Editing Absolute Duo:Volume 3 Chapter 7

She felt the man in the battle suit chasing her.

She turned around several times, but she could only see the forest shrouded in darkness.

Thus, Miyabi looked like she was just being chased by the darkness.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Porori* Tears were falling in front of a sunset that was too beautiful to describe.

Even though Tooru had seen Miyabi standing there from far away at that moment, they ended up missing her by a few minutes.

She had a reluctant feeling about going back, and considered the possibility that she had made everyone worried, but still moved her legs forward even though each step was heavy.

Even though everyone cooperated to make a chance for her to gradually close the distance to him, everything became useless with one foolish sentence to satisfy herself.

She didn't want to go back. But she has to.

She didn't want to report to them. But she probably has to.

Those heavy contradictions pulled her heart but once Miyabi got back to the hall, what waited for her was the sight of her classmates running amok in fear and the men in battle suits.

She grazed her knees when she fell, but she did not have the time to feel the pain now.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Hyuu**Hyuu* she couldn't even notice that this unfamiliar sound was her own body hyperventilating due to fear.

Just when she had that thought...

When she moved her sights to the direction of the voice----- in front of her trembling form, a nightmare was standing there.

“Uh, Kahah…….!!”

Her scream was forcefully stopped. The man in a battle suit had his hands around her neck and was choking Miyabi.

“Kuku………oh yeah. I’ll have you take responsibility for your man’s misconduct. I will slam this pain into you, slam the shit into you!! Over, and over and over again!! But rejoice! I won’t kill you! Thank me, and report to that damn brat while crying!! Hyaahahahaha!!”

She immediately regained her senses when her body felt a flutter.

After a moment of feeling like she was floating in the air, Miyabi’s body was being carried by someone.

She shrunk her body inwards, thinking that it was his dirty fangs touching her body but------something was off.

Tachibana told me to go on ahead, so I left her and entered the forest, when I heard a voice coming from ahead on the forest path; I saw a man a in battle suit holding Miyabi by the neck while making a loud laugh.

Her consciousness was probably still cloudy. With her eyes opened Miyabi said my name in gasping parts.

“Miyabi wait for me for a bit.”

I lightly tapped Miyabi’s shoulder while she was still blank and dazed, and stood up.

“Just when I thought you were running around like a rat, you appear and disturb me from slamming her down, you damn brat……..”

“What did you say!? Bastard, now that you reappeared nonchalantly, this time I will------“

“I told you to shut up, you piece of shit! Don’t talk anymore! Stop breathing out that stench! How dare you hurt this girl!!”

My words, my rage, were really pointed at me.

The man lost control of his emotions and pulled out his knife before jumping at me.

Even though the man was staggering, he did not give in and--------I continued slamming him mercilessly with a storm of fists.

Several punches, several more punches. There was no technique, just plain violence and rage.

In an instant, a sound like night's cold air sliced through the heated battle and-----

The knife he threw pierced itself into a tree far away from his target, me.

When the man looked behind him-----he saw the <<Chain user>>, her eyes shaking in anger for her precious friend. Tachibana had fought through the pain from her wounds and managed to reach us.

“You filth!! Don’t lay your hands on my friends!!”

“Shut up bitch! I’ll wreck you too----”

“……..I told you to shut up.”

The man looked towards me again. But I had already closed in on him.

I was there pulling my fist back like I was about to shoot an arrow.

“Sorry for the wait, Miyabi. It’s alright now.”

“I’m sorry I made you wait Miyabi.”

After we ran over to Miyabi, her eyes moistened when she realized we were there.

I didn't get hurt at all from the fight-----

“Miyabi, you don’t have to apologize. I ------”

From surprise to fear. Her pale face was directed behind me----

The hand he swung up was holding the knife, and the blade was emitting pale glow.

I hug Miyabi to cover her.

But------the knife did not come swinging down.

Half-way through his pursuit, some of the attackers managed to catch up him, and after he defeated all of them he chased after Miyabi again and reached this spot.

“I turned up late because there was a little bit of trouble.”

“There's no problem since we're saved. Anyway, thanks a lot for going after Miyabi. If you hadn't followed her then……………”

“I don’t need your thanks. I just thought you would feel bad if anything happened to this girl, even if she was somewhere beyond your reach.”

That was why I was seriously thankful to my precious friend Tora for the actions he took.

