Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 6 Episode 1

Episode 1 – Blue Tyrant

Part 1

At that moment, the color of human skin filled his field of vision.

This was a large room in one of the largest buildings of the academy.

Besides Drag-Ride training, much of the remaining physical training - like kenjutsu and taijutsu - took place here. So, the first floor was padded with a non-slip material.

The second floor of this building was used as a venue for meetings from time to time.

Standing behind the wooden railings on the second floor, he could see all the girls below in their underwear.

Wh-what’s going on here-!? This is bad!

As the footsteps grew louder, Lux hid deeper in the building.

Am I stupid, what’s the point of hiding? All I’m doing is cornering myself and digging myself in deeper!

Luckily, there usually wasn’t anyone on the second floor, so all he had to do was continue hiding and not be discovered.

Lux hid in the shadows. After waiting for the girls he was trying to avoid to walk past, he darted behind the armrest of a chair.

Calm down, though I’m not completely sure how it ended up like this, but I will be killed if anyone finds me!

While trying to recall his original purpose for winding up in this place, Lux’s eyes inevitably drifted further down into the Shangri-La that was before his eyes below.

Under the sunlight that came in from a window, the glossy nudes of the girls he called his schoolmates were as clear as day.

Their skin shone in a healthy tone, they were even putting on some really alluring underwear.

The blush of their cheeks, their defenseless skin and smiles of pure innocence.

“Did your chest get bigger again? That’s so unfair~”

“Of course not, it’s just that that pair she’s wearing is cuter and makes them stand out more.”

“Sen-senpai! Don’t be so loud! After all, this place-”

The room was filled with the soft breathing and sweet scent of girls, all of which were extremely stimulating to Lux.

Feeling something was amiss, Lux decided to look for his target again, as his eyes landed on the half-naked girls, his heart rate started to rise again.

W-why am I doing something that makes me look like a perverted peeping-tom?

But Lux had no choice.

Before his illicit presence could be found out, Lux couldn’t shift his focus.

Lux trembled at his situation as he recalled what transpired only a few minutes before....

Part 2

“All right, as planned, we will be making the final arrangements for the promotion exams. There will also be mock exams for both the practical and written parts of the assessments. Are you all ready?

“Yes!”

As Raigree-sensei’s stern voice resounded throughout the classroom, the students - including Lux - replied in unison.

That morning, the class was filled with tension and uneasiness—even a bit of anticipation.

The All-Dragon Battle in the capital had ended two weeks ago, and Autumn had arrived.

Lux and his party returned to the City of Cross Field. Shortly after returning to the peace of campus life, a new event had arrived to interrupt their tranquility.

That was the Drag-Knight’s Class promotion exam which took place every Spring and Autumn.

There were a total of 5 levels of “Classes” for a Drag-Knight, based on one’s proficiency at piloting a Drag-Ride.

There was the “Beginner Class”, who were only allowed to observe and take part in training sessions.

Then there was the “Low Class”, who could take part in combating the Abyss when express permission was given.

Above that was the “Middle Class”, which made up the bulk of the main Drag-Knight force, the “High Class”, that typically command the main force, and the special Class at the apex: “EX”.

Of course, one's “Class” did not dictate everything. This was especially true for those girls who saw piloting a Drag-Ride as their lifelong dream. This test was but a gauge of their personal strength.

“As said by the Headmistress a week ago, this year’s exams will be held in Wanheim. We, as the representatives of the New Kingdom must show our strength and not tarnish the name of our nation.”

Moreover, this year’s situation was somewhat different.

Usually, these Class promotion exams were held in the royal capital, but this year about half of the exams were taking place abroad.

The joint test had the dual objective of strengthening the cultural exchange alliance and unifying the standard of Drag-Ride evaluation.

So, the examinations would be in Wanheim, and the Academy students from the New Kingdom would be heading there to take them.

“Your exams begin in 7 days, keep that in mind. Do your best and leave no regrets!”

“Yes!”

The students once again replied in unison, Raigree-sensei quietly nodded her head.

“Your written exam begins in 10 minutes. I expect you all to pay attention!”

As she left, the classroom lightened up again

“Uwaa~ we are having a written test next? …Ah…That’s too boring.”

As the neighboring Tillfur complained loudly, Lux smiled.

As planned, the mock writing exam began.

Because Lux enrolled halfway through the year, even the basic questions were giving him a headache, but due to his studying sessions with Krulcifer in the library, he could just barely keep up with the questions.

As the written exam ended, the practical exam was about to begin.

The first part of the practical exam was a long-distance run.

Then there were tasks that gauged the candidate’s strength, balance, etc. Following that were basic kenjutsu and taijustsu. Lastly was the Drag-Ride proficiency exam, where real blades and rounds were used.

The Drag-Ride exam consisted of summoning and equipping, flight and weapon testing combined with various forms of other tests that would only get harder.

Lux was able to handle all of these with ease. A few minutes later the bell sounded.

“—Well that concludes the mock exam. Lux Arcadia, after this you are to proceed on alone. After changing into your uniform, you are to wait in the classroom. If you feel tired, or experience any pain, then proceed back to the dormitory to rest. If you find yourself bored, then go study in the library. I won’t force you to stay indoors, but you are not allowed to get approach any other building until given permission to do so.

“Uh... Okay, understood.”

Raigree-sensei’s instructions left Lux slightly puzzled. Just as he was ready to leave the training field—

Lux felt a pat on his back.

“Yo, my knight, how was the mock exam?”

He turned around.

The petite girl in the pilot suit bore an innocent smile.

Lizsharte Atismata.

The Princess of the New Kingdom. The girl who appointed Lux as her personal knight.

That ponytail tied with a ribbon on the side of her blonde head, her red eyes filled with strength, her small body exuding an infinite confidence and enthusiasm. Lizsharte Atismata was that girl.

She was the one who recognized the abilities of Lux - an orphan, branded a criminal of the Old Empire - and the one who suggested forcing him to enroll. Now that the two had grown close, Lux was truly grateful to her.

“There was no problem, thanks to your adjustments, Lisha-sama. The machine was able to function really smoothly.”

The “Wyvern” that Lux piloted was maintained by Lisha.

With her specialized defense tuning as its base, Lisha also added a weapon she'd developed herself: the Scale Blade. Even Lux, who had seen a lot of customized Drag-Rides in his lifetime, thought that Lisha’s talent for this was one of a kind.

“Of-of course it was thanks to me! You are going to use that in your exams at Wanheim after all. Also, I’m quite happy myself, since my knight is getting stronger!”

