’t feel the presence of any person or thing.

“Are you alright?!”

Mirror ran over. Because of what had just happened, Zessel was unable to make a sound. The fact that a Recited creature was sent back means, that was also a Recitation just now? But—

“What happened just now……”

Zessel forced a voice out of his throat. Mirror was also standing still with a dumbfounded expression. On his face seemed to be written, ‘If you who was standing beside me doesn’t know, then how am I supposed to know?’ 

Commonly referred to as ‘Reverse Song’, it was a technique to send back a creature that had been called out.  But a type of Reverse Song where it had been pulled into its shadow? Even he himself, who had the position of a Recitation teacher, couldn’t tell what color the Recitation had been. Could it be a Recitation that he had never even heard of, let alone see for the first time?

“Mirror, did you hear it?”

“Hear what?”

He questioned back. Could it be that it was just a hallucination?

—Sheesh, you’re even a teacher, so pull yourself together—

Immediately after the chimera had been sent back, the wind that had blown past his ear seemed to have carried that sound from somewhere. It was a voice he remembered hearing a long, long time ago.


<div align="center"><nowiki>***</nowiki></div>


[Bird without feathers. Chick who broke out of its shell. You are—]

From some faraway place, sounded an unclear voice like an echo. Whether it was male or female couldn’t be distinguished. A sound that didn’t belong to this world, with a mysterious tone.

[Kluele.]

Finally, she realized that the voice was speaking to her. 

It was a word she remembered hearing before. That’s right, it’s my name.

[Call out to me. Give me a name.]

Who are you?

[I am you. Your wings. Come, wake up.]

I don’t really understand. ……Even though I don’t know who you are, I’m sorry. I’m already very tired.

[Even so, you must fly. Let’s go together. Under the small, small night.]

Night. That word caused something to respond somewhere in her heart. The threads of her consciousness that should have been severed gradually connected back together. Night……night……night color…… Something tightened in her chest.

Why? Even though she was already exhausted, she felt the feeling that she must move. She felt the feeling that she must go. 

But, she didn’t know for what. She didn’t know for whom. 

‘Night’, who is it talking about? Hey, tell me.

[Come, wake up.]

The voice didn’t answer. Wake up. Those words disappeared, and the world became quiet once again.


<div align="center"><nowiki>***</nowiki></div>


“Take these children into that building!”

The number of students who had been burned by the leaping flames and students who had frantically escaped when the beasts attacked, was more than expected. The Pegasus could only carry two students at a time to the school building. Although she had brought along three at first, she needed more than twice that number. 

Under the scorching heat of the flames, she wiped away sweat from her forehead.

—There probably aren’t any more people there.

“Is anyone still there? If so, answer me!”

The surrounding flames made crackling noises, and prevented voices from being transmitted very far. She passed the second-year building, the third-year building, and arrived at the four-way intersection near the schoolyard. The bushes shook with a rustling sound, and she reflexively turned around.

“……Is someone over there?”

It could be a student who was injured and unable to move, and couldn’t cry for help even if he wanted to. This premonition passed through her mind. 

“Enne, get away from there!”

She heard someone’s voice. At that moment, she didn’t realize that those words were directed at her. Ignoring the warning, she took a step forward—

……Eh……

She made eye contact with six lines of sight within the bush. It couldn’t be!

Before she had time to feel afraid, someone rushed directly in front of her. A dry grass colored coat filled her view.

Roaring, the chimera flew towards them. The Reciter used his left hand to block its claws. Even from her position, Enne could hear the terrible sound of claws ripping through flesh.  

[''{{Furigana|Nussis|Return}}'']

Using his right hand to touch the beast’s body, the man muttered. After emitting a green Recitation light, the figure of the beast gradually became hazy. After confirming that it had completely disappeared, the man turned around while breathing out a deep sigh. 

“Although you’re always calm, if you become engrossed in one thing, you won’t be able to see something else that’s unexpected. You haven’t changed since the times back in Elfand, Enne.”

“X-Xins?”

The person before her eyes was a classmate from Elfand. 

“Long time no see. Because we’ve both been busy with the recital contest, I haven’t had time to come say hi. What about Zessel and Mirror? They should also be teachers here, right?”

While surveying his surroundings, he mentioned the names of the people who had been with her until a moment ago. 

“They should be over by the first-year building.”

Before she finished speaking, Enne realized that the man in front of her was holding his left arm protectively.

