Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 10 Capítulo 5

Capítulo 5 – Primeira Ruína – Babel

Parte 1

“Então Rudy... não, Lux-san já vai partir deste país?”

Na manhã do dia seguinte.

Lux, que de alguma forma conseguiu se levantar, pegou emprestado o ombro de Philuffy e veio para a casa da garota cega, Stefa Hersmice.

Salvo pela consideração de Philuffy, a necessidade de fingir estar em lua de mel também se foi, então Lux parou de tingir o cabelo desde a batalha contra Rosa.

Da mesma forma que antes, eles entraram em uma casa de chá deserta sem nenhum sinal de clientes e conversaram sobre os detalhes do evento desta vez.

Lux disse a Stefa que ele era um membro dos Sete Paladinos Dragão que veio a Heiburg para uma investigação, e ele também contou a ela tudo sobre o que aconteceu no Mercado Subterrâneo e o confronto contra Rosa.

Originalmente, Lux também convidou Calensia para ir junto com ele e Philuffy para que ela pudesse se encontrar com Stefa, mas Calensia sorriu desculpando-se e recusou.

「Não fui capaz de fazer nada, mesmo sabendo do crime da Rosa. Minha família foi feita refém e o melhor que pude fazer foi me proteger. —Não havia escolha a não ser matar Rosa. Alguém como eu não tem qualificação para encontrar Stefa. 」

Calensia disse a Lux que entre os reféns estava ninguém menos que a própria Stefa. Ela pediu a Lux que contasse a Stefa uma mensagem para ela.

E então ela disse que prepararia uma contramedida contra os principais subordinados de Rosa, os Servos, que estavam atualmente no Novo Reino, colocaria Rosa em isolamento e também reuniria provas de seus erros até agora.

Ou melhor, Calensia também voaria para o Novo Reino ao mesmo tempo que o retorno de Lux para lá, então, naquele momento, ela levaria com ela os registros sobre as transações com a Dragon Marauder para ele também.

A própria Rosa ficou terrivelmente ferida. Foi julgado que ela não seria capaz de usar um Drag-Ride por três meses.

Embora não se pudesse dizer que estava totalmente resolvido, com isso, o caso desta vez foi encerrado e encaminhado para a sua conclusão.

A propósito, Tillfur e Noct voltaram para o Novo Reino à frente. Eles fariam um relatório sobre o assunto para Lisha, Relie e o Senhor Dist.

「Ah, falando nisso, se houver algo que você queira, eu direi para a diretora, você sabe? Lukkuchi também não pode ser subestimado heein. 」

Tillfur disse isso quando ela estava prestes a partir. Muito provavelmente era sobre a recompensa que Magialca mencionou antes de partir para Heiburg.

Também pode ser a instrução de Relie para elas escolherem um presente para o aniversário de sua irmã no lugar dele, que trabalhou até a morte por esta missão.

Ele também estava ciente da questão de um presente para o aniversário de Philuffy no canto de sua mente, mas no final ele não encontrou nada parecido na festa em Heiburg e no Mercado Subterrâneo.

E então, Lux consultou Tillfur, que vinha de uma família de artesãos famosos e contou a ela sobre a imagem do que ele queria.

「Hmmph. É um presente para dar a alguém? Eu também quero muito um presente~ 」

Ela o provocou com um sorriso largo como aquele, mas parecia que ela enviaria sua carta obedientemente.

Poucos dias depois de mandar as duas.

A hora de Lux também voltar para o Novo Reino finalmente havia chegado.

“Ainda não consigo acreditar no assunto sobre Rosa. É por isso que, assim que obtiver a permissão, quero ir encontrá-la.”

“Lamento não poder ser útil para você. Mesmo que eu também deva perguntar várias coisas a Rosa-san.”

Lux, que desmaiou por causa da reação do <Over Limit>, não foi capaz de se encontrar com Rosa desde então.

Ele só ouviu de Calensia que ela estava confinada em uma prisão subterrânea.

“Não, estou pensando em encontrá-la com minhas próprias pernas. Certamente, Rosa me afastou naquela noite, mesmo assim, ainda restava um vestígio de seu eu passado.”

Essa foi a razão pela qual Rosa não matou Stefa e a manteve afastada.

“Vou pedir a Calensia para me permitir encontrar Rosa mais uma vez. Eu quero ser corajosa e tentar falar com ela. Realmente muito obrigada.”

A garota cega que usava uma bengala sorriu levemente e curvou a cabeça para Lux.

Lux também foi ajudado por suas informações e orientações.

Ele agradeceu por isso e se separou dela.

Quando ele saiu primeiro, uma pessoa inesperada estava esperando por ele na frente do bar.

“Obrigado pelo seu trabalho árduo Lux-kun. Eu também vou voltar primeiro para o Principado de Vanheim depois disso. Certamente, até mesmo Greifer está preocupado agora.”

“Obrigado. Fomos salvos quando Coral veio aqui.”

“Não. Mais importante, estou feliz. Que você não matou Rosa naquele momento. Graças a isso, posso ter um pouco de confiança com meu próprio pensamento.”

“Eh......?”

“N-Não. É sobre minha própria situação. Em vez disso, agora—”

Coral de repente aproximou seus lábios do ouvido de Lux e sussurrou calmamente.

“Tenha cuidado, Lux-kun. Eu investiguei à minha própria maneira sobre a cadeia de eventos desta vez, mas havia algo estranho.”

“Algo estranho......?”

Lux perguntou de volta para Coral com uma expressão duvidosa.

“Sim. Desta vez, eu investiguei o Rei dos Vícios separadamente por causa da missão especial do Principado de Vanheim. E então usando a abertura quando Rosa-san foi derrotada, eu tentei procurar dentro da sala de comando militar, mas— havia vestígios em documentos de que tudo era feito de Rosa.”

“......E, o que tem isso?”

Lux inclinou a cabeça, incapaz de entender o que Coral queria dizer.

Rosa fez um acordo com a Dragon Marauder por meio do Mercado Subterrâneo e as ações dos militares estavam exatamente como ele esperava.

Obter a prova disso não era motivo de alegria sem reservas?

“E, no entanto, quando olhei em lugares cruciais como o escritório dela ou a sala do comandante, não consegui encontrar a chave do cofre onde as coisas para a transação foram recolhidas. Eu também não encontrei o lugar dos tesouros e o Elixir das Ruínas que ela deveria ter adquirido na transação. Não consegui nem encontrar nada que fosse como um código.”

“Isto é, em outras palavras...?”

Lux não entendeu o significado do que Coral queria dizer.

“Não posso dizer nada de concreto. Mas, algo está estranho. Mesmo que ainda haja provas, os tesouros cruciais da Ruína ainda não foram descobertos. Eu só consegui encontrar duas peças raras de Drag-Ride e uma única flauta de chifre. O número não corresponde ao todo.”

“............”

Depois de ouvir a história de Coral, certamente algo parecia estranho.

Os tesouros já foram entregues aos Servos?

Não, mesmo isso parecia fora do lugar de alguma forma.

Mas Lux não conseguiu expressar em palavras e eles se separaram assim.

“Adeus, Lux-kun. Vamos nos encontrar de novo, não morra, ok?”

“Tome cuidado, Coral.”

Coral apenas disse isso e se virou, então ele voou com seu <EX Wyvern> e subiu alto no céu.

Lux acenou com a mão e despediu-se das costas do amigo, então ele mergulhou em pensamentos profundos.

Mesmo que a prova da transação permanecesse, o caminho para os tesouros ainda era desconhecido.

A própria Rosa escondeu os tesouros em algum lugar na chance de ser derrotada?

De qualquer maneira, ele não podia fazer nada além de esperar pelo relatório de Calensia.

“Vamos também, Phi-chan. Se não voltarmos, algo sério pode acontecer no Novo Reino—”

“Sim”

Philuffy assentiu brevemente e se dirigiu para um beco deserto.

Lá, Shalice, da Tríade, estava esperando com antecedência, como prometido.

“Até a Princesa Lisha e as outras estão esperando ansiosamente pelo seu retorno. Agora, vocês dois, por favor, coloquem seus Dress Gear.”

Shalice estava aqui sozinha para transportar Lux e Philuffy usando seu <Wyvern>, a fim de evitar o procedimento incômodo de cruzar as fronteiras.

Lux era incapaz de usar seu <Wyvern> por causa de sua exaustão, e Philuffy usando seu <Typhon> para correr no chão seria muito visível.

Tillfur e Noct já haviam deixado Heiburg. Eles iriam alcançá-las em pouco tempo.

“Shalice-san, você não precisa se forçar. É muito longe daqui até o porto da cidade Triport.”

Desta vez, a Tríade que veio ajudá-los, também foi muito prestativa.

Lux disse isso com a intenção de ter consideração por Shalice, mas o rosto de Shalice estava sem compostura.

“Não, infelizmente não há espaço aqui para presumir sua bondade. Não contamos a Lux-kun para que você não ficasse preocupado enquanto descansava, mas a situação atual em Triport já está ficando perigosa.”

“......Isso é, não me diga—”

Shalice assentiu brevemente e dirigiu um olhar sério para ele.

“Sim, as tropas estacionadas da República Heiburg chegaram ao décimo primeiro andar outro dia. Se não tivermos sorte, o Ragnarok pode ser libertado dentro de alguns dias.”

“............”

Lux prendeu a respiração. Até Philuffy abriu os olhos um pouco mais.

Se o décimo terceiro andar era considerado o andar mais alto, então havia apenas um andar que separava os militares de Heiburg dele.

Se o plano militar de Heiburg estava progredindo exatamente como Rosa mencionou, então havia uma grande chance de que eles direcionassem o Ragnarok para Triport deliberadamente.

“Por favor, Shalice-san. Leve-nos o mais rápido—”

“Eu pretendo fazer isso, deixe comigo.”

A líder da Tríade acenou com a cabeça em resposta à voz nervosa de Lux.

Logo depois disso, o <Wyvern> carregando os dois voou alto para o céu e disparou a toda velocidade.

Parte 2

Vários gritos e sons de destruição ressoavam intermitentemente acima.

“Haa, haa...... haa......–!”

Uma prisão subterrânea cercada por paredes de pedra.

Uma garota estava pendurada com uma corrente dentro.

Ela mal estava vestida com trapos surrados. Sua expressão estava completamente abatida.

“Por que, por que...... Por quê—”

Ela manteve o olhar vazio voltado para um canto da prisão e continuou a murmurar com uma voz rouca que parecia delirante.

Quando Rosa foi derrotada por Lux, uma perna e um braço dela foram quebrados. Ela só recebeu um tratamento simples antes de ser contida assim.

Mesmo que ela tenha persistido no caminho do mal, ela foi derrotada.

A fé de Rosa foi destruída. Ela foi salva da morte depois de implorar por sua vida.

Certamente ela já estava abandonada.

Nesse caso, tudo já estava acabado.

As coisas que ela sacrificou para chegar tão longe, e então o que ela tentou proteger até agora também.

“Por quê? Se no final, algo assim ainda fosse acontecer comigo então... tudo que eu fiz até agora foi–”

Rosa gemeu com uma expressão de pesar.

Então, em um momento que parecia em sintonia com sua voz, a porta da prisão subterrânea foi lentamente aberta.

“......!? A-Ahh—”

Vendo o rosto da mulher que apareceu, o corpo de Rosa tremia ferozmente.

A mulher estava encharcada de sangue.

E então, o sorriso que foi distorcido de alegria, dando uma dica do massacre que acabou acima agora.

Adivinhando a tragédia que aconteceria com ela depois disso, a expressão de Rosa estava tingida de desespero.

“Como você está, Rosa? Trago boas notícias para você. Eu quero que você coopere comigo mais uma vez. Ao fazer isso, você poderá voltar mais uma vez à sua posição.”

Dizendo isso, a mulher à sua frente apresentou seu plano.

Poucos minutos depois, a figura de Rosa desapareceu da prisão.

Parte 3

“Este lugar é a cidade portuária Triport...?”

Shalice estava voando com eles em velocidade máxima até chegarem ao Novo Reino. Depois de entrar no território do Novo Reino, eles correram em terra até aqui usando o <Typhon> da Philuffy.

A propósito, no meio do caminho, Shalice usou todas as suas forças e caiu exausta, então ela descansava enquanto apenas Lux e Philuffy chegaram à frente na cidade portuária.

Já estava anoitecendo. O sol vermelho da tarde estava se pondo no horizonte, iluminando a cidade portuária lindamente.

Era uma cidade portuária com história governada pelo pai de Celis, o senhor feudal do território oeste do Novo Reino.

Mesmo que Babel fosse localizada relativamente perto, era uma cidade portuária animada e movimentada devido à proteção das tropas comandadas por Dist, mas—

“De alguma forma, está silencioso. Além disso, o cheiro está estranho também.”

Philuffy estava fazendo uma cara estranhamente duvidosa. Ela estava olhando para a paisagem urbana silenciosa.

Eles também não podiam ver os navios mercantes do porto e quase não havia sinal de pessoas.

Uma atmosfera desolada estava se dissipando, como se a cidade tivesse sido abandonada.

“Há também a companhia da Onee-chan aqui, então— eu vou dar uma olhada um pouco, ok?”

Depois de olhar para aquela visão distraidamente por um tempo, Philuffy disse de repente enquanto olhava para um grande edifício distante.

“Sim. Já está tudo bem agora que chegamos aqui, vá em frente.”

“......Entendi.”

Ele não estava apenas sendo atencioso com Philuffy, o próprio Lux também tinha algo que queria investigar antes do pôr do sol.

Assim, Lux estava indo para um lugar onde ele seria capaz de obter uma visão clara do porto, então–

“Oh, você aí, você é um Drag-Knight que veio do Novo Reino? Mas você é muito jovem.”

De repente, quando Lux se virou, um velho careca e magro se dirigia a ele.

“Não, ainda sou um cadete militar. Em vez disso, algo aconteceu a Triport?”

“É inacreditável. As forças de Heiburg só estão aqui há cerca de duas semanas, mas esses caras estão devorando esta cidade completamente.”

O velho lamentou a pergunta de Lux ao falar sobre a situação atual.

Para conquistar Babel, esta cidade portuária foi transformada em uma base. Desde então, o Abyss esteve atacando com frequência.