Lisha nodded enthusiastically as she hugged Lux’s arm. From this angle, her petite body only served to emphasize her bountiful chest that was rubbing against his arm. Lux’s heart went doki-doki, at that moment—

“You're thinking highly of yourself.... It’s not like he's getting stronger because of you.”

Wearing the same outfit as Lisha, Krulcifer appeared from the side.

Straight blue hair that reached down to her waist with a body that wasn’t just graceful but also well-proportioned.

This girl’s beauty was almost fairy-like, she gave off a unique aura. She shrugged her hair elegantly as she approached.

“Ah, Krulcifer-san, good work there. Tha-thanks to your guidance, I was able to successfully complete the written exam.”

“Ara, that’s good news, looks like my nightly visits weren’t wasted...”

“Wh-Wha……!?”

Upon hearing Krulcifer’s incredibly vague description, Lisha blushed and started to panic.

“Wha-What is this? Lux! Even though you already have me, you still fool around with this woman?”

“No, no—She is just helping me with my studies!”

Lux tried to clear up the misunderstanding, but Lisha just glared at Krulcifer suspiciously.

“I'm the one who asked Lux to keep this a secret... If word got out that I was giving Lux extra lessons after classes, there would surely be unfortunate misunderstandings....”

“Guh…… Well, it’s still really suspicious…… Anyway, since the written exam is over, let’s just forget about it.”

“Certainly. Well, I believe we have our separate things to do after this, so I’ll take my leave first. It’s a pity that I’m going to work separately from Lux.”

As Krulcifer smiled and left, Lisha nodded to herself.

Huh……So what’s everyone going to do now?

As Lux wondered to himself, Lisha turned around and said to him.

“…Right, that thing you left with me. It’s on the workbench in my workshop 'Atelier'. Can you get it by yourself?”

“Yeah, I got it.”

That thing referred to “Bahamut”. The sword that was kept in a black scabbard, a “Sword Device”.

Since the mock exams only required the “Wyvern”, Lux left it with Lisha, as it’s troublesome to carry around.

So far, their everyday life was peaceful.

After Lisha left, Lux went to the workshop (Atelier) to recover the sword device of Bahamut.

“Even so, last time was quite dangerous…”

Although it was a dire situation, the symbol of the “Black Hero” - who had destroyed the former Empire - the Divine Drag-Ride Bahamut was used once again in the Imperial City.

Fortunately, because of the immense chaos caused by the “Giant Soldier (Gigas)” raging at the All-Dragon Tournament, coupled with Queen Raffi and others' help, the city didn’t realize Lux’s true involvement.

However, that didn't quell the people’s curiosity.

Who was that Drag-Knight that saved the New Kingdom from the crisis? Could it be the “Black Hero” from five years ago?

That rumor was whispered throughout the kingdom. It was a painful headache for Lux.

At the Academy, the identity of the Black Hero was supposed to be a secret to everyone outside of the “Knights Squadron (Syvalles)”. However, if there was a student at the All-Dragon Battle auditorium, and she saw Lux wearing Bahamut, she would likely be able to recognize him, even at a distance.

“It seems I need to be more careful until things calm down──.”

Lux said to himself, picking up Bahamut’s Sword Device.

Now that the outside of the scabbard was wrapped in pieces of white cloth, it looked very plain.

“There shouldn't any problem with this …… right?”

He exited the workshop (Atelier) and confirmed it was all right to proceed. Just then, the dorm mother appeared a ways away and started calling to Lux.

“Hey, errand boy, I have something I want to ask you. Come here for a moment.”

“——Ah, yes. I’m coming.”

Because the sword and scabbard he'd just picked up was a hindrance, he left it on the curb, and went to listen to the dorm mother's request.

The discussion was about the previous chores, mainly about the storeroom of the dormitory. Although this lasted for only a few minutes——

“Ah-huh…?”

When Lux returned to where he'd left the Bahamut sword device, the white cloth-swathed sword and scabbard that should have been resting on the curb wasn't! It had suddenly disappeared!

Lux looked around in utter confusion and saw someone who looked like a first-year girl running away not far from him.

“Wait for me! I just found my Sword Device!”

He saw the girl chasing after another student in a panic.

And her hands were holding the wrapped scabbard——

“——Don’t tell me!”

Lux reflexively looked around the area.

A short distance away, another Sword Device that was also covered in a white sheet rested against the curb.

Lux immediately picked it up to check, but from a glance he knew that this sword was slightly different from his.

The biggest difference was that the outside of the sword scabbard was trimmed with the name “Clariss” engraved in red.

“Not good! That girl mistakenly took my sword——!”

Perhaps she took advantage of the examination break to rest here. The result was that she had forgotten and left behind her Sword Device here. When she noticed, she came to get it in a hurry.

Then, she accidentally mistook Lux’s nearby Sword Device as hers, and picked it up immediately.

“Wait! Wait a bit! That’s mine——!”

This is bad.

Really bad.

Even now at school, the rumor of “The mysterious Black Drag-Knight in the Kingdom's capital” was buzzing. So, the Black Sword Device mustn’t be revealed.

Thinking about it, Lux was losing his calm.

Why, after receiving multiple mock tests together, was Lux singled out to proceed separately?

Though he wasn't able to figure out the reason then and there, he chased after the first-year with all the speed he could muster.

Although she had a lead on him, he was still able to catch up.

However, as soon as he was about to reach out to her, the figure of the girl disappeared inside the indoor practice grounds——a wooden building that was as large as a large inn.

“Uh……!?”

Just as Lux was just about to resume his pursuit, he was stopped by two girls at the door.

“………Um, Lux-senpai isn't allowed in here. Because... we're doing special training inside.”

“Yeah, and as much as I personally want you to see——Ah, as expected, it’s not allowed. I’m truly sorry.”

Both girls were standing with their arms spread out blocking his view. Both were blushing.

Although the two of them looked like they were joking, they didn’t seem willing to let Lux through.

“That... uh, a little girl who went in a moment ago forgot something——“

“Ah, that’s all right. Because we will make sure she gets it later. What did she forget?”

Although the gatekeeper girls said they could help, they seemed to be unable to move for the time-being. By then, it could be too late if the Bahamut Sword Device were unsheathed.

Lux pondered the indoor training ground and then made his decision immediately.

“Oh, I’m sorry. My mistake. Well, I'll be on my way!”

Lux bid the gatekeeper girls farewell in a hurry, turned on his heel and left their sight. Immediately, after pretending to head off, he hid in the shade of a nearby tree. This time, while carefully surveying his surroundings, he snuck in from the side of the front entrance.

