Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 8 Capítulo 4

Capítulo 4 – A Bruxa de Aço

Parte 1

Ele podia ouvir um som maçante e pesado de longe.

Em seguida, a sensação de corda enrolada em volta do corpo e a textura fria da pedra.

Sua consciência foi regredindo por um momento— então foi clareando com o passar do tempo.

“U-Uh...”

O lugar estava escuro— não, quase não havia luz em seu campo de visão. Lux abriu os olhos em meio à escuridão.

Ele percebeu que era por causa da venda que cobria seus olhos, mas ele mal conseguia espiar o que estava ao seu redor pela pequena abertura na parte superior e inferior da venda.

A sala estava iluminada pela luz do sol que brilhava na claraboia que era coberta com um padrão de grade.

Lux e Celis foram aprisionados naquele antigo quarto feito de pedra.

Ambos tiveram os olhos vendados com os quatro membros firmemente amarrados por uma corda.

Não era como se ele fosse completamente incapaz de se mover, mas essa era a situação.

“Celis-senpai, você está bem!?”

“......Eu estou bem. Mais importante, e você, Lux?”

Eles primeiro confirmaram a segurança um do outro depois de recuperar a consciência.

Talvez porque ambos estivessem em uma situação de emergência, eles puderam falar naturalmente assim.

Seu corpo estava dolorido e entorpecido devido à onda de choque do canhão que os atingiu, mas na pior das hipóteses, só parecia que ele levou um soco leve. Não havia nada de errado com seus ossos.

Celis também disse a ele que ela não estava ferida ou sangrando.

Por enquanto, parecia que eles estavam pelo menos seguros.

“Mas, onde poderia ser isso? Não parece que... estamos fora da Academia.”

Quando eles focalizaram sua audição, era fraco – realmente fraco, mas o barulho do Festival do Campus podia ser ouvido de longe.

Então, Celis, cujos olhos ainda estavam vendados, pensou um pouco e murmurou.

“É apenas meu palpite... mas, acho que podemos estar dentro da velha prisão subterrânea dentro do terreno da Academia.”

Celis murmurou isso com um tom calmo, apesar de sua perplexidade.

“Se bem me lembro, esta Academia era uma instalação militar na era do Antigo Império, então naturalmente também deveria ter muitas prisões subterrâneas. Embora a maior parte parecesse ter sido demolida quando este lugar foi transformado em academia.”

“Então, este é um resto da prisão onde fui colocado quando fui pego aqui pela primeira vez...”

Lux murmurou com uma expressão em conflito.

Os restos da prisão subterrânea que foi demolida e sua entrada bloqueada.

Essa possibilidade era alta com base no cheiro antigo que seu nariz pegou.

Mas, se fosse esse o caso, as opções de quem colocou Lux e Celis aqui eram limitadas.

“O inimigo é…... um funcionário da Academia?”

“Não sei, mas há outra possibilidade. A espiã de Heiburg que uma vez se escondeu entre nós, Syvalles – Saniya. Na nota que ela deixou, estava escrito que ela também descobriu a existência desta prisão e seu projeto quando ela estava investigando a localização do cristal chamado Grand Force.”

“Então, poderia ser—”

Uma informação que era conhecida por Saniya, uma espiã que estava espionando o Novo Reino.

Se ela relatou essa informação ao seu superior, então poderia ser imaginado como isso era obra da República Heiburg que sabia da existência desta prisão subterrânea.

Se isso fosse considerado uma sabotagem, que foi feita no final do Festival do Campus, algumas horas antes do início da batalha de exibição de habilidade, então a linha poderia ser facilmente conectada.

“Obter uma vitória sem lutar….. Este é o movimento de Rosa Granhide dos Sete Paladinos Dragão?”

“Ela é uma possível suspeita. Não estamos mortalmente feridos e nosso Sword Device não foi levado embora porque fazer isso poderia fazer com que isso fosse rastreado até ela, então fomos deixados sozinhos assim, mas—”

No momento, não passava de uma especulação. Por enquanto, a prioridade deles era escapar daqui.

Quando ele olhou para o teto pela abertura da venda, a distância era muito grande.

Eles tentaram pedir ajuda várias vezes, mas não havia nenhum sinal de que chegaria aos ouvidos de alguém deste lugar onde não havia nenhum sinal humano.

“Mas, por que Celis-senpai estava naquele tipo de lugar? Além disso, parecia que você estava um pouco distraída?”

Quando Lux perguntou o que o incomodava, ele recebeu uma resposta inesperada.

“......Wade-sensei estava lá. Meu professor que deveria ter morrido por causa de algumas palavras minhas, seu avô, ele estava...... Mas, ele desapareceu no momento em que estendi minha mão. Isso foi apenas uma ilusão que meu coração fraco me mostrou?”

Celis murmurou tristemente.

Na verdade, Lux também sentia que estava vendo a silhueta de um homem naquele momento, mas ele não tinha certeza.

Foi por isso que ele não disse nada agora e disse apenas uma coisa definitiva.

“No momento em que a atenção de Celis-senpai foi distraída, um EX Drake estava mirando em você. Além disso, lembrei-me do rosto do piloto que parecia ir e vir da Academia ontem – isso é tudo que eu confirmei claramente. Mais importante, temos que sair daqui agora e ir para a batalha de exibição de habilidade.”

“Você tem razão. Não há tempo para ficar deprimida.”

A questão de ela ver a ilusão de seu professor Wade.

E depois, a questão de receber um ataque de alguém que aproveitou aquela abertura que fez com que os dois fossem capturados. Celis ficou decepcionada consigo mesma e preocupada com essas questões, mas se recompôs.

Lux soltou um suspiro de alívio, foi então—

“A propósito, Lux. Você consegue se mover, mesmo que um pouco?”

Celis perguntou com um tom sério.

“Err...... sim. Eu não consigo desamarrar a corda, mas se for só um pouco—”

Dentro da prisão apertada, estava a figura de Celis com as mãos amarradas atrás dela bem na frente dele. A distância deles era inferior a alguns cl. (NT: Assim como ml está relacionado a metros e kl a quilômetros, cl provavelmente está relacionado a centímetros.)

Até agora Lux não percebeu por causa do nervosismo, mas de alguma forma, a maneira como ela estava amarrada era estranha.

Mais especificamente, exceto pelas mãos amarradas na costa dela e seus olhos vendados, seu corpo também estava amarrado.

Por alguma razão, a corda foi amarrada abaixo e acima daqueles seios voluptuosos, deixando-os estufados.

Talvez tenha sido assim porque essa era a maneira mais fácil de amarrar seu corpo, mas mesmo que fosse apenas uma coincidência, os seios enormes de Celis ficaram enfatizados devido a isso em uma forma muito atraente.

Quando Lux espreitava essa visão pela pequena abertura de sua venda, Celis de repente inclinou o corpo para a frente e fez uma pose que empurrava os seios na direção de Lux.

“S-Sobre isso. A corda em volta do meu torso está conectada à corda que amarra minhas mãos, então posso pedir que você a puxe um pouco? Se a restrição na minha mão puder ser ligeiramente afrouxada, talvez eu consiga puxar meu Sword Device...”

Se sua mão pudesse alcançar o cabo de seu Sword Device, ela seria capaz de cortar a corda e invocar seu Drag-Ride para escapar da prisão.

Lux entendeu essa intenção de Celis, mas—

“E-Err, mas eu também tenho minhas mãos amarradas, só minha boca pode se mover...”

Lux disse nervoso enquanto lembrava Celis casualmente.

“S-Sim...... É por isso que estou perguntando a você. I-Isso... se for Lux, eu não me importo então—”

“......!?”

Mas, inesperadamente, ele recebeu um ‘Ok’ e o rosto de Lux ficou vermelho.

Lux usaria sua boca para puxar a corda que estava amarrada acima e abaixo dos seios de Celis, em outras palavras— havia a possibilidade de seu rosto tocar aqueles seios estufados.

Ele teve a sensação de que faria algum tipo de coisa que absolutamente não deveria fazer, mas estava tudo bem?

Mas não havia muitas coisas que eles pudessem fazer nesta situação em que seu corpo não podia ser movido.

Lux respirou fundo e finalmente se decidiu.

“E-Entendido. C-Com licença—!”

Lux levantou seu espírito, ele se inclinou para frente com a parte superior do corpo com os olhos ainda vendados, e seu rosto moveu-se em direção à área ao redor do peito de Celis, que estava igualmente amarrado.

A lacuna na venda de Lux era pequena. Ele não conseguia determinar seu alvo com clareza.