“Anyway let’s head back to the branch school. They need as much battle potential as possible now.”

“That’s true. It’s better to hide Miyabi somewhere safe. Also for Tachibana, it’s dangerous for you to follow us with those injuries.”

“Thi-this level of injury to me is………!”

“Don’t ask for the impossible. You’re in such a bad condition that even moving is tough for you right now.”

“Both of us will go so Tachibana, you take Miyabi and hide somewhere-----”

“…………It's okay if they can hide, but what are you going to do if this guy’s comrades find them? Forget fighting, both Tachibana and Hotaka don’t have the power to even resist.”

“Then, I’ll go alone-----”

“Don’t be stupid. How can I let you go into that situation alone?”

My name was called out at that moment and two----no, three girls ran over to us. The last girl was a female butler being carried by a ponytailed girl.

“Julie, Imari……….and Sara too! You guys are amazing to have found us here!”

They were a little out of breath, and I was surprised at the three of them that had run over.

We were currently at a place far away from both the promenade and forest path.

“………..I am sorry to interrupt, but about my Ojou-sama’s situation...”

“Ah, that’s right. Sorry.”

“Actually------”

“We got attacked by the enemy half-way too, but Julie saved us.”

“I’m worried about Lilith. Let’s head back quickly. Sara, you stay here with Tachibana and the rest. Also-----Imari too. Can you protect the three of them for me?”

“………….Sorry, Tooru. I can’t do that. I promised Lilith I would head back immediately. I might not be that helpful in battle, but I want to go back no matter what.”

A strong will was in her eyes as Imari stared at me------

“…………I will stay. Even if Nagakura stays here, she won’t be able to handle the situation if an opponent of this guy’s level shows up. It pisses me off, but it's better in terms of battle potential to have Julie head back to the battle at the branch school.”

“………Sorry, Tora. Leave it to me”

“Tora, I apologize too. And, thank you.”

“It’s just picking the right people for the right job…………more importantly, all of you stay alive. Understand?”

“Ah………of course, I promise.”

“The three of you-----please help my Ojou-sama.”

The last one, Sara, who hates me like a snake, lowered her head as we headed out after I replied '''''I definitely will'''''.

The four of them remained there and the rest of us ran toward the branch school.

“Apparently that’s Tsukimi’s <<Blaze>>. You know, the one where you can release its full power at <<IV>>.”

Although I had some questions, I postponed it for later and charged into the western-style building.

Her skin and clothes were stained with soot-like dirt and the six holes on the wall caused by some kind of explosion similar to the building entrance was probably not unrelated.

Three men in battle suits were attacking Lilith, but one of them turned towards us when they heard us.

Faster than he could prepare his rifle, Julie jumped to him and swung down her sword. However the enemy could not be taken lightly since he blocked the sword in a flash.

“Are you alright Lilith?!”

“Sorry. Preparations for tea time haven’t started yet.”

Although Lilith spoke nonchalantly with a wry smile, she was a little different than usual.

Maybe it was because she was handling three opponents or maybe she was tired from her injuries.

(………her expression huh.)

It looked as if she was irritated or filled with unease, it was such a far cry from her usual leisurely attitude.

“I’ll help out too, Lilith.”

“It’s okay. More importantly go inside.”

She pointed towards the broken wall that had probably been a door and Imari gave a simple explanation.

“That’s the case. So, this might be pathetic coming from the <<Exception>>, but I let one go. That’s why; you don’t have the time to handle these guys”

But, is it okay to leave this spot to Lilith who is exhausted now?

“I think it’s better if I stay here. If not, I might not be able to honor my promise.”

After looking at Lilith’s condition and those three enemies, Imari made her decision and prepared her <<Sword>>.

“Understood. I leave this to you, Imari.”

As soon she shouted, Imari slashed towards the man in a battle suit that Julie had attacked before.

“Ya----, I understand. I will protect Tooru.”

“You heard her, Tooru.”

Imari giggled while the sound of a sword clashing with the man rang.

“…………..Tooru, that vow should belong to your future partner, which is me. Well, I guess I will let it go this time since I have no choice.”

Lilith seemed to slightly regain her composure when she said that.

Both the {{Furigana|blonde hair|Yellow Topaz}} and ponytail fluttered.

Julie and I put our concerns aside and ran towards the big hole ahead.

