Editing Absolute Duo:Volume 4 Chapter 5 (section)

===Part 2===

After 20 minutes, Tooru and the gang were no longer on the sea and were ascending a river.

The boat reached the dock for aquatic buses located at the riverside, which was among one of the several spots including the dummy place scheduled for us to dock as a pre-caution for surprise attacks.

We met up with the Ethnarch, and switch to a car.

While taking caution for an attack from <<{{Furigana|God’s Destruction Team|Libel}}>>, the car shook around for 30 minutes and the curtains for night time fell-------nothing particular happened and the moment Tooru was told that he could see their destination, he made a relieved sigh.

However, Tooru opened his eyes wide immediately when he saw their destination.

The area was surrounded with tall fences and after we passed through the door guard, the area was so wide that it was unbelievable that the premise was inside a metropolitan area, and there was a western garden filled with properly organized flowers and shrubs.

After a while of loitering into the garden, we reached the dazzling mansion that looked like a palace.

The car stopped right in the hall at the front of the mansion and after Sakuya got off---------

“All of you stand-by outside. Please listen to the captain’s orders”

After leaving that line, she accompanied Mikuni and entered the ground with the guide who came to pick her up.




Lilith looked at the black clothed girl walk into the door.

Even though she’s the <<Exception>>, she was powerless in this place controlled by the Dawn organization and could only see her off.

After the two of them disappeared into (pass) the door which was twice as tall, the gold girl looked up at the building.

It looked like a carefree action at first glance but, it wasn’t peaceful inside her.

(What is this presence……….just what kind of monsters are the <<Rein>>?)

The girl, who has the double the keenness of a person, felt goosebumps at the powerful presence lingering around the mansion.

“What’s wrong Lilith?”

“…………having the ceremony here with Tooru doesn’t sound like a bad idea at all”

In order to prevent having me feel her discomposure, the gold girl immediately put on her mask and joked around.





There was a wide atrium hall after passing through the door and there was a huge staircase leading to the 2nd floor inside.

Sakuya and Mikuni followed the guide up the stairs, and eventually stopped in front of a big door.

“Over here please”

(The <<Rein Conference>>-----is finally about to start……)

Even Sakuya felt nervous in front of the big door.

The heavy overpowering presence could be felt by the black clothed girl, who’s indifferent from fighting.

After the guide pushed open the heavy door, Sakuya and Mikuni entered the luxurious room.

A dazzling chandelier was on the roof (ceiling) illuminating the room, a mat with a beautiful pattern was spread out on the floor and a luxurious round table was placed in the middle.

There were 7 chairs placed around the table and 4 of them were filled.

Which means leaving aside Sakuya, who has just arrived, 2 people have not come yet.

“You’re here, the <<Blaze>> Ojou-chan”

After the door behind Sakuya and Mikuni closed, a rude man putting his legs on the table talked to her.

The 40 year old man’s cheeks were a little red and it could be guessed that it was from drinking alcohol. When he stood up, his body crossed over 190cm and a normal person would be frightened if they confront him. However the man smiled and his teeth could be seen, making him feel friendly.

Sakuya pinched her gothic dress and lowered her head.

“It has been a while, <<Grave Phantom>>-sama. And also, it’s nice meeting all the other <<Rein>> members. I am the one that inherited the <<Blaze>>----<<Diabolica>>. Nice to be (meet) your acquaintance”

“Ouu, nice to meet you….ah, Jou-chan your seat is there so go ahead. The Onii-chan you brought has none so sorry”

“I will take you up on your words”

“No, I don’t mind”

After the man called <<Phantom>> pointed to the chair, Sakuya walked over and-----

“…………by the way Jou-chan, how is he?”

“I brought him here. You can go check if you're curious you know?”

“Hnnn, it's not a big deal so I’ll pass”

While hearing the big man’s reply, Sakuya sat down and Mikuni stood behind his master.

After looking at those 2, <<Phantom>> looked at the whole scene before talking.

“Okay then. Before we start, let’s introduce ourselves for the new face <<Diabolica>> here. First off, I am <<Grave Phantom>>. Nice to meet ya, Ojou-chan…………alright, next you, <<Disaster>>”

<<Phantom>> looked towards the young man sitting at his left side.

