Editing Absolute Duo:Volume 4 Chapter 5 (section)

===Part 1===

It was extreme lonely on the evening I regained consciousness.

Miyabi, who was still unconscious, and Tachibana who went to the infirmary to look after her, have not come back yet.

While everyone was having a heavy-atmosphere meal without talking, the conversation from the surroundings entered my ears------I found out that the incident in the afternoon has already spread out.

It looks like the source of the information was the students that were at the hall; the fact that we fought Miyabi in a <<Unit>> was spread out. Thanks to that, several speculations and glances were directed to us and we had to pass the time uncomfortably.

Our meal soon ended and right after we got out from the cafeteria, I asked Lilith something.

“Please tell me about the <<{{Furigana|God’s Destruction Team|Libel}}>> and their boss- the <<Equipment Smith>>”

Now that Miyabi was used for their plan, the situation now is different from before.

Even if we can’t do anything about it, I want to gain as much info about the enemy as possible.

“I’ll treat you all some milk tea. Come to my room”

After only replying that, Lilith took Sara and went back to her room; I followed her with Julie and Tora behind me.

In Lilith’s room which was located at the 3rd floor, the curtains and furniture were replaced with high-class ones and the room was giving off a very different brilliance although it had the same structure as the other dorm rooms. 

Originally, I was supposed to feel nervous for entering a girl’s room but, my feelings were far from that now.

Lilith kept quiet even though she reached her room, and the room was filled with the heavy-atmosphere just like what we had in the cafeteria just now.

After awhile, Sara distributed the milk tea to everyone and only then, Lilith finally opened her mouth.

“It’s Dawn’s confidential secret regarding him. That’s why, my answer is the same as last time. Don’t make me say it twice”

“……….so basically, you aren’t going to tell us”

After taking a sip of milk tea, [Yes, that’s right] Lilith nodded.

“Fuun. You told us to come all the way to your room and that’s it huh, what a waste of energy……!!”

Tora stood up in anger when he heard the words Lilith said after a long silence.

“Oh my, you’re not drinking the milk tea?”

“No need! Tooru, Julie, let’s go!!”

I understand Lilith’s position but, since I also understand Tora’s feeling for getting enraged, I was about to leave the room after i given up trying to gain info of the enemy.

“Sorry, Lilith. I’ll take your treat next time okay”

“I see. How disappointing”

After saying that, Lilith took up her cup----

“This is mumbling to myself-----“

She suddenly said that without looking at us.

“<<Equipment Smith>>-----his real name is Edward Walker, an expert of Mechanical Engineering; he’s an enthusiastic person that develops engine and propulsion systems, while on the other hand he develop things like artificial muscles……..if I remember correctly”

“Ojou-sama………!”

“This is just a mumble to myself. Don’t make me say it twice, Sara”

The butler flat out said that in panic but, Lilith told her to quiet down instead.

“Okay, time to continue my mumbling”

Hearing those words, me and Julie looked back at Lilith and Tora folded his arms while leaning his back at the wall.

“I heard that he talked about an exo-skeleton suit that will overturn common sense and his surroundings did not understand him because of that”

The exo-skeleton suit was most likely the <<Unit>>.

“12 years ago, he suddenly disappeared from the organization he was affiliated with----and ever since then, his whereabouts were unknown until the time he showed himself at the <<Survive>>. Most likely, he introduced himself to the organization that the <<{{Furigana|God’s Destruction Team|Libel}}>> are currently affiliated with------the Gogmagog I think?”

Lilith took a sip of the milk tea before continuing.

“The Gogmagog is a secret organization tied to America’s military. However, they are mainly devoted to developing military weapons and with that power behind them, it’s an organization that has the highest influence in current North America…………unlike the Dawn Organization, it does not have a surface and I wonder if the fact that they're doing nasty things is true, I wonder?”

Lilith took another sip and sigh before I asked a question.

“…….Why is that <<Equipment Smith>> fellow treated as the organization’s confidential secret?”

Lilith looked down at the milk tea and mumbled.

“Edward was originally Dawn Organization’s development bureau number 2”

We gasped when we heard those unexpected words.

“On top of leaving the organization, after he was confirmed to have introduced himself to the enemy organization, the whole organization went into ruins. What’s more, he deleted all of the in-development data, data of completed developments and of course his personal data too when he left…………thanks to that, the whole organization was in chaos………….seriously it was one annoying event”

After making a sigh, Lilith faced foward and opened her eyes wide.

“Oh my, why if isn’t Tooru. You came to drink milk tea I guess”

With that one sentence, Lilith has implicitly ended the talk.