“I'm counting on you! Please protect that girl-Sakuya, Tooru!! Julie, I will count on you too, but only tentatively!!”

We accepted Lilith’s request as we broke into a run.

After we advanced into the big hole that had been opened up when the wall was destroyed, there were stairs leading underground. While scanning through the wreckage, a dim road revealed itself. Although the underground road had lamps lighted up with a few meters interval between them, the length of the whole road was unknown to us.

There was a big open place when we got through the road, and it seems this cave was connected to the sea, given the strong smell of salt floating through the air.

When we peeked down from our foothold, we found out we were standing on a place constructed thirty meters (the height of a ten-story building) from the sea and there were iron stairs along the wall leading downwards. There was a pier further down the stairs and a twenty meter long pleasure boat was anchored there.

The boat at the pier was being moved by some unknown individual.

There was no hesitation. We jumped through the fence and let our bodies hang in the air.

We reached the deck while making a loud sound and the pleasure boat shook greatly. Although there was a dent in the metal deck, the boat continued exiting the cave without stopping.

“Yoo, we meet again.”

The teenage Caucasian boy I thought to be moving the boat came to the deck, and after exchanging glances with his arrow-like eyes, those were the only words that I could naturally come up with.

“Yeh, we meet again as expected.”

Whether or not two months was a long time or short a time, the prediction I had made at that time now became reality.

The ship slowly moved forward during this tense standoff.

“She is not injured at all, so do not worry. She is currently taking a rest inside the cabin.”

The teenager’s tone was polite, but his voice was laced with a sarcastic courtesy could be readily felt within, bringing forth an extreme unpleasantness.

“Even so, it was reckless to jump down from that height.”

“That’s okay because the target was big.”

“Even if you are an <<Exceed>>, you should be somewhat hesitant to do something like that.”

“You will take the chairman away if we hesitate even a little.”

By the sudden decision I made, the girl who jumped off without any signs of hesitation answered him.

Just as the teenager’s words, the boat passed through the cave and we found ourswelves under the starry skies.

“Kokonoe Tooru. She is my <<Duo>>, Julie=Sigtuna.”

“I am called <<K>>. It’s Kokonoe Tooru right? I predicted I would meet you soon----in the near future, but I never would have thought I would do so at the end of the <<Selection>>.”

“<<Selection>>? What’s that? For what reason did you attack us?”

“At the very least, it is a plan unrelated to you now.”

“I believe I am quite related though.”

“Well, you won’t be related anymore if you die here.”

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Kuku* <<K>> laughed as if he was looking down on us and that provoked some irritation.

“Sorry. I have to calm down.”

“Ja---”

(The ideal choice is to beat this guy up and save the chairman.)

Another problem would be, does the academy's side have the leisure to pick up the rescue signal?

The possibility that the branch school is still fighting now is high, and if that’s the case they probably don’t have the leisure to send a rescue here. The reason why I still sent the signal out was because I recalled Imari’s words: '''''use everything you have in your hand.'''''

“Well then, it might be weird to say this but, I am very merciful------I have a very sweet personality for a soldier……….five seconds, I will give you that much time to think. It's the time I give for you two to jump into the sea and flee.”

“Then I don’t need even one second. I can’t refuse the request I got from Lilith. Also, I will protect the people within my reach………That’s why-----I will protect the chairman!!”

“It’s tentative but, I got requested by that {{Furigana|person|Lilith}}…………..and I also reject it because I can’t swim.”

“Fufu, your partner is good with jokes I see.”

(……………it’s the truth though...)

“Okay then------let’s begin. The game where the winner would be given the princess and our lives would be bet on the toss of the coin………..of course the winner will be me.”

“Captain of the <<Riberus>>, <<K>>-----will now exterminate the obstacles.”

“Okay, let’s go.”

Even though a misapprehension that the battle hadn’t started almost got to me, there was no way I can let myself be thrown off. Those arrow-like eyes did not look away from us, and one step after another, he slowly came closer.

“…….Tooru.”

“Yeah. Let’s go, Julie!”

His intention in coming closer was unknown to me but, it’s convenient to us who are experts at close- and short-distance combat. We matched our breathing and moved into the gap at the same time.

We aimed at his stomach with me releasing my fist from the right while Julie took the left-------but, <<K>> moved his body only by a bit and dodged the <<Saber>> before easily blocking my fist with his palm.