“Xins, you can’t possibly be……”

“—Is it that bad?”

He averted his gaze. Sure enough…… He had a broken bone. 

Using his physical body to block the chimera’s claws wasn’t simply bad, but reckless. But there wasn’t anything else he could have done to save her. In a situation where his friend and enemy were close to each other, using a Recitation would cause both sides to get hurt. In order to protect her, he could only a technique that involved touching the enemy directly, which was using a Reverse Song to send it away.

“……I’m sorry. I…… What can I say?”

Considering in terms of power, compared to her, one of the Rainbow Reciter’s arms was clearly more power. 

“You don’t need to feel sorry. It could have been a student collapsed there. But I’ve already searched this area, so I knew that couldn’t possibly have been a student.”

While wrapping his left hand in his coat, her classmate kept an eye on their surroundings.

“However, it was bad timing. Just when it had started to move……”

In a position to surround the two of them, the beasts began to descend simultaneously. 

No. It wasn’t bad timing. They had definitely hovering in the sky all along, waiting for an opportunity. Waiting for a moment when this man who was a threat to them got injured. 

Looking behind her, she saw that there were more than ten chimeras. If they attacked all at once, even the Rainbow Reciter would have a hard time dealing with them. The only remaining catalyst she had left was an opal ring she wore on her finger.

Failure is not allowed— In this case, she should call out a Pegasus. The failure rate for two of them was greater than for one. 

……I’m fine either way. But she had to get him out of here. Not just the chimera, but in order to defeat the hydra who was controlling everything behind the scenes, only this man had a chance of succeeding.

“Xins…… I will be calling out a Pegasus, so please get on right after it’s out.”

In a low voice, she instructed him, who stood behind her. 

After hearing her words, his back shook.

“Enne— You haven’t changed.”

His voice sent shivers up Enne’s spine. It wasn’t a low, overpowering sound. Instead, it was the reverse, a calm tone of voice.

However, why did his calmness make her feel afraid?

“Because it was something difficult for you to say, you talked more quickly…… I won’t escape by myself.”

This time, his words left Enne speechless. 

As she had expected. She had already somewhat sensed it back in Elfand. I really hate that about you. Why are you able to notice even this type of thing?

“No! I beg of you, escap—”

Before she had finished speaking, Enne’s voice suddenly stopped. 

Because the man before her eyes showed a calm smile. 

“I don’t want to lose any more of my acquaintances.”

It was an extremely lonely smile. A smile that seemed to see though everything, and felt despair towards something. 

Out of the more than ten chimera, half of them formed a group that flew forward directly ahead of her. 

——[{{Furigana|Keinez|Red Song}}]——

The wave of heat from the flame burned everything. No, it should have burned everything. In the moment when pain burst across his hand, Xins’s concentration was broken. The resulting flame was far from the small flame that the Rainbow Reciter had expected. 

A chimera broke through a gap in the flame. This unexpected situation made him freeze. This was bad. There wasn’t even time for Enne’s own Recitation!

“Xins!”

This time, his coat would certainly be pierced by the claws of the beast. That kind of scene was on the verge of turning from illusion to reality……

[[File:Fb3-308_239-1-.jpg|thumb]]

'''''From <Goetia Seventy-second pillar>, Twenty-eighth key, Berith'''''<br>
''—orbie clar, dremre : Goetia : Berith—''

Directly underneath the attacking chimera, from inside the shadow of that beast, appeared a knight driving a crimson horse. 

It was a knight wearing pitch-black armor, holding a lance the same color as his armor. Due to this sudden intruder, the chimera was swatted away. Effortlessly, with one swing of the lance, the chimeras that were about to attack were also swatted away.

—It’s strong.

The fact that the chimera, which were equal to a Third scale Recitation, was so easily defeated means this knight is a {{Furigana|Second Scale Recitation|Noble Aria}}? But, she had never seen this kind of Recitation before. Just who did this?

The way that the knight disregarded their doubt and faded away without a trace made it seem like a dream. However, fallen chimeras that the knight had knocked down were scattered around the two of them.

“……Enne, was that your Recitation?”

Still in shock, Enne shook her head. That’s my line! However, only one thing was certain. The Reciter who saved us just now wants us to survive.

“Xins, let’s keep working hard.”

As if protecting his back, she pressed closer to him. 

“Because it’s a life that we went through the trouble of taking back, even until the very last moment, we can’t give up.”