Climbing up a tall tree on the side of the building, Lux jumped to the staircase to the second floor from there.

……Success!

The two girls didn’t find him, and he finally reached the door of the indoor training field.

The other end was connected to the second floor and roof, so he entered the building from there.

This door on the second floor was badly constructed and not used normally, but just yesterday Lux had finished repairing it.

“Great, now I can——!”

Having been able to bypass the two gatekeepers and slip in, Lux initially felt victorious——But, he regretted instantly

“……A-re?”

A few seconds after he stepped in, his mind went blank.

Looking from the second floor, Lux saw the training ground bathed with the color of skin.

This vast space was covered with a smooth floor, and the floor also had a layer of red carpet.

Underwear-clad girls were arranged in rows, and discarded uniforms were scattered here and there.

“——Uwaa!?”

Lux instinctively averted his eyes, and he hid in the shadows nearby.

After a few seconds of confusion, Lux finally realized what was happening.

Per-, perhaps they are doing ── body measurements?!

To handle a Drag-ride, accurate information such as height and weight along with simple physical ability were all important.

And, as expected - given he was the only man - they couldn’t let Lux do it together with the girls.

The pieces finally fell into place in Lux's mind. Lux finally understood the reasons and intentions behind “After this you are to proceed on alone...”.

——Argh, Now’s not the time to fixate on this screw up! I have to get out of here quickly!

Lux reflexively left the second floor back to the stairs and between the entrance, and then he heard the footsteps coming closer, he had to hide again in the shadows.

“Strange... I thought I heard something from up here a little while ago……..”

“Yeah? I thought this door was stuck shut, but now it's open?”

“……!?”

*Kacha*, the door was opened, and the two gatekeeper girls appeared.

Fortunately, the second floor was usually deserted, so the tables and chairs were stuffed with non-slip mats and wooden boxes, exercise equipment, and other things that weren’t used were piled here. Lux had many places to hide.

However, there was only one way out, so it was impossible to leave with the two girls blocking the exit.

If he was found at this point, of course, Lux would be caught as a peeping tom.

Why, why am I in this kind of situation…!?

He was starting to lament to god.

If they were only doing physical measurements now, it was unlikely that Lux’s Sword Device would be immediately unsheathed, but the first-year who took the Sword Device “Bahamut” would notice it sooner or later.

Therefore, there was only one choice left for Lux.

There, there’s no other alternative, I have to go for it now!

He must somehow elude all the girls, then retrieve the Sword Device “Bahamut”.

Lux took a deep breath, mentally prepared himself, and walked up the passage on the second floor, which turned into a mid-sized storehouse.

The two gatekeeper girls shouldn't be able to wander around soon given their roles as lookouts....

As long as Lux stayed on the second floor, then discovery was less likely. But just in case, Lux grabbed a tablecloth off to his side and used it to cover his body.

Then he crept out of the shadows, surveying the scene below through a gap between the handrail supports.

Lux tried not to ogle the girls' bodies as much as possible and carefully searched. Finally, he found the first-year and the Sword Device.

Great, I found it—— but how do I get it out?

If he went down to the first floor area where the physical measurements were taken, Lux surely would be found out.

However, it seemed that the area where the measurements were taken didn’t use all of the training field.

If he moved to other rooms, where there were fewer eyes, he could get close without being detected.

Lux adorned the tablecloth. He was about to go into the corridors outside the training ground——

“Kyaaaaa!”

Suddenly, the shrill screams of girls resounded outside the training ground.

“Huh…!?”

He felt his heart leap into his throat. He thought it might stop out of sheer terror.

However, it seemed that they hadn't discovered Lux.

“What?! What's going on!? What happened!?”

“There are reports of a suspicious man outside! Some students saw him secretly slip into the campus!”

“The peeping tom's come back!? Ugh, but we've pushed back the day for physical measurements several times now——“

Then, the training ground became chaotic.

Several female instructors shouted out “Please calm down”, but once spread, the panic couldn’t be helped and instead only increased.

Uneasily, Lux observed the situation downstairs from the shadow, his eyes met with Noct's. She was wearing lingerie that included a garter belt/

“……!?”

Lux had just wanted to confirm where the first-year girl was. But, the result was that he was accidentally found by others, this was bad! Lux’s heartbeat began to accelerate.

“……….”

Noct’s eyes widened, she blushed a bit at his seeing her, but then she immediately averted her eyes.

Apparently, she guessed that there must be a good reason Lux was up there, so she let Lux go without further concern.

“… Wait a minute...!? Someone is on the second-floor stairwell!!”

A scream of a girl who'd climbed up from another place exposed where Lux was hiding.

Damn…!

Now discovered, Lux stood up slightly. Now, he was exposed!

Fortunately he was also covered in the tablecloth, so they couldn't see his face, but it was only a matter of time before they did.

Lux flew out of the shadows and ran through the passage at full speed.

Behind him, he could hear the screams of the girls who'd seen his cloaked figure.

For now, he'd have to find some place to take off the tablecloth where no one could spot him.

“Why, why is this so similar to the first time I came to the Academy……!?”

Lux kicked open the door, jumped from the middle of the stairs and onto the grass, rushed out onto the empty campus, and then ran to the school.

Since everyone else is doing their measurements, there shouldn't be anyone in the classrooms yet——

Lux thought this, but...

“Kya——!? Oh no! Someone's entered the school building! Call for help!”

In the corridor, he could see a girl wearing a green bow tie——a third year girl——hurriedly escaped.

Not good! Bad move!

Instructor Raigree had said, “Do not get close to the library and girls’ dormitory.”

So, that must mean it was here that the girls who'd finished with their measurements returned and changed their clothes.

That meant that around these buildings, there was a high possibility of running into girls already back in their uniforms.

“Stop, you! Call for backup quickly!”

Along with the voice from behind, came the rushing footsteps of the students.

With the cloth still covering his head, his vision was poor, so he couldn’t run fast.

As he came to the stairs, Lux rushed to the second floor of the school building.

Fortunately there was no one in the front, but the footsteps of the pursuers were growing near.

“Ku……!?”

I can’t shake them off! I've got to——take a huge gamble here!

In a desperate moment, Lux took off the tablecloth as a last resort. he pushed open the door of the reception room for guests.

From what he'd seen, there shouldn't be many students who'd finished their measurements.

It was especially unlikely that students were changing clothes in this reception room.

Lux thought so, and quietly slid in in desperation.

“——Uh.”

Unfortunately, he lost that bet.