Além disso, quanto mais perto ele chegava, mais seu campo de visão era roubado pela grandeza dos seios. Ele se tornou incapaz de ver nada.

E assim, no final, ele mordeu resolutamente as duas cordas que seguravam os seios por cima e por baixo.

(—Certo!)

A ponta do nariz e a bochecha entraram em contato com uma sensação suave, mas ele corajosamente mordeu o cordão e puxou com força.

“L-Lux!? E-Esse lugar é—!?”

Parecia que Celis estava agitada, seu corpo tremia de desconforto.

‘Isso é ruim’, Lux estava nervoso.

O cheiro agradável de um leve aroma de perfume e a doce sensação da pele macia.

Ele queria ficar lá para sempre. Ele queria prová-lo ainda mais profundo. Esses impulsos estavam crescendo dentro dele.

Julgando que ele não seria capaz de recuar neste ritmo, Lux pretendeu resolver isso em um curto prazo e ele empurrou seu rosto ousadamente.

“Ah......!?”

*Estalo–* O som de algo estalando saiu. O rosto de Lux foi afastado

(Consegui. ──Parece que a corda do peito saiu.)

Lux ficou aliviado em seu coração e respirou fundo.

Ao mesmo tempo, talvez porque ele estava puxando a cabeça para trás vigorosamente, a venda preta que cobria seus olhos escorregou ainda mais e o interior da prisão que ainda brilhava pela luz do sol tornou-se mais visível, mas—

“—Espere, eeeeh!?”

No momento em que Lux viu essa visão, ele abriu a boca de espanto.

A corda que amarrava o peito de Celis não estava cortada. Um tecido quente e macio fez um som farfalhante e caiu da boca de Lux.

(E-Então agora eu, o que eu tirei do peito de Celis-senpai foi—)

Ele entenderia mesmo sem pensar profundamente, se olhasse.

A corda que foi amarrada acima e abaixo dos seios de Celis.

Bem no meio entre as cordas— no vale dos seios, estava a parte de ligação de seu sutiã. Lux o mordeu e puxou com força.

Talvez o gancho em suas costas estivesse fora quando ela foi trazida aqui. Quando Lux puxou o sutiã pela frente, parecia que o gancho se perdeu e o sutiã foi retirado.

Com isso, a luta acabou agora com apenas o sutiã arrancado do peito de Celis que estava amarrada.

“S-Sinto muito Celis-senpai! Não deveria ser isso—!?”

Seu fracasso e o resultado causado por isso fizeram Lux começar a se desculpar em pânico.

“E-Eu estou bem. Você não pode ver devido à venda, por isso foi inevitável. M-Mais importante, se for agora, você não cometerá erros novamente, então mais uma vez—”

Por outro lado, Celis falava com dignidade, embora suas bochechas estivessem vermelhas de vergonha.

“......Eh, mas—”

Lux estava perplexo e hesitante.

Certamente foi exatamente como Celis disse, não havia mais preocupação de que ele falhasse, mas a aparência de Celis já havia se tornado mais obscena o suficiente.

Seu uniforme foi aberto, expondo seus seios. O seio voluptuoso que já havia atraía a atenção dos homens, mesmo normalmente, agora foi enfatizado pela amarração apertada da corda.

Além disso, como Lux havia puxado o sutiã, até as pontas dos seios estavam quase visíveis.

A orgulhosa e bela Celis estava sendo contida por uma corda de palha, com o rosto corado olhando para baixo de vergonha.

E então os seios macios e protuberantes que eram enfatizados pela corda balançavam tentadoramente diante de seus olhos.

Com isso, seria mais estranho se seu raciocínio não se derretesse diante de tal visão.

Além disso, ele foi instruído a usar a boca mais uma vez para puxar a corda.

Em outras palavras, depois disso, seu rosto seria enterrado entre os seios de Celis que não estavam cobertos pelo sutiã—

“H-Hesitar não é permitido... sabe.”

Quando Lux estava hesitando, Celis murmurou isso enquanto soltava um suspiro nervoso e também sedutor.

“Ficou assim por causa do meu descuido, e temos que sair rapidamente daqui. Então......”

Celis murmurou isso com suas palavras no final se tornando ambíguas.

(—Eu me pergunto por quê. Parece que Celis-senpai está mais fofa do que o normal...)

Talvez esse tipo de pensamento para uma veterana fosse indelicado, mas era o que Lux pensava.

Ele não entendia a razão pela qual foi evitado, mas, pelo menos, agora ela estava confiando nele. Então—

“S-Sinto muito. Celis-senpai, por favor, aguente só um pouco!”

Lux resolveu-se e inclinou o corpo para frente, para os seios de Celis, mais uma vez.

Mesmo assim, como esperado, era lindo e encantador.

Lux suportou a tentação oscilante diante de seus olhos enquanto abria a boca para morder a corda, foi então—

—

“Lux-kun, Celis-san! Vocês dois estão b—!?”

*ZAGUN–! * O som de pedra dura sendo cortada pôde ser ouvido, e a prisão subterrânea estremeceu.

“......!?”

Os corpos dos dois enrijeceram de surpresa. Nesse momento, um Drag-Knight cortou o teto acima e desceu.

Era um menino com aparência andrógina e cabelos trançados.

Talvez ele estivesse trabalhando na barraca também hoje, ele estava vestindo roupa de mordomo sob o <EX Wyvern>. Ele pousou na frente de Lux e Celis.

“Coral!? Por que você está—”

“Eu ouvi da Tríade que elas estavam procurando por Lux-kun. Vocês dois estão feridos?”

Coral que caiu no chão da prisão subterrânea perguntou isso com um olhar sério.

Mas, no momento seguinte depois que ele olhou de perto para a aparência de Lux e Celis, suas bochechas ficaram vermelhas rapidamente.

“—Eeeeeh, o-o-o-o-o-o que vocês dois estão fazendo–!? Não, não importa o que aconteça, fazer isso neste momento, enquanto estão amarrados... isso é—”

O menino bonito desviou o rosto. Vendo isso, Lux e Celis ficaram confusos.

“V-Você está entendendo mal, Coral-san! Isso é, é algo inevitável para escapar daqui!”

“I-Isso mesmo! Não é como se eu e Celis-senpai fizéssemos algo para nos sentirmos culpados sobre—”

“............”

Coral olhou fixamente para Lux e Celis com olhar duvidoso, mesmo assim Coral balançou seu Sword Device e rapidamente cortou a corda.

Celis vestiu seu sutiã e consertou a bagunça de suas roupas, depois disso ela e Lux puxaram seus respectivos Sword Device e verificaram a lâmina.

“N-No entanto, é estranho. Parece que nossas espadas não foram adulteradas.”

“Eu também, minhas duas espadas estão bem.”

Em primeiro lugar, o Sword Device que era feito de um metal especial chamado Mythrildite, ostentava uma dureza que nenhuma ferramenta de ferreiro normal poderia processá-lo, mesmo assim era possível destruí-lo usando a força de um Drag-Ride.

Nesse caso, era válido pensar que os Sword Devices dos Drag-Rides Divinos não foram destruídos porque seriam um desperdício?

O inimigo correu o risco de atacar Lux e Celis dentro do terreno da Academia, mas não chegou a roubar para evitar o risco de ter o feito rastreado até eles.

Isso significava que não foi um feito da Dragon Marauder, como esperado— foi o feito de alguém público?

Enquanto Lux estava pensando nessas coisas—

“Não há ferimentos ou dores em vocês dois? Se vocês dois podem lutar, vamos logo! Já passou o tempo do início da batalha de exibição de habilidade!”

Coral de repente falou com pressa e mostrou aos dois seu relógio de bolso.

Derrota padrão por ausência. Um desespero sombrio brilhou em sua mente por um momento, mas ainda não era uma coisa certa.

“Vamos, Lux. Eu posso lutar.”

Lux também acenou com a cabeça para a voz resoluta de Celis.

Eles rapidamente arrumaram sua aparência e correram em direção ao campo de treino.

—

Parte 2

O campo de treino Drag-Ride dentro do terreno da Academia.

Parecia que na primeira metade do Festival do Campus ontem, este lugar era usado para realizar um show simples de prática de Drag-Ride onde visitantes normais podiam entrar, mas agora não havia ninguém aqui, exceto os Sete Paladinos Dragão, a delegação dos Lords, e os representantes dos líderes.

Por assim dizer, visitantes normais e estudantes que não eram os Syvalles eram proibidos de visitar aquele lugar.