“—Enne, I take back what I said earlier.”

Standing back to back with her, he spoke in a serious voice. 

“You’ve changed. ……You’ve become strong.”


<div align="center"><nowiki>***</nowiki></div>


“……Neight.”

He remembered the final words of his mother, who had been lying on the bed, eaten away by her illness. 

In her dying moments, what she wanted to pass on weren’t words of farewell or words of love, but Night Color Recitation’s {{Furigana|First Scale Recitation|High Noble Aria}}— the <{{Furigana|Song of Praise|Oratorio}}> for calling out Night Color’s True Spirit.

“This is a Recitation created for your sake. Therefore, Neight, I will teach this only to you.”

With a great effort, Mother extended her right hand from her place on the bed. Still averting his gaze, Neight gripped her hand in return. Mother’s hand had become too skinny. Simply looking at it made him feel sad. However, he couldn’t move his gaze away. 

“Do you think Reciting is difficult?”

There couldn’t be a correct answer to that kind of question. Although he was young, even he understood this. 

But even so, right now he could only reply, “It’s difficult.” Because right now, from all of the Recitations that Mother had taught him, success couldn’t be mentioned. Failure had become natural. 

“But, I think you will be able to successfully conduct this Recitation.”

Still holding onto Mother’s hand, Mother squeezed his hand slightly. 

“What’s needed isn’t skill, but the feeling of wanting to protect someone you treasure. Convey that thought to True Spirit of Night. Because, the True Spirit of Night is lonely……”

Unlike before, this was the first time that she had given advice something not about his skill, but about his mind. 

“Because it understands the pain of being alone, it will definitely protect you from being lonely. —Un, it will protect…… It will surely protect…… you……”

A burst of strength was transmitted through Mother’s hand, which he grasped. But in the next instant, it stopped like a thread being cut. 

Mother?

“Hey, Mother. Mother?”

He called out over and over again, gripping Mother’s hand the whole time. 

……She’s just asleep, right?

Surely she will call out my name again. Surely she will grip my hand again. 

Hey, isn’t that right, Mother?


<div align="center"><nowiki>***</nowiki></div>


'''''In this night (place), You (I) are in solitude (alone)'''''<br>
''“Isa jes qusi xin fears toga peg ilmei shel”''<br>
'''''I promised, I will send you my song'''''<br>
''—Hir qusi clar, cori, Ema lef memori''

'''''That melody is the music (tremor) of the heart, The tone quality (dance) of tears'''''<br>
''“jes kless qusi medolia lef cirkus, medolia lef zarabel”''<br>
'''''That melody is the scratch (shivering) of the heart, The song of praise (festival) of tears'''''<br>
''—jes kless qusi sari lef sophit, faite lef zarabel''

'''''It drenches the world, Because it is a drop (song) of the frozen (beloved) night'''''<br>
''“Hir sinka I, bekwist WeR muas ririsia harmone lef twispel”''<br>
'''''It drenches the world, Because it is the embrace (song) of the beloved night'''''<br>
''—Hir sinka I, bekwist HIr qusi celena poe lef wevirne spil''<br>


The Song of Twilight hadn’t ended. Turning imagination into reality, and singing it. The overflowing imagination in the outside world becomes sound, making eardrums resound, and then creating a circuit of new imagination. 

By practicing, even without an <{{Furigana|Song of Praise|Oratorio}}>, Recitations up to the Second scale can be conducted. Just like that Rainbow Color Reciter had done before our eyes. 

But {{Furigana|First Scale Recitation|High Noble Aria}} did not follow this principle, because the True Spirit could only be called out under specific conditions. Three restraints— By only using a specific catalyst and singing a specific <{{Furigana|Song of Praise|Oratorio}}>, that song can’t reach the True Spirit. Only by discovering the catalyst and <{{Furigana|Song of Praise|Oratorio}}>, and finally calling out its true name, it can be considered complete. 

I have already heard the <{{Furigana|Song of Praise|Oratorio}}> from Mother. Next, as long as I have the catalyst, I could surely be capable of calling it out. Because Mother had said that. I have also met the promised person, as well as promised Kluele-san and Mio-san. 

—I will convey those feelings to the True Spirit of Night—

I will convey them. I want to protect this place of everyone’s precious memories.

Wiping away sweat, Neight continued his Recitation.