Mesmo recentemente, quando as Ruínas foram revigoradas, o Abyss aparecia com uma frequência de cinco, seis vezes por mês, mas agora mais de dez apareciam por dia.

Nada de grave aconteceu devido ao esforço conspícuo de Lisha e das demais que ajudaram o Novo Reino, mas os cidadãos que se assustaram e fugiram para a cidade vizinha apareceram sem fim. As tropas de Heiburg agiam cada vez mais como bem entendiam.

“Além do mais, um boato de algum lugar está circulando, dizendo que um Abyss especialmente grande chamado Ragnarok aparecerá em breve. A população de Triport foi reduzida a menos de um terço. Mesmo eles são incapazes de andar fora durante o dia com medo do Abyss. À noite, eles têm que dar recepção aos soldados de Heiburg que terminaram de trabalhar. É natural que todo mundo odeie essa situação.”

“......!? O que os soldados do Novo Reino estão fazendo?”

Lux perguntou apressado, mas o velho suspirou e balançou a cabeça.

“Infelizmente, durante essas duas semanas, o número de pessoas que podiam lutar diminuiu muito. Graças a esse grande enxame de Abyss, a maioria dos Drag-Knights ficaram feridos.”

“É mesmo......”

Não importa o quão ativos Lisha e as outras estivessem em seus esforços, elas não eram capazes de parar todos os Abysses que aparecessem. E seu tempo usando o Drag-Ride também era limitado.

Durante esse tempo, as forças do Senhor Dist também lutaram e esgotaram suas forças.

Se fosse esse o caso, ele precisava relatar sobre o assunto de Rosa, mesmo que um segundo mais rápido.

Como seu crime foi exposto em Heiburg e como a conquista de Babel tinha que ser interrompida.

“Sinto muito, quem é o atual comandante das forças que foram enviadas aqui?”

“Hm......? Não, sou apenas um marinheiro. Eu não sei os detalhes sobre os militares de Heiburg. Parece que o comandante está assumindo o comando em uma base da linha de frente perto de Babel, mas mais importante, esse colarinho, você por acaso é—”

“Ah, sim. Eu sou Lux Arcadia. Ex-Príncipe do Antigo Império......”

Lux sorriu com um olhar preocupado enquanto apontava para o próprio colarinho.

Em seu período fazendo tarefas, ele não ficou por muito tempo em Triport, então seu rosto não era muito conhecido aqui.

Mas, os cabelos e olhos prateados que eram característicos da família imperial.

E então, o colarinho de criminoso era o símbolo disso, mas por causa da cor vermelha mais selvagem do sol da tarde, parecia que o velho não tinha notado até agora.

“É-É mesmo...... Você é— então, com licença.”

“......?”

O velho careca mostrou agitação ao tentar sair daquele lugar.

Mesmo que Lux estivesse sentindo algo fora do lugar, ele só conseguia inclinar a cabeça em perplexidade.

“É como eu pensava, todos estão na fortaleza da linha de frente perto de Babel?”

Embora a partir da história que a Tríade lhe contou, ele ouviu que até mesmo os soldados de Heiburg paravam a conquista da Ruína ao pôr do sol.

Em outras palavras, nenhum Abyss apareceria de agora até amanhã.

Lux julgou que sua opção no momento era se reunir com Philuffy aqui e, em seguida, se juntar a Lisha e as outras que voltaram da linha de frente.

“O dia de hoje chegará ao fim em breve hein—”

Olhando mais de perto, o sol da tarde se pôs completamente. A cortina da noite estava começando a descer.

Quando Lux se concentrou em se encontrar com Philuffy, uma presença estranha veio de repente por trás.

“Hoo, então este é aquele famoso Herói Negro? Você ainda não é um menino fofo?”

Quem apareceu era uma mulher em idade avançada, vestindo uniforme militar preto.

Semelhante a Rosa, ela era envolvida por uma hostilidade arrogante que oprimia outras pessoas. Aquela postura dela lembrava a família imperial e os nobres do Antigo Império.

“Você é—”

“O quê, estou apenas verificando. Será problemático se você se desculpar por ser outra pessoa.”

Enquanto Lux estava perplexo, a mulher se aproximou com um sorriso destemido. Suas botas militares estalavam no chão.

“Meu nome é Gutefelica, a general da República Heiburg. Traidor Lux Arcadia. Vou capturá-lo agora e apresentá-lo à aliança mundial.”

“......O qu–!?”

No momento em que ela disse isso a ele, a expressão de Lux mostrou perplexidade.

“Ops, não se mova. Meus subordinados já estão atrás de você. Você não será capaz de se esquivar de um bombardeio de Breath Gun com esse corpo ferido.”

No momento em que Gutefelica se apresentou, o espaço atrás dela se distorceu e Drag-Rides apareceu do espaço vazio.

Eram dois soldados de Heiburg usando Drag-Rides genéricos que apareceram.

Usando a função do tipo equipamento especial, eles estavam se escondendo usando a camuflagem.

“O que você está planejando? Apontar uma arma para alguém no meio de uma cidade como esta—”

Como esperado, até Lux teve que levantar as duas mãos com uma expressão de dúvida.

Mas, em contraste, Gutefelica não mudou seu sorriso brilhante e trouxe seu rosto para mais perto de Lux.

“Bem, bem, você não é uma criança com percepção pior do que eu pensava? Você está ouvindo? Vou te dar uma dica. Foi o velho que nos contou sobre sua localização. Ele é um cidadão desta cidade portuária. O aviso de que quem informasse sua localização receberia uma recompensa em dinheiro está se espalhando nesta cidade há muito tempo.”

“............”

No momento em que Lux viu o sorriso malicioso de Gutefelica, um arrepio percorreu suas costas.

Agora Lux percebeu o descuido fatal que ele havia cometido.

A sensação de libertação do nervosismo quando ele estava hospedado em Heiburg e seu corpo exausto estava obscurecendo seu pensamento.

“Hoo, você está fazendo um rosto ingênuo. Então, vou apontar sua miséria mais uma vez agora. Você se infiltrou ilegalmente em Heiburg para tentar assassinar Rosa-san, a fim de impedir os militares de Heiburg de conquistar Babel. Seu maldito traidor— o rebelde contra a aliança mundial!”

Gutefelica, presunçosamente, lançou um olhar ridículo e zombeteiro para Lux.

No momento em que Lux percebeu isso, sua mão quase se estendeu para seu Sword Device, mas ele parou.

“Bom garoto. Nada de bom sairá de você fazer barulho aqui. Serei afetuosa com você se você for obediente. Mas será como meu animal de estimação...”

“Nossa, você está errada. Essa conclusão é um mal-entendido.”

“......!?”

A voz de uma garota de repente veio de algum lugar.

No momento em que todos ficaram surpresos, algo incomum aconteceu.

“Gu, AAAH!”

“O-O quê? O controle do Drag-Ride é—”

“O que vocês estão fazendo—!?”

As tropas de Heiburg que estavam usando <Drakes> de repente ergueram suas espadas contra Gutefelica.

Mesmo assim, como esperado de uma general, ela reagiu mesmo contra o ataque surpresa e mal se esquivou.

Ao mesmo tempo, ela puxou seu Sword Device rapidamente. Nesse momento, o corpo de Lux flutuou no ar.

“Tch! Você acha que pode fugir! Cerquem a cidade e procurem por ele! Não o deixem escapar desta cidade—!”

Mas, enquanto ela era obstruída por dois <Drakes>, Lux foi resgatado com segurança daquele lugar.

O que levou Lux embora e o carregou foi o trabalho de um Drag-Ride que também estava camuflado.

Era uma das alunas da Academia do lado do Novo Reino que ele conhecia bem.

“Yoruka!? Por que você está aqui—!?”

“Aruji-sama está perguntando uma coisa estranha. Estou sempre ao seu lado.”

Lux percebeu que ele foi resgatado por Yoruka que estava usando seu Drag-Ride Divino <Yato no Kami>.

Ela também foi solicitada pelo Novo Reino e veio para guardar Triport.

“Que situação é essa? Philuffy, ela está segura!?”

“Não há necessidade de se preocupar. Ela também está sendo protegida pela diretora. Mas, embora ela mesma não tenha nenhuma acusação contra ela, nesta situação, agora será melhor se ela não se mostrar.”

Parece que o tratamento como criminoso não chegou tão longe até Philuffy.

Mas, embora ele compreendesse a situação atual, havia várias coisas inexplicáveis.

“—Agora, eu acredito que por aqui vai ficar tudo bem.”

De repente, Yoruka parou o salto do <Yato no Kami> e colocou Lux no chão.

Lá eles pareciam estar em um bairro próspero dentro de Triport. Residências relativamente grandes estavam alinhadas.

Certamente havia muitos comerciantes aqui que faziam negócios no porto.

“Parece que a general de agora ainda está o perseguindo, então vou atraí-la adequadamente antes de escapar. Se Aruji-sama for direto por esta rua, você chegará ao nosso esconderijo.”

“Obrigado. Mas, não seja imprudente. Ainda não compreendo esta situação.”

“Como você quiser, Aruji-sama.”

Yoruka pegou impulso mais uma vez e saiu com um sorriso encantador.

Depois de se despedir dela, Lux começou a andar pela rua do bairro residencial.

Talvez porque o sol tivesse se posto completamente, havia poucos passageiros. Sob a escuridão da noite, Lux sentia um estranho olhar sobre ele.

Depois de se separar de Yoruka, ele podia ouvir claramente o som de passos o seguindo.

(É um novo perseguidor do exército de Heiburg? Ou então—)

Lux mais uma vez sentiu que havia um prêmio em dinheiro por sua cabeça.

No momento, limitado a este lugar, até mesmo os cidadãos de Triport denunciariam sobre a localização de Lux.

Ele tinha que escapar de alguma forma de seu perseguidor, mas agora era difícil até mesmo escapar para Lux.

Quando ele estava pensando nisso, uma garota que estava andando um pouco longe rapidamente pegou a mão de Lux e saiu correndo.

“Por aqui. Nosso esconderijo é subterrâneo um pouco longe daqui.”

“Krulcifer-san!? Por que—”

O eco daquela voz familiar fez Lux murmurar com um sentimento nostálgico.

Depois que ela tirou o chapéu que escondia seu rosto, ela escovou seus longos cabelos azuis que expuseram a lateral de seu lindo rosto.

A estudante estrangeira que era colega de classe de Lux e era extremamente íntima dele estava lá.

“Você percebeu um pouco tarde, mas eu vou te perdoar. Parece que Lux-kun também passou por vários problemas.”

Ela exibiu seu sorriso frio de sempre ao dizer isso a ele.

Lux suspirou aliviado, então ouviu o som fraco de um Drag-Ride se movendo atrás.

“Espera! O que você está fazendo monopolizando a conquista por si mesma!? Eu também estou aqui, sabe!?”

Quase ao mesmo tempo, ele viu um cabelo loiro amarrado em uma cauda lateral balançando ao lado dele.

Lisha usando um <Drake> estava ao seu lado despercebida.

“Eu me pergunto do que você está falando? Foi você quem decidiu se concentrar totalmente no uso de dispositivos de camuflagem e sondagem, porque seria visível usar um Drag-Ride ao ar livre.”

“Isso é verdade, mas... agora está tudo bem. Não há sinal de alguém perseguindo ou da reação de outros Drag-Rides.”

“......Haa, meu Deus. Então, vamos prosseguir direto para o esconderijo assim.”

Instados por Krulcifer, que suspirou exasperada, eles bateram na porta dos fundos de uma igreja.

“—Sou eu. Eu o trouxe comigo.”

Depois que Krulcifer disse isso, a porta da igreja foi aberta.

Então, uma jovem freira usando um véu apareceu e lentamente acenou para que entrasse.

Parece que também havia cidadãos que cooperavam com Lux.

“Muito obrigado. Você nos salvou.”

Quando a expressão de Lux relaxou de alívio e agradeceu, a freira rapidamente se virou e olhou para Lux com um olhar de reprovação.

“De nada. Para mim, valeu a pena ficar esperando. É difícil acompanhar o Nii-san, que está causa problemas logo quando volta.”

“Espera, Airi!? Por que você está vestido assim—!?”

“Fica bem em mim? Porque o Nii-san fez coisas ruins e eu quase fui capturada, não tive escolha a não ser me esconder assim. Afinal, eles estavam tentando capturar a mim, que sou sua irmã mais nova para ser usada como isca para atrair você.”

“............”

O sorriso de Airi, que estava claramente cheio de espinhos, fez Lux enrijecer de espanto.

“Que tal você perdoá-lo dessa vez? O caso, desta vez, deve ser algo desagradável para ele também.”

Quando Krulcifer a persuadiu com calma, Airi desceu as escadas dentro de uma pequena sala e começou a andar por uma passagem subterrânea.

“Por aqui. Todo mundo já está esperando.”

“Este lugar, exatamente onde—?”

Lux murmurou enquanto olhava ao redor da longa passagem escura. Airi respondeu imediatamente a ele, mantendo o olhar para a frente.

“É uma passagem escondida para uso de pessoas ricas.”

Depois de dizer isso francamente, Krulcifer acrescentou algumas explicações para ele.

Originalmente, era uma hidrovia subterrânea para trabalhos de manufatura, mas também foi construída como um esconderijo de emergência, bem como uma rota de fuga. Parece que estava mais conectado com a igreja e outras rotas de fuga.

Era uma passagem oculta devido à consideração da proximidade da cidade com a Ruína Babel.

Não havia nada no subsolo, mas podia se conectar ao interior de cada residência.

Mesmo os militares do Novo Reino não sabiam sobre as informações desta passagem.

Depois de caminhar por um tempo dentro da passagem escura com uma lanterna na mão, eles abriram a fechadura de uma porta que conectava a um caminho lateral.

Dali, eles subiram uma escada diretamente acima e chegaram a um porão que parecia uma adega.

“Esta parece ser uma mansão que também funcionava como armazém do conglomerado Aingram. Não é conhecido publicamente, então você pode relaxar aqui.”

Seguindo a orientação de Krulcifer, Lux entrou na residência.

Eles se dirigiram para a sala de estar da mansão onde todas as janelas estavam cobertas com cortinas e eles puderam finalmente relaxar.