“That is quite some power you have there. It's at the same level with my subordinate wearing the <<Unit>>, or about there I guess. I never would have thought this would come from flesh even if it was genetically altered……………I now understand the reason why <<Equipment Smith>>-dono is fixated on the <<Exceed>>.”

Julie swung her blade again during that moment. Even though he dodged the horizontally swung blade by lowering his head, Julie kept that momentum and used the other sword to cut upwards. He then lifted his head that he had lowered previously. The moment he made a big swing reaction with his upper body, I relaxed my fist and performed a locking move, but-----

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Buun* The kick missed. <<K>> used the momentum he got when he lifted his head and jumped backwards.

“He is quite a skilled fighter.”

Since the boat floating on the waves was constantly swaying, it was hard to maintain the center of gravity. However, judging by how <<K>> had outdone our attacks without any trouble from that display of attack and defense; I could feel that was only a fraction of his true strength.

“We are going to continue attacking, Julie. It’s his disadvantage to keep blocking on this small deck.”

The moment <<K>> moved to dodge the sidekick, the silver girl jumped over my head while my body stance was low, thanks to bending down. Julie then performed a splendid drop kick with the momentum and slammed her foot into <<K>>’s face.

“…….how disappointing. It might be fast but, it’s regretfully light.”

Julie’s kick was blocked by <<K>>’s crossed hand guards, and no damage could get through.

After Julie jumped away from the kick’s recoil, I switched in and delivered a hit.

I slammed his stomach with an elbow strike plus the momentum of me standing up, <<K>>, who took a clean hit, was blown away, with his back slammed into the guardrail.

The iron fence served its purpose to prevent people from falling off the deck, but its shape was greatly distorted from the impact.

“Fufu, that is one fine combination.”

“………I thought you took a clean hit, you know?”

I never would have thought he would stand up as easily as if there was no damage done to him at all.

“It is somewhat painful.”

“Haha……..somewhat, huh?”

<<K>> showed a smile while rubbing his stomach.

“The damage would probably be quite extreme if it was my subordinates, but it’s not so strong as to make them faint though. However, the <<Unit>> I am wearing now is actually an exclusive model for me. Output, armor, and other statuses are higher than the normal ones, so I only received some slight damage from that attack just now.”

“I see. So the reason why you people transcended humans is because it thanks to those battle suits. No wonder all of you were wearing strange outfits.”

“That is correct. Just like you <<Exceed>> who transcended humans with the <<Lucifer>>, we transcended humans with this <<Unit>>.”

“I am kind of happy there was a hit, even though it’s not much.”

(If he isn’t bluffing then, it wasn’t that effective. He might have taken some damage but, it’s far from a critical hit……….so that means----)

“Julie. Sorry but----”

“I understand. Tooru’s will focus on support and use that when you find a chance.”

As expected from the partner that's stood beside me, shoulder-to-shoulder, several times.

“It’s really reassuring to have Julie around huh.”

“Nai. That’s what I want to say to Tooru.”

“………….now that you have finished your discussion, can I begin now? However, I will be moving my hands now.”

I sent an eye signal to Julie-------and charged in for the third time.

However this time was different, I changed to a left-focused stance with my right fist and leg brought forward.

Compared to the original right-focused stance with my left arm and leg brought forward, my defense will become softer because I cannot use my <<Shield>> for attacks coming from the right. What’s more, I can’t use the <<{{Furigana|Thunder god’s strike|Mjolnir}}>> which requires twisting my body.

“This!”

In an instant, I lowered my arm after hardening its muscle-------and my right fist, placed around my hip, sliced into the air.

Even though he dodged the fist aimed at his face, it brushed through his hair.

“I see, so this is the reason why you took a left stance.”

This was a new move I made by the experience I gained, during the final battle we had with Lilith to scatter her rose two months ago.

That battle like the ones shown in western movies was the inspiration.

The new move was similar to a flicker of jabs in boxing, with the fist prepared at a low angle thrust straight at the opponent in an instant. Taking <<{{Furigana|Thunder god’s strike|Mjolnir}}>>, the move of releasing all the charged power in one punch as the base, I rearranged it to a move stressing rapid fire. Since the motion required was minimal, while the power was reduced, it looked as if I was performing cowboy-style quick shots, and so I gave this move a suiting name.

“…………..Let’s name it <<{{Furigana|Hrungnir|Thunder speed roar}}>>, Tooru.”