“Aah. I want the others to know about Sara’s milk tea too. Both of you sit down, it’s exquisite”

[Ja---. I’ll drink] [Fuun. Well……..I guess I’ll join in]

After Julie and Tora sat down, Sara made another batch of milk tea.





Around the afternoon on the next day-------even though it was still class time, there was a broadcast in the school.

Just when I wondered what it was, my name was called out to head to the chairman office during lunch time.

What’s more, I was not the only one that was call out; Julie, Lilith, Tachibana and also Tora were called too.

Everyone here thought it was going to be about yesterday’s incident but, Tora wasn’t at the place yesterday.

It was lunch time and while we were talking about what the business was going to be, we reached the office and united with Tachibana who came back from the infirmary.

“I see, she’s awake……..”

“Umu. There isn’t an after-effect too”

I asked if there were any wounds on her from the check up but, I became relieved anyway.

Even though I know it’s going to be alright since I attacked her with a <<Blaze>> similar to a blunt-type but, it was still fact that I launched <<{{Furigana|Thunder god’s strike|Mjolnir}}>> at Miyabi.

“But, she will be there for a few days just in case after considering the influences she might get from her surroundings”

Now that one night has passed, many students now know that Miyabi worn the <<Unit>>.

There were some students that got injured during that incident so it was a necessary procedure.

“Even Miyabi wanted to arrange her feelings without anyone around…..”

I could only nod, when Tachibana was making a complex expression.

“Also, this is my request but-------please don’t visit her for a while…………especially you, Kokonoe. Well you know”

“………….I understand”

Although it was inevitable, I wanted to apologize to Miyabi.

I wanted to see her cheerful face.

---but, the reason why I was the biggest factor of this incident was clearly because Miyabi said my name many times when she was being controlled.

I know painfully well that I shouldn’t show up now-----so, it’s better not to meet her face to face.





The thing waiting for us in the office was the talk personally by the chairman about the training.

“You all will be joining the actual training on the day after tomorrow”

It seems students that turned <<{{Furigana|III|Level 3}}>> will join the Dawn organization’s public maintenance order team----Ethnarch’s mission. It was the organization’s consideration, so that we could have a smoother entrance into the team after graduation, by joining many actual training in an early stage.

I heard this from my last class but, the day has finally come.

“From the start of the year to summer, this is the first time that 5 students gained the qualifications to join this year. There are many excellent students this year and the organization’s higher-ups are happy. Also, graduates of this school-----everyone affiliated with the Ethnarch is anticipating your attendance in the training”

However, the introduction was taken over by Mikuni-sensei.

“People that would cause hindrance to others during the mission because of their wounded state----which means, Tachibana-san will not be joining in. However, by your wish, we will consider allowing you in if you choose to observe instead…….”

“……..I am very sorry but, I will leave this one out. Right now Miyabi-----no, I'm thinking of being beside Hotaka-san”

In terms of gaining experience, joining in even if it’s just observing would be a good idea but, Tachibana honestly picked to be beside Miyabi.

The chairman clapped her hands to Tachibana, who chose to leave this one out for personally reasons.

“The feelings of taking care of your partner <<Duo>>, it’s wonderful. Within the students in the same year, you are a skilled, smart, and excellent student so, I wanted you to experience the field as fast as possible but, it can’t be helped if you have that reason”

“Thank you, Chairman."

After making one nod to Tachibana, who bowed down, the chairman looked back at us again.

“Okay, I will now tell you regarding the mission’s contents. I think this has quite related to you all”

(Us……?)

I waited while wondering what she meant-----

“The training content involves being my guard when I am attending a banquet. In that place-----an old man called <<Equipment Smith>>, the person that made <<{{Furigana|God’s Destruction Team|Libel}}>> will be attending too”

“-----!! E-<<Equipment Smith>>….!?”

I shouted in surprise when the chairman told me the unexpected name.

“Judging by that reaction, it seems you know about him to a certain extent”

“Fufu, Tooru is unexpectedly quite informed I see”

Lilith shrugs her shoulders to play it off when the chairman looked at her.

Of course, there was no way that would fool her but, the chairman did not ask anything and looked back at me.

“From the organizer of this banquet, we were strictly prohibited from any battles no matter what the reason may be. However, it’s probably hard to think that nothing is going happen with the <<Equipment Smith>>, after we looked at the past situations. Because of that, this mission has without a doubt danger awaiting it. For that----“

The chairman told us that there will be a fork path here.

“I don’t mind if anyone says that they want to pass on this one you know? All of you are still students after all”

But-----not a single person wanted to leave it out.