Quatro Drag-Knights estavam se enfrentando no terreno circular que era o palco da batalha.

A representante dos Sete Paladinos Dragão da República Heiburg, Rosa e sua ajudante Calensia.

Do Novo Reino, foi similarmente um dos Sete Paladinos Dragão, Lux, e sua ajudante Celistia.

“Vocês dois estão muito atrasados, não é? Originalmente, eu também poderia criticar essa atitude desrespeitosa e obter a vitória por inadimplência, certo?”

Primeiro Rosa provocou com atitude viscosa e sorriso obscenamente zombeteiro.

Mas, Calensia que estava atrás de Rosa estava composta o tempo todo. Ela silenciosamente ergueu os óculos que era sua característica para corrigir sua posição.

“Mas, ao fazer isso, não seríamos capazes de atender ao pedido de Listelka-sama, a família imperial dos Lords que deseja ver nossa força. Em deferência a isso—”

“Eu farei vocês dois aceitarem uma condição que é apenas ligeiramente vantajosa para nós, ok? Esta é uma batalha de dois contra dois. O lado que tiver mesmo um dos dois incapaz de lutar primeiro será a perda do par. E então, caso o tempo limite se esgote, não será um empate, mas uma vitória nossa, os representantes de Heiburg— vocês dois podem aceitar que eu seja a vencedora?”

Essas foram as condições especiais preparadas para compensar o atraso de Lux e Celis.

Se pensarmos na possibilidade de que eles também poderiam perder por inadimplência, era, sem dúvida, algo a agradecer se fosse apenas uma condição de limite de tempo.

Embora— isso fosse apenas se não fosse a própria Rosa que armou a armadilha para Lux e Celis.

“Então— podemos começar agora? Afinal, o sol se porá em pouco tempo.”

A Princesa Imperial dos Lords, Listelka, deu início à luta. Então os quatro tocaram o cinturão da espada juntos.

E então, eles lentamente desembainharam seu Sword Device.

“—Venha, o Dragão Alado de Crista, o símbolo da força. Obedeça a minha espada e voe. <Wyvern>!”

“—Descenda. O Dragão da Realeza que herdou o sangue do soberano. Vista-se com cem raios e dance no paraíso, <Lindworm>!”

O interruptor no punhal foi pressionado e a senha cantada, imediatamente depois disso— partículas de luz condensaram-se e tomaram forma.

Lux usou seu <Wyvern> seguindo os arranjos prévios que eles haviam decidido de antemão.

Ele queria evitar o uso do <Bahamut> na frente de muitas pessoas do Novo Reino, onde havia rumores do Herói Negro, mas nesta situação, e na frente do público limitado aqui, usar <Bahamut> era uma opção disponível.

Nessa batalha para repelir o perigo do Novo Reino, ele também teve que se decidir a usá-lo.

Mas, para usar o “Quick Shot” aplicando a Veste Divina do <Bahamut>, <Reload on Fire>, havia a necessidade de ver através do movimento preliminar de ataque do oponente antes de ativá-lo.

Para usá-lo ao máximo, como era de se esperar, era melhor se dedicar primeiro à defesa.

Para isso, tomou a decisão de usar o <Wyvern> que tinha baixo índice de consumo e a <Scale Blade> que Lisha fez, e lutar principalmente usando o contra-ataque do <Critical Hit>.

Por outro lado, a representante de Heiburg, Calensia, estava invocando um <EX Wyrm>.

E então, no final, Rosa Granhide puxou seu Sword Device que tinha um padrão sinistro gravado nele.

“—A fuligem do artifício perverso, o engano espreitando por baixo. Ó Dragão do Arrependimento da existência anterior, <Gorynych>.”

O ar de todo o local estava tenso com a invocação do Drag-Ride Divino.

Uma tempestade girou atrás de Rosa, e um estranho Drag-Ride com lâminas crescendo apareceu lá.

“Então este é o boato, a Bruxa de Aço—”

Ao lado de Lux, Celis ergueu uma voz ligeiramente atônita.

Cor cinza escuro lustrosa, a armadura de aço que era uma mistura de preto e cinza. O esquema de cores sombrio lembrou a qualquer pessoa que assistisse da cor original do Mythrildite que era o material do Drag-Ride.

Mas, havia espinhos afiados saindo de várias partes, além disso, a espessa armadura do Drag-Ride do tipo batalha terrestre que era a personificação da robustez estava exibindo sua dignidade agressiva.

“—Connect – On.”

Rosa sorriu destemidamente e em seguida equipou rapidamente a armadura desdobrada.

(......É enorme.)

O Drag-Ride já era enorme quando foi invocado, mas quando foi usado pelo corpo do piloto, seu volume aumentou ainda mais.

O enorme Drag-Ride era um tamanho maior do que o Drag-Ride de batalha terrestre genérico <Wyrm>. Um único ataque que desencadear pode se tornar um ferimento fatal no pior dos casos.

Lux e Celis instantaneamente fizeram esse julgamento enquanto conectavam e usavam seu Drag-Ride. Eles formaram a estratégia contra Rosa dentro de suas cabeças.

“O limite de tempo é dez minutos. Se um lutador se tornar incapaz de lutar, será uma derrota para a dupla. Caso o tempo acabe, será a vitória da República Heiburg. Além dessas condições especiais, esta batalha será realizada sob a regra comum de batalha simulada. Alguma objeção?”

Depois que a instrutora Raigree, que atuava como árbitra, informou isso, cada um dos quatro lutadores assentiu.

Celis e Rosa se entreolharam com faíscas espalhando-se entre eles. O sinal do início da batalha foi declarado então.

—

“—Que a luta comece!”

—

Ao mesmo tempo que o sinal, os quatro Drag-Knights moveram-se rapidamente.

Primeiro, o <Wyvern> de Lux e o <Lindworm> de Celis voaram para trás como se tivessem organizado de antemão. As duas Drag-Knights de Heiburg dirigiram seu Drag-Knight usando as rodas para diminuir a distância.

O julgamento situacional de Lux e Celis atingiu o mesmo nível.

Na situação em que eles enfrentaram Drag-Knights que usavam Drag-Rides de tipo batalha terrestre, a primeira coisa a fazer foi usar a característica especial do tipo voador e usar a superioridade aérea.

Havia também o risco de ser atacado por baixo, mas como o oponente poderia se restringir a disparos e bombardeios, era obviamente vantajoso posicionar-se acima do oponente.

Essa era a regra irrefutável para os Drag-Rides do tipo voador como o <Wyvern> e similares ao lutar contra Drag-Knights usando o tipo batalha terrestre.

O oponente avançando no início da batalha para impedi-los de se mover para o céu também foi o esperado em certo sentido.

Portanto, Rosa e Calensia simultaneamente miraram e atiraram em seu oponente como contramedida.

“—Fuh!”

“Haah!”

Rosa brandiu uma arma em forma de foice com um cabo longo— uma Scythe e atacou <Lindworm>, enquanto Calensia mirou em Lux usando uma espada de tamanho médio. (NT: Resolvi deixar “Scythe” em inglês mesmo, ia ficar estranho se eu traduzisse.)

As duas deram o primeiro passo depois de prever que Lux e Celis primeiro se distanciariam e voariam para o céu.

“......!?”

Mas, em um momento, um estranho desconforto passou pela mente de Rosa e Calensia.

Lux e Celis, que fingiram escapar para o céu, pararam de voar no meio do caminho e pairaram ainda no ar.

Eles, ao contrário, visavam o primeiro ataque de Rosa e Calensia. Os dois já haviam terminado de preparar um ataque finalizador.

*PAKIiI–!*

Junto com o som metálico agudo, fragmentos de arma e armadura vibraram no ar.

A <Scale Blade> que o <Wyvern> de Lux empunhava esmagou a espada do <EX Wyrm> de Calensia, enquanto o <Lindworm> de Celis lançou um golpe usando seu armamento especial <Lightning Lance>, que perfurou a barreira do <Gorynych> e se moveu em direção ao ombro onde seu Core Force era instalado.

“Este é o fim. —“Lightning Flash”.”

*BASHIiII–!*

Em um flash, o ataque elétrico surgindo da ponta da lança atacou o <Gorynych> de Rosa.

“Kuuh......!?”

A expressão distorcida de Rosa. Naquele momento, a garota ao lado dela ficou chocada.

“Isto é, uma arma com o objetivo de destruir outra arma!? O primeiro movimento de voar para trás seguindo a tática padrão, foi... uma armadilha!?”