Different from the first one, <<K>> could only strengthen his guard to my fast fists fired in rapid succession. Even though it stressed rapid fire, it does have the same power as a right straight, making it worthy of having <<{{Furigana|Thunder god’s strike|Mjolnir}}>> as its base move.

Julie slashed down at that moment but, <<K>> jumped back immediately.

Julie’s charging attack was wild and------<<K>> blocked all-side slash attack with the knives in both his hands. Instead of stopping it, he diverted the power away.

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Kiin*! One of the knives flew out his hand, together with a high-pitched sound. Even though Julie took this as a good opportunity to slash down at him, it was a trap invitation. He purposely threw the knife away.

The moment <<K>> dodged the downward swung sword, he aimed for her petrified moment that didn’t last a tenth of a second, and grabbed Julie’s wrist before throwing her-----no, slamming her into the deck.

Julie’s face distorted in pain from the impact.

“Nice follow-up……….but, you carelessly closed in too much!”

“Fufu, nice work surviving through that. However, I wonder how many more you can take?”

Luckily-----no, it was on purpose. When the charge attack stopped, <<K>> showed a leisurely smile when he looked at us standing up. Two knives flew towards me when I fell down after getting blown away. I blocked one with my <<Shield>> and somehow managed to dodge the other one by twisting my body but, my sleeve was cut open.

Her words do not match her apparent state at all. Julie’s shoulders were heaving up and down, while her breathing was in complete disarray.

Before I had even finished speaking, I headed to <<K>> waiting for us.

It was not a simple charge but rather I moved in a zig-zag.

The knives <<K>> was holding in both his hands were freely trying to aim for my life. It was probably impossible for me to get close to him if I was fighting him alone, especially given his amazing knife technique. However, I was not alone. My partner Julie was constantly making diversions for me.

Unlike me, Julie moved into <<K>>’s blind spot with footwork diversions. Of course, because <<K>> could not afford to ignore her movements too, he focused on changing his position to always have Julie’s movement in his field of view and because of that, he could not concentrate on the fight he was having with me.

“Seriously, it’s annoying.”

“That’s praise for us. I’ll gratefully accept that.”

I obstructed a knife's path with my <<Shield>> and tore the air with my fist, while Julie repeatedly performed hit-and-run strikes. But even so, he has yet to receive a decisive hit.

It goes without saying that it was thanks to his knife techniques and <<Unit>>'s enhancements, but his defense is amazing.

He skillfully wards off my attacks and Julie’s slashes before dodging. Because the power was diverted away to the air, chances would appear after our attacks, and he would swing his knife, aiming towards that chance.

Since he wouldn’t make any big swings with his counterattacks, no chances were formed to counter <<K>>’s counters.

“Again with that flicker huh……however, overusing a single move is something not worth for praise you know.”

While paying attention to the knives position, the moment I released the <<{{Furigana|Hrungnir|Thunder speed roar}}>>...

A sharp pain ran through my body and after warm blood splashed out from my forehand, I scrambled across the deck.

I got surprised that he matched a counter to my fist moving at such high speeds that the eye would struggle to capture.

“No matter how amazing the move is, it’s not something you should repeatedly showcase. Especially for '''''a move that has a clear weakness''''' to it. You are slightly lowering your fist the moment you release it.”

I could not restrain my discomposure when he found my weakness in that short battle, with such with detailed specification.

“Chances will be born when your calmness is broken-----it’s hard to understand why you would join the battle when you don't even know something that simple.”

<<K>> mercilessly delivered a kick to Julie’s stomach when she was staggering. Julie was suspended in mid-air with the leg he used, before he slammed her down to the deck.

“Ju-lie………!!”

“Fufu, it’s amazing you can move with that leg.”

“You are just going to irritate me if you keep spouting out stuff you can’t do.”

“Nice voice there………..well then, please say that one more time. What are you going to for her?”

While making a sadistic smile, <<K>> increased the pressure of the leg on my chest.

Even though I tried pushing his leg away, his legs didn’t move at all, as if it was a rock.

A shout of anguish ripped out from my throat, a complete mismatch with the starry skies echoed throughout the area.

Blood was mixed into my shout but right when my consciousness was starting to fade----

“Please stay still. I will send you to same place as him soon.”

“Protecting each other. What a wonderful bond. Hahahaha!”