“…………<<Dark Ray Disaster>>”

Not caring that it was in the summer, after the man slightly lifted his face which was half covered with a muffler, he took a glance at Sakuya before telling her his <<Sepher Name>>. He then lowered his sights to show that he had nothing more to say.

But, hearing his <<Sepher name>> was more than enough for Sakuya.

Even though it wasn’t much, <<Rien>> written inside Dawn organization’s secret data’s.

(A <<Holy knight>> affiliated with <<Holy>>)

A <<Holy knight>> is a title given to someone who is affiliated with the Anti-heretic organization <<Holy>>, which is a bureau that won’t see sunlight even within historical giant sects based in Western Europe.  Above judging heretics in the name of god as a <<Holy Knight>>, he is rumored to have high battle abilities.

Also, since the Dawn organization’s biological enhancement nano-machines-<<Lucifer>> was a research that strays from the path of god, they weren’t on good terms with <<Holy>>. Sakuya felt that the reason for <<Disaster>>’s unsociability was probably related to that.

“Okay next goes to you, <<Diva>>”

<<Phantom>> moved his sights to the beauty with a tidy air around her, who was sitting beside Sakuya.

“It’s <<Silent Diva>>. We are both females so let’s be friends, <<Blaze Diabolica>>”

Her beauty was enough to steal anyone’s eyes and her silent smile was just like her <<Sepher Name>>.

There was no mistake that anyone would fall for her if they saw that warm and gentle smile.

(If it’s only by atmosphere, she the most out of character here)

Leaving aside her age, Sakuya who was the most out of character person here, thought that while giving back a smile.

“Of course. I have heard a lot of (about) you, <<Silent Diva>>-sama”

There were only a few number of people in the surface world that knows about <<Rein>> but, <<Silent Diva>> was the most famous within them all. 

That’s because she’s a princess of a certain country in Eastern Europe.

The person who devoted herself to advance the medical healthcare system of her motherland, and simultaneously, the gentle and beautiful heir to the throne who looks like a holy lady----- 

However, as long as she’s someone whose name is listed in the <<Rein>>, Sakuya bears in mind that she was not someone to take light of. 

“Okay, next would----“

“Be me”

Even though the lean old man sitting on the right side of <<Phantom>>----<<Equipment Smith>> continued his sentence, the big man reeking in alcohol swung his head.

“Nope, not your turn yet old man”

The moment <<Phantom>> looked over to the empty seat between <<Smith>> and <<Diva>>----

Suddenly, a round glowing ball of light appeared above an empty seat.

The mysterious light that was inside the pattern (ball), flicked over to the vacant seat-----

Immediately, a young man in a showy military uniform filled  the seat that was supposed to be empty.

“{{Furigana|Salut|Long time no see}}, ladies and gentlemen. And also------{{Furigana|Enchante|first time meeting you}}, <<Blaze Diabolica>>”

“……………. <<Tempest Judge>>-sama, I presume?”

“Exactly”

The same time the young man made a satisfied nod to Sakuya’s confirmation----- 

A shadow suddenly appeared on the table.

“You bastard-----------!!”

<<Disaster>> raised his giant scythe and jumped towards the young man in military uniform.

The grim reaper’s scythe that would definitely reap the life of others in one swing, made a flash -----

But the blade stopped right just before the <<Tempest Judge>>'s neck.

---no, it was stopped.

“I already said that, battles are prohibited here, <<Disaster>>”

Holding the blade between 2 fingers, the <<Phantom>> was the one that prevented him from swinging the grim reaper’s scythe.

He was sitting down just a moment ago.

“What are you going to do? If you really want to go at it then, I’ll take you on alright?”

“*Tsk*……!”

<<Disaster>> clicked his tongue before landing on his chair by kicking the table again.

“Well, it’s a great help to the host if you choose to be like that”

“………….it’s annoying if he runs away while we are fighting”

While glaring at <<Judge>>, <<Disaster>> made an irritated voice before sitting down.

“Was that a teleporter?”

Not caring at the problem that just occurred, Sakuya asked the young man in military uniform and he nodded.

Magic-----

Even though it’s something treated as fiction in the current world, it exists, just like what was seen here. However, its existence is hidden and it's not taken as fact in the surface world but, that goes for the <<Lucifer>> and <<Unit>> too.