“………!?”

The room was full of luxurious ornaments. The ground was also covered in red carpet.

In that familiar room, a breathtaking scene unfolded.

Carefully-maintained long hair the color of honey, under which was a pair of deeply transparent jade eyes...

Atop the tall and well-balanced body, her firm and rich chest bulged out. This contrast to her flawless glamour gave a sense of dangerous beauty at first glance, making her more vivid and attractive.

And her awe-inspiring atmosphere, with her appearance, complemented each other.

Such a great noblewoman daughter of her caliber was as if the girl had been specially tailored for the role.

Standing there was the most well-known of the Academy's strongest Drag-Knights, the third year Celistia Ralgris.

She was wearing light blue underwear, with her uniform neatly folded in front of her.

“Wha, wha-wha-wha——what are you doing, Lux!? I am——“

After freezing for a few seconds, Celis screamed with a red face.

“So, sorry! I swear there’s a good reason for this——!”

While Lux was trying to explain himself in a hurry, the sound of running outside the corridor came to a halt.

*Konkon*, after a light knock, a voice immediately followed before any reply could be given.

“Excuse me, did someone come through here!? Looks like a peeping tom entered into the campus, we chased him this far——”

“……”

In response to the voice of the girl who seemed to be a fellow third year, Celis glowered at Lux with a look that was equal parts of both shame and anger.

After Lux bowed his head apologetically, Celis let out a sigh “Haa…”. She called out to the girl waiting outside.

“I didn’t see anyone suspicious around here. I will help out as soon as I’m done changing my clothes.”

“Thank you! Well we'll be going then!”

And, along with the answer, the girl’s footsteps could be heard retreating away from the reception room.

A couple of seconds after that, the greatest crisis had passed.

Celis covered her lacy underwear with her hand, looking seriously at Lux.

“Ano, Celis-senpai, this is——“

“Really … I didn’t think there would be a time where you would do such a thing……”

With her face faintly dyed red, Celis angrily mumbled.

The complaints coming from this girl who so deeply trusted him struck Lux with guilt, but there was no time for him to feel depressed.

“Wait! Please wait! Here's what actually …”

“Lux, peeking in on girls changing clothes is not good, you know?”

Celis scolded him with a tone reserved for speaking to mischievous children.

Her face was full of shyness and anger. It was an unusual scene, it could even be called quite cute.

“Haa..., what a shock. I never thought Lux was capable of this. What happened to you? I have never scolded a young boy, so I am troubled right now, that, especially in this kind of situation, I don’t know what to do. What a headache──”

Celis spoke aloud to herself with both of her arms across her chest.

For some reason, her appearance looked extremely grave. Lux stiffened and forgot to say his excuse.

“——That’s it. This is the solution.”

“Yes!?”

Celis, whose eyes were suddenly shining, looked straight at Lux.

“In our Ralgris Family of the Four Great Nobles, I have heard rumors that there are traditional methods of mental correction for vassals. It seems there is a need to go deep up to an isolated mountain for two weeks, then Lux should also regain his original, beautiful heart.”

“Well, when that's over, it definitely will not be the original me, will it!?”

Celis confidently said, while Lux desperately denied.

Then, Lux pleaded with sincerity.

“That, that’s not what's happening, this is a bit... I have personal, complicated circumstances! I, I will accept punishment for this later, for now ——“

Celis who who heard this stood still as if confused, then she began to think.

“Lux’s circumstances…… By any chance, is it... I heard a rumor from Sharis. There are some troubles that only men have…… Is that it?”

Celis whispered, her face showed a somewhat confused expression.

Then, Celis seemed to decide something. She released her hands exposing her lingerie-clad body.

“……I, I get it. If Lux says as much, I..., I’ll only allow a little bit. But, but this is, a secret between us from the other students, OK?”

“What are you talking about!?”.

Hearing Celis say something so alarming, Lux unexpectedly blurted that out.

He didn’t know what kind of misunderstanding Celis had, but she definitely wasn’t thinking the same thing as he was.

In a hurry, Lux explained about his Sword Device to her, Celis now realized the gravity of the situation.

“This, this is very serious! I’ll help you as soon as I finish changing clothes, so get moving quickly——“

“I’m sorry! Thank you!”

Lux, now somehow forgiven, made haste from the reception room.

He passed through the corridor so as to avoid being seen. His goal was to try to escape the school building for the time being.

But after a slight delay, Lux realized that it was an incredibly bad idea.

“Huh……!?”

Was it because the student with the bow-tie found him earlier, or was he still entranced by the sight of Celis in her underwear? Either way, he couldn’t focus anymore.

Regardless, Lux could see from the staircase that the students who'd finished changing back into their uniforms had gathered in the downstairs of the school building. Escape was now impossible without being seen.

Dammit……! That’s——I can’t get out!

Shaken, Lux soon heard footsteps approaching from the bottom of the stairs.

Given downstairs was certainly dangerous, escape via the roof was now his only option.

When Lux pursued the last shred of hope by opening the door, he suddenly felt someone from behind seize his wrist.

“——Huh?!”

There was a sudden, strong trembling feeling running along his spine. Lux hurriedly looked behind him.

“Ara? I was wondering who made such a sudden visit——so it was you, my lord?”

“……Yoruka!? Why are you here!? ——And, what’s with that outfit?”

Seeing someone so unexpected, Lux couldn’t help leave his mouth hanging open.

A beautiful black-haired girl wearing a bewitching smile.

With a perfect bodily curve, the girl, who had different eye colors - blue on the left and purple on the right pupil - her name was Kirihime Yoruka.

In the past, she was an assassin known as “The Empire’s Assassin Blade” serving the Old Empire. She was an exotic girl with unparalleled ability as a Drag-Knight.

They once opposed each other for a short time because of her loyalty to the Old Empire and her purpose of “rebuilding the empire”. She had since sworn to become Lux’s faithful servant and had been faithfully fulfilling her duty.

At present, in order to secure her position, arrangements were underway to admit Yoruka into the Academy with Headmaster Relie helping the admission procedures, but——

“Yes, a few days ago they also helped me prepare this uniform. How do I look, my lord?”

Yoruka almost always wore a dark, exotic dress. Today was the first time he saw her in a school uniform.

Her bountiful chest wrapped in the blouse and glossy, lustrous thigh lines extending from the skirt. Her beauty was dazzling.

Although it was surprising to see at first glance, her inherent good looks meant that the uniform worked for her regardless.

“Uh, yeah, it definitely suits you… Wait, now's not the time for that——“

Lux said shyly, but then he immediately recovered himself.