Do outro lado, Calensia estava olhando para o fragmento da espada que foi esmagado pelo “Critical Hit” de Lux e ela soltou uma voz surpresa.

O contra-ataque do “Critical Hit” usando a <Scale Blade> não funcionaria sem primeiro ver através do ataque do oponente.

Mas, agora, ambos os lados estavam tomando a opção que normalmente seria a melhor para a situação.

Se fosse apenas um movimento prioritário, sem nenhum esquema específico, seria fácil prever.

Lux e Celis escolheram a opção de ataque e defesa definitivos ao prever a ação do oponente dois movimentos à frente sem discutir um com o outro de antemão, e então eles tiveram um sucesso esplêndido.

—

Part 3

「Nii-san is reckless as usual──」

The skill exhibition battle of Heiburg versus new kingdom, where the right to investigate Ruin was being fought.

Airi was watching the intense beginning while letting out a relieved sigh.

Airi and the Triads split up to search Lux who was suddenly gone before this. They were also specially permitted to watch the battle, so right now they were sitting on the audience seats that were mostly empty.

「Really. To try to settle the fight suddenly like that. Well, certainly, even if they escaped to the sky, it will be a loss when the time’s up, so it can’t be helped though.」

After Tillfur replied like that, Noct also nodded quietly.

「Yes. But, they won the gamble. I don’t know what is the power of Rosa Granhide’s Gorynych, but in any case, she is caught with this.」

The thrust of electricity by Lightning Lance of Celis’s Lindwurm──the Lightning Flash possessed special characteristic to temporarily seal the movement of enemy’s Drag-Ride.

Calensia only got her Blade destroyed, but Rosa would almost certainly get defeated with one more attack.

Thus, the battle had been decided with the victory went to the new kingdom in reality.

「Aaa. I was worried, but somehow with this──」

When Sharis was about to conclude like that, the nearby Lisha who was also watching like them muttered with a tense expression.

「No. That Drag-Ride, something is strange!?」

At the same time with her sentence, the battle situation that should be clearly in their favor moved.

「Be careful Celis! That thing is fake!」

What could be seen at the same time with Lisha’s yell was the figure of Celis along with the golden armor she equipped──Lindwurm getting mowed down altogether by a Scythe.

–

Part 4

「This is──!?」

It was a sight that would make one doubted their own eyes. Lux’s focus was taken away for a moment by that happening which surpassed the imagination.

Right after the offense and defense that should have decided the victory for them just as they predicted──, for some reason it was Celis herself who got hit by a sure kill attack.

The Scythe’s blade that was tinged with shining purple energy was digging into Lindwurm’s torso.

But, the Lance that was slightly tilted came in between, which exempted Celis from direct hit.

「How fuun. To be able to defend against this attack in this timing──just what kind of reaction speed that is? Are you really a human I wonder?」

Rosa who was grinning smugly put even more strength and forcefully swung her Scythe to the end.

The heavy weight land battle type with its feet firmly planted on the ground, and the light weight flying type that was floating midair.

The difference in power when the two clashed directly was clearly shown in this situation.

「Kuh!? My attack should have landed for sure……. Why is a counterattack──!?」

Terrific amount of energy surged from the Scythe’s blade, and it increased in momentum to cut apart Lindwurm’s barrier.

The armor’s destruction──a killing intent that was aiming for more than mere injury caused Lux’s expression to pale.

「Celis-senpai!」

Lux immediately tried to assist by brandishing his Scale Blade toward Rosa.

──But, Calensia immediately discarded her half destroyed Blade and obstructed him.

「It’s vexing to be ignored like that. ──That’s your blunder.」

At the same time the EX Wyrm quickly switched weapon.

The land battle type Drag-Ride that had its heavyweight class as its selling point was loaded with a lot of armaments. Because of that it possessed a lot of variety.

Next when she aimed the Breath Gun in her hand toward Lux, territory of light spread in the surrounding.

「Divine Gate.」

Celis brushed away the Scythe slightly and activated Lindwurm’s Divine Raiment, the ability of high speed teleportation.

Celis instantly appeared right beside Rosa and sharply thrust her lance toward Rosa’s flank.

• DOGAA-!* That attack oerced the Drag-Ride’s barrier and crushed the shoulder armor.

At the same time, the Scale Blade that Lux swung in the pretension of helping Celis blocked the muzzle of Calensia’s Breath Gun.

「The second attack is also a trap──!? How can!?」

But Calensia who had reflexively pulled the trigger couldn’t stop, causing the Breath Gun to explode.

The EX Wyrm got hit by the backlash of its second weapon getting destructed and it was pushed back.

Celis too, although she had received an inexplicable counterattack, but with this she was able to bring down Rosa with certainty──that was how it should be. But,

「You aren’t half bad. ──Just slightly than what I think thouugh.」

The Drag-Ride of the sarcastically grinning Rosa was completely destroyed along with the pilot’s body.

「Wha-……!?」

The Lindwurm of Celis who was taken by surprise received a sharp impact on the back and got struck down.

The Gorynych of Rosa that should be at the front was slashing its Scythe from the back before Celis knew it.

「Illusion!? No, I certainly felt feedback──!?」

Sparks were fiercely scattered from Celis’s armor while she was muttering in astonishment.

It seemed that her back wings, the flight device was done in. She couldn’t fly anymore.

「Calen. You aim at this one who is near dead. Weeell, the punishment for you is decided already though by the time you got done in by such brat twice. What’s going to happen if we lose because of your fault──. If it’s the clever you, don’t you get it already riight? It won’t be just your parents, even your little sis will be turned into slave you know?」

「……uu-」

The expression Calensia who was glared by Rosa turned pale. Her shoulders were shaking fiercely.

It seemed the dark side of Heiburg, the inhumanity of Rosa wasn’t just a mere rumor.

Her poisonous fang wasn’t bared to just the army and citizens it seemed, it even reached her own partner.

(……This is bad! At this rate we won’t win──not just that, Celis-senpai is in danger!)

Lindwurm that already received a serious damage couldn’t fight satisfactorily anymore.

At the same time, Rosa Granhide’s true strength and also the Divine Raiment of Gorynych were still unknown.

If he wanted to prevent any injury to the minimum, perhaps it would be better to surrender here.

However, of all things if they lost here against Heiburg that was hostile to the new kingdom, the Ruin within the new kingdom’s territory would be ransacked for a month and the area around it would receive considerable damage.

「……Fuh.」

At that time a chuckle that seemed like it had seen through Lux’s complication came from the audience seats far away.

It was a distance where something like a muttering voice couldn’t possibly be heard.

But, Lux felt like he had certainly heard it.

The face of his elder brother Fugil who was sneering.

That laughing voice which sounded like it was scorning his choice and the end of that road caused his emotion to erupt.

「Some nerve you’ve got there──. No, is it a lure perhaps? You don’t have any tome to leisurely look at other way you knoow」

Rosa who was showing a wicked smile drew near to Lux while brandishing her Scythe.

At that instant, Lux resolved himself and instantly dispelled his own armor.

「Howling Howl! And then ──Break Purge.」

It was a basic skill to shoot out the energy that was gathered in the head part in a surge. But, just that wasn’t enough to contain the charge of Gorynych that was a land battle type Divine Drag-Ride.

Therefore Lux used one more technique, the Break Purge to shoot out his armor as buckshot to cover the enemy’s field of vision.

It was a basic operation skill to purge off a part of Drag-Ride’s armament and armor and reduced the burden to oneself.

But, the barrier’s strength and the mobility were also shaved off at the same time, so it was almost never get used in the middle of combat.

Lux daringly use it was for the sake of taking the enemy by surprise and stopping her movement.

And then, at the same time it was also a preparatory step to use the next Drag-Ride.

「Releasing off the armor completely!? This is……」

「Lux!? That Drag-Ride is──!?」

Celis leaked out an astonished voice, but Lux didn’t stop.

The other Sword Device──the second one was pulled out from the black sheath and he quickly muttered the Passcode.

「──Manifest, violent dragon devouring the flesh and blood of the gods. Sever the sky of black clouds, Bahamut!」

Right after he yelled, a large type Drag-Ride shining jet black was summoned before his eyes. It covered Lux’s body and turned into armor.

The people in the audience seats who witnessed that spontaneously leaked out astonished sighs.

「──Oo」

「So that’s, the Divine Drag-Ride of new kingdom’s Seven Dragon Paladins.」

There was no common student or visitor in this place.

The people watching the fight were only Syvalles’s members and Relie, also the other members of Seven Dragon Paladins and the four leaders’ representatives.