“Is it your first time seeing teleportation magic?”

“Yes, it’s magic itself though. It’s embarrassing for me to say this but I am quite distant from that field and I didn’t have the time for it too so, I only have a little knowledge about it”

“Fufu, mine is just all knowledge and the magic itself doesn’t happen. The teleport I performed just now was thanks to a tool with magic engraved in it”

Sakuya felt that it was a statement not worth believing.

(<<Tempest Judge>>-sama-------he has the least information among the <<Rein>> and has a lot of mysteries around him. At the very least, he looks quite informed about magic I see………..also, he is quite in bad terms with <<Dark Ray Disaster>>-sama)

'''''It was great info''''' that was what stayed in the girl’s heart.

That’s because, she won’t know when she can use their relationship for her purposes.

“Next off is my-----“

“I know enough so it’s okay, <<Equipment Smith>>-sama”

“Wahaha. That’s cold, Jou-chan”

The lean old man shrugged his shoulders at Sakuya’s bland reply and that caused <<Phantom>> to laugh out.

After his laugh settled down, the big man pointed his fat fingers at the vacant seat.

“For the last person-----he will probably show himself if you get closer to the <<Absolute Duo>>”

“………….which means, a meeting won’t be possible unless I get close huh”

“Exactly. The conversation is moving fast and it’s a great help”

After <<Phantom>> said that, he made a grin.

“Okay then. Now that things have quiet down and everyone is here. Oiii, wait for me! Someone’s dirty leg caused a stain so change the cloth!”

The big man played innocent since it was caused by him putting his legs on the table and made a loud laugh while pointing that out.





After a while, extravagant food was prepared and they passed the time talking together with the food.

The conversation was mainly the taste and ingredients of the food but, contents that would pry into other member’s situation would sometimes be mixed in---which could be said to be a normal thing to do as a <<Rein>>.

Why would they do such a thing?

That’s because the other <<Rein>> weren’t comrades.

Even though the <<Absolute Duo>> was their core, they walk on separate paths-------basically, they're all competing against each other.

That’s why they would hide their own information and use speech skills to gain their opponent's information.

Sakuya was also imitating that but-----

“Is the <<'''''Blaze'''''>> doing well, <<Diabolica>>-dono?”

Edward talked to her when she was in a conversation.

“You can’t figure that out from the point that I came here?”

“Oh my, please accept my apologies. I haven’t drank alcohol with him before after all”

It’s a weird question to ask about the <<Blaze>> to the <<Blaze Diabolica>>.

That’s because Sakuya wasn’t originally the <<Blaze>>.

The original <<Blaze>> was referring to Sakuya’s grandfather called <<Blaze Innovator>>.

However, ever since he was bedridden from a sickness from 3 years ago, the black clothed girl inherited his <<Lucifer>> research and the <<Sepher Name>> of the<<Blaze>>.

Naturally, Edward asked knowing full well about that.

“Can you please not go so far to ask me about that here?”

“Fuhahaha, that was just a greeting. The main topic starts here”

“Oh is that so. Well then, can I hear the fun talk you have for me?”

“Of course”

After making a deep nod, <<Smith>> started conversing with her while the other <<Rien>> was showing interest at them.

“Fufu, looks like a fun conversation is about to start. I would like to hear the rest quick”

“Haha, we are expecting a fun talk here, old-man”

“Sadly, it might be more of a ghost story then a fun talk for you all”

The old man replied back with a smile that makes one feel his inner mischief, to both <<Judge>> and <<Phantom>>.

After making a smile, the military uniformed young man and old man listened carefully to him.

“Okay, back to our main topic. Though I said that, I think the wise <<Diabolica>>-dono already knows what I am going to talk about”

“………..It’s the alliance huh”

Edward nodded at Sakuya’s reply and the <<Tempest Judge>> raised a voice of admiration.

“{{Furigana|Tres bien|Wonderful}}. I never would have imagined that a member of <<Rein>> would suggest to team up”

“Now that’s interesting. It’s true that the old man’s <<Unit>> and the jou-chan’s <<Exceed>> has great compatibility”

“I heard this rumor before. That the <<Unit>> you talked about has finally seen completion”

“Fuhahaha, you get info fast like I thought”

Even if he asked where did you get that information from? , <<Smith>> did not investigate and just smiled because he knows that <<Judge>> would just play it off.