“E assim, fomos capazes de resgatar Lux com segurança. Originalmente, planejava abrir um vinho de celebração pelo sucesso da investigação secreta, mas—”

Lisha hesitou no meio da frase.

“O que exatamente está acontecendo nesta cidade? Sobre o dinheiro da recompensa por eu ser um traidor—”

“Não é apenas esta cidade, é todo o país, Nii-san. Neste momento, você está em uma posição em que até o Novo Reino preparou uma recompensa em dinheiro por sua cabeça. Até eu, originalmente, deveria ser capturada pelos militares do Novo Reino como isca para atraí-lo.”

Quando ele ouviu a história detalhada, parece que antes que a Tríade pudesse relatar sobre o trato nos bastidores de Rosa, chegou um relato de que Lux era um traidor que tentou assassinar Rosa.

E então a general Gutefelica que estava liderando as tropas de Heiburg começou a oprimir o povo do Novo Reino há meio dia.

Primeiro, os Drag-Knights, incluindo Lisha e as outras, tiveram suas ações restritas apenas ao redor do porto. Elas foram proibidos de se aproximar de Babel.

Além disso, os militares de Heiburg estavam procurando desde a manhã sem se preocupar com os cidadãos ou com os militares do Novo Reino. Eles até invadiram as casas.

Por causa dessa intervenção áspera, os corações dos cidadãos sofreram danos e ferviam de raiva tensa.

“Mesmo assim, o que diabos aconteceu...?”

A história parecia simples, mas havia várias partes incompreensíveis.

Vendo a ordem cronológica, no dia seguinte àquela noite em que Lux lutou contra Rosa e a encurralou, um mensageiro de Heiburg com a mensagem de que Lux era um traidor já havia partido para cá.

“No entanto, como o outro lado expôs minha infiltração? Não deveria haver nenhuma prova ou qualquer—”

“Existem provas. Eu também fiquei surpresa no começo...”

Lisha abaixou a cabeça com um suspiro.

Assim, Lux tocou o cinto da espada em sua cintura.

Originalmente, havia dois dispositivos de espada pendurados ali. Agora uma das bainhas estava vazia–

O Sword Device de seu <Wyvern> foi perdido em meio à confusão daquela batalha.

Sem o Sword Device correspondente, o Drag-Ride não podia ser movido. Por causa disso, mesmo agora, seu <Wyvern> não pôde ser movido do armazém do Conglomerado Aingram localizado na capital de Heiburg, Hidehelm—

“Então, não me diga...?”

“Sim, o Sword Device que o grupo de Heiburg entregou era certamente algo com seu nome Lux gravado nele. O nome do possuidor de um Drag-Ride genérico está registrado no Novo Reino, portanto, não há engano.”

Lisha informou com uma cara amarga.

O nome de Lux estava gravado em seu Sword Device desde o início, adicionado a isso, se ele fosse pedido para tentar invocar seu Drag-Ride para provar que não era seu, então ele não teria como dar uma desculpa.

“É por isso que, até que o inimigo que preparou a armadilha para que o Nii-san seja derrotado, você precisa se esconder assim aqui. Se for descoberto, Nii-san será apreendido imediatamente e a posição do Novo Reino ficará ruim.”

No momento, Lux era suspeito de ser um assassino, e os Drag-Knights do Novo Reino estavam distantes de Babel.

Eles não podiam nem mesmo entrar na base da linha de frente que era para defesa e foram forçados a interceptar o Abyss que chegava da muralha adjacente a Triport. Eles foram impedidos.

“A propósito, Celis-senpai está—?”

Ele viu Yoruka agora mesmo, e a Tríade não estava aqui por causa de seu papel como mensageiras de informações. Lux estava preocupado por ele ainda não ter visto a figura de Celis.

“Nossa? É uma boa notícia ver que você ainda se preocupe com Celis-senpai. Não parece que você se uniu àquela sua amiga de infância na lua de mel.”

Krulcifer reagiu ao murmúrio de Lux e ao dizer isso com um sorriso.

“V-Viu? É exatamente como eu pensava. E-Eu acreditei em Lux todo esse tempo...!”

“O que você está dizendo ao fazer uma cara que parece aliviada do fundo do seu coração assim...”

Lisha cruzou os braços e estufou o peito. Ao lado dela, Airi, que havia se trocado para o uniforme, retrucou.

“Espe–!? Não tire sarro de mim. Phi-chan e eu apenas fingimos ser marido e mulher para nos infiltrarmos, tal coisa—”

Lux estava dizendo isso enquanto se lembrava por reflexo dos dias de sua viagem que passou com Philuffy.

A lembrança de andarem juntos na carruagem trêmula e a tímida lembrança de serem tratados como marido e mulher.

E então, como Philuffy salvou Lux quando ele estava sofrendo por derrotar Rosa, e como ela o estava cuidando de todo o coração.

Como ela o apoiava com uma gentileza que não mudou desde o passado.

Seu peito estava ficando naturalmente aquecido enquanto se lembrava disso.

(Espere, o que eu estou pensando...!? Mesmo Phi-chan, não é como se ela—)

Ele ficou encantado com ela, mesmo enquanto negava seus próprios pensamentos.

Não, no passado seus pensamentos eram preenchidos com nada além de mudar o Antigo Império, mas talvez, desde aquela época, ele realmente sentia por Philuffy—

“Sim, sim. Eu entendo que todas vocês estão tentando quebrar a tensão, mas vamos parar por aqui. Afinal, Celis-senpai acabou de voltar também.”

Lux de repente voltou aos seus sentidos com a voz de Airi.

Quando ele olhou lá, ele encontrou Celis que tinha acabado de subir as escadas da sala subterrâneo e estava dentro da sala de estar.

“Lux—!? Você está seguro!”

No momento em que ele estava prestes a cumprimentá-la, Celis de repente o abraçou com força.

O corpo magro, firme e treinado, e a sensação de suavidade característica de uma menina.

Parece que ela havia lutado um pouco antes disso, o cheiro de seu suor estava fazendo cócegas nas emoções de Lux.

“......Espera, o que você está fazendo Celis!? Abraçando Lux do nada assim—”

Lisha que viu aquilo, ficou vermelha e reclamou. Ouvindo isso, Celis também foi pega de surpresa e se afastou de Lux.

“M-Me perdoe! Isso é, é porque eu estive preocupada com Lux todo esse tempo. Eu também soube que ele é procurado com uma recompensa em dinheiro como um criminoso, e também houve sua batalha mortal com Rosa-san......”

“......Ahaha, estou bem. Embora eu esteja um pouco cansado, mas como você pode ver, estou vivo assim.”

Lux rapidamente sorriu e respondeu assim.

Suas queridas e confiáveis colegas da Academia.

Ele foi para Heiburg por cerca de só uma semana, mas até o próprio Lux se sentia sozinho lá.

Ele já havia se adaptado completamente aos dias normais que passava com essas garotas.

“Mas, estou refletindo. Ser dominada pela emoção e abraçar assim, sem pensar no próprio Lux, fiz algo impróprio como Capitã do Syvalles.”

As bochechas de Celis ficaram vermelhas enquanto ela abaixava a cabeça. Lux sorriu ironicamente.

E então, ele lentamente pegou a mão dela.

“Muito obrigado, Celis-senpai. Por proteger o Novo Reino enquanto eu não estava aqui—”

“Lux......”

Quando ele a agradeceu com um olhar direto, as bochechas de Celis coraram levemente.

Ele tinha ouvido falar sobre o esforço extenuante de Celis da Tríade.

Na batalha desta vez, ela permaneceu em Triport mais tempo do que qualquer um e derrotou Abysses continuamente.

Sua resistência e habilidade que ela treinou disciplinando-se estritamente todos os dias.

E então, o coração forte que lhe permitia realizar isso era algo que Lux respeitava.

Quando uma atmosfera agradável indescritível estava fluindo entre Lux e Celis—

“Nossa? Você estava realmente preocupado com ela, não estava? Embora, quem estava esperando pelo seu retorno aqui não fosse apenas Celis-senpai, sabe?”

“Ah, sim. Obrigado, Krulcifer-san. E Lisha-sama também.”

“Isso mesmo! Nós também estávamos fazendo várias coisas enquanto esperávamos por você!”

“Sim, sim. Por favor, deixem esse tipo de coisa para mais tarde. Como vocês são espantosas, competindo pelo Nii-san tão harmoniosamente em uma situação de emergência como essa.”

“A-Ahaha......”

As três garotas vacilaram com a réplica de Airi que foi dita com um tom exasperado.

“No entanto, seu corpo não vai aguentar se você não descansar, então vamos comer e tomar banho. Vou dizer isso, Nii-san. Por favor, entre no banho sozinho esta noite, ok?”

“Espe–!? O que há com essa maneira de falar como se eu normalmente estivesse entrando no banho junto com alguém!?”

Quando Lux ficou perturbado, Airi lançou-lhe um olhar de reprovação.

“Nii-san foi ajudado pela Philuffy-san mesmo assim, certo? A reação do <Over Limit> o torna incapaz de mover seu corpo corretamente afinal.”

(Até minha condição física foi completamente percebida......!)

Parece que Noct relatou adequadamente até mesmo esse tipo de informação.

“Q-Q-Q-Q-Qual é o significado disso, Lux!? Não me diga, você e aquela garota avoada, juntos no banho—!”

“É um mal-entendido! Ela apenas me ajudou a limpar meu corpo.”

“É-É mesmo? Então, posso me sentir aliviada.”

Por algum motivo, Celis soltou um suspiro de alívio ao ouvir isso e deu um tapinha no peito, mas Krulcifer estava sorrindo com um olhar suspeito para ele.

“Como esperado da esposa do Lux-kun. Ela está ainda mais à frente do que eu, que sou a candidata a sua noiva.”

“Por que o olhar de Krulcifer-san para mim está frio por algum motivo!?”

“E então, a banheira foi aquecida, então, por favor, diga se o Nii-san precisar de ajuda. Nesse caso, vou ajudar você como sua irmã mais nova.”

“Ah, certo. Por favor......”

Lux sorriu sem jeito ao ser guiado em direção a uma sala separada na mansão. E então, ele entrou no banho.

Ele estava desconfortável se perguntando se alguém como Yoruka iria invadir, mas felizmente nada aconteceu e ele foi capaz de terminar seu banho com segurança.

Depois disso, enquanto todos estavam tomando banho alternadamente, a Tríade, que estava levando Philuffy e Yoruka com elas, também entrou na mansão vindo do subsolo.

Parece que o pai de Celis que estava protegendo esta cidade, o Senhor Dist, e a diretora Relie haviam conversado com elas. Todos estavam jantando juntos na sala de estar durante uma reunião.

“Então, estou pensando em realizar uma reunião de estratégia para mudar nosso plano original a partir de agora. Pessoal, não há problema em comer ao mesmo tempo, mas ouçam com atenção.”

Todos concordaram com as palavras de Airi e começaram a comer em silêncio.

Sobre a mesa iluminada por um abajur, vários pratos que haviam sido preparados antes que eles percebessem, foram alinhados até quase não sobrar espaço.

Carnes como boi, porco, aves e cordeiro assadas com pimenta e sal grosso.

Sopa de consomê recheada com muitos vegetais.

E então pão e queijo, picles e similares também foram fornecidos em abundância.

Eles não estavam realmente com vontade de fazer barulho, então as meninas estavam comendo em silêncio.

Durante esse tempo, Airi falava sobre o resumo dos eventos cronológicos até agora.

O Sword Device do <Wyvern> de Lux foi roubado despercebido e caiu nas mãos de Heiburg. Em seguida, foi usado como prova para apresentar uma acusação criminal a Lux.

Rosa, que foi capturada, fez uso de algum tipo de método e escapou da prisão de Heiburg.

E então, em pouco tempo, havia o risco do aparecimento de um Ragnarok quando o nível mais profundo da Ruína fosse alcançado e conquistado.

“Serão os soldados de Heiburg que lutarão com o Ragnarok, mas se eles fugirem, a cidade próxima será atacada. Para eles, será ótimo se conseguirem derrotá-lo com sucesso, mas se ficar perigoso, podem fugir e deixá-lo para o Novo Reino.”

“Podemos também abandonar esta cidade e tomar uma certa distância?”

Yoruka, que estava ouvindo a conversa, fez um comentário franco, mas Lisha imediatamente ergueu o rosto.

“Não podemos fazer isso, garota erótica! Se sairmos daqui, o que vai acontecer com esta cidade!?”

“Certo. Além disso, é lamentável, mas se escaparmos, o Ragnarok virá atacando em todos os lugares dentro do território do Novo Reino. Mesmo que recuemos temporariamente, no final teremos que lutar contra isso do mesmo jeito.”

“Sim. Além disso, não posso permitir que o nome de meu pai, um dos Quatro Grandes Nobres que governa o território ocidental, seja manchado ainda mais.”

“Munya...... Eu também vou trabalhar duro.”

Depois de Lisha, Krulcifer e então Celis falaram sua determinação. Philuffy também acenou com a cabeça em concordância.

Por outro lado, a Tríade estava parada com uma expressão em conflito.

“Honestamente, estou com medo. A força de alguém como eu não será de nenhuma utilidade contra um Ragnarok.”

Tillfur sorriu amargamente com um olhar envergonhado.

“Eu entendo seu sentimento. Afinal, na batalha contra Yggdrasil, mesmo todos com seus Drag-Rides Divinos ainda não eram páreo, mesmo depois de lutar como um grupo.”

“Sim. Nós também não estamos relaxando em nosso treinamento, mas, como esperado, eu julguei que o fardo é muito grande se estivermos falando sobre derrotar um Ragnarok.”

“............”

Lux e as outras não podiam negar essas palavras.

Na verdade, mesmo o <Bahamut> com o <Over Limit> ganhou por um fio de cabelo.

Se o Ragnarok escondido dentro de Babel aparecesse desta vez, seria difícil combatê-lo apropriadamente usando Drag-Rides genéricos.

“Nossa, está tudo bem se vocês três escaparem imediatamente, sabe? De qualquer forma, seremos nós que enfrentaremos esse chamado Ragnarok.”

“Espere, Yoruka. Dizer assim é—!?”