<div align="center"><nowiki>***</nowiki></div>


Carrying several sealing containers with both hands, Mio climbed up the stairs two steps at a time. 

Her destination was the highest place in the second-year school building, a place where she could survey the scene below. Stealthily looking out from the classroom, the campus had long ago become a sea of fire. If she didn’t hurry, her special preparations would come down to nothing. 

“As long as I have this……”

Night-colored flame. The key to solving the mystery was the mixing catalysts experiment that she had done together with Neight and Kluele. 

And there was one more thing. That was, when she had been chatting with Kluele a few days ago, the words they had unintentionally mentioned. 

'How did Kululu do on this time’s combined test? Didn’t you say that you failed the guessing questions?'

'Me? About the same as last time, I just barely made it into the top one hundred. Compared to the people in my grade, I’m ranked second!'

'Eh? Because the questions this time were really easy. All you had to do was to remember what our textbook said about the reactions of each colored flame to get three questions correct.'

Creating flames which weren’t a naturally existing color wasn’t by magic, by chance, or through a miracle. Actually, it was a technique of mixing catalysts that everyone knows about. If a hard-working person who studies Recitations reads the textbook once, they can find the answer. 

The brown containers in her arms bumped against each other. I have to hurry, but I can’t let them break. If the containers crack, the substances inside will oxidize rapidly, and degenerate. 

“Wait for me, Neight-kun!”

The door leading to the roof finally appeared in the far end of her field of view.


……Is this the end?

Crestfallen, Zea Lordfill knelt on the ground. The catalyst in his hands was nearly gone. Although he had sent Jessica to get more, she wouldn’t return for the time being. In reality, they were already helpless. 

The hydra approached them with slow movements. Their defensive line had already been broken through, and there was nothing more protecting the first-year school building where the students were taking refuge. Although there were several teachers in the first-year building as backup, their catalysts had been nearly used up. 

……Just what could be done? If they issue a warning to the first-year building, they probably have to first make mental preparations for an even greater level of panic than before. 

He gazed at the gradually advancing monster. Although it wasn’t certain who had used the <Egg>, he didn’t expect that such a monster would appear inside the school. 

“……Hm?”

The hydra suddenly stopped moving, like it was frozen. Not only its footsteps, but even all of its five heads had become rigid. The only exception was its eyes. Only its eyeballs turned and glared at its surroundings ominously. 

What is it looking for? Just what was it?

Unable to understand its puzzling behavior, even the elder in charge of the school could only stand still.


<div align="center"><nowiki>***</nowiki></div>


“Just now…… What happened……”

Not only her lips, but even her tongue felt dry. Even her throat hurt from the sounds she had just uttered. In a position with her back leaning against the wall of the hall, Kluele was unable to find out the situation outside.

—How long was I unconscious for?

Recited flames would usually disappear after a few minutes. Because the flame she Recited had already disappeared, it meant that it had already been a longer time than that. The bleeding from her left shoulder had also stopped. Had it been an hour? Or merely a few minutes?

“……It’s quiet…..”

In the hall enveloped by silence, only the sound of her voice echoed. The wind blowing from somewhere carried the crackling sound of flames. This was the first time she thought that being lonely was frightening. The first thing she thought of was the faces of her family. After that faded away, her next thought was of her friends’ faces. 

—Are Mio and Neight both safe and sound? 

However, it would be troubling if they weren’t safe. When would the teacher Kate, who had promised to return, come? But she couldn’t have too many expectations right now. Under these circumstances, she didn’t even know if anything had happened over at the first-year building.

She heard the clinking sound of glass being stepped on. Is it Kate-sensei?

But, the following groaning sound that entered her ears crushed that hope in a split second.

“……I hate being so stubborn.”

The beast with wounds all over its body gradually lessened the distance between them. Its moss-green body had become scorched black, and smoke rose from the mane on its lion head. It seemed that this was the chimera she had driven away before she fell unconscious. Was it unable to move its burned wings? Dragging its feet, it gradually approached her.

What to do? Use blood as a catalyst again? But I’ve already lost too much blood. If I lose more blood, I feel like I will fall into an eternal rest which I won’t be able to wake up from. This is my body, so I know it the best. 

“It’ll be bad either way……”

Haven’t I already worked hard enough?

[Beloved bird who left its nest, bird who is hatching. Singer without wings.]

A voice? Again. However, she could hear this more clearly than last time.

[I am your wings. Call out my name.]