“The exo-skeleton’s suit completion huh………….fumu, it will be a miraculous <<Power>> if the alliance is created but, what is the <<Blaze Diabolica>>’s answer?”

“………..before my answer, I will have to ask you a question. The <<Lucifer>> will only function to people who are born with the <<Adapt>>. Because of that, I might get benefits by the alliance but, there is no benefits what so ever to you, <<Equipment Smith>>-sama”

After the black-clothed girl said those words in a strange tone, the lean old man replied back immediately as if he was waiting for those words.

“Of course, I do know about the <<Adapt>> too. I was part of Dawn before after all-----I was also your grandfather’s friend and we would often talk about our research as good competing opponents”

“Then, tying an alliance without any benefits would be----“	

“I also know this”

The old man interrupted her words and continued.

“I also know that the research of the new-model <<Lucifer>> has the possibility of sublimating a person to an <<Exceed>> without the <<Adapt>>------also, I know that the new-model is in testing phase too”

“…………….even though you were away for quite a while, it looks like you are quite familiar about our internal affairs huh”

The smile disappeared from Sakuya’s expression.

The plan for the new-model <<Lucifer>> was established during the several years the old man was missing.

This means that, there was no way for Edward to know about the new-model and he currently holds more secrets than just the <<Lucifer>>.

(………….I should think that there is a traitor among us. Judging by the number of people that knows about confidential information, there are only a few but………..)

Her reasoning was correct. The reason why the previous attacks could easily succeed was because one of the researchers was secretly working for Edward.

(I have to do something about it once I get back)

With or without the knowledge about what was moving in Sakuya’s mind, the <<Equipment Smith>> started talking about the alliance with passion.

“The <<Power>> of a <<Exceed>> wearing the <<Unit>> is just as what you saw a few days ago. Even though it was a student who was trained together with the impurities known as a normal lifestyle, she displayed that much progress. We should train all of them as pure soldiers and later on administer them the new-model <<Lucifer>> to the students that are completed as battle machines—as the <<{{Furigana|Ell.Libel|God’s Destruction soldier}}>>; just imagine the possibilities if we do so!”

<<Smith>> stood up from his chair and his voice gradually feels more heated.

“Once they gained the new <<Power>> which will be completed in no time, they will reach a higher height. The completion of the real <<Libel>> will occur at that moment and they would surpass, destroy anyone standing in their path--------yes, even if the one standing in the way was god!! Wahahahaha!!”

Everyone gave their comments at the old man’s announcement while he was making a loud laugh.

“That’s bold, old man. So that’s the path you are on”

“{{Furigana|Tres bien|Wonderful}}. Surpass and destroy god-----so that’s why you named them <<{{Furigana|Ell.Libel|God’s Destruction soldier}}>>”

“Everything huh, that’s quite grand I see”

“……………..To think that you would mention killing God in front of someone affiliated to <<Holy>>”

And the crucial Sakuya remained silently looking at <<Smith>> without moving her expression.

“……I have one question. Why is it a group aiming for the top instead of one person?”

She asked a question to the old man.

“Fuhahaha. How obvious. Someone alone can’t handle a group. Unraveling history demonstrates that too. No matter how heroic a hero is, he was never alone and there was always a subordinate or assistance behind him”

What the old man said was correct.

By grouping up, humans contributed knowledge, pass down skills and soon, conquered the lands.

“Oh <<Diabolica>>, the person who lived to inherit the <<Blaze>>. Since you are the <<Blaze>> that created the <<Duo>> system and Ethnarch team, you should be able to understand on why a group is important right?”

“……..yes, I know enough. Thank you for answering my question, <<Equipment Smith>>-sama”

“I don’t mind. More importantly, after considering the conversation we had just now, can I have the reply for the alliance once more?”

The black clothed girl told her reply to the old man, who was seeking for a reply.

“I refuse”

“Wha……!?”

The girl continued to the surprised old man.

“You said this before <<Equipment Smith>>-sama. That, we are quite similar…………it is just as you say. <<Lucifer>> and the <<Unit>> enhances humans with external factors-------that one point is the same…..however, that is all to it”

“Houu…….?”