Lux espontaneamente abriu a boca ouvindo Yoruka dizendo à Tríade insensivelmente daquele jeito com um sorriso despreocupado.

Mas, Shalice sorriu com um suspiro ‘fuh’ e encarou Yoruka.

“Agradeço que você tenha dito isso, mas também não podemos fazer isso. Especialmente quando desta vez Lux-kun e Philuffy-san também estão cansados. Mesmo nossa força insignificante pode ser de alguma utilidade se nos concentrarmos em trabalhar nos bastidores.”

“Bem, vou tentar fazer o meu melhor de alguma forma.”

“Yes. Simplesmente aceitaremos a consideração de Yoruka-san com gratidão.”

Tillfur cerrou o punho, enquanto Noct concluiu assim.

Yoruka chegar a uma conclusão prática como essa era o normal, mas ao ouvir Noct dizendo ‘consideração de Yoruka’, Lux se sentiu feliz dentro de seu coração.

‘Deixe as coisas perigosas comigo’ —Certamente, o que Yoruka disse também pode ser interpretado dessa forma.

Airi e Noct disseram que se tornariam amigas da Yoruka, mesmo que apenas por uma questão de formalidade, mas Lux sentiu um pouco como elas estavam realmente se encontrando no meio do caminho.

“Então, realizaremos a missão a partir de amanhã! Lux e irmãzinha, não saiam deste esconderijo por um tempo.”

E então, depois que todos falaram, a conversa foi encerrada.

Eles poderiam ver a direção de suas ações amanhã.

Primeiro procurariam os Servos ou talvez Rosa. Podem ter sido eles que roubaram o Sword Device de Lux em Heiburg e o trouxeram para cá.

O papel dessa coleta de informações seria de responsabilidade da Yoruka e da Tríade, cujos rostos não eram realmente conhecidos no campo inimigo.

Lisha e as outras, a força principal do Novo Reino, estaria parada diante da base da linha de frente a leste de Triport como de costume... era assim que seria.

E então esta noite, porque já era tarde, todos ficariam aqui.

“Err, vou ficar no mesmo quarto que Airi?”

Eles subiram ao segundo andar e foram conduzidos a um quarto com duas camas alinhadas.

“Isso é inevitável, certo? Nii-san agora não está com uma saúde completamente boa. Ou talvez, você queira dormir com outra garota?”

“V-Você entendeu mal!? Eu não disse nada assim—”

“Eu me pergunto sobre isso? Nii-san certamente tem gostado muito da vida de lua de mel com a Philuffy-san, então talvez você sente falta de estar comigo, sua irmã mais nova?”

“Olha aqui, eu estava fazendo isso pela missão, mais ou menos......?”

“Eu vou acreditar por agora. Descanse bem, Nii-san.”

Airi ignorou a objeção de Lux e desligou a luz.

O silêncio estava enchendo a sala, mas, como esperado, Lux não conseguia dormir.

“Nii-san, ainda está pensando em algum tipo de assunto desnecessário?”

Parece que Airi sentiu que a atmosfera de Lux estava assim. Ela o chamou do lado dele.

Dentro do quarto que estava coberto com uma cor azul, Lux lentamente formou suas palavras.

“Eu estou me perguntando, se eu falhei mais uma vez, assim como pensei... Assim como no passado, quando tentei fazer algo sobre a tirania do Antigo Império e o machismo de alguma forma.”

“............”

Depois de investigar Heiburg, ele estava convencido de que era a mesma coisa daquela vez, que a estrutura maligna não podia ser derrubada enquanto o líder não fosse derrotado. E então, Lux foi encurralado em sua batalha contra Rosa.

Ele tentou fazer com que os cavaleiros, autoridades e membros da família imperial do Antigo Império sobrevivessem, tantos quanto possível, mas devido a Fugil que, como ele, também era um dos atores daquela revolução, o esforço de Lux foi negado junto com sua traição.

“No entanto, mesmo eu, não é como se eu estivesse sonhando que todos poderiam ser salvos. E então, mesmo se eu os mandasse para a prisão, eu acho que eles ainda seriam condenados à morte como resultado.”

“............”

“Eu pensei que tinha feito minha decisão. Eu também acreditava que sabia que o caminho para proteger o Novo Reino não seria tão indulgente.”

“Mas, Nii-san não conseguiu fazer isso, certo? Obrigar-se a matar Rosa-san.”

“Sim......”

Lux não olhou para o rosto de Airi. Ele continuou olhando para o teto e murmurou.

“Phi-chan, quando eu estava prestes a ser tomado pelas vozes dos arredores, ela me parou.”

“Nii-san não sentiu que ela estava no caminho?”

Airi interrompeu o assunto de forma inesperada, mas não havia malícia em sua voz.

Parece que ela estava simplesmente perguntando em uma tentativa de averiguar os sentimentos de Lux.

“Eu estava pensando que não seria capaz de salvar a todos se não matasse Rosa. Mas cortar a cabeça dela naquele momento em que ela já não conseguia se mexer, é algo que eu não conseguia fazer. Além disso, parecia que algo estava fora do lugar. Senti resistência em matá-la sem relação com a questão do bem e do mal e seu pecado.”

“Ainda há algum quebra-cabeça não resolvido? Em relação a ela—”

Lux baixou os olhos silenciosamente e acenou com a cabeça impotente.

(Espere— por que ela não foi encontrá-la até o final?)

Pensando com cuidado, houve várias coisas inexplicáveis naquela batalha.

E então, ele não entendeu aquela sensação desagradável porque ele estava apenas prestando atenção em Rosa.

“No entanto, Nii-san está calmo mesmo depois de passar por isso, não é? Haa, é irritante, mas talvez tenha sido a escolha correta que Philuffy-san acompanhou você.”

“Espe–!? Você também, Airi, não tire sarro de mim como os outros.”

“Porque não consigo usar um Drag-Ride...... Até eu—”

Quando Airi estava prestes a dizer alguma coisa, naquele momento.

—

── *DOOOOONN!*

—

Um intenso som explosivo ressoou do lado de fora.

“......!?”

Os dois imediatamente afastaram seus cobertores e se levantaram imediatamente.

Seus corpos enrijeceram de nervosismo se perguntando se sua localização havia sido descoberta, mas naquele momento, sons de um sino e gritos ferozes das pessoas puderam ser ouvidos de fora.

“Abyss! O Abyss apareceu de Babel–!”

“Fujam todos, nós também seremos atacados–!”

“......!? De jeito nenhum, não me diga—!”

Lux imediatamente se aproximou da janela e estava prestes a abrir a cortina, mas Airi, que também estava de pé, agarrou a mão de Lux com uma expressão nervosa e balançou a cabeça ligeiramente.

“Vou acordar a Tríade e pedir que deem uma olhada na situação. Nii-san, por favor, não saia lá fora. Não importa o que aconteça.”

“............”

‘Por quê?’ —Ele estava prestes a perguntar, mas Lux adivinhou o pensamento de Airi.

Em qualquer caso, agora, Lux não podia se envolver.

No momento Lux não conseguia usar o <Bahamut> totalmente e, acima de tudo, ele era uma pessoa procurada. Se ele saísse, os militares de Heiburg notariam.

Airi, que vivia na posição de criminosa desde o passado, tinha forte cautela nesse aspecto.

Pensando bem agora, também não era natural como as vozes das pessoas gritavam sem qualquer menção a Heiburg.

Por acaso, poderia ser uma isca com a expectativa de que faria Lux abrir a cortina ou até correr para fora?

“Se for uma armadilha, o oponente é realmente ultrajante. O Rei dos Vícios de Heiburg é—”

Airi murmurou com suor escorrendo de sua testa lentamente.

Será que antes que eles pudessem determinar a localização de Rosa, a outra parte já havia se movido tão rapidamente?

Os dois desceram às pressas para o primeiro andar. Lá, os membros familiares já estavam vestindo seus Dress Gear.

“Parece que o oponente também está com muita pressa. E pensar que eles fariam seu movimento tão rápido.”

Primeiro Krulcifer murmurou isso enquanto escovava o cabelo dela.

Respondendo a isso, Lisha ergueu o rosto com uma expressão estranhamente tensa.

“Mas, se o ataque do Abyss é uma armadilha, se pudermos confirmar que é mentira deles, mesmo sem sairmos de casa—”

“Não, provavelmente não seremos capazes de fazer isso. Eles têm a flauta de chifre, se ficarmos para trás, será tarde demais.”

Celis manteve a mão apoiando o queixo e murmurou com uma expressão amarga.

Vendo todas falando hesitantes e perplexas, Airi teve uma percepção repentina surpresa e ela falou.

“Eles deixaram completamente o Abyss escapar da torre até agora, expondo a cidade ao perigo enquanto avançam em sua investigação ao mesmo tempo. Eles vão hesitar depois de tanto?”

“Também posso ouvir o som de uma flauta de chifre, então acho que não está errado.”

Ouvindo o que Airi apontou, Philuffy apertou sua orelha e murmurou isso. Krulcifer também concordou com a cabeça.

“Parece que eles também estão desesperados. Eles pretendem concentrar sua força total para procurar Lux-kun, que está nesta cidade agora.”

“Se continuarmos nos escondendo assim, a cidade será destruída pelo Abyss sob o comando da flauta de chifre. Mas, se sairmos para interceptar, será mais fácil para eles procurarem Lux e sua irmã, é isso?”

Depois que Lisha murmurou como se estivesse se perguntando, todos assentiram silenciosamente.

E então, se o Ragnarok fosse solto nessa confusão, a situação em que todos eles estavam separados uns dos outros seria aproveitada e eles poderiam ser aniquilados.

A situação já era extremamente desvantajosa para eles.

“Mas também há uma abertura da qual podemos aproveitar. Tem alguém tocando flauta de chifre para controlar o Abyss e fazê-los atacar aqui, isso significa—”

Recebendo o olhar suplicante de Airi, Lux assentiu.

“Pessoal, por favor. Quero que todas vocês cooperem e interceptem rapidamente o Abyss que está avançando aqui agora devido à flauta de chifre. Temos que proteger o povo de Triport e as forças do Senhor Dist. E então—”

“Ao mesmo tempo, vamos localizar a pessoa que está usando a flauta de chifre para manipular o Abyss. Esse é o plano certo? Se os pegarmos em flagrante, podemos dar uma desculpa para capturá-los.”

Krulcifer continuou assim. Celis também acenou com a cabeça.

“Uma operação em uma escala tão grande certamente possui uma cadeia de comando. Se pudermos averiguar isso...”

“Parece que não temos outra escolha. Agora é a chance enquanto o inimigo está atacando.”

“Então, Nii-san— por favor, decida a estratégia.”

Instado por Airi, Lux rapidamente tomou sua decisão.

E então, alguns minutos depois.

Lisha e todas as outras avançaram para o contra-ataque.

Part 4

「Fufufufu! This is exhilarating! The old empire that once oppressed Heiburg utterly. To be able to trample these guys like this──life is full of surprises.」

A woman wearing an EX Wyvern was looking down on the blazing townscape while laughing.

She was enjoying that wartime fire through her white mask while playing a flute above a viewing platform.

That was the tone of horn flute to manipulate the Abyss that was excavated from the Ruin.

「Noow then. Let’s suppress the firepower a bit more while tormenting them slowly. There is also the next mission after this, doing this moderately──!?」

Numerous Abyss that the masked woman was manipulating using the flute were shot by a blue flash one after another that froze them.

Right after the Abyss like Gargoyles and Chimeras had their movement stopped, a pursuing attack smashed them into pieces.

「Freezing bullet and sniping…… the user of those is──」

• Bishi-!*, at that moment, a streak of light was fired and hit the Drag-Ride the woman wore.

The Blade she was holding froze. The moment her eyes snapped open in surprise, a girl was flying before her eyes.

「You look like you are having fun, can you allow me to join too?」

Krulcifer wearing Fafnir readied her Freezing Cannon and thrust its muzzle towards the enemy.

「You came faster than I thought. A lowly toolkey of Ruin that was chased away from the Ymir Theocracy like you dares to──. Are you trying to have the New Kingdom keep you as their pet by acting loyal to them?」

「I wonder where is Lady Rosa? My bad, but I have no free time to play with a small fry like you.」

「──Hah」

Krulcifer ignored the provocation and told the woman so. The woman bared a wicked grin under her mask.

「Fine. My name is Zecta Bergios of the Sky Punishment, one of the Servants. I’ll give a special lesson to this spoiled Ojou-sama who is only used to the mock battle game.」

Above the viewing platform with the view of the port city, Krulcifer’s fight began.

Part 5

「Ple, please. The Abyss are attacking! Help──gafuh!?」

One guard who was running from the flying Abyss pursuing him was atrociously blown away by a bomb blast.

「For a guard to be the first one to escape, how foolish. Just because you don’t have a Drag-Ride──」

A wharf located at the west of Triport.

In that place that became remarkably quiet because in these few days there was no more ships coming, a completely black man was standing wearing an EX Wyrm.

The land battle type Wyrm was hiding a potential of being able to be loaded with a large amount of armaments, but that man’s armament was only one. A thick chain that was like rope with a thorny iron ball attached on its end.

The Smashing Punishment Goldia.

That was the name of this masked man who possessed a muscular body.

「A worthless town. And then──a worthless country. What meaning does a soldier that possesses no strength at all could have?」

A muffled voice was raised under the mask as though he was questioning himself.

Next he readied his iron ball once more and threw it towards the soldier who was still barely alive.

The iron ball flew with powerful speed that even the eyes couldn’t follow, however its trajectory changed and it sank into the ground of the wharf.

「Nuu……」

When he noticed, even the Drag-Ride that Goldia himself was wearing already got heavy.

A gravity field that was tinged with purple light was restraining him.

「It’s amazing how you can boast like that when you are only facing weaponless people. It’s you who is the most worthless! If you surrender right away then I’ll let you off with only getting half-killed!」

Lisha who was wearing the Divine Drag-Ride Tiamat was proclaiming that from the sky.

The targeting of Tiamat’s special armament, the giant cannon Seven Heads had already captured Goldia.

「For the princess of the New Kingdom to personally come out, that’s some fortitude. Allow me to test your caliber.」

The large man’s mouth distorted into an arc shape at the appearance of a powerful enemy.