“Kokonoe Tooru. I have something I want to tell you so stay here”

After telling us the gathering time and place for the day after tomorrow, I was the only one called to stay back when we were about to leave.

I made everyone else head to the cafeteria first and the office only had me, the chairman and Mikuni-sensei left inside.

“Err………..what is it about?”

“I am thinking of repaying back the debt I owe you”

“Debt?”

“Yes, did you forget what I said when you saved me from <<K>>?”

“Now that I think about it……..”

I have memories of her telling me that on the boat.

“I didn’t finish my sentence the last time but, I did not fight to make a debt from…….”

“……..I know-----is what I wanted to say but, I won’t be satisfied if I don’t do so. Also, I think this isn’t a bad deal for you”

After the chairman giggled, a thud was produced when she placed a black cylinder on top of the table.

“And that’s……….?”

“This is in a special shape but----this is a Jet Injector”

“-----!!”

I understood immediately what the chairman was trying to say.

The chairman noticed that I understood before nodding.

“Kokonoe Tooru, I hereby give you the permission to perform the <<Sublimation Ceremony>>………This is my thanks”

My heart's beating loudly.

There was no way that I wouldn’t understand on how big of a deal it was.

Originally, <<Level Up>> chances are given only 3 times per year.

This was already common knowledge but, it’s not like I will successfully sublimate.

On top of that, I was told that full-body muscle pain and high fever will attack the person for a few days if the sublimation failed. It seems Miyabi and Tatsu had a rough time waking up for a few days after failing the sublimation, and continued sleeping in their room without coming out.

However, to me who wants to gain <<Power>>, the risk doesn’t matter to me and the chance to increase the sublimation is like a wish come true but------

There was something I couldn’t agree from this talk.

“I have one question. The reason why I stayed back here is because……”

“Yes, this is something I wanted to tell only to you”

“………why am I the only one? There were several people that moved to save the chairman. Julie, Lilith, and Imari too. Tora too even though he wasn’t at the spot……..but even so, what kind of reason do you have to give me special treatment-----“

“……….It’s because you are an <<Unrivaled>>, Kokonoe Tooru”

The reply was somewhat within my expectation.

The reason why Lilith, who’s an <<Unrivaled Blaze>> like me, didn’t get chosen was probably because she has no limit to the chances to sublimate, unlike the other students.

And, am I given special treatment too because I am an <<Irregular>>?

But, I didn’t want to be treated that way and naturally said my thoughts.

“I……….for me to be treated specially and leaving everyone else behind………”

“Why are you hesitating? The reason why you wanted the <<Lucifer>>, wasn’t to happily hold hands with others and reach the goal right……?”

“------!!”

My shock and lack of composure were exposed when she stab me with those very accurate words.

It’s just as she said.

I wanted <<Power>> for my revenge, but-----

(Don’t tell me the chairman knew…..!?)

The only person that knows about the incident with him was Julie, that person and none other than myself.

“I will now repeat myself, Kokonoe Tooru. I give you the permission to perform the <<Sublimation Ceremony>>. Considering the possibility of failure after using this permitted sublimation, I don’t mind if it performed after the training----“

“Wait”

I interrupted her words and swung my head.

“I will……….not use this authority. I don’t need it”

“…………can I hear the reason?”

Quietly and in a low tone, she asked me without any hint of emotion inside her voice.

“It’s true that I want to become stronger------I want a <<Power>> that won’t lose to anyone. That’s why, I am really thankful that you gave me the chance for that. But, receiving the chance to sublimate alone and leaving my comrades, who fought together with me------just feels wrong”

At this moment the memories of my comrades, who suffered together with me to aim for the top, floated in my mind.

The memories of my precious comrades that would help me out.

We had many different conditions and situations but, if I alone gained power for my own purposes then, I feel that I might get distorted like him.

“I-----am competing with everyone to reach the top so, I will not use this authority”

[[File:Absolute Duo Volume 4 Non-Colour 7.jpg|thumb]]

I looked straight at the chairman and told her my determination.

The black clothed girl looked a little shocked before narrowing her eyes.

“*Giggle*. I am happy to the bottom of my heart that a proud and noble student has enrolled into the academy……….I understand, I will respect your determination. Let’s end the conversation here”

After she said that, I bowed down the chairman who was facing her back to me and I was about to leave the room but, at that moment,

“…………….but remember this”

The chairman standing at the window turned around and told me this.

“No matter how wonderful your determination may be, the world will not guarantee you its acceptance……………that is even more so, if the world is filled with Malice”

Ill intents will bear their fangs towards you no matter what determination one has.