Even so, Lux didn’t want to show his own combat strength openly, but there was no more room for hesitating.

He still wasn’t able to perfectly predict the opponent’s attack preliminary movement, but even so he could only do this.

「……Remaining times, three minutes.」

The voice of Instructor Raigree who served as the referee resounded at the surrounding.

Celis who received damage shouldn’t have much time remaining where she could equip her Drag-Ride.

Lux faced the Gorynych that possessed large dark grey frame and flew Bahamut forward.

「So that’s the rumored Bahamut? I have heard of it from Saniya.」

Right after she muttered so, Rosa snapped her fingers with a clear sound.

Instantly, with a force that was like a bullet, Calensia who should be taking on Celis as an opponent aimed at Lux with a slash using her second Blade.

Trickery──deception and trap, and overwhelming strength. This was a witch who freely used all of those.

Her instruction that told Calensia to face Celis was a groundwork to make a sneak attack toward Lux.

But, the Blade of the EX Wyrm that was aiming at Bahamut’s armored arm instead got severed along with its armored hand. The severed part rotated in the air.

Quick Draw──the super fast attack that was unleashed from aligned operation of body control and mental control dealt the counterattack splendidly.

「No way-……!?」

Calensia opened both her eyes widely, then right after that Lux quickly struck a return attack at her.

Slashed from above the barrier, Calensia’s EX Wyrm was blown away.

「Hee? You use a strange technique there. It’s not that Bahamut’s Divine Raiment. Is that perhaps a technique of Drag-Ride operation just like Singlen I wondeer?」

Rosa threw that comment with deep interest.

She was thinking to aim at opening the moment Lux attacked her in this timing, but unexpectedly Lux didn’t come attacking.

「You are more able than I thought……. But you’re really naïve. Even though this fight will be over if you attack Calen more and make her unable to fight, and yeet」

「…………」

Rosa pointed out something painful, but Lux didn’t let it show on his expression.

In case this battle ended in defeat for Heiburg because of Calensia as the cause, she would receive terrible chastisement from Rosa, and her family would receive persecution. It was a fact that such thought crossed Lux’s mind for a moment.

But, the Steel Witch saw through even that hesitation of Lux. It caused Lux to hold a strong vigilance against her.

Until now there had been several Drag-Knights who Lux thought as formidable, but this girl’s 『malice』 possessed strength of different quality from those opponents.

Not only she didn’t balk to sacrifice her own comrade, she also had the shrewdness to form strategy that influenced her opponent.

He understood it keenly, of her inhuman strength.

「Feeling concerned about the position of a woman from another country that you will even harm the interest of your own countr──I love such person who has their head filled with flower field like that you know?」

Rosa licked her lips and caressed her breast with her fingertip while grinning mockingly.

「Actually my partner Calen──, among the nobles she was born from lowly family, but she is a lovely child who overturn status using talent and hard work seee. But, she is an embarrassment for Heiburg, getting pitied by someone of another country like this. That’s why……, let’s see. I’ll have this girl’s remaining family to receive punishment too. I’ll present her mother and little sister to be the plaything of the soldiers.」

「──!?」

Rosa made a cruel and inhumane declaration.

The moment Calensia looked dumbfounded from surprise, a sound burst from Rosa’s back.

「Break Purge──and then, Divine Gate.」

The moment Celis saw an opening, she released a part of her armor and moved.

A swift attack in godspeed that the eye couldn’t even follow.

Celis lightened her burden by purging parts of the armor that were damaged, at the same time she concentrated her energy into one point to launch a lance attack.

It was a form of suicide attack that Celis was learning by applying basic technique.

It was a superb sure-kill skill that put the user’s life at risk. Such attack was attacking Rosa’s back.

At the same time Lux also flew his Bahamut and slashed in order to support Celis.

If he launched a slash using Quick Draw a t this distance and this timing, even Rosa wouldn’t be able to dodge.

Those judgment and prediction hit the mark without any miss. Gorynych was pierced from the back, at the same time it was also slashed diagonally from the front──.

The armor along with the flesh body wearing it were bisected into two.

「……Wha-!?」

Lux and Celis were dumbfounded seeing that sight. Right at that moment, that flesh body dispersed.

It wasn’t illusion, but a clone with physical substance.

Right after Lux noticed that, an intense impact and heat wave were fired from the side of the two who was right near each other as though to strike them hard.

「Sin Phantom – Rapid Fire ModeFlash Shadow of Deceit – All-Out Bombardment Form.」

• DOOOOohN-!*

The air exploded in succession. The ground was smashed and hot wind whirled.

The yell of Lisha and others could be heard from afar inside the inferno where it felt like their consciousness was getting farther.

「Lux──!?」

「Hah! Even though I shot at perfect timing──it’s only your running away that is fast isn’t iit?」

After Rosa laughed mockingly, the dust cleared up and a figure came into view.

It was the figure of Lux’s Bahamut, protecting Celis who only had slightly remaining armor within its arms.

Lux and also Celis could still fight even though it was only just barely.

But, in Celis’s condition that almost couldn’t move anymore, there would be a risk of serious injury or even death if they kept fighting.

「Lux, don’t worry about me! That’s why──!」

「I’m sorry, Celis-senpai.」

Lux shook his head slightly toward Celis’s insistence.

And then the time passed, and the result of this skill exhibition battle was decided.

「──The time is up. This match……is a draw!」

Instructor Raigree’s voice came, at the same time the bell sound that informed the end of the battle rang.

A draw in reality had the same meaning as victory for Heiburg Republic.

And then the fight that began from this quarrel closed its curtain.

–

Part 5

「-……!? What’s with that Drag-Ride……! Its shape is completely different from just now──」

The huge figure of Gorynych that appeared from the dust cloud caused Airi to hold her breath on the audience seat.

Then, Magialca who was sitting beside her smiled with a convinced expression.

「──I see, that Divine Drag-Ride, it appears its form is transformed into Drag-Ride of various shapes depending on its own special armaments.」

「To be more accurate, it’s from the combination of its Divine Raiment and special armament thouugh.」

From the other side of the whirling inferno, Rosa who was clad in Gorynych that was equipped with ten-odd cannon muzzles faced toward Magialca and informed her the answer.

「The special armaments Twelve ViceTwelve Iron Cage──its ability to operate several unmanned general-purpose Drag-Ride, and Sin Phantom──creating mechanical illusion of a fake me that I overlapped on the unmanned Drag-Rides, this combination produced pseudo clones of me.」

Rosa faced the audience seat and explained her own skill.

「Rearranging and transforming armors that are treated as special armaments. At the same time it also produce my own clones──this is the power of Divine Raiment that my Gorynych possess, the true shape of Tartaros FramePurgatory Mechanism.」

「I see, that’s why you are the Steel Witch. Certainly it’s interesting, but it’s really lavish of you to expose everything here.」

Singlen who was similarly sitting on the audience seat at the opposite side spoke with a fearless smile.

But, Rosa looked like she wasn’t perturbed at all. She was only showing a crooked smile.

「I don’t really caree. After all those Lords know about it anyway. Besides even if the trick of my Divine Raiment is exposed, it’s still not something that anyone can do anything about. More importantly, are you fine with this, tyrant-sama? The Ruin investigation right is taken by me you knoow? If I also conquered even Babel after this, perhaaps even all of you will be below me in the achievement obtained.」

「……!?」

The surrounding was stirred in agitation after hearing what Rosa said.

The haughty and arrogant man called the Blue Tyrant, who was a powerful person that stood out even among the Seven Dragon Paladins. The leaders’ representatives held their breath seeing Rosa provoking such man.

「Ro, Rosa-dono!? Please stop with the joke──」

As expected, even a senior statesman of Heiburg, Gunius was also agitated. He tried to remonstrate Rosa in panic.

But, in comparison Singlen only sent Rosa a dark gaze that was like a bottomless swamp without any change. He stood up with unshakeable smile.

「You churl, don’t push your luck.」

The one who said that wasn’t Singlen himself, but the tall and lean old soldier standing behind him, Zweigbergk.

Bloodshot eyes peeked out from the helmet’s gap, and his hand was touching his Sword Device.

「I’ll gratefully accept your loyalty──but, stop it Zwei. As the vice captain of Seven Dragon Paladins, I have the responsibility to watch over their growth.」

Singlen stopped him with one hand. Seeing that, Roza’s lips distorted repulsively.