The girls who were scouring the school building for the invader seemed to be heading to the roof soon.

In a hurry, Lux told Yoruka about the Sword Device “Bahamut” being taken by mistake. He also told her about the peeping tom coming to the campus which caused all the commotion.

“I see, so it would be good to retrieve the Sword Device from that first year girl——but for my lord to be found here at school, it would be bad… Is that so?”

Yoruka let out a smile, then she approached Lux.

They could hear the girls downstairs calling out to each other as their search party drew nearer.

“Wait, so, he's not here either? I wonder where he went?”

“There’s still the rooftop——could he be up there?”

Hearing things like that, this was a desperate situation.

“What should I do, Yoruka? If this goes on——”

Lux had no choice but to ask for help, and Yoruka revealed a bright smile.

“This is simple, my lord. I have a plan.”

She gently brought her lips to Lux’s ear and whispered.

“Wait! Anything, but that——!”

“If we don’t do it fast, they’ll come here, right?”

Yoruka grinned a most mischievous smile. Then she slid her hands into Lux’s clothes.

Then, her "plan" was put into action——3 minutes later.

*Don*, the roof door flung open violently, and the girls who were chasing after the trespasser looked around. They noticed someone’s shadow sticking out from behind the wall and called out.

“Hey, did someone else come up here!? Someone like a peeping——”

“No one else has been up here for a while. I’m a bit busy now, so can we talk about this later?”

Faced with the urgent tone of the female students, Yoruka answered flippantly.

Of course, the pursuers didn’t give up so easily.

“Maybe he hid somewhere up here. Let’s go have a little look——……？”

The sound of them gasping, even Lux could hear it.

The pursuing girls saw two girls lying on the rooftop entangled in one another.

One of them was a girl with beautiful black hair that fell over her——Kirihime Yoruka

And the other one, whom she straddled, was a girl wearing a blouse and a skirt.

Hidden by Yoruka’s hand - which was holding her Sword Device - the girl’s face couldn’t be seen, but it was obvious that she was a student at this school.

“You, you two…are——！？”

Seeing this, the formerly gung-ho were speechless.

Only the girl underneath was wearing a uniform while Yoruka was riding on her waist, wearing only her top and bottom lingerie.

That——couldn’t be interpreted as anything else but a special, private tryst between girls.

Looking at the girls who stiffened up with their red faces, Yoruka gently smiled.

“As you can see, we haven’t seen any peeping tom. But it would be you if you were to continue watching us like this——”

As she finished, with her gorgeous little lips, she gently overlapped them on the lips of the girl lying underneath her.

Lips and tongues intertwined in a long tangling movement.

“——！？”

The girl underneath let out a muffled voice.

After about ten seconds, their kiss was over. Yoruka loosened her lips, and a transparent silver string was trailing from her tongue..

Immediately after seeing that, Yoruka gazed again and the girls retreated.

“Well, then please enjoy yourself!”

“Sor-, sorry for disturbing you!”

The door of the rooftop was closed violently, and there were sounds of footsteps running away.

After a while, screams telling that they had lost sight of the peeping tom in the school resounded.

“Well, looks like it’s fine now.”

As Yoruka heard that, she crawled off Lux’s body, Lux murmured in a dying state.

“I thought everything was lost ……”

Or, it was better to say he’d die if this were ever exposed.

And not to only Lux’s mental state: as the only male student in the academy, he’d certainly fall.

“My Lord is exaggerating. Just let bygones be bygones.”

“Although it seems I’ve lost something important. Still, thank you…”

Lux thanked her, turned and began to take off the uniform.

Yoruka proposed a plan to fool the girls——That was for Lux to wear Yoruka’s new uniform, it could be described as a taboo approach.

“Just, it's just that——there wasn't any need for the kissing part, right…?”

When Lux turned his face red and raised his voice in embarrassment, Yoruka showed a little bewitching smile.

“It was not unnecessary. And my lord's response to women... after this event, I think can start to understand.”

“……”

After all, her actual age is supposedly one year younger than him. Lux felt speechless.

“Then I am going to get back my lord's Sword Device. Please wait up here for a while, and then look for opportunities to return from the roof to the school building.”

“Ah, yeah. I’ve troubled you.”

Saying it in a monotone, Lux reluctantly nodded.

When Yoruka, once again in her uniform, went downstairs, Lux felt his tension ease and sighed.

Retrieving the Sword Device... it would be better to leave that to Celis and Yoruka.

“Ha, somehow, I’m exhausted……”

While looking at the clear sky, Lux sat down, utterly drained.

Part 3

A few minutes later. Lux’s Sword Device returned to him without further commotion.

It seemed that the Triads and Airi had been recruited by Celis for this. The four came looking for Lux on the rooftop and handed the sword to him.

“Thank you——And sorry for the trouble.”

After giving thanks to the girls, Lux was able to get out of the school building

“Phew, I’m saved…”

As he left the school building and wore the Sword Device he just got back, Lux sat on the curb in the courtyard and finally stroked his aching chest.

Already most students had finished having their measurements taken, changed their clothes, and had come back to their rooms. Lux decided to take a rest for a while

“Although I can feel at ease now about my Sword Device … what was all that noise about a little while ago?”

It was due to a misunderstanding that Lux entered the indoor practice ground. However, there was an incident at about the same time that involved a peeping tom from outside the Academy entering the school building. That caused a serious commotion.

“A peeping tom? So who could it——”

Tilting his neck, Lux murmured to himself..

Lux was in a daze. It was autumn and falling leaves danced in the wind that blew through the courtyard.

“——You look free, little brat over there.”

“……！？”

Because of the unexpected voice from behind him, Lux bounced straight up.

A heavy and deep voice of a man, rarely heard in school.

Although in a musical range that could be affirmed as a mature man, it wasn’t loud and rough. Rather, it had a unique intonation giving those who heard it a strong impression.

When he turned around, there was a man who he had never seen before.

His appearance was similar to Lux’s petite body.

His face looked pretty young. At first glance he looked like a boy, but with a somewhat old-fashioned expression and dangerous atmosphere around him. One would hesitate calling him a boy.

He was wearing a slightly dark blue mantle, below that was a black suit, protected by a thin metal armor.

Black hair under the hood and a strangely-shaped patch over his left eye that was decorated with metal pieces.

But, stranger than his appearance, was his other eye.

Dark. Bottomless dark. A black pupil, such as the abyss where light could not be seen.

Still, it was strange that his expressions and tone were not somewhat depressing.