I found that out with my body; with a feeling that cannot be compared with pain from 2 years ago, and also yesterday.

That was why the chairman’s words pierced deeply into me.

It was as if it was choking me…………





After 2 days, it was on Saturday evening-----

We gathered at the quay at the edge of the southern back gate and the chairman and Mikuni-sensei were waiting for us there. 

We were going to depart on the pressure boat and after we were dropped off somewhere in the city, we will meet up with the Ethnarch and switch to a car.

“Be careful, Kokonoe. Please refrain from forcing yourself”

“Haha, I know”

Even though I replied that, Tachibana looked towards Julie.

“……………….Julie, I am counting on you to guard Kokonoe”

“Ja----“

“What guard……….just what do you think about me”

“That’s because you have been reckless when you aren’t in my eyes reach. I feel worried when I just think about you getting reckless in today’s mission too”

“……..Tomoe’s head is filled with Tooru huh”

“------!? N-no-not really; it’s just for a friend. Wh-what, Kokonoe, why are you looking at me with those eyes!?”

I have been giving her reckless impressions of myself huh…………was the look I have been giving her but, Tachibana suddenly looked panicked and-------

“D-don’t make any weird misunderstandings, Kokonoe you idiot-------!!”

“Why------!?”

Even though she was still in crutches, she ran away with tremendous speed.

Tachibana passed by Mikuni-sensei and Tsukimi accompanied by the chairman.

We were going to depart--------was what I thought but, Tora got called over by Mikuni-sensei and they started talking.

Thanks to that, we had free time and the rabbit-ear person approached me with a mischievous smile.

“Kuhah, the usual playboy I see”

“What are you talking about?”

“I am obviously talking about miss-goody. Her face was super red. What did you do this time? What words did you attack her with? Did you suddenly put your tongue in? Did you fondle her huge tits?”

“Like hell!! And also, that isn’t playboy anymore, its pervert!!”

“Kuhah, you can say that too♪”

“You only can call it that!!”

I got tired from retorting to Tsukimi and *Zeehaa* started breathing heavily.

“I-in the first place, what did you come here for? We aren’t going together in this mission right”

“Well yeah. Give me a break, why do I have to baby-sit oh come on…………”

Tsukimi placed her hands on my shoulders in an overly-friendly manner and it seems that she was made to house-watch to avoid causing any troubles there.

“I am completely free since nothing happens during baby-sitting. Rabbits die from boredom you know?”

“It’s obviously better if nothing happens. However, if something really does happens then-------it’s reassuring that you are left here”

I won’t doubt her ability since she easily took down over 20 enemies alone during the attack in the seaside school.

By any chance, the <<{{Furigana|God’s Destruction Team|Libel}}>> commences a two-point attack like last time, Tsukimi staying back here will really be helpful……………leaving out her personality though.

“Hohoo, the <<Irregular>> feels reassured about me huh? Finally fell in love?”

“No way”

“I will pull your pants down in the next training and destroy your place in society”

(……………her existence itself is giving me anxiety about the future)

Tora’s conversation ended when we were having that conversation, and I was called to inform me it was time for departure.

“Okay I got to go. I’ll leave things here for the house-watch period”

“Okay okay, leave it to me. Don’t say for only the house-watch and say from now on”

“………….you’re a nice person huh”

It’s not something I should be saying to someone who tried to kill me but, it can’t be helped since I really felt that way.

“Stu—pid, what nice person are you talking about. I am an unequaled good woman”

After saying that, Tsukimi gave me a thumbs-down but, she was showing a smile.

At that time, Julie and the others called out to me when they were already in the boat.

“Tooru, we are going”

“Opps, I'm coming”

Right after I entered the boat, the boat engine started producing sound and we slowly started moving.

At that moment-----

“Tooru-kun…….!!”

Miyabi was calling out my name while running towards the quay.

“Mi-Miyabi!! Why are you here…….!?”

“I-I heard that you joined a dangerous mission from Tomoe-chan……..! So……ple-please be careful!  Please come back safely with everyone!! I have something I want to tell you!! So please come back okay, Tooru-kun!!”

Miyabi shouted to me who was on the boat getting further away.

That’s why I shouted back.

“I get it, I will come back!! I promise to come back with everyone!!”

Miyabi swung her hand and I show her my clenched fist.

Our voices could no longer reach other and Miyabi turned smaller and further away.

“……….Tooru”

When I looked behind, Julie, Lilith and Tora were looking at me.

“Let’s protect our promise”

“Aah, of course. Let’s come back, everyone!”

The 3 of them made a strong nod at my words.