「Myy? What a splendid thing to say despite being a coward who wouldn’t come forward to participate in the skill exhibition battle after getting cold feet. An incompetent superior whose style is to exert all his effort in making excuse──it’s great how easy it is to understand you.」

「Ple, please stop with the reckless remarks Lady Rosa! Si, Sir Singlen, please forgive her, it still hasn’t been long since she return to the military──」

Minister Gunius tried to smooth over the situation in great panic, but Singlen wasn’t perturbed in the slightest.

Perhaps seeing that the situation was going out of control, the captain Magialca cut in.

「It’s not like what she is saying is wrong so just leave it alone. More importantly, the fight is finally settled. It’s also necessary to treat the injury, so let’s breakup for the moment. I too am tired from the long journey. Can you allow me to rest soon, Relie?」

‘Fuaa……’, she cutely yawned. Magialca made a forced yawn like a fawning cat and concluded the happening like that.

「Yes, I guess. You were playing wholeheartedly at the campus festival before this though.」

「Oh, was that so? Recently I kept forgetting things──wait, who are you calling old!?」

「…………」

Right after that conversation that wasn’t reading the mood, the leader of the Lords who wished for this skill exhibition battle, Listelka stood up.

「Please calm down the two of you. We are compatriots. Let’s refrain from pointless quarrel among ourselves.」

It wasn’t clear whether Rosa consented with those words, but she dispelled her armor and Zweigbergk also sat down.

And then the Steel Witch withdrew to outside the practice ground with leisurely footsteps.

「I’m sorry, Lux. Because of my fault──」

「No, I’m glad that Celis-senpai is safe.」

Celis looked down. In respond Lux replied with a gentle smile, but the fact was that during one month from here, Heiburg would be monopolizing the conquering effort of Babel.

The damage from Abyss due to the after effect of that investigation as well as the defense that would be needed in case Ragnarok went outside would always exist as threat toward the new kingdom during that time.

Regarding this case, there was also a possibility that Lux and Celis would be asked to take responsibility in some kind of manner, but it was no use even if they thought about it here.

When Lux who was thinking that averted his gaze, he saw on Celis’s upper arm a faint bruise remaining there.

Because Celis was wearing a white coat on her pilot suit until right before the match, Lux didn’t notice it until now.

「──E, excuse me-!」

Celis who got that bruise seen ran away in a flustered state from that place. Then the Lords, everyone of Seven Dragon Paladins, and the leaders’ representatives also left the audience seats.

「…………」

Lux wished to think that his judgment to protect Celis instead of taking the option to attack at the end wasn’t mistaken.

It would be too dangerous to make a gamble and attack Rosa in that situation.

Conversely if he attacked the weak Calensia mercilessly and defeated her, then perhaps they would be able to obtain victory through that.

Even if because of that Calensia and her family would meet a tragic fate from Rosa, perhaps he shouldn’t go as far as pitying even the military officer of other country.

However──.

『That righteousness that is unable to sacrifice even a single relative, unable to discard anything. Your ephemeral ideal that is trying to save even the evil, I’ll root for it from the bottom of my heart.』

That smile of Fugil that was containing pity and disappointment was constricting Lux’s heart tightly.

In the end, he hadn’t change at all since that time.

Wasn’t he only clinging on his own ideal while running through the wrong path?

Even after living for five years doing chores, in the end wasn’t he still unable to understand people’s feeling?

「I……, I, just what am I──」

「Are you all right, Nii-san!?」

Airi, along with Lisha, Krulcifer, Philuffy, and the Triads were rushing toward Lux.

「Yes, sorry to make all of you worry.」

But Lux was aware that currently he was making a forced smile that didn’t come from his heart.

That was just like the childhood him in the era of old empire.

It was a glossing over smile that he showed at that time when he was living by hiding his true feeling.

The skill exhibition battle silently closed the curtain without the festival visitors and other students getting told about the result.

After receiving the minimum treatment at the medical office, Lux returned to the campus festival as though nothing had happened. And then the sun sunk down.

–

Part 6

At seven o’clock in the evening──after dinner, the night of the middle of autumn.

At that time when the darkness was starting to deepen, a girl’s silhouette was facing the headmaster office.

「Excuse me.」

The person knocked and informed her presence. Then when she entered, there was Relie sitting down with a smile.

「My? Thank you for your hard work today. There will be a holiday used for the tidying up, so it’s still fine not to be that rushed you know?」

「You are the same like always, headmaster.」

Celis smiled wryly at Relie’s jesting tone.

Thinking back, she who was straight-laced at the root sometimes would also think 『this person is playing around』 about Relie. But right now she was thankful with her affable attitude.

「I believe headmaster know about my intention. I wish to take responsibility for the result this time by resigning from the position of an aide of Seven Dragon Paladins.」

When Celis said that with a dejected air, Relie let out a breath and smiled bitterly.

「The youngsters these days are overly serious aren’t there? Even someone like me is staying unashamedly as headmaster after committing a mistake that great. What you did was for the sake of helping the new kingdom itself, it was something that someone had to do. Besides at times a match is a matter of luck. In fact the two of you obtained a draw──」

「I got captured by someone because I had my focus distracted by unnecessary thing. If not for that, we wouldn’t be forced to fight under those disadvantageous conditions. As expected, the cause of our defeat was because of my immature heart. That is my conclusion.」

「Regarding that suspicious 『enemy』, that matter too is still being investigated even now. It won’t be too late to make your decision after the result come out.」

Relie ran her pen smoothly on her paperwork while speaking dispassionately.

But, Celis took a deep breath, then she presented the letter that had her notice of resignation from being the aide written inside in front of Relie.

「I’m grateful for your consideration. But──the current me have no more confidence to continue being Lux’s aide.」

Because when she was at Lux’s side, her heart wouldn’t be able to calm down for some reason.

She saw the phantom of Wade while she still didn’t understand the cause of it, and then her opening at that moment was taken advantage of.

She couldn’t continue being Lux’s aide while her condition was still like this.

「……I understand. Then I will hold on to this letter.」

「Please. Then──」

After saying that briefly, Celis turned around and headed toward the courtyard.

She basked in the night’s wind in order to sort her feeling.

–

Part 7

Around the same time. Inside the Academy’s ground, in front of the fourth Drag-Ride hangar.

Perhaps it was an attack that could be noticed.

The Academy was designated as the place for the summit, so a lot of reinforcement from the surrounding area was deployed to Cross Field.

The whole area round ht Academy was constantly watched by the Drake’s detector, the security for the important people staying in the government office building at first block was also flawless.

Furthermore, all the members of Seven Dragon Paladins, the Drag-Knights who were positioned at the top of their respective country were assembled.

The possibility of Cross Field getting attacked in this situation was exceedingly low.

The likes of bandits or average Abyss would get the table turned on them if they came, even the Dragon Marauder wouldn’t dare to attack.

The soldiers in that place couldn’t assert that they didn’t have such conceit and that they didn’t let their guard down.

But, even so the defending soldiers──the male Drag-Knights who belonged to the new kingdom military weren’t negligent in carrying out security like they were told.

If there was something that they could be blamed about, there was only one thing.

It was how they didn’t consider even at the slightest of the possibility that a threat that surpassed the extent of their assumption would visit.

In other words, the main troops of Dragon Marauder tonight easily surpassed their naïve assumption.

At the sky far above the Academy where the detector of new kingdom military’s Drake couldn’t reach.

That man was hovering while leading a force of Wyverns.

「──What irony. The gathering of elites where each one of them is a mighty warrior, turn into a foolish bunch when they are assembled together. Thanks to that the chance of a counterattack also came to us.」

Tanned swarthy skin peeked out from under the pilot suit.

The person’s muscular large body and toned appearance would give masculine impression to anyone who saw him.

One of Dragon Marauder’s three bosses, the Heavenly Dragon division commander Gatouhan was looking down to the Academy at night.

No, his aim wasn’t the Academy itself.

The Drag-Ride hangar inside the Academy ground was reflected on those eyes that were heavily filled with strong will.

The two arms and back of the large type Divine Drag-Ride the man was wearing had countless bizarre 『eggs』 on them.

The eggs’ shell was blue and half-transparent. They were two sizes bigger than human’s head.

The eggs’ inside was strangely wriggling. His subordinates behind him were also carrying eggs to the limit.

「Hmm. But, that’s not all right? Of course there is also these guys being careless, but this will be still impossible without the guidance of the 『collaborator』. I think that kind of conceit isn’t good you know, Gatouhan?」

A youth who was still young was holding on the leg of Gatouhan’s Drag-Ride. His cherubic face looked up to Gatouhan and told him that.