A shiny, hard polished black.

He was a man with an atmosphere of obsidian incarnate.

“You are——?”

Lux was stunned by the man's atmosphere. The stranger gently lifted his chin.

“I’m a visitor. I’m looking for the Headmistress for some business. Come show me the way, quickly.”

“……”

Lux was speechless again when he heard the man’s order.

Why a man, who looked like a boy, was being so bossy....

“E-, etou——Please wait. In the first place, who are you?”

“You’re a man that really likes to ask about trivial things. Who am I, how should I say it, I wonder?”

His eyes opened wide, the man distorted his mouth into a bow shape, and laughed strangely.

“That won’t do. Because you are within the grounds of the Royal Military Academy. I cannot guide you anywhere unless you tell me who you are. Moreover——I’m kind of busy right now.”

“That’s too bad, but I don’t mind. After you lead me there, I will handle it myself.”

“That's not what I mean, I said….”

Even Lux didn’t know how to answer.

Although he'd experienced client services many times while doing tasks, he had never met such a domineering guest.

“I don’t know much about the details, but it seems a peeping tom got on to the grounds from outside——”

“Is that so? It was really troublesome, but it was also strange? I was stopped by the guard at the gate earlier, I got in without permission while shaking them off——I did not see any suspicious people in particular.”

“Eh…?”

As the man calmly uttered these words, Lux had a bad feeling.

Stopped by guards and entered without permission?

Then, don’t tell me——

“Oh? Ah, you don’t have to say anymore. I get it.”

And, while the man opened his unusual eye with no light, he raised his mouth into a smile, and pounded his hand.

Then he looked straight at Lux and said confidently.

“The culprit is you, with a face like a woman, you transformationist.”

“You’re wrong! It’s you! The peeping intruder who entered here without permission!”

“Oh, I see. This country will treat it like that. It is a cruel custom.”

“Any country will do the same! Please leave the campus quickly!”

“Yare yare. How awful, there was also unreasonable treatment. Even though I was called directly by the Queen of this country, I was told to get out.”

“……!? What, what did you say just now——？”

The moment when Lux showed a dubious face, the man took out a document from his chest pocket and showed it to him.

“A letter from the Queen. Let me say it again. I request you to show me before the school headmaster. New Kingdom chore boy.”

The man said with a sneer.

It seemed that he knew Lux’s position and added it to his demand as a little provocation. Lux decided to ignore it.

“……I understand.”

Lux had also seen the Queen’s letter and signature.

Although he did not know who the man was, what he said was true.

Lux decided to guide the man to the Headmistress's room.

Fortunately (or unfortunately), the body measurements session seemed to end safely. And there was no sign of any girls around.

However, unlike earlier, Lux tightened his face and entered the school building.

He was well aware that the unknown man was not a good character.

“It’s a nice academy. Morale is also high, and the level of practice is also so-so. It is also interesting to have a policy of educating women who are well-trained in Drag-ride. However, such a thing is unnecessary for my subordinates. Are you not dissatisfied by it?”

After looking around to appraise, the man spoke unexpectedly and gave this assessment.

“What do you mean?”

When Lux returned with a guarded voice, he heard footsteps from behind.

Coming along in a hurry, a middle-aged man wearing a robe and two young men appeared.

If Lux remembered correctly, they were consuls of the New Kingdom and the school secretary.

“This, this is, thank you for coming from such a long trip, Sir Singlen. It seems that you came a little bit earlier than the original scheduled time——”

“I’m a busy man, unlike you. I do not like being kept waiting, so I let myself in. Is the school's Headmistress aware of this meeting?”

“Yes, word was sent to inform her earlier.”

Even with the man’s rude attitude, the other two men continued to abide by proper etiquette. Lux wore a puzzled expression.

“I gave you a hard time, chore boy. As a reward, let me give you the honor of knowing my name.”

The man gave a fearless smile, and he spoke his words in a tone that looked down on his audience from on high.

“Singlen Shelbrit. Vice Captain of States Alliance’s Drag-Ride Force, the “Seven Dragon Paladin”, affiliated to the Blackend Kingdom, Head of the White Ridge Knights Regiment. Those are——some trivial titles of this great me.”

“”Seven Dragon Paladin”, Vice Captain….!?”

Reflectively, Lux repeated like a parrot.

“The troublesome guys call me “Blue Tyrant”. Call me whatever you like, chore boy.”

The threat of Phantom God Beasts (the Abyss) grew year by year.

To counteract the seven Ruins activating, each country selected one Drag-Knight as their representative, a total of seven Drag-Knights.

It was an elite unit gathering representatives from various countries that would investigate the Ruins with their own authority and acted as a fighting force against those threats in case of an emergency.

Not all of them had been decided yet, but among them the captain and the vice captain were judged based on their past records, and it seemed to be decided by concensus.

In other words, it meant that Singlen must hold a tremendously outstanding track record on a worldwide scale.

At the last All-Dragon Battle outside of school——The man did not show up because of the restrictions on the official candidate, but there were still stronger people in the world.

——But, why is such a person showing up in the Royal Military Academy of the New Kingdom?

No way, was a threat like the Demonic Beast of The End (Ragnarok) approaching?

“Oh, didn’t they tell you? The Northern part of the country was also surprisingly scattered.”

As if hearing Lux’s thought, Singlen's mouth bent into a curve.

His obvious, imprudent way of speaking stunned the consul and the secretary behind him.

“Don’t worry, my business here is just an interview. The “Seven Dragon Paladin” of this country has not been decided yet. Before the larger meeting that takes place in the near future, I hope that each country decides on at least one good candidate.”

“…”

“That’s it. Can you do me one thing, chore boy? I want you to keep a watch on this spot. I feel somewhat better than having it watched by those two with the thin faces.”

In the corridor facing the long courtyard, Singlen said as much to Lux.

This went beyond merely rude - it could be said that he was foul-mouthed, but Lux wasn’t in the mood to refuse.

“……Your request doesn’t guarantee that I will be allowed to do so.”

“It’s done. It’s me who decided it.——Okay, I’ll leave you to it.”

After that, the man named Singlen went into the Headmistress’s room.

That man, what on earth was he thinking…?

After that, once Relie-sensei arrivwed, Lux asked her if he could watch over the room. "Really? You'd like to? Then please do so." She readily granted him permission.

As he was standing watch in front of the door for a while, the first person to approach was Lisha.

“A-re? Well, if isn't you, Lux. What are you doing here?”

Staring at Lux who was standing watch for some unknown reason, Lisha's eyes widened in surprise.