Right after that, he started to move as though dragging his body even with the gravity field sealing his body movement.

Part 6

In front of the government building at the center of the port city.

In front of that place where the commanding officers of the force, including Lord Dist were gathered, the third Servant appeared.

The elite Drag-Knights, the Servants, who were the direct subordinates of the King of Vices, wouldn’t expose their bare faces at the New Kingdom.

A tall man whose face was covered by a white mask was calling even more Abyss using a horn flute.

「……Are you the Drag-Knight of a perished country that we heard from Dragon Marauder, Kirihime, something?」

「My? So you know my name? Even though I’m planning to conceal myself.」

Saying that, Yoruka dispelled the camouflage of Yato no Kami and showed herself before the man.

On the other hand, one of the Servants, the Flame Punishment Viji was also wearing the same type of Drag-Ride, the special equipment type, EX Drake.

If it was the same type that also possessed a probing device, it could also see through the opponent who had the camouflage function activated.

「If you stop the sound of that flute and tell me the location of Rosa Granhide, I won’t mind to at least let you keep your life you know?」

Yoruka thrust out her katana-type Blade and declared so, but Viji wasn’t moved.

「The likes of a dog who changed master from the Old Empire to the New Kingdom like you, it’s astonishing that you can still bark like that.」

Viji sneered even more and blew his flute──but, the next moment. The flute was split into two along with the mechanical right arm that was holding it.

「──!?」

Even though Yoruka should still be outside the range, and yet she approached instantly and slashed. That technique caused Viji to blink in amazement.

Viji moved his EX Drake’s four legs in a hurry and leaped backwards. Yoruka’s eyes narrowed slightly.

「Unfortunately I have no emotion. There is no need for that kind of pointless talk. But──if you still have the leeway to speak once more, then I don’t mind if you continue you know?」

「……Kuh!」

Viji who instantly sensed danger activated the knapsack mechanism on his back that was a rare armament.

Right after that, when Yoruka leaped to pursue him, the surrounding buildings were enveloped in flames.

Part 7

「You guys are quite something. To be able to rush to where we are in a straight line like this.」

And then, at the front line base at the east where it was the nearest to Babel.

On the parapet in front of it, a woman with a bared face was standing.

The woman general who was commanding the Heiburg Republic’s military that was staying here loosened her cheeks at the entrance of a worthy opponent.

「Pushing into this city is troublesome, but as expected something like conquering the Ruin is suffocating. It’s far more interesting to fight facing a human opponent. Don’t you think so, Celistia?」

Celis who was wearing Lindwurm was glaring silently at her opponent above the parapet.

「Unfortunately, I find it hard to agree with your opinion. After all, when fighting a human opponent, there are many more things that needs to be considered.」

「Hou? Then how about you go save the citizens who are being attacked by the Abyss? There is no one who needs to be saved in an empty place like this.」

「……How long you are intending to vent your resentment on the New Kingdom? Do you want to repay back the debt that you received from the era of the Old Empire by that much? To even go as far as carrying out this kind of plan.」

Gutefelica was playing dumb, but Celis didn’t follow along with her act.

She sent her an aloof gaze that overwhelmed other people and asked quietly.

That this situation was the plan of the King of Vices to destroy the New Kingdom.

Celis was talking with the assumption that Gutefelica was also approving this plan of causing a sham Abyss attack to lure out Lux who was currently a wanted man.

「How strange. I thought that if it is you, you will be able to understand my feeling.」

Gutefelica’s shoulders were shaking while chuckling ‘ku ku’, she glared at Celis with a haughty expression.

「Aren’t you sick of it? Days of simply protecting the populace from the Abyss, I’m extremely bored of it. It was even more so since that strategist, one of the Lords, Hayes came.」

She looked up to the sky with a faraway look, and then she slowly put her hand on the handle of her Sword Device.

「When that girl put Gigas under her control, we also had no more need to fight against the Abyss. There was also no chance to wield the power that I trained for several years in order to pay back the debt to the Old Empire. Is there any other story crueler than this?」

「If it’s for the sake of satisfying that desire, something like peace is undesirable──you won’t even mind to hurt anyone, is that what you think?」

「I heard about the rumor of you even in Heiburg you know? You are piling up Drag-Ride training more than anyone right? Aren’t you bored? To be unable to even wield the skill that you had trained──!」

She quickly pulled out her Sword Device while talking and equipped an EX Wyvern with chantless high-speed summoning.

Her palm was tinged with crackling light. She grasped a bizarre long sword.

Most likely it was a type of rare armament that was similar to the Lightning Lance that Celis had.

「Is that so, then I have nothing to say. Someone like you who is drunk on power without knowing the horrors of battle──is not a match for me or him.」

「Want to try? This time the limitation of a mock battle won’t get in the way!」

Gutefelica’s eyes snapped wide open, at the same time her EX Wyvern rushed.

In order to meet Gutefelica who was leaping forward with explosive momentum, Celis quickly pulled back her lance.

Part 8

Countless sounds of explosion rang out, at the same time there were flashes blinking in the night sky like fireworks.

Flames were rising up here and there due to the Abyss’s attack. Amidst that, Lux was hiding inside the hideout mansion along with Airi.

「You mustn’t, Nii-san.」

「Yes, I understand──」

Airi grasped the hand of Lux whose expression turned grave every time he heard the sounds and flashes and she warned him.

The positions of the Servants who seemed to be manipulating the Abyss with horn flutes had been determined due to the wide range search by Yoruka’s Yato no Kami.

But, even with the girls, their side was still lacking in combat strength.

Philuffy and the Triad should be intercepting the Abyss that were sent to this Triport, even so, as expected Lux couldn’t stop feeling uneasy.

「Be patient for a bit more. With Nii-san’s stamina right now, you can only use Bahamut for a few minutes. Please only use it to protect yourself.」

「……But, the enemy’s number is more than expected. At this rate, this city will receive enormous damage.」

Of course there was a risk of getting discovered and captured by Heiburg’s soldiers, but it couldn’t be helped.

Relie and Lord Dist who were in this city might also suffer damage from this.

Lux let out a deep sigh and tightly grasped the handle of his Sword Device, it was then a voice came from outside the mansion.

「Someone! Please help-! Lux-san……!」

「……-!?」

His name──no, that familiar voice caused Lux to react.

When he quickly opened the curtain and looked below the window, there was the figure of Calensia there. Blood was flowing from her shoulder and she was breathing hard.

–

──*IiIIIII-!*

–

The moment Lux got taken aback and held his breath, the horn flute reverberated once more. A winged Abyss──Gargoyle was targeting Calensia.

「This is bad! If I don’t get out──!」

Lux shook off Airi’s hand that was stopping him and pulled out the Sword Device of Bahamut. At that moment, a voice came from right nearby.

「Yes. Please leave it to me.」

Airi’s best friend, one of the Triad, Noct said those words.

Most likely, because she was able to act without standing out using her Drake, she was hiding around here.

But, although the enemy was only a single Gargoyle, as expected the Abyss was powerful.

Putting aside the other members of Syvalles who possessed Divine Drag-Rides, this should be a great burden for Noct who was a user of a general purpose Drag-Ride.

Thinking that, Lux went down to the first floor and opened the door to assist.

Then──,

「GIYAaAAAAAAH……!」

He saw the sight of the metallic winged monster fall to the ground with its four limbs severed. It exploded and scattered everywhere.

「Eh──?」

「There is no more reaction of the Abyss in the surroundings. She is also the only human presence in the area. What to do now, Lux-san?」

「Eerr──. Just now, you did that alone Noct?」

「Yes. Under this situation, we cannot spare so many members to guard Lux-san, so depending on the type and number of the Abyss, it’s assumed that I will assist in battle rather than fight.」

She spoke that out with a bland tone and calm expression like usual.

It was shocking.

While Lux wasn’t looking, the Triad were also doing training. He had heard of that, but for the result to be the capability to defeat a single Gargoyle so easily like this.

「But, it seems that Lux-san, the essential person himself didn’t believe in me. Even though I told you to leave it to me, this is extremely disappointing. Haa……」

Noct spoke in monotone purposefully. Lux got panicked in response to that.

「So, sorry. But, it was amazing. How did you defeat it?」

「No. It’s a trade secret. More importantly──」

Noct’s gaze turned aside, there he saw the figure of Calensia whose shoulder was injured.

「Calensia-san. That wound, what happened……?」

The girl lost strength and collapsed on her knees after hearing Lux’s question. The glasses girl hung her head down.

And then, she bit her lip in frustration and started talking with pleading eyes.

「Just as you can see, I got counterattacked by Rosa Granhide. There was a hidden escape path in the jail she was imprisoned at──. Most likely after she was rescued by her subordinate, she departed to the New Kingdom.」

「……-!? Then, what happened tonight is──」

「Yes. If Lady Rosa really came here, it’s likely that she is giving command to the Servants. But, this injury of yours……?」

Airi’s muttering was added on by Noct, and she asked.

Then, Calensia embraced her own shoulder and her body trembled fiercely.

「It was Rosa. She is planning to take advantage of this commotion to summon it. The Ragnarok existing in Babel──Metatron.」

「Don’t tell me!? They said that they haven’t reached the twelfth floor──」

Lux who heard Calensia’s story immediately made an alert expression.

But, he noticed that his thinking was overly optimistic and he rethought.

If the Heiburg military whose strings were pulled by Rosa behind the scenes was conquering Babel in order to deal a great blow to the New Kingdom since the beginning, they would easily lie.

Metatron seemed to be an angel type Ragnarok whose existence was described in the ancient document that was obtained from a box inside Babel. No more information than that could be obtained, but it would be dangerous to face it without their full force.

At present, in order to stop the Servants who were in possession of horn flutes, their side’s forces were dispersed.

Rosa was planning to liberate the Ragnarok in order to make use of this opening.

「A part of the Heiburg military is advancing until the room where the Ragnarok appears to be at. I’m begging you Lux-san…… before Rosa leaves from the front line base and summons the Ragnarok, please──」

Calensia was pleading with ‘haa haa’ rough breathing.

Her fingertip was pointing──at the frontline base that was illuminated by watch fire. Around there, a red haired girl wearing military uniform could be seen walking as though she was dragging her body.

There was already no reason to refuse.

At this rate, the New Kingdom, starting from this Triport would get exposed to danger.

「Noct, you go to the city’s center. Report this to everyone!」

「Yes, but, right now Lux-san is──」

「That’s right! Nii-san too should go together with us. With that body, you won’t be able to fight properly──」

「It’s fine. I’m also exhausted, but Rosa’s wounds are also not something that will heal right away. Even the current me has enough strength left to stop her at least.」

「…………」

Seeing Lux’s eyes that were filled with strong will, Airi sighed.

「Please be very careful. I will ask the Triad to be reinforcement immediately. Also──」

「I understand. I won’t force myself more than this.」

「Yes. According to my probing device, there is no sign of Abyss or Drag-Rides from here until the frontline base. Be careful.」

Noct used Drake’s leap to fly towards the center of the city.

On the other hand, Lux asked Calensia to guide him to Rosa’s position.

「Over here. My Sword Device was taken away, so I cannot send you there but……」

Saying that, Calensia looked at Lux’s waist apologetically.

At present even Lux also had the Sword Device of his Wyvern stolen, so he couldn’t use it.

It would be just one flight away if he used Bahamut, but he couldn’t use it casually if thinking about the battle that might happen.

According to Airi’s diagnosis, right now even without Over Limit, Lux wouldn’t be able to last three minutes if he operated his Drag-Ride.

Thus, he advanced along with Calensia using their own feet.

At that time, Lux suddenly opened his mouth and talked.

「……Calensia-san. Did you meet Stefa since then? She wished to meet with you and Rosa all this time.」

「……No. I don’t have any face to meet with her, because all this time I was unable to oppose Rosa and only did exactly as she told me.」

「…………」

「However, we have to stop her for sure this time. Before she releases the Ragnarok and destroys the New Kingdom we──」

「I see.」

Lux was seriously listening to Calensia’s words.

However, he whispered with an expression that looked like he was concealing something.

「Then, as I thought it’s you. The one who arranged this battle.」

「──Eh?」

Calensia came to a stop with a bewildered expression.

「What are you saying? Right now I’m not accepting Rosa’s order anymore! Until now I had no choice but to obey her because of the hostages she kept but──」

「That’s not it Calensia. The one who gave the order is the opposite. Thanks to not killing Rosa at that time, thanks to Philuffy who stopped me, I finally realized the truth.」

「What do you……mean, Nii-san?」

Lux covered the perplexed Airi behind him and pulled out his Sword Device to point it toward Calensia.

A light rain that began to fall drop by drop was gradually increasing in strength.

An even deeper shadow fell on the port city at night due to that, erasing even the expression of the girl before him.

「Thinking back, everything was strange. Why did your cousin Stefa Hersmice live? What’s with her crushed eyes? And then, why did you refuse to meet with Stefa? All this time, I thought she was Rosa’s hostage to threaten you. But, it’s the reverse. You killed the real Calensia and replaced her. At the time when you all were still military cadets, while no one realized the exact truth──」

「────」

「It was also you who stole my Wyvern’s Sword Device. It could easily be done at the moment I lost my consciousness. And then, it should be possible for you to give orders to your subordinates right after that to pin the crime on me. Am I wrong?」

「Ahahahaha」

• Shudder*.

Within her body that melted into darkness, it was only her eyes that were tinged with light.

「Please don’t say something strange Lux-san. You saw how I was tormented by her all those times right? Besides, didn’t everyone fear Rosa? The people of Heiburg, the soldiers, everyone──」

「Yeah, it was your order to Rosa. You ordered her to do that all this time by threatening the safety of her family and also her friend Stefa so that she can only live by doing evil. It’s you who brainwashed Rosa and framed her to be evil, becoming your substitute, the King of Vices of Heiburg. That is your true identity.」

「…………」

「Then, Nii-san got turned into a wanted man even though Lady Rosa was captured, and her escape from inside the prison, all of those were this person’s──!?」

Thinking like that, everything became consistent.

How Rosa Granhide intercepted Lux in the underground market with perfect preparation.

How the items obtained from the backroom deal with Dragon Marauder got taken away from the warehouse.