She had thought that it was merely in a dream, but she had certainly heard it. It wasn’t a hallucination.

Call out— But, I don’t have anything that I can use to Recite anymore.

[A catalyst is not needed to call me out. The blood you spilled has called me out until now.]


'Do you understand the reason why I asked what catalyst you will use?'

'When you were conducting the Recitation, if the catalyst you had used was not a gem but ‘something else’ instead—'


But, I don’t even know the <{{Furigana|Song of Praise|Oratorio}}>……

[A <{{Furigana|Song of Praise|Oratorio}}> is not needed. Bird that must hatch, the sound of you tearing off your shell awoke me.]


'Even among True Spirits, there are those that do not use words.'

'Little girl, you are torn between two things. It is a conflict between growth and stagnation. Just like a little bird that wants to break free of its shell, but is unable to come out.'


Whose words were those? They were things she had listened to emotionlessly and without a second thought, but now welled up from the depths of her memories like a fountain.

[The three restraints have been removed, the conditions already met. You have already completed my Recitation.]

…….Completed the Recitation?

Like déjà vu, a vague scene suddenly crossed her mind. 

What she had called out during the recital contest— Enveloped in brilliant flames, emitting a dazzling radiance, illusory feathers not belonging to this world. 

Feathers burning fiercely. Flames taking the shape of feathers.

That is— 

That isn’t a memory of the past, but a scene from this place that had certainly happened, as if it had been protecting her. 

[All that remains is to call out my name. Come.]

In her weak gaze, the scorched avenger leaped at her.

But even so, her consciousness was still focused on the voice speaking to her.

[As long as you don’t return to your shell, I will once again awaken from the ashes. As long as you don’t turn your back to me, we will be able to meet a new dawn together. Kluele Sophi Net. Come, call out my name.]

From her pale lips, Kluele let out a faint breath. 

The Red Song that even sound couldn’t resist.

But, the song sung by the girl crossed through the hall, crossed over the school—

Somewhere in the world, the heart of the thing waiting for this very moment trembled. 

The beast’s claws touched something. Something soft. 

Although it wanted to rip it apart, contrarily, the beast’s claws were engulfed by flames. What his claws had caught onto wasn’t the girl’s flesh, but the great crimson wing in front of her. 

[I have always been waiting for you to be born. Kluele, my perch.]

While one of its wings protected the girl, the bird flapped its other wing. 

Just that one motion. With just that, a scorching wave of heat filled the hall. After emitting Recitation light, the chimera was forcibly sent away.

[Can you move?]

Kluele gritted her teeth and stood up, but this already took all of her strength. Moving any more was impossible. She was sure that if she let her mind relax, she would fall back into unconsciousness. Her mind wouldn’t follow her body.

[In that case, let me carry you. Come, tell me the path you wish to take.]

After saying that, the red True Spirit— {{Furigana|Divine Bird of Dawn|Phoenix}} used its wings to embrace the girl. 

[Until the ends of the world, if you wish it. Kluele, where will you fly to?]

The first place to cross her mind was the first-year building where her friends were taking refuge. Had Ada, Serges, and all of her other classmates safely taken shelter? As long as they could reach the school building, surely they were safe. 

Next, she thought of the figure of the girl wearing a pearl-colored dress. The girl who had always accompanied her, and said that she would go get the supplies necessary for creating Night-colored flames. However, if it was her, she wouldn’t take reckless risks. Although she always acted childish, she displayed her intelligence when it was an important time. This was something Kluele knew well.

“I……”

Finally, she thought of the face of the young, still learning Reciter who wore a deep blue robe. Nobody used the same Recitation as him, the lonely Reciter. The easily dejected, introverted song user who always failed. Only that child requires someone by his side. Someone who could encourage him when he fails, and enjoy the happiness together with him if he succeeds. 

—Someone who could wait by his side and quietly watch over him. 

[Have you decided?]

The bird deity urged her a second time. Silently, Kluele nodded.

Covered in sweat, Neight’s shoulders moved up and down as he gasped for breath. 

The air filled with blazing heat burned his lungs. The expanding shimmer of hot air made him dizzy. 

The flames snatched away oxygen and gave him a headache. The temperature sapped away his physical strength and ate away at his body. 

But, even so— he continued to sing. 

Crossing over the flames, crossing over the campus, crossing over the school…… For the sake of her, who was somewhere in the world, listening for this song.