「You are an uncute guy as usual. ──But, I’ll be troubled if you aren’t like that when you are chosen to be the Earth Dragon Division Commander, as a skilled Drag-Knight who equaled me and Drakkhen.」

It was a praise toward his comrade that was slightly roundabout, but the youth in question was curt.

「Stop with the flattery and let’s start. The guards below aren’t just scarecrow, we don’t know when we might get noticed. The moon will be hidden by the cloud soon. We will act at that moment. I’ll be responsible for the diversion.」

「Got it. We will go as planned──let’s go! Vine!」

The large man Gatouhan gave the signal. At the same time, the 『eggs』 were dropped from the Wyvern force midair.

The eggs impacted the rooftop of the Drag-Ride hangar. The shells broke one after another and the inside spilled out.

–

Part 8

「And done. Well, this should be enough. For now there is no doubt that it can at least move.」

On the other hand, inside the Drag-Ride atelier where the brief tidying up of the display items had been finished.

Lisha who was wearing white robe let out a large sigh and stretched her back.

「Forgive me for making you work right after the festival, Lisha-sama.」

Lux said that in appreciation of the trouble that the princess he served went through while brewing the tea that he received from the dining hall.

After taking a sip of the tea, Lisha tapped Lux’s shoulder with frankness.

「Well, it can’t be helped. Those mechanic fellows will also return at this time. At this period of time we will want to avoid you all being unable to use your Drag-Rides because they haven’t been repaired.」

The fourth Drag-Ride hangar that was inside the Academy ground was closed, and the outside was strictly guarded by soldiers.

Most of the Divine Drag-Rides of the Seven Dragon Paladins who were assembled this time were put inside that important section where even the students were forbidden to enter.

Lisha had moved Lux’s Bahamut and Celis’s Lindwurm from the fourth Drag-Ride hangar into an atelier outside to repair them.

Though the two Divine Drag-Rides were in a state that couldn’t be summoned right away because the system tuning still hadn’t been done to them.

「Ho, however I’m feeling somewhat tired. That, at this kind of time, it will help if I can receive a massage……」

Lisha stole a glance at Lux while saying that with expectation.

「Ah, yes. If LIsha-sama is fine with me──」

When Lux reflexively responded like that, Lisha secretly clenched her fist and muttered 「Yosh」.

(It’s a bit embarrassing but, so, sometimes I have to be at least this bold. Besides──I’m also a bit interested of it.)

Lisha took off her robe leaving only her uniform. She then laid down face first on a nearby sofa. Lux started massaging her mainly on her shoulders, neck, and around her back.

「Nn, ku……. You’re skilled as expected. That, it feels really good.」

「Thank you very much. As I thought, Lisha-sama’s muscles are quite stiff.」

Seeing Lisha responding with a pleased look, Lix too replied happily.

LIsha had heard that the relationship of man and woman could also be deepened by touching each other’s body. She was satisfied that it seemed it wasn’t mistaken.

From Lisha’s standpoint, her competitive heart was blazing after she heard how recently Krulcifer was approaching Lux strongly but, ‘Perhaps this is overdoing it a bit?’ she felt embarrassed after this late.

Having her body massaged by an opposite sex who was in her mind──no, by a man who she was self-aware that she liked him felt unexpectedly pleasant. She was relaxing more than she thought.

(I, it also feel just slightly indecent though. But, just this much should be fine shouldn’t it? I’m not lying that I’m tired, besides Lux, he is also my knight──)

Inside her heart was pounding fast while thinking of such thing. It was then Lux was also harboring a bewildered feeling.

Lisha had a small build and slender, but she was a girl who was hiding strong zeal inside.

As though to substantiate that impression of Lux, the springy skin that he was massaging was warm and pushing back on his fingers with pleasant elasticity.

Her breasts that were large for her small build were pressed on the sofa. Their existences were asserted through her back.

Her white thighs were well-fleshed, coupled with the constriction of her waist, a smooth line until her butts was highlighted, her skirt was lifted riskily, it even felt like her underwear would become visible.

Lisha herself was completely oblivious, but this accidental ignorant state of hers tickled Lux’s emotion.

(Wait, just what am I thinking at this kind of time……!? Even though I have to do something quickly about Celis-senpai──)

Lux was reflecting on his worldly thoughts while shaking himself free from them. Then he continued the massage thoroughly.

But, when his hand descended until around her waist, Lisha twitched and her body turned stiff.

「E, err, should I finish this here? Soon it will be only the waist left──」

「I, it’s not really a problem to continue further right? That, it’s just a massage anyway……」

Lisha was talking with such pricklish tone. Even Lux understood that she was a bit embarrassed.

If he massaged her waist, his hand might touch until her butt from there.

(Calm down me! Even though I’m her exclusive knight, how can I have a dirty thought about Lisha-sama! At this kind of time, think about a different situation and maintain calm──)

Lux was shaken, but he immediately worked his brain to repress himself.

Then, he suddenly recalled a similar situation. He imagined it to distract himself from this situation.

「Come to think of it, I was once in a situation similar like this with Celis-senpai too. At that time it was worse though……」

「By, by worse you mean──」

「Yes. Previously when I massaged her like this that time, senpai was naked──wait, I was mistaken! It’s nothing-!?」

「……-!?」

The moment Lux spontaneously regretted the slip of his tongue, Lisha was instantly petrified.

And then she lifted up her body in a flash and turned around with dark aura drifting out from her.

「──Just what have you done in a place that I don’t know!? This, damned pervert!」

Lisha became teary eyed and brandished her Sword Device that was still sheathed inside the scabbard.

After that Lux needed fifteen minutes to talk about the past and matter soothed down Lisha.

–

Part 9

About that time──in front of the Drag-Ride hangar.

The black colored viscous liquid that was mixing into darkness──Chaff Slimes were dropped on the rooftop and began to cover the whole building with its mucus.

Earth Dragon division commander Vine who jumped down toward the Academy ground active his land battle type Divine Drag-Ride.

「Wha──!? Who the hell are you-!?」

「Dragon Marauder huh, then──gugah!?」

Vine wordlessly attacked the guard Drag-Knights who were bewildered seeing the sudden intruder.

Although, he wasn’t launching lethal attack, but lightly hindering the soldiers using Wire Tails.

「We came here to receive a certain thing. You will allow us to search it.」

After telling that with a curt expression, he skated his Drag-Ride on the ground and left from there.

It would be troubling if he showed his strength too much and the Seven Dragon Paladins got called, so he moved only to attract attention.

「The enemy is only one! Cut off the escape path and surround him!」

The soldiers of new kingdom military yelled that. Satisfied of that fact, Vine ran around in a circle at that area for a while.

Vine was devoting himself to evasion. Then ten seconds later, the Wyvern force of Dragon Marauder also descended.

「Hahahah! As expected from nobles, even their elites are nothing much!」

The vigorous and energetic men of Dragon Marauder readied their respective weapon and attacked.

「……Reinforcement!? Then we are going to come at them with our whole army too! All hands, draw your sword!」

The captain of the guard soldiers raised his voice loudly, then the soldiers who still came running drew out their Sword Device simultaneously.

But, even after they muttered the Passcode, their Drag-Ride didn’t appear in front of them.

「──!? What’s the meaning of this, why can’t we summon Drag-Ride!?」

「Hah! Bunch of fools-! Die helplessly like that!」

The soldiers were shaken. In contrast the Dragon Marauder force fired their Breath Gun.

At the shadow of the Drag-Ride hangar where the beacon of the battle starting was raised, there was Airi who was present there by chance. She felt a shudder rising through her body.

「This black Abyss……, it’s the Chaff Slime that Nii-san mentioned……!?」

The new type Abyss that obstructed the Drag-Ride’s control signal, at the same time it would entwine around Drag-Ride and hindered the movement.

Most likely a large amount of this Abyss was dropped on the rooftop of Drag-Ride hangar and then they covered the surface.

It didn’t matter even if the powerful Drag-Rides were safe, if they couldn’t be summoned then they wouldn’t serve any purpose.

The Divine Drag-Rides of Seven Dragon Paladins that were temporarily deployed to here also couldn’t be moved.

This was bad. Airi who instantly discerned the danger tried to run away, it was then that thing appeared.

「You are──!?」

The Drag-Knights of Dragon Marauder and new kingdom military who started fighting each other.

During that time, a beautiful girl wearing pure white dress was standing.

Her smooth and silky silver hair that reached until her shoulder and her blue eyes that were like jewel.

That out of place existence that suddenly appeared out of nowhere didn’t move at the slightest even though it was in a battlefield where light bullets and blades roared. It was only smiling.