Perhaps the people who would receive this interview had been decided in advance.

Lux thought to himself upon seeing Lisha.

“There was something happening... and then it became such a strange situation, and here I am.”

“What? I thought I’d get to have you at my side as my knight. That’s a shame.”

Then with a proud face, she crossed her arms, which also looked cute. Lux’s expression also relaxed.

“But——Please be careful. This Vice Captain of the “Seven Dragon Paladin”, is quite an odd man.”

“Don’t worry. There are many strange people in this school and I am accustomed to dealing with them. Besides——In a way, I’m also the princess of this country.”

She said so confidently, then left with a “Then, please stand watching”, she walked inside the room.

Clack, a few moments after the door was closed.

Since he couldn’t freely eavesdrop, Lux waited at a distance——

“Haa! Quit joking! Just who do you think you are, referring to people like that!?”

Suddenly Lisha roared, and it could easily be heard outside the room.

“We're done talking. I’m going home! I don’t have time to waste on your nonsense!”

Then it seemed that the discussion concluded quickly. Lisha exited the room.

From the earlier outrageous attitude of that Singlen, one might expect this happening to a certain degree, but this result was still a little surprising to Lux.

Lisha’s character was simple and straightforward on the surface. However, she was strategic and often saw through to the true nature of problems.

It was hard to imagine that negotiations would break down this quickly.

Whatever Singlen was trying to do, Lux started to feel a little concerned about it.

“What a rude man! Has the Blackend Kingdom's quality degraded to such an extent!?”

“Ano, Lisha-sama. I understand your feelings, but we are still in the corridor——”

Seeing the steam rising out from Lisha’s head, Lux persuaded her with a wry smile.

Lisha complained for a while and then left. Soon after, Lux heard another pair of footsteps approaching.

“What a surprise! I didn’t think we would meet here, Lux”

The girl arrived wearing a dignified atmosphere, third-year student Celis.

“I was called here, to receive an interview as a candidate for the “Seven Dragons Paladin” of the New Kingdom——Don’t tell me, you did too?”

“No, I just have some other reason: I’m supposed to be a guard here.”

“Is that so? Well, I can’t be panicked in front of my kohai. My opponent is the “Blue Tyrant”, and I have to keep my composure.”

Her tone was as serious as usual.

But compared to his thinking that was “Really Celis-like”, Lux was more concerned about another word.

“………About Singlen, do you know something?”

“To some extent——if you do not mind, may I speak what I know?”

Lux nodded reflexively.

Because time was running short, Celis made it brief, but Lux learned more about Singlen.

A man from the Blackend Kingdom, he emerged immediately as a striking figure after the Drag-Ride was originally excavated. With his overwhelming ability, he quickly climbed to the rank of general.

However, following a period of large-scale civil strife, he was punished by his king for his merciless fighting style. It was said that he was robbed of the title of knight.

“I don’t know the truth, but the King seems to be feared his abilities and kept him away from the royal family. That's one theory at least. Later, Sir Singlen left the Imperial City.”

Lux felt that the theory was highly believable.

An era in which various things suddenly changed due to existence of Drag-ride, which was still about several years after the ruins were found.

This mighty Drag-Knight that suddenly appeared, too strong for most others to face. It was no wonder that Kings would fear his power and his wrath.

“However, as we all know, a large-scale natural disaster occurred in various places, including the Blackend Kingdom recently. The existence of a new type of humanoid Phantom God Beast (Abyss) called a Nocturnal…..”

After the end of the All-Dragon Tournament, Lux also learned from Raigree-sensei about the matter.

“The Blackend Kingdom lost its main force due to the battle, I heard that Sir Singlen was called to the King’s Castle again. Just before the former king was killed in battle and replaced.”

“…”

“That’s all I know. Then, I’ll go first.”

As Celis finished speaking, she quickly went into the Headmistress’s room.

Unlike Lisha, if it was Celis who wasn't one to act so candidly, she would be able to avoid matching Singlen's pace. Lux thought.

“Yes. Is... that so….? No, I am honored to be praised. But——huh?”

Although Lux had no attention of eavesdropping, he could hear a relatively calm voice.

It seemed as though the meeting was over in a matter of minutes. Celis exited the Headmistress’s room.

Her face was a bit confused.

“What happened?”

“No, nothing special… I got praised for my quality as a Drag-Knight, but the details about the subject, he seems to be avoiding it.”

“Avoiding the main issue?”

“And, of course, what we discussed should not be revealed to others, so please do not ask me——”

“Ah, I’m sorry.”

With Celis's words, Lux also realized the danger of his question.

Soon after, Singlen patted Lux on the shoulder.

“It’s over, chore boy. Come and see me outside. That’s my last request.”

“……Understood.”

Lux nodded and walked by Singlen’s side.

Girls were appearing again in some placed and looking at Lux from afar.

Did they know of Singlen coming to the Academy?

“——You're not going to ask me what I said to those two in the interview?”

“If you wouldn't mind, please tell me.”

“That won’t do. Can’t tell you.”

“……Is that so.”

Lux's statement was mixed with a sigh. Singlen quivered his shoulders and laughed.

“Kukukuku, don’t make such a face. Do you think it’s that hard to understand? A man purposely received a royal command from the Blackend Kingdom to come all the way here. Why did he take a stuffy attitude towards those two girls?”

“………”

The eye reflecting the bottomless darkness peered into Lux’s face.

His eye was not laughing.

Only his mouth was slightly bowed and distorted.

“Can you see through my intentions? Chore-laden criminal?”

“……from the beginning you had no intentions of really interviewing them. Is that right?”

Lux answered immediately.

Thinking carefully, the whole visit was very unnatural from the beginning.

He came to the Academy half a day earlier than planned, and also entered the campus without permission despite being stopped by the guard.

At first glance, he seemed to be just rude and arrogant. Yet, this is man who climbed up to the position of the Royal Knights' leader. There was no way he didn’t understand how to behave properly.

His actions ran contrary to the fact that the candidate must be determined as soon as possible. Did he truly not intend to achieve his goal from the start?

“Is that all you've gleaned? Well, that's only half of it. How disappointing. The worth of your head was only a little more precious than the majority of this country's council.”

“What does that mean?”

“Your understanding is really lacking. Has your intuition been slowed just by taking care of the ladies?”

Singlen turned a wicked smile toward Lux.

“I’m willing to put the story together. We’ll talk here. Haven’t I given you some hints? Didn’t I let you stand there deliberately and let you hear our discussion?”

“——could it be?”