Calensia came into contact with Lux and asked him to save her from Rosa was in order to spy on how he would move.

And then, the moment Rosa who thought that she couldn’t lose got defeated, this girl attempted to make him kill Rosa to destroy the evidence while also framing him as an assassin.

「Hmph. I thought that I will be able to easily trick a mere hero-sama who is drunk on exterminating the villain but──」

Calensia smoothly took off her glasses and showed her true nature.

Poisonous eyes that were heavily dyed with cruelty and ruthless hostility.

It was a foreign look that was completely the same like Rosa Granhide who was forced to act evil.

「Hey, Lux-kun. You see, the true villain won’t do anything like fighting in the open. Dirtying one’s own hand is a dangerous path, so they will make someone else to do it. But that──by no means is wrong or anything you know? Any adult does it without exception. The one who doesn’t is just stupid. The one who is made to do it is just an idiot, in other words I’m not bad. Because I’m not bad or anything. No one in Heiburg thinks that I’m bad. I’m a pitiful girl without any sin who is tormented by the evil Rosa. Isn’t that right, Lux-kun? If only you stay quiet, I’ll keep being clean. In the future forever──see.」

Calensia told him with a coaxing voice and a gruesome smile.

「…………」

Why did she carry out this kind of evil? Lux couldn’t imagine it.

The desire for a successful life by climbing up to the top of the world alliance and reaching Avalon.

Of course this girl also had such desire, but Lux noticed something even more repulsive from her.

She would obtain what she wanted, and cast away what she hated. She was also wishing for a distorted pleasure of being treated by her surroundings like a proper person──no, even more than that, like a virtuous person even while amusing herself with her desire to oppress and torment other people.

She wanted to torment and hurt people without dirtying her own hands while she herself kept staying in the position where it was only herself who was consoled and praised.

That was a 『blackness』 that was even darker than the Old Empire’s imperial family and nobles who were carrying out tyranny with the full knowledge of the animosity from the people.

Lux wordlessly pointed the tip of his Sword Device.

「Noow then, should we begin Lux-kun? In order to cover up your crime of killing Rosa, you moved to crush Heiburg along with your comrades. I’ll have you along with the New Kingdom take responsibility of that crime that turned the world alliance into your enemy.」

The lump of evil that was like mud without bottom.

Calensia who was showing a distorted smile took out a short sword that she was hiding inside her bag.

The moment Lux guessed what that was, he slashed her right arm.

Originally, in this situation it would be faster to aim at her flesh body and subdue her.

But, Calensia wasn’t perturbed even when blood was flowing from her arm. She buried that blade shining with seven colors into her chest.

「Elixir!? Did you get it from the transaction with Dragon Marauder!?」

It was already too late when he noticed.

Slowly, the light of seven colors was melting into Calensia’s body, a black pattern spread, dyeing her body.

She was transforming into a devil, an existence that transcended a human body. At the same time that thing flew.

「Ushaaah!」

「──Nii-san-!?」

While Airi’s scared voice resounded, Lux barely blocked the enemy’s first attack.

The knife of Elixir that had finished its role after injecting its medicine collided with Bahamut’s Sword Device. It broke into pieces.

「Ku──!?」

The fragment of the blade cut below his right eye. Lux frowned from the pain.

Calensia unsheathed her Sword Device, and she took a thrusting stance aiming at the chest of the faltering Lux.

「Sayonara, evildoer-san.」

At that time when Calensia opened her eyes that were dyed crimson and laughed, her body was punched and blown aside.

「……-!?」

The moment everyone there held their breath, a chain crossed in front of Lux’s eyes.

「Phi-chan!?」

When Lux raised his voice and turned around, he found the answer there.

Philuffy who was wearing her Divine Drag-Ride Typhon sent her Pile Anchor flying and blocked Calensia’s violent attack.

「Lu-chan, go to Rosa. Everyone should catch up soon too so──」

「But……!?」

The moment Lux said that in hesitation, the anchor’s tip dug into Calensia’s body and pulled her closer with intense speed.

Using Typhon’s forte, its hand-to-hand combat ability, Philuffy’s fist was going to shot out after pulling the enemy closer, but at that moment the restriction was unfastened.

「──!?」

「Ahaa」

Calensia using her Sword Device to cut her own uniform that was bitten by the anchor’s tip and escaped, at the same time she twirled midair and recovered her balance.

Using the opening when Philuffy blinked in surprise, Calensia pushed the grip of her Sword Device.

「Come, Alklha!」

Right after that, intense light particles whirled and an armor with luster that was like rust appeared.

It had a hardy huge body to the degree it buried the user’s body into the armor, and huge double-jointed armored arms.

The Divine Drag-Ride that was like a fortress itself was wrapping around Calensia.

Four arms were growing from its torso and both shoulders. One of it was equipped with a huge cannon that was almost the same size as Lisha’s Seven Heads.

「This is──this shape, don’t tell me……!」

「Divine Drag-Ride Alklha──aren’t you lucky? To be able to make a memory before dying.」

One of the Servants, the Hunting Punishment Gerdaf who Lux fought at the end of the campus festival. He was destroyed by a Drag-Ride with the same form as this.

In other words, the Divine Raiment of Rosa’s Gorynych that could change shape was also nothing more than a cover so that Calensia’s true identity wouldn’t be exposed.

「This Drag-Ride is really powerful, but its flaw is its drastic energy consumption you seee. However it’s fine──due to the Baptism, right now I’m receiving Elixir’s protection……Black Wing RuinDark Fall-!」

「……Kuh!?」

Lux also tried to join the fight at first, but the moment he readied Bahamut, something strange happened.

• Butsun* All light vanished from the surroundings, everything was closed into darkness.

「This is!? Just what is──!?」

It wasn’t that all the light remaining in the city was erased.

The figure of Airi at his side, the sensation of the Sword Device he was holding──and even the coldness of the rain couldn’t be felt.

Lux’s five senses themselves were erased.

(Then, is this Alklha’s Divine Raiment!?)

It created a barrier with a radius of several dozen ml with itself as the center, which sealed the five senses of the living thing inside it.

A true darkness that severed the world and cognizance.

Lux noticed just how completely terrifying this ability was.

No matter how many countermeasures he prepared, he wouldn’t be able to move if he couldn’t stay cognizant.

By the point of time he got hit with this ability as the first move, it would be a checkmate if he wasn’t wearing a Drag-Ride.

At that moment when the despair of not being able to do anything crossed Lux’s mind, the darkness was removed along with Philuffy’s voice.

「──Missing Faith」

The darkness dispersed along with a surge of nothingness. The night recovered its appearance.

Right after the flash of thunderbolt that illuminated the surrounding, the anchors that were fired from every part of Typhon wrapped around Alklha and sealed its movement.

「Hee, that’s a great response there. Well, you have no other method to defend against this anyway.」

Calensia wasn’t really perturbed. It seemed she had also finished investigating Typhon’s Divine Raiment.

In contrast, Philuffy was facing the enemy in front of her with an unusually grave expression.

「Lu-chan, go ahead. I’ll manage here somehow.」

「But──」

Lux felt uneasy seeing the shining golden Abyss eyes Philuffy displayed.

Philuffy couldn’t activate Typhon’s Divine Raiment without turning her body into an Abyss.

She was training to obtain resistance by making Airi blow the horn flute, but if she forced herself to fight, it would become a burden on her body and her heart might be taken over by Abyss.

「We can only, leave this to her.」

Airi lightly pulled on Lux’s sleeve with a bitter expression.

「If Alklha’s Divine Raiment is an ability to erase the opponent’s five senses, then it’s only Philuffy-san who can oppose her with her ability to negate Divine Raiments. We should leave this to her and chase after Lady Rosa.」

Rosa was most likely trying to open Babel’s door in order to fulfill Calensia’s order for her.

If they didn’t stop that, the Ragnarok of Babel, Metatron would appear and Lux and the others might get annihilated due to a pincer attack.

At the very least, Rosa who was heading to Babel right now shouldn’t have any spare strength left to fight properly.

Then──,

「Phi-chan! I will stop her right away and come back to help! That’s why──!」

「Yes…… see you, Lu-chan.」

Her eyes were colored pitch black with golden light residing in them, even so Philuffy was smiling with her usual tone.

And then, she faced Calensia and Alklha who was standing in her way and she swung up Typhon’s fist.

–

「Haa, haa……!」

After receiving the last command from Heiburg’s King of Vices──Calensia, Rosa Granhide dragged her body and aimed towards Babel.

Because the position where the Ragnarok existed had been discovered, a crack was made beforehand on the external wall of that position.

If that crack was aimed with a long range sniping rifle and the wall was destroyed, the Ragnarok would awaken and get outside.

After that Rosa just needed to leave from this place.

With that, all of her tasks would be finished.

If it was Calensia who saved her from the torture of the man in the military, this time she would also save her again.

Her body felt so much pain that she wanted to faint right away already, but there was no way she could stop.

「Rosa! Wait!」

「-……!?」

When she heard Lux’s voice from behind, the red haired girl tensed herself in panic.

She had done terrible things to him.

That was why, she would be killed for sure if she was caught this time.

Unless she escaped──

Unless she escaped and obeyed the King of Vices, unless she perpetrated evil and subdued other people.

It was as though something stirred her up and she mustered her last strength, but then a Drag-Ride stood in her way.

「Ah──」

When she looked above her, she saw a familiar man wearing a Wyrm.

One of the Servants, the Cutting Punishment Brandish. That man lifted up his Blade and took a stance to cut her down.

「Why are, you here……」

「You didn’t notice? That might be so huuh. Do you think you can destroy even a part of that Babel’s outer wall with your strength right now?」

The emaciated man looked down on Rosa with vaguely empty eyes and calmly told her.

「We will be troubled even if you stay alive longer than this. Your last role after you cannot fight properly anymore is──to become a bait here and die. That is the order of our master.」

「You, lie……right? Because, I still──!?」

Rosa had already noticed, that the King of Vices had abandoned her, and also that this conclusion was inevitable.

Rosa who despaired towards everything closed her eyes, but.

At that time someone crossed before her eyes.

「──GYAAAAH!」

Brandish’s hoarse scream resounded. The emaciated man fell prostrated on the ground.

When she noticed, in front of her a young man with androgynous look and distinctive braided hair──Coral who was wearing an EX Wyvern was standing.

「You, are……?」

「It looks like I made it in time, I’m glad. Just now, when I went to Lux-kun, he said that he wanted me to save you.」

「Why, those people are──……」

She had trapped Lux and his comrades, and hurt them. And now he asked someone to save her? Rosa murmured with an uncomprehending expression.

「Who knows, even I don’t really get it, which is stronger, evil or justice. But──」

Pausing like that, Coral took Rosa’s hand and continued with a gentle smile.

「Lux-kun trying to persist with his own justice is surely also not an easy path. If it’s you who had to do evil against your wishes, don’t you understand his feelings?」

「I, am──」

With that sentence, Rosa’s mask crumbled down into pieces.

What could be seen there, was the unpainted face of a weak girl who had falsified everything until now, in order to protect herself and her friend.

Part 9

「Haa, haa……! You were giving me a hard time for a mere small fry, this damn meatball.」

Lisha who was battling on the wharf west of Triport was looking down on the man who lost consciousness in front of her.

One of the Servants, Goldia who was driving an EX Wyrm was a formidable enemy.

Originally, Tiamat that specialized in long range attacks should have an overwhelming advantage, but in order to not give the opponent a chance to play the flute, Lisha had to constantly take the initiative to attack.

And then, although right now there were almost no people around, but Lisha acted considerately that she must not involve the houses and ships into the destruction. That was the cause of her hard fight.

Especially the opponent’s skill in manipulating his huge iron ball was amazing. It caused Lisha to meet unfavorable situations several times.

But, in the end the strength that Lisha had accumulated until now came out on top.

Her new technique that was the result from her developing her unique talent that was Drag-Ride development became the deciding factor and she splendidly wrested away victory.

「However, as expected this is tiring. I poured my effort into development until now, but I have to increase my stamina from here on too, if not──」

Lisha dispelled her armor while mumbling to herself. She returned the two Sword Devices she used back into their sheath.

There were three sword belts wrapped around her waist, and one more on her back. It was an appearance that was normally impossible.

「Hmm. So that’s your new trump card, that’s quite something isn’t it?」

「……-!? Wait, what are you coming here for Krulcifer! Go search for other enemies right away!」

Seeing Fafnir show up above the wharf, Lisha reflexively raised her voice.

「That’s a really terrible remark. My opponent was so dangerous that I had to use my full power──the Full Connect, that’s why I was worried about you and came here as reinforcement.」

「No need. Don’t think that it’s only you who has increased your skills.」

Lisha acted strong and crossed her arms in response to Krulcifer’s words that sounded mischievous.

「My, then you will depart from here right away without rest then? It looks like they have defeated most of the Abyss though. And I’m also worried about Lux-kun.」

「What?」

Lisha equipped her Tiamat once more and headed to the east together with Krulcifer. There, they found two Servants that had already been defeated, and the figures of Yoruka and Celis hunting down the remaining Abyss that were summoned to the city center.

「Those two, are they monsters……?」

Lisha murmured with a dumbfounded tone, but Krulcifer shook her head silently.

「That’s not true. There is no doubt that their fundamental strength is out of bound. But──the enemy should be considerably atrocious too.」

「-……!?」

When Lisha focused her gaze really carefully, she could see traces of fierce battle on the two even from afar.

Break Purge, a technique to take off a part of the armor to create a spec that was focused to breaking through a single point by sacrificing the Drag-Ride’s multifunction. A technique that was a double-edged sword.

For Celis to use that technique, the situation must have been that serious to corner her like that──

「Hm? What, Yoruka is also somewhat strange. The whole frame of Yato no Kami, it looks somewhat distorted──」

「It’s amazing that you can understand that much even from this distance……. Although I’ve seen your mania attitude every time, but it’s still amazing to behold.」

「That’s not it! That’s, there is a proper reason for this. It’s because recently I have often given maintenance to that ero woman’s Drag-Ride too.」

「Is that so?」

Krulcifer unusually showed a shocked face and asked.