Julie was moving her body with a will strong as steel. She repeatedly performed breath-taking combination attacks with a speed that was unthinkable given the pain she had to be in from her leg.

<<K>> pulled out the remaining two knifes from his circular storage and retaliated against the silver girl.

Julie became like a gust and moved around the small deck with high-speed movements. Her {{Furigana|Silver hair|Silver Blonde}} hair fluttered like wings, illuminated by the moon.

“Houu, you still can move faster huh. It’s amazing how you can move like that with a broken knee.”

“I won’t let anyone…….die in front of me!! I won’t let anyone become like my Papa………..!! That’s why I will protect Tooru!! I-I, vowed that!! That’s why I will definitely protect him!! In order for that----I will defeat you!!”

Suddenly, a noise that makes one want to cover the ears by reflex, echoed throughout the ship and across the sea.

It was a speed even I, as her <<Duo>>, has never seen before.

<<K>>’s leisurely expression disappeared when he saw Julie swinging her blades with crazy speed.

He became anxious and could not ward off the attacks as he pleased anymore; preventing the swords from reaching his body was all he could do.

The gale of slashes turned into a storm of swords-----

He was swallowed by the hurricane of blades: his knives were destroyed; his iron hard defense was pierced through, and he was blown back-----

Those movements clearly shattered her own limits; that meant Julie’s body was paying a heavy price.

---However, those feelings vanished in an instant.

“…………Ya-re ya-re. To think you hid that much <<Power>>……..it-it’s unexpected as expected you know………. however, it looks like moving itself will be trouble for you judging by that state……….”

“Okay then, should I kill you by twisting your neck, or choke you to death-------"

“I guess I’ll throw you into the sea. You can’t swim right? Even if you could swim, you will probably drown with your current stamina anyway. On top of that, there is nothing uglier than a drowned corpse. It’s also quite fun to make a beauty like you into something obscene.”

Our extended hands and fingers touched.

“Ja--. It’s thanks to Tooru hugging me properly.”

“It sounds nice but, we don’t have time to say that.”

“Seriously, how foolish. Someone unable to stand is just a burden and not a comrade. That’s something you should know right?”

“………….What can you do after you stand up. Don’t tell me you seriously think you can do something in this hopeless situation?”

However, that only truly happens when all hope is lost.

I still have <<Power>>. A fang that is able ''to pierce through all'' that dwells in my right fist.

She believes in me. Even though no words came out from her, her {{Furigana|red eyes|Ruby eyes}} were telling me that.

“I know. Let’s defeat him and head back with the chairman.”

“Ja----. I will listen to everything if it’s Tooru’s words.”

“……….that’s one crazy answer depending on the time and situation...”

“If Tooru wishes so-----I will fly.”

But even so, Julie still nodded at me.

“I will stop his movements for an instant. I’ll leave that moment to you.”

“Ja---”

“Sorry for the wait, <<K>>. I’ll let you taste this next.”

“As you like…………..though, there is the question of whether or not you can hit.”

It was only natural for him to be so, since most of my attacks except fast, complex attacks like <<{{Furigana|Hrungnir|Thunder speed roar}}>> did not hit him once since the start of this battle.

But even so, I swore I would slam a <<{{Furigana|Thunder god’s strike|Mjolnir}}>> to him and closed the gap.

“Fufu. You’re completely covered in wounds.”

“I think that goes for the both of us.”

I was completely worn-out from the attacks until now but, <<K>> was in a similar state because after the assault from Julie.

There were scratches on the so-called <<Unit>> and it was intermittently sparking.

“Let’s end this, <<K>>.”

However, to <<K>> who has seen through its weakness already, averted all of the punches by slapping it all downwards instantaneously.

(I hate to admit this about an enemy, nut this guy’s blocking is as fantastic as expected! However-----)

“'''''Blocking won’t be enough to beat me'''''. You're making a face like that, huh?”

A counter flew at me the same time he said that.

After I got punched in the face he stomped on my foot; a severe pain ran through that leg.

I got punched again at that moment, and even though I was able to keep my body from collapsing this time, I immediately rolled away from the next attack.

“I lost all my knives. And I admit, the <<Unit>>’s output has decreased. However, it’s not so low until I can’t kill you with punches. A fist fight contest is very inelegant, but it can’t be helped in this situation though.”

<<K>> talked without any concern or doubt that he might lose.