“The <<Power>> you seek is only on the surface. It’s clear from the complete soldier as a machine example you said just now………….however, we are also seeking the <<Power>> of the <<Soul>>. Even if, the fields we are aiming at are different, and that’s what I think”

At this moment, the small <<Diabolica>> made a smile which was enough to give anyone looking at her the chills.

“Also-------I realized this”

“Realize? What are you talking about?”

“Your real '''''intentions'''''”

Edward slightly moved his eyebrows when he heard Sakuya’s words.

“<<Equipment Smith>>-sama. I know that you lost to my grandfather, the <<Blaze Innovator>> 12 years ago. You then found out about the <<Absolute Duo>> and instead of the path my grandfather reached, you chose the road of destruction-----as a result, you separated yourself from Bristol-sama and the others, from the {{Furigana|Varan|3 head of the organization}}”

“--------!! I-I didn’t lose!! Take those words back, you brat!!”

Sakuya placed her finger on her mouth to Edward who was trembling.

“You wanted to gain satisfaction by using my chosen grandfather’s <<Power>> to grant the wish of the un-chosen you; that’s one shallow motive huh. *Giggle**Giggle**Giggle*……….” 

“D-damn you………..! You little brat, acting like you know everything…………!!”

Even though the old man slammed the table and vented out his anger, that loss of composure was just the same as telling her that her words were true.

“You damn doll for Tsukumo!! I will make you regret insulting me!!”

“Oi oi, old man. I told you that fighting in this banquet is prohibited”

<<Phantom>> shrug his shoulders and told that to the old man, who turned angry from a bulls-eye but, Sakuya made a small laugh.

“*giggle*, just what are you going to do to make me regret? From what I see, it seems you are alone today so I don’t think you can do anything” 

“Just like you, I avoided doing something boorish like bringing anyone other than <<Rein>> members into the <<Rein Conference>>. If you wish for it then, I can have the <<{{Furigana|God’s Destruction Team|Libel}}>> standing-by break into this place you know”

Sakuya chuckled when she saw the old man turned explosive.

The biggest reason why she joined tonight’s banquet was because she was expecting something to happen------and if that doesn’t happen then, she would have to cause something to make it happen.

But at this moment------

“Wait up, both of you. I think it’s a good idea to cool your heads okay?”

<<Judge>> cut in to mediate them.

---was what everyone thought at first.

“However………!!”

<<Judge>>‘s voice turned even louder and caused an echo in the room.

“Even if we come to an agreement, I feel that it will clearly leave a negative mark between you two. Because of that, how about we settle this with a game?”

“A game!! I don’t have to listen to such a stupid suggestion!!”

“{{Furigana|Non non|No no}}. I am always serious, <<Equipment Smith>>”

The impression given by him shrugging his shoulder and head swinging from the left to right was completely different from his words and that made Edward grind his teeth.

At that point, the other person in concern--Sakuya joined in too.

“………….I'm interested. It’s an idea from <<Tempest Judge>> after all, it’s not a simple game right?”

“Oi oi, <<Judge>>. What nonsense are you saying”

“Why not, <<Phantom>>? Rather than causing a bigger fuss in this place, I think it’s quite a peaceful way to settle things”

“Well, that’s true too but……….”

<<Phantom>> made a difficult face now that <<Silent Diva>>, who was quietly looking at the situation, agreed.

“Of course, if both <<Blaze Diabolica>>-sama and <<Equipment Smith>>-sama agrees then, I feel that it’s a good plan”

“Haaa, I get it. Go on, <<Judge>>”

“Since both sides brought many game pieces, how about we have them compete? Of course, there are going to be rules since it’s a game.

“That is an interesting idea. How about it, <<Equipment Smith>>-sama?”

“…………..Understood. I’ll make you understand, just who is better at making an excellent group”

Both sides were smiling----

At this moment, a game which can also be called a representative war was established.





After a little while, <<Phantom>> looked at the monitor that was going to display the outside situation, get brought into the room while sighing before mumbling to himself.

“<<Killing game>> huh………seriously, that’s one bloody name………well, let’s see how much you grown huh”

<noinclude>



{{SimpleNav}}
</noinclude>