「Yeah, because since she left from Hayes’s place, there was no proper mechanic to take a look at her Drag-Ride. That girl’s Drag-Ride is a special make after all, so it’s hard to repair──」

「Good grief someone like you, it’s really a waste, in various things──」

「It’s none of your business-!?」

Seeing Krulcifer staring still at her while holding her head, Lisha spontaneously snapped at her.

But, seeing the citizens who were being chased by the Abyss, they quickly matched their rhythm with each other.

「There-! Follow me Krulcifer!」

Lisha held back two Chimeras that were chasing after a man who looked like a merchant, then Fafnir’s freezing bullet sealed their movement at that chance.

But, faster than Lisha could do a follow up attack, a Drag-Ride’s silhouette rushed vertically.

「You are late, Lizsharte.」

「Yes, with this──it’s the last.」

Celis’s Lindwurm pierced through the core of one Chimera with its lance, while the Blade that Yoruka wielded bisected the other one.

Lisha whose eyes were stolen by their striking movements pouted her lips sharply.

「Don’t snatch other people’s prey as you please! Besides, it was me who repaired your Drag-Ride!」

「Yes. I’m grateful about that, that’s why, I offered my help just now.」

Seeing Yoruka who was smiling carefreely, Lisha became at a loss for words.

「More importantly, let’s go quickly. I’m worried about Lux-kun.」

「That’s right. Philuffy returned to guard him, but there is still the matter of thd Ragnarok too.」

Celis said that and glared towards Babel, it was at that timing her eyes snapped open wide in surprise.

「That’s──!?」

After her, Lisha looked at the faraway residential area and turned speechless.

Right now the townscape had few lighting, but in that area, there was a black curtain in half-spherical shape covering it.

It was unclear whether it was a Ragnarok or the ability of the enemy’s Divine Drag-Ride, but in any case Lux was in danger──

Thinking that, everyone gathered their strength to dash there. But then a voice came suddenly from behind.

「Ku-ku-ku-ku, I’m filled with awe. To think that you all really have strength that surpassed us.」

It was Gutefelica who had been confirmed as one of the Servants.

Her unruly hair that twisted frizzily like flame was hanging down while she laughed.

But, even seen from the side, her body was already at its limit.

The EX Wyvern she was wearing also had its armor and armaments broken already. Seeing her figure with blood spewing out from her mouth, she was clearly unable to fight no matter how anyone looked.

「It’s splendid, really something. Strangely my wish came true. The strength that I obtained in order to crush you people of New Kingdom didn’t reach as expected. And then── I also protected my honor as a soldier.」

While she continued to mutter with an empty expression, a part of her words caused Lisha to frown.

「……What did you say?」

「I’m saying that you all got caught into my master’s plan……! A Ragnarok is the same as any other Abyss, when it sees other living things──it will become active and move. If only the curtain of my master’s Alklha is lifted up and she showed her figure, it has been arranged so that it can fight anytime……! Now, come! The protector of the throne nesting in Babel!」

Instantly, the wall of Babel’s upper floor that existed far away at the other side of the city was broken down along with a thunderous sound.

At the same time, Gutefelica flew above. And then her body was smashed by a streak of light.

「──Ku, they destroyed the wall around the top floor of Babel and exposed the outside world to the inside!?」

Lisha who instinctually guessed the situation spontaneously yelled after seeing the remains of the broken EX Wyvern.

「And then, she flew until the height where the Ragnarok’s eyes could reach, and turned herself into a bait……is that what happened?」

「Just what could she be thinking, the so called master of that woman.」

Cold sweat was emerging on Krulcifer’s forehead, and color was also leaving Celis’s face.

「There is no time for small talk──it’s coming.」

But, Yoruka’s voice that was the same like usual made everyone recover their calm.

At that moment, Lisha strongly breathed out and lifted up her Sword Device for encouragement.

「Everyone, don’t let the enemy approach Lux and the airhead girl! We are going to finish off that wannabe angel with the four of us!」

The remaining three nodded at Lisha’s instruction, at the same time, a gigantic spherical body with more than thirty wings growing was approaching Triport.

The red eyes that were packed full on its surface opened, catching sight of the four who were taking position above the frontline base.

They began their battle against Metatron while feeling a nervousness that they had never experienced before.

Part 10

「Were we too late!? That Abyss with wings, is Metatron──!?」

Lux discovered Rosa while heading towards Babel and asked Coral to protect her, but, the Ragnarok was easily liberated. Was there another enemy hiding in ambush somewhere else?

But, when he was going to pursue the Ragnarok for the time being, the Triad who had just returned called out to him.

「Wait Lux-kun. You are already exhausted, it’s an order from Lord Dist, that you must not use Bahamut until the very last minute.」

「Yes. The remaining Servants were already defeated by Lisha-sama and the others. Leave the Ragnarok to the four of them──」

「We are going to reinforce Philuffy!」

Saying that, Tillfur approached, but she immediately hesitated and the Wyrm she was wearing stopped moving.

「Wait, this, what is going on──!?」

Sweat was flowing down from her forehead with twitching expression on her face.

Calensia had turned into a devil using Elixir. She controlled Alklha using a bottomless life force.

Her four huge arms were attacking Philuffy one after another. The stone paving, stone wall, houses behind Philuffy, they were all destroyed with one hit.

But, even in front of that fierce and brutal attacks, Philuffy didn’t loosen Pile Anchors restriction around the enemy.

It should be disadvantageous for her facing Alklha which was a giant land battle type Drag-Ride because she would get pulled towards the enemy, but,

「Alklha’s Divine Raiment can steal the five senses of all living things within the area a few dozen ml from it. In order to respond right after the enemy uses it, she has to constantly stay in contact with the enemy’s body like that despite the danger.」

「Then, isn’t Philuffy actually in even more danger!? But──」

They couldn’t get near.

It wasn’t just because the Triad’s strength simply couldn’t reach, because of the situation where both sides were mutually doing offense and defense in super close range, they couldn’t interfere.

If they got close half-bakedly, they would become a hindrance or perhaps get dragged into it.

With that prospect, the Triad couldn’t approach near.

「Yes. We too have become stronger more or less, but as expected, the two of them are on a different level. Then──I judged that we shouldn’t put on an air needlessly and do what we can do with our all.」

「……Guess so. Looks like it’s still not yet the time to show off our new technique.」

Tillfur nodded looking somewhat fretful. Noct’s Drake stretched out a cord towards her Wyrm and connected.

「Lux-kun, you stay behind me.」

「…………」

But, Lux himself couldn’t stay quiet.

A hundred ml from him, Calensia and Philuffy were displaying a gruesome mortal combat.

「You are working really hard. But── I wonder what you will do against this? Sun EaterSol Tooth!」

「……-!?」

Philuffy continued to endure even with four arms raining down fists consecutively from very close range. In response, Calensia fired countless shells from the backpack loaded on Alklha’s back.

「That’s light bullet!? Or else, what are they doing above──!?」

Tillfur looked up to the sky with a dubious face, right after that, Alklha’s armor shined mysteriously.

The Divine Raiment that stole cognizance from other people──for some reason it wasn’t unleashed towards Philuffy, but towards the cloudy sky.

「Firing to wrong direction…… what is she planning!?」

Sharis muttered in bewilderment. Immediately after, Lux noticed Calensia’s aim.

「Phi-chan, be careful! The shells just now are falling!」

Right after that, from inside the curtain of black barrier that was hiding everything within it, missiles with various trajectories were falling towards Philuffy.

「────」

Philuffy immediately entered a defensive stance by fully deploying Typhon’s barrier, but she couldn’t fully defend against everything.

Her balance crumbled from the rain of shells showering her. The next moment, Alklha’s giant arms came striking,

「U, ku……」

Philuffy was blown away. She closed one of her eyes and endured the impact that penetrated through her whole body.

But, even so she didn’t falter and skated forward, but this time she was fully hit by a blow from Alklha that came from the side.

「Why!? It’s different from before, now it’s only the enemy’s attack that is landing!?」

Tillfur who was baffled took the stance of charging ahead with her armament, a hammer in hand.

Then, Airi spoke her own hypothesis with a subdued tone.

「I think, perhaps, things that enter the curtain of darkness that the Divine Drag-Ride Alklha deployed won’t be able to be perceived by other people. She is deploying that curtain behind and to the left and right is in order to hide her own attack.」

「So that means──it will be unknown where the attack is going to come from until just before it hits you?」

「We cannot just watch like this. I’ll also help, Philuffy!」

Aiming at the timing where a distance was opened between Calensia and Philuffy, Tillfur rushed her Wyrm towards Calensia.

But,

「This monster too won’t be able to rest in peace huh, even though she had been working hard to cover for you weaklings, but you actually came rushing in by yourself.」

「……-!?」

The moment Alklha’s Divine Raiment, the Dark Fall entangled around Tillfur, she lost control and tumbled down.

Without stopping she moved towards the nearby wall and crashed.

「No, way……!?」

「So it’s impossible as expected.」

Even though Lux was sweating nervously, he accepted the situation calmly.

Drag-Ride realized a tremendous mobility due to the power of its Force Core and various parts of the frame, but the moment Alklha’s Dark Fall entered, even the cognizance to perform that control was taken away.

Not only did the opponent become unable to see their self and the enemy, even the sensation of holding the control stick for the body control manipulation was erased, that was why they became unable to even understand what they were doing themselves and couldn’t fight.

In other words, other than Philuffy’s Typhon that possessed the Divine Raiment to erase other Divine Raiments, they couldn’t fight properly other than using long range attacks.

However, even that Missing Faith that was the last ray of hope would become a burden to the body, so it couldn’t be used that often.

Alklha’s preliminary movement when attacking was erased from view, its cannon shells and blow couldn’t be dodged, the armor of Typhon was gradually breaking and torn off.

In less than a minute, the battle situation was turning for the worse in the blink of an eye.

「Haa, haa……!」

Philuffy’s breathing was gradually getting harder, the sweat trickling from her was sticking on her front hair.

She was starting to show the omen of her limit approaching, just like what she showed at the campus selection battle.

「Phi-chan, run away! I’ll fight her with Bahamut next!」

When Lux spontaneously yelled, Philuffy stopped him with Typhon’s hand gesture.

「I’m all right. I, can still go on.」

She told him that with gasping breath and continued to endure Alklha’s fists.

「How foolish. And then, how pitiful. You are resisting like this even though you have no chance of victory. Are you trying to become a sacrificial pawn of the New Kingdom?」

「-……」

Lux who heard Calensia’s mocking strongly clenched his fist.

But, even so Philuffy wasn’t shaken.

「Or perhaps, you are drunk with heroism because you have met that kind of experience? You can feel at ease without despairing if you are at least useful for someone else──, but you see. That is a weakness.」

「…………」

「What they call goodness, is the last place to escape for living things who cannot make others recognize their existence and unable to seize a position for themselves. They are living things lower than livestock, trying to obtain favor only by following what others told them to do and pile up good deeds. There is no way someone like that can win against me──this 『evil』 me, the one who is truly powerful, that’s including the Black Hero over there!」

Alklha’s offensive was increasing in momentum even more, but Philuffy was avoiding direct hits with her body handling while gradually closing the distance.

「That’s──wrong. At the very least, Lu-chan is different.」

Her eyes were dyed black. Her figure was turning into something that gave off the scent of an Abyss in part.

Even so she was rebutting indifferently with the usual expression and tone of Philuffy.

「You are just averting your eyes from inconvenient things. I know, that saving without hurting someone, is far more painful than simply saving by hurting other people, that’s why──」

• Dokun*, Lux who was listening to those words felt a warm feeling filling his chest.

This childhood friend who was kind through thick and thin was looking at the worried, anguished, and hesitating Lux, even more than he himself.

Just like when he first met Philuffy, when she noticed how he was covering for her and accepted the blame himself.

「Lu-chan was trying to save Rosa and the people of Heiburg, even if he has to get hurt in their place. I, like such kind Lu-chan. That’s why, I won’t let him get hurt for more than this. I swear I’ll──protect Lu-chan」

「Empty prattle! This monster pretending to be a saiiint!」

The will of Philuffy that wouldn’t waver and break no matter what.

Calensia was enraged by those words and she finally took a stance with an arm──the one that was holding the enormous cannon called Moon EaterLuna Tooth to thrust it forward.

She was planning to decide the battle using the armament of one hit sure kill that evaporated Gerdaf’s EX Wyvern completely.

No matter how solid Typhon’s armor was, it wouldn’t be able to endure that main cannon.

Lux’s hand instantly reached to his Sword Device. In that instant, the whole area was covered by a black curtain.

「Ku……!」

Due to Alklha’s Divine Raiment, Dark Fall that manifested once more, all cognizance was erased.

But, this time the black curtain was dispelled without waiting for the cancellation by Philuffy’s Missing Faith──the sensation of net wrapping around him, Airi, and the Triad altogether bewildered Lux.

「This is──iron net!?」

「But, why is it aiming at us rather than Philuffy-san──」

「This is bad, in this situation, we cannot get away immediately!」

While Airi was perplexed, Sharis who was wearing her Wyvern said that.

Right after that, Calensia and Alklha that had switched positions from before was aiming their huge cannon towards Philuffy.

No, Philuffy was standing at the front, while Lux and others who were entangled inside a net were behind her. Calensia had made this situation and started charging energy into Luna Tooth.

「If you can escape by abandoning the comrades behind, you, just try it. A monster like you hiding in human skin, I’ll tear off that mask right here.」

「……-!?」

Calensia made a cold smile that was like a demon and provoked Philuffy.

But, this was an obvious trap.

The cannon attack from that Luna Tooth couldn’t be defended with the current half-broken Typhon.

By making Philuffy and Lux stand in a straight line, she was planning to deal with them with one attack.

In response, Philuffy didn’t move and deployed her barrier dozens of ml ahead of Lux and the others.

She was intending to accept the attack right from the front to protect Lux and the others until the end.

「Phi-chan, run away! Defeat Calensia before she can──」

Lux reflexively yelled while holding Airi’s shoulder.

But, Philuffy kept glaring forward without turning around and she told──only a sentence.

「It’s fine, because……I won’t let her hurt anyone else anymore.」

It was her dreamy tone that was the same as usual.

However, Lux held his breath toward her resolve that was filled with a powerful will.

「Is that so, then I’ll send you all off to heaven happily──sayonara.」

Calensia who was baring a wicked smile like a demon fired the energy of Luna Tooth.