(Ouchh…………saying whatever you like and acting all happy………)

Even though my face was distorted from pain-------I already achieved my goal.

“……….Your eyes... I guess you're resolved to end this, huh? I have little stamina left anyway, so I was thinking of going for the finish too. Fufu, I have to focus on this.”

It was quite annoying, but our techniques, movements, and mentality have been seen through by those arrow-like eyes, as if everything was dancing in his palms.

“Correct, I will end it with this. My fist-----go ahead, see through it if you can!!”

But, that's where it changed. Instead of a sidekick, I performed a left back blow while raising my body.

“As expected from you…….! Then------”

The '''''switch was already turned on''''' , at the moment I showed my back to <<K>> when I rolled my body-----right after I performed the back blow.

Since the armband’s light was brighter than the moon and glittering stars, he took a blinding hit with his arrow-like eyes that could see everything.

<<K>> staggered when a slash was formed from the top of his shoulder down across his chest.

“Not yet………I have not------”

“No, this is the end. I’ll finish it with this.”

I pulled my fist back like pulling back an arrow and-----

The <<{{Furigana|Thunder god’s strike|Mjolnir}}>> broke the <<Unit>> and pulled closed the curtains of the battle.

“Tooru, the helicopter is getting closer. I think it belongs to that person.”

In the direction Julie was pointing to, I saw a helicopter with roaming search lights.

“Okay then, I am sorry to say this when you are resting but, let’s go pick up the chairman.”

I forced my creaking body to stand up and entered the cabin, dragging my leg behind me.

After lifting up her small body, I was shocked by her light weight.

After exiting the cabin while paying attention not to swing around, the helicopter has reached a distance where hearing the rotor is possible.

The helicopter soon reached the boat and the girl with {{Furigana|blonde hair|Yellow Topaz}} showed herself from the hovering machine above.

I was relieved to see Lilith leaning out the opened door, swinging her hands; she was safe. Tsukimi could be seen behind her.

At that moment, the black clothed girl moved her eye lids. After several weak blinks, her eyes fully opened and the chairman talked to me in a slightly dumbfounded tone.

“On the boat. We are rather far away from the island though.”

I quietly shook my head to the side when she asked.

“…………I understand. I am grateful to everyone. I will be indebted to you all for this matter.”

“Errr……..do you mean <<K>>? If it’s him-----“

Everyone immediately concentrated their sights towards the source of the voice, echoing from the bow of the boat.

“Relax. I have no intentions to continue this battle. I don’t think I have any chances of winning if I take on Miss Bristol and Tsukimi Rito in this condition.”

“Let him go, Kokonoe Tooru.”

“I don’t mind………you’re <<K>> right? Nice to meet you. Please tell <<Equipment smith>>-sama I said 'hi'.”

“I understand.”

After taking a deep bow, <<K>> jumped to the sea----and landed with a heavy *Thud*.

He left with those words.

“Ya-re ya-re………looks like we made a connection with one annoying guy.”

“That’s true. However, it won’t be a problem if we get stronger before the next time we meet again.”

“Haha, you got that right.”

(That sound and the Julie at that time, just what’s with that……….? It’s as if a beast trapped in a cage got loose for an instant………….)

But now, the silver girl looks normal from what I can see.

As if that event had never occurred.

“…………….I had forgotten about it.”

I could see Julie’s face change color under the search light.

“Leaving the last day aside, this one week was fun.”

“Ahaha, that goes for me too. It was really great……..that I met everyone, and more importantly Tooru again.”

“I could not fulfill the cake promise in the end.”

“Fufuu, it can’t be helped in this island without any shops. Nonetheless, it doesn’t change the fact it’s disappointing…………..aaah, you still have three debts left though.”

I talked to Imari who held her hands behind her head while looking away from me.

“Oh come on. Don’t make it sound like we will never meet again. I will just have to fulfill the cake promise the next time we meet, and repay the remaining two debts each time we meet again.”

“Next time. We will meet again, just like this time, so we will definitely meet again. At least, we can do so when we join the Dawn organization after graduation. That’s why I will look forward to that day.”

“………Mouu, oh Tooru. I won’t be able to completely give up, even after finally giving in, if you tell me something like that.”

“Give up!? O-oi, Imari. Don’t give up. Our paths managed to connect so; you just have to take one more step! We have one more year, so there are many chances to <<Level up>> right?!”