At that moment, Lux finally became aware of Singlen’s true intentions.

“You, chore boy. The “Weakest Undefeated”, former Acardia Empire Seventh Princes Lux Arcadia. I came to scout you out. As one of the “Seven Dragon Paladin”.”

“……!?”

Surprised and shocked, both feelings penetrated Lux’s body at the same time. He was petrified.

“You're surprised? You thought that you weren't supposed to be chosen? If so, you’re stupid. Compared to 5 years ago, have these peaceful days turned you into a fool? Like this kingdom?”

“Are you seriously telling me this? To me——”

“This is a boring conversation. Please stop acting dumb in front of me. I need to pull the strongest man in this country as the Vice Captain of the “Seven Dragon Paladin”. Not just strong on the surface, but the truly strong.”

“…….”

How much does this guy truly know about me?

Even if he saw through Lux’s identity as “Bahamut's” user, Lux couldn’t admit that he was the “Black Hero”.

“Although I may have been recommended by the consular officers of the Kingdom to be their candidate for the “Seven Dragon Paladin”, I do not think that I am suitable, and I don’t intend to try.”

Despite being on high alert, Lux’s voice was unwavering, Singlen continued.

“Don’t speak such childish words. You used to be more adult-like. No──Or was it that you just wore more of a mature look? In any case, you showed such performance at that age.... You are not an ordinary man and you have the qualifications for being the representative.”

There was a decisiveness in his tone.

This tone was like he knew that Lux had destroyed the Old Empire in the past, Lux became even more guarded.

“Do you know——about me and the Old Empire?”

“It’s not like I don’t know. The upper region of the Old Empire had been associated with the Blackend Kingdom. Oh, I was getting along with your older brother from that time. Was his name Fugil Acardia?”

“……!”

Upon hearing these words, Lux gasped.

Although he wanted to conceal his own shaking, that man might have already seen through him.

“It seems he’s gone missing since the coup d’état five years ago, but I don’t think the guy will die that easily. Do you know something?”

“No…..I know nothing.”

“Well, that’s a pity … No, actually, the other day, I heard a story that my subordinate saw a man who looked like Fugil.”

“——Is that true?”

“You really want to know? Just tell me. What, if you became one of the “Seven Dragon Paladin”, the opportunity to continue our discussion came again soon?”

“…then, may I ask one last question?”

“It’s fine. But make it quick, time is precious. Even gold can’t buy my time.”

Conceited, bold, and fearless.

Singlen nodded, with an arrogant attitude befitting the title “Blue Tyrant”.

“What is your real purpose? Promoting me to join the “Seven Dragon Paladin”. It isn’t simply to bring stability to the world, is it?”

“……Phew, what a troublesome kid. I suspected as much.”

The school ground was surrounded by tall walls.

They had arrived near the gate.

“My mission and purpose are to protect this world, as a Drag-Knight, as the commander of Drag-Knights, what else is there?”

“Well, I will talk about my purpose. I’ll tell you as a Chore Prince: I will protect this Academy. I will become the power of everyone who goes here. It is now my wish.”

He didn’t really know Singlen’s true intention.

As a “Seven Dragon Paladin”, why did he seek Lux’s power so much?

Regardless of what the other side’s intention, Lux had decided his own answer.

He once concealed his identity and destroyed the Old Empire. That was also Lux’s wish.

He tried to make a country without unreasonable tyranny and unjustifiable discrimination.

And now, his wish was to protect this New Kingdom from the threat from other countries and Phantom God Beasts (Abyss). And to support the girls around him with his own strength.

For that reason, he became the exclusive knight of Princess Lisha.

“Ha ha ha. How awful, negotiations broke down. It’s a shame, my time has been wasted. I wanted you to be a “Seven Dragon Paladin” even now.”

Singlen tilted his head slightly. Only his mouth revealed that strange smile, staring at Lux’s face.

Lux also returned a resolute glare at his opponent. Just outside, seven people wearing white helmets and cloaks covering their faces immediately came to a halt before the two.

“My lord. We have come to pick you up. It’s about time to leave the Kingdom.”

“……I understand. Farewell, orphan of the Old Empire—— “The Weakest Undefeated”. You have to work hard to fulfill your wishes.”

Saying that with a loud tone, Singlen walked out of the campus, and looked back.

“But remember, never will your wish come true. Because I’ve never failed to achieve my own purpose, and what you really want is merely boring self-sacrifice.──Well then, let’s meet again, Hero.”

“…….”

Even after hearing that final slight, Lux didn’t blink an eye.

“The Blue Tyrant” and his followers gradually disappeared from view.

The tense encounter was over.

But, why?

Even though they didn’t resemble each other at all, an air somewhat like his older brother Fugil... Lux could sense it from Singlen.

Part 4

Back on the school grounds after the prior storm from Blackend had left. Lux and Lisha were gathered in the Princess's Drag-Ride workshop (Atelier).

“So, you're saying that “Over Limit” can't be used anymore?”

Lisha, clad in a white gown, asked Lux about this powerful ability that was now no longer accessible to him.

“Yes, that seems to be the case.”

Leaning against her workbench, Lux answered Lisha as she gazed at him. He released the “Bahamut” Drag-Ride armor to demonstrate.

Normally, Drag-Rides have an output restriction put in place to limit the burden they place on the pilot's body and mind. Earlier, these two had unlocked a special system which fully released that output restriction - Limit Break (Over Limit).

For a while, they thought that Lux’s body couldn't bear the strain of repeatedly using this dangerous technique. So, he was forbidden from using it since the training camp. But as his physical condition improved, he wished to be prepared for future battles. So, he tried to recreate the steps to activating Over Limit, but he was unsuccessful each time.

“That's strange. Don’t you remember the method? The way of perfect Limit Break (Over Limit), even I don’t know it clearly——“

“I really don't know. I can't tell you why I was able do it just that once and not since——”

I remember seeing the method to activate Limit Break (Over Limit) that La Cruche had used as the Ruin’s Supervisor (Gear Leader). I wonder if that was what triggered it in my memories?

…Memory? No, that was the first time I ever used Limit Break (Over Limit). Or——

Am I forgetting something? Lux's mind began to ponder over this sudden question.

“It may be because Phi-chan was there. Maybe I forgot something——”

“…!? That, that airheaded girl has nothing to do with this! That… this is still a major problem, Lux. I’ll think about it myself then. Hmph.”

After hearing Lux murmuring to himself, Lisha anxiously shouted that she'd work on fixing things on her own.

The oblivious Lux tilted his head in curiosity, and time passed by.