「……Huh!? Who are you!?」

「This place is dangerous! Get away right──」

That standing figure that wasn’t running away or even looking scared agitated the men of both sides.

At that time, the girl’s mouth opened wide, and a terrible shriek surged out.

「──IIIIIIIIIIiIIiiIIIIIIIAAAAAAAAAAaAH!」

「……GUAAH!?」

The shriek that shook the atmosphere hit hard the eardrums of anyone who heard it.

(This crying voice, it’s──horn flute!?)

The moment Airi thought of that at the corner of her head, the roar that was resounding for a few seconds stopped.

But, at the same time the tune of the horn flute remained behind like an echo. It was began to get emitted from the body of that girl.

It was as though her very body itself was a cicada shaking its body to play the tune. That human shaped devil was continuing to emit the demonic reverberation that called the Abyss.

「Wha, what is this girl!? She isn’t human!?」

「Eei, doesn’t matter. If she is getting in our way then kill her!」

The new kingdom military and Dragon Marauder each raised their voice fearfully.

「You? What are you──」

Airi reflexively questioned the girl from her hiding.

The moment the girl in dress grinned fearlessly, Airi suddenly recalled a story that she once heard and she shuddered.

「Conflict, killing intent, malice are confirmed. Annihilating the area from here on, bringing salvation.」

The girl’s eyes were tinged with mysterious glint at the same time with that mutter.

Furthermore tentacles with sharp end grew from her whole body and they undulated like whip.

「This is──!?」

Airi was horrified by that repulsive transformation.

The reverberation that resembled the tone color of horn flute was emitted without any sign of stopping. That sound was gradually increasing in loudness.

「It’s calling Abyss? Even though it has the form of human, how──!?」

「Watch out-!」

A tentacle was lashed toward Airi. It was then someone flew from the side and carried her off.

Airi was surprised by the impact. Right after that, she saw the face of the girl who rescued her.

「Celis──senpai?」

「Please be careful Airi. That thing isn’t normal.」

Celis informed Airi so with a tense face.

She withdrew her rapier shaped Sword Device and faced the mystery girl with vigilance──but, her expression was instantly clouded.

「What’s the matter Celis? Did you see something bad, my proud disciple?」

「Wade, sensei……」

The figure of the unknown existence transformed into the shape of her teacher in the past.

Right after tentacles grew out once more from its whole body and they scattered everywhere to the surrounding.

–

Part 10

「……Good grief. Just when I thought that you became quiet recently, but your perverted mind hasn’t actually changed at all.」

Lisha somehow settled down after Lux explained that the incident with Celis was because he got caught into a trap.

But, in the end the atmosphere wasn’t suitable to continue the massage anymore and the two switched to talking with each other.

When the talk shifted from the incident into the matter of Celis, Lisha abruptly started the talk.

「──And, you’ve been making a depressed face since some time ago, was it because of Celis?」

「Eh……?」

Lux’s thinking froze for a moment because Lisha suddenly hit the bull’s eye.

After that battle where he and Celis got a draw against Rosa and her aide, he shouldn’t be making a gloomy face, but──.

「Lux, don’t underestimate me too much okay? Even I have been lying for a long time. When I look at mirror, I can at least understand what kind of smile I made at that time. And also the bitterness that made me have to smile like that even by forcing it.」

「Lisha, sama……」

After Lisha who was once taken hostage by the old empire got abandoned by her father Count Atismata, she was rescued──and placed as the princess of the new kingdom as the daughter of the proud great man.

Even while thinking that she didn’t have the qualification, she had to act the role for that position no matter what.

That was why, she couldn’t bear to look at Lux who was forcefully making a smile and she told him that.

「Besides it’s not like you. If it’s the usual you, you will go to console Celis even if you have to be forceful right? Personally I don’t mind if you don’t do anything like that but……, why are you hesitating only at this time?」

Lux smiled bitterly at Lisha who said that looking somewhat irritated.

「I became unable to understand myself, whether doing that will be the right thing to do or not.」

And then, he slowly spoke out his feeling.

「Since that time five years ago, I caused a lot of people at the old empire’s side to die and became chore prince, I’ve been puzzled all this time. Why did my elder brother Fugil betrayed me, or else, was he tricking me right from the start and only using me?」

He met Lisha at such time and he was given a new place to belong and purpose.

He chose the path of being Seven Dragon Paladins in order to fight for the sake of people who believed in him, this time for sure.

But,

「And yet, when I met again with Nii-san……with Fugil at the summit, my feeling wavered. Perhaps in the end I’m still the same like in the past. Perhaps in the end I don’t understand a single thing about people’s feeling. When I thought that……, I who was unable to help Celis-senpai just now, became unable to understand, how should I talk to her──」

「…………」

Lux expressed his distress slowly. Lisha observed him for a while silently, and then she suddenly moved her hand.

• Slap* Her palm lightly patted Lux’s cheek without the slightest strength in it.

「Aa……」

It didn’t feel painful at all, but it felt like he was awakened.

Lisha’s face didn’t look angry, she also didn’t look sad, and she also didn’t look disdainful.

She was merely staring at Lux straightforwardly, with the face as a noble princess filled with self-confidence and pride.

「It looks like you have forgotten so I’ll tell you this──, I’m weak you know?」

「──Eh?」

Lux felt perplexed getting told that with a tone that was full of confidence.

「As a Drag-Knight, those stronger than me are steadily becoming your comrades, new women are also approaching you one after another, I also cannot act skillfully as a princess──I’m so weak that my heart broke when my father abandoned me. I intend to endeavor so that I won’t be like that but, honestly, I don’t know whether what I’m doing right now is right or not. But see──not doing anything because of that is merely running away.」

With that as the preface, Lisha looked straight at Lux.

The same like when they met the first time, she looked at him with crimson eyes that contained strong confidence.

「If you will stay by my side, then I can fight without running away. I don’t mind even if you make mistake. Just by you fighting trying to help me, it has saved me like this. Don’t get convinced by yourself that you cannot do anything just because you don’t understand.」

「…………」

The hesitation dwelling inside Lux’s chest was vanishing while he was listening to Lisha’s words.

This wasn’t the time for him to break in this kind of place.

There was still thing that he had to do.

Even if in the end his action couldn’t save Celis, even if his action was mistaken, it was meaningless to hesitate in taking action just because of that.

「──Lisha-sama. Can you know the opponent’s Drag-Ride from looking at this armor fragment?」

Lux put his hand inside his pocket and presented the clue about the attacker that he obtained.

It was the fragment of Drag-Ride worn by the suspicious man who attacked Coral in the middle of the campus festival.

Then, after Lisha who was also a Drag-Ride developer took the fragment, she immediately answered.

「This is……, it’s a fragment from the shell part of the probing device installed on EX Drake’s shoulder. When the part is shaved like this, it cannot get easily repaired, so it should be possible to specify the Drag-Ride this came from if you observed closely whether they have damaged part or not.」

Gorynych that the Steel Witch──Rosa Granhide controlled along with its Drag-Ride clones, and then the EX Wyrm her aide Calensia equipped.

Lux had secretly observed their Drag-Rides while fighting, but their Drag-Rides were spotless at the opening of the skill exhibition battle.

Thus this fragment couldn’t be proof that the attack to them was because of Rosa, but there was still one other possibility remaining.

How did the attacker slip through the detection of the Drakes guarding around the Academy and became able attack Celis?

The attacker visited first as ordinary visitor and observed the movement of the guards.

And then if it was EX Drake that possessed camouflage function, 『that』 could be done.

(Their objective is to harm the new kingdom with official procedure at the surface. Then──their next aim will be)

When he was thinking that, a conviction was born inside Lux.

「Celis-senpai, is in danger……」

But, in preparation for the worst case, he would play a hand just in case.

The problem was whether it would make it in time or not──.

When Lux was considering that, the door of the atelier opened and Tillfur rushed inside in panic.

「Lux-chi! Lisha-sama!? You are here!?」

Lisha was surprised seeing Tillfur running out of breath while replying back.

「Oo, you came at a nice timing. From now, the owner of the Drag-Ride where this fragment came from──」

Lisha was about to say that proudly, but Tillfur’s yell drowned her words.

「Cross Field is in danger! About a hundred Abysses are suddenly gathering from the surrounding! Also no one can summon Drag-Ride other than us who are already wearing it right now!!」

「──!?」

Lux and Lisha’s expressions changed hearing Tillfur’s words.

Right after that──tremendous roaring sound and vibration could be heard from the center of the Academy.