A thick beam of light completely covered the surrounding.

The torrent of intense high heat and impact was fired in a wave motion.

Part 11

Above an empty residential area, four Divine Drag-Rides were dancing.

A Ragnarok of spherical shape with countless eyeballs and pairs of wings.

Considering the immortal Poseidon and Yggdrasil that could resurrect and grow by obtaining resistance respectively, it wasn’t difficult to imagine that this Metatron must be hiding some kind of special ability too.

In contrast, although the four of them had gotten stronger, right now each of them was exhausted.

Therefore, if they were trying to defeat it here, they had not many options and time left.

Lisha who was taking command of this battle first faced the other three and gave instructions using Dragon Voice.

『We’ll surround it from four directions and attack, the moment the enemy advances to the plaza, I’ll bring it down to the ground!』

『──Roger』

『Acknowledged.』

『Understood.』

Krulcifer, Celis, and even Yoruka responded to her voice.

In order to protect the exhausted Lux, it was necessary to exterminate the Ragnarok in this place.

And then, even without expressly giving a detailed explanation, everyone there understood the best action to take.

First everyone readied their weapons and surrounded it from four directions, holding it back.

But, Metatron didn’t show any reaction in respond and advanced forward towards Lisha.

「Here I go monster eyeball! Prostrate under god’s name! Suppressor!」

The moment Metatron’s giant body came right above the plaza, Lisha activated Tiamat’s Divine Raiment──gravity control.

Gravity burden was applied on the Ragnarok’s whole body. The plan was to strike down that body and pasted it on the ground, but──

「……What-!?」

「──iiIIIIIiI」

Just when it let out a faint cry, right after that the gravity field covering Metatron was erased. Right after that──Lisha and the others who were surrounding it from four directions were covered with light that struck them down to the ground all at once.

「This is──!? Don’t tell me!?」

「Tiamat’s Divine Raiment!? Then──!」

Even while receiving a burden from gravity, Celis fired out a lightning attack from the tip of her lance.

The lightning’s tip from the Lightning Flash was erased as expected before it could reach Metatron. The attack recoiled back to everyone.

「U, aaah……!?」

The power of lightning attack that was transmitted to the whole body caused the four to scream.

「As expected it’s like that, this Ragnarok absorbed our attacks and reflected it back……!」

Krulcifer gritted her teeth and glared at Metatron above.

But, Celis shook her head slightly and denied that.

「It’s not just simple reflection. At the very least the strength is magnified by several fold! If we aren’t careful, we will get wiped out!」

「Then──, I also need to test it.」

The moment the gravity field and the lightning attack’s discharge cut off, Yoruka drove her Yato no Kami and danced in the air.

The back of her Drag-Ride’s four legs released wind and heat. It was the special armament Vacuum StepKarafumi to kick on the air. By using it to leap up, even though her Drag-Ride was a special equipment type, she was able to approach Metatron in the sky.

But──when the giant eyeballs covering its surface were fully opened, a flash of high heat surged.

「──Yoruka-!?」

Lisha deployed her defensive barrier while yelling.

But, before Yoruka got hit by the enemy’s attack, she finished an action using her katana-type Blade.

The slash with super speed that was only for one action by using Quick Draw.

The slash ran on the surface of Metatron and carved a line on it.

「──That girl, what is in her mind? To purposefully wait until the enemy moved like that……!」

In order to aim for a counter, she intentionally let herself get hit to attack at the risk of her own life.

But, even that line from the slash vanished and then it unleashed shockwaves consecutively to the surrounding.

「Even physical attacks, are reflected…….!?」

The attack Yoruka unleashed was scattered back with several times the power. Countless cracks ran through the houses and stone paving.

Although Yoruka dodged the enemy’s heat ray and reflected attack to the minimum, as expected even Yoruka’s armor got damaged.

「This Ragnarok, it’s really beyond our means isn’t it──」

「Ku……!?」

Yoruka’s composed smile still hadn’t crumbled, but beside her Lisha was gritting her teeth.

Even with four Divine Drag-Ride users gathered here, they had nothing that could be done this quickly.

Whether it was a physical attack, or shockwave, or lightning attack──if every kind of attack was magnified and reflected back, then they had no way to fight back at all.

Furthermore because Metatron itself was slowly moving like a balloon, they also couldn’t use its own strength to hurt it.

「It will be better if I don’t fire my Freezing Cannon. We will get wiped out if we get smashed while frozen.

For Krulcifer to only be able to make that kind of frivolous talk even after using Fafnir’s future prediction, it gave them a hint just how despairing the situation was.

Because in other words, with their battle strength right now, no matter how they struggle there was no future where their attacks would go through that could be predicted.

「──IIiI, IiIIIIIiIIIIIII」

After Metatron cried with a strange voice, it started to advance towards the residential area where Lux and the others were at.

At that moment, the injured Yoruka kicked on empty air once more and leaped.

「──!?」

Lisha, Krulcifer, Celis, the three of them held their breath seeing that.

This time Yoruka unleashed multiple slashes consecutively, but as expected they were reflected the same.

「What are you doing ero woman! It’s pointless even if we attack this thing! We are only going to get hit back!」

「My? We won’t know that unless we try it.」

An absolute difference in battle potential.

Yato no Kami’s Divine Raiment, the Spell Code wouldn’t work on Metatron that wasn’t a Drag-Ride.

Even so Yoruka repeated various attacks as though she had no fear and hesitation at all.

『You──, don’t tell me』

『Aah, it’s fine if everyone got away from here. This is only something that I’m doing willfully.』

Yoruka calmly answered the question Lisha sent through Dragon Voice.

『There is no way I can let this enemy go to where Aruji-sama is at while we still don’t understand its weakness. Even if this body will break at the end of this, if I don’t even search around for some kind of impetus to be able to damage it, there won’t be any meaning for a tool like me to exist.』

『……-!?』

Lisha reflexively held her breath hearing Yoruka saying those words as though it was only natural.

Realizing the conviction of this girl called Yoruka, her expression changed.

『It will be pointless even if you stop me as commander, I’m──』

「Don’t speak selfishly you damn idiot-!」

「Eh──!?」

The moment Yoruka tilted her head, twelve Legions pierced Metatron’s eyeballs.

But, as expected the attack was amplified and reflected back, blowing away the approaching Lisha.

「What are you intending to do? This experiment can be done by me alone.」

「Annoying, shut up! No matter what you are trying to do it’s just selfish! Do you think that your strength won’t be necessary for Lux’s sake from here on!?」

「…………」

Hearing Lisha’s caustic words that sounded like an angry roar caused Yoruka’s eyes to open wide.

As though to continue after Lisha, Krulcifer sniped using a normal bullet, while Celis used Divine Gate and unleashed a simultaneous attack at two spots. Those attacks were similarly reflected and they received damage.

「As expected this enemy isn’t simple, but──with our attack hitting it, its attention is directed to us. It will aim at us as long as we don’t escape.」

「Yes, we also approve your gamble. If you are searching for weakness, it should be done with everyone using various methods.」

「────」

It seemed that it was too unexpected for Yoruka. She was dazed for a while hearing their words, but hearing Lisha’s supporting words, her smile returned.

「That’s how it is. We cannot let this thing go to Lux’s position while we still haven’t found the method to oppose it. That’s why, you too cooperate and fight with us. This isn’t something for you to shoulder alone!」

Lisha’s breathing was rough from her approaching her limit, even so seeing how she kept acting strong, Yoruka smiled.

「──I understand. Lizsharte-san.」

Lisha was bewildered how the smile Yoruka was wearing was different from until just now while rushing towards the Ragnarok once more.

The opposition resumed by the girls’ unity.

Part 12

「-……!」

After the storm of an instant where they couldn’t even breathe passed through, they opened their eyes── and over there was.

「Ho, how-!? How can you endure through the bombing by Luna Tooth just now-!? No──」

The devil was shocked seeing Typhon that was smoking black from its whole body.

Philuffy wasn’t simply enduring through the attack.

The reason the half broken Typhon was able to hold back that fierce bombing was before their eyes in a clear shape.

「That’s, don’t tell me──!?」

「Is that, what Saniya and the others used……!?」

「Yes. Is something like this, possible?」

Sharis, Tillfur, and Noct were staring in amazement at that figure.

The root of Abyss growing from Philuffy’s back entangled on Typhon’s armor, transforming that appearance.

The new form of Typhon with the dark red pulsing root entangling it.

It was a sight that even Lux had remembrance of from his battle with Saniya.

Using a part of Yggdrasil’s special characteristic that could invade and fuse with even inorganic matter, not just one’s body, even the Drag-Ride one was wearing would transform.

「B-blood Typhon……is it? But, that form is──」

Originally, maintaining her sanity while displaying Yggdrasil’s power that was putting burden on her should be an act that was next to impossible.

He had to assist her as soon as possible, that was what Lux thought. But the moment he slipped out of the net, Philuffy was moving.

「Wha-, what the hell-!? That figure──!」

「Surely, I still cannot go to heaven or anywhere yet.」

Philuffy had unleashed Yggdrasil’s power, even so she asserted with her usual calm tone.

At the same time the countless Pile Anchors she fired entwined around Alklha and pulled.

The giant armor that should be two sizes bigger that Typhon was gradually getting dragged closer, and before long it floated in the air and got pulled.

Perhaps due to the strengthening ability of Yggdrasil, even the anchors’ strength was increasing. The pulling was accelerating with a speed that even the eyes couldn’t follow.

「Why! Why would you go that far until turning into something like that even after receiving human’s malice with that body──!?」

「Because Lu-chan said, that he wants even me like this to stay at his side.」

The Alklha that was approaching before her eyes along with a shriek was kicked up by B-blood Typhon to right above.

Due to the sudden strike to high above after getting moved in high speed horizontally, the crumbling pieces of that armor fluttered in the sky.

「……THAT’S, IMPOSSIBLEeEEEE-!」

Blood vomit scattered from that mouth. Those crimson eyes were opened wide until the limit and she yelled.

She who was charmed by the path of evil and persisted in it──as though opposing her fate.

But, even after getting kicked flying to far above, the binding of the anchors was still holding strong.

Typhon’s both arms grabbed those wires, and then as though swinging down a sword from right above the head to straight below, the restrained Alklha was thrown to an empty ground.

「GAGAaAAAH!」

Receiving the throw that was utilizing centrifugal force while being restrained, that armor which looked like an evil fortress was smashed apart into pieces.

Because of the devil transformation from the Elixir’s effect, Calensia avoided instant death, although her movement was completely stopped with all the broken bones in her body.

「Phi-chan!?」

Lux who slipped through the iron net rushed forward, at the same time Airi blew the horn flute she was carrying in hiding.

The command that she made towards Abyss was inaction.

Right after she made that command, Yggdrasil’s root pulled back and even Typhon was dispelled.

「We had tested it before once due to Philuffy-san’s request. Though even using the horn flute’s support, the burden on the body is too much──」

「Nn, I’m glad……」

The darkness in Philuffy’s eyes was vanishing, her face was returning to her usual look.

But, it appeared she had already used up even the strength to stand up. She was about to crumble down when Lux caught her in his arms.

「Why, did you do something so reckless……! If something happened──」

「It’s fine, you know?」

Philuffy’s voice was frail, even so she showed him a smile.

「Because, I still want to stay at Lu-chan’s side, so, I won’t disappear──」

「…………」

The feeling of Philuffy who said that to him struck Lux’s chest and he embraced her tightly.

Then, the devil who was lying down nearby laughed ‘ku-ku’ with a trembling throat.

Her flesh didn’t start regenerating.

Her heart that had its reasoning melted by Elixir surpassed the limit of her own life force and perished.

He didn’t know whether she was tricked by Dragon Marauder or if she personally committed a blunder, but that body was burning out like ash, she was starting to crumble from her feet.

「Ha, hahahaha, kukukukuku……!」

Yet even so, the King of Vices was sneering seeing the two of them.

「You fools are carrying out a pointless struggle……. Even if you defeat me, your wish won’t come true. Evil is growing more severe under the shadow of goodness that you idiots are risking your life to do. Even if you expect some kind of reward, even if you expect to be praised, you will be able to obtain that only for a moment──」

Her eyes were already looking hollow and dull, the King of Vices continued while facing the sky, as though to look up at god.

「If someone doesn’t continue to stand on the side that rules……one day it will be their fate to have everything taken away. I’m not wrong, until the end, I didn’t let myself, become anyone’s prey……anymore.」

「────」

With that muttering at the end, her whole body became ash and decayed.

Airi who was standing beside him suddenly stared at the corpse with sad eyes.

「Perhaps, this person too was used by someone in the past.」

「Yes……」

As a part of the imperial family of the Old Empire, and then as someone who was banished from the imperial court, it wasn’t like he didn’t understand the feelings of the King of Vices.

Someone who was wounded in the world of betrayal and schemes where it was eat or be eaten would try to stand at the side of the strong so that they wouldn’t be used anymore.

There was no more way for them to know about what happened in this girl’s past, but they felt a slight sympathy.

And then, they thought that her words also had truth in it.

It might be just as she said.

『Someone who wasn’t loved by anyone, will try to be loved by anyone.』

Calensia’s last words became a stimulation that resurrected Fugil’s words in the back of his mind.

Even Lux thought that it might be true for a time.

And then that──was rejected by the King of Vices just now.

If Lux was fighting because he wanted to be recognized by the people, then perhaps someday he would get used and cause him to fall──but,

「Nii-san! That’s──!」

「-……!?」

Airi raised a nervous voice and pointed to the sky.

Over there was a golden spherical body with diameter that reached more than ten mel──

The surface possessed a great number of eyes, and pure white wings were growing from its body in many pairs. A monster of an angel.

The Ragnarok of the first Ruin Babel──Metatron was looking down below.

–

「──Manifest, the violent dragon that devours the flesh and blood of the gods. Sever the sky of black cloud, Bahamut!」

–

Lux immediately lifted up his Sword Device and equipped the jet black Drag-Ride.

At the same time, as though to say that she had been waiting for it, Noct stretched out a cord from her Drake and connected it to Bahamut.

「Please wait for around ten seconds. I will transfer the internal energy I have gathered up from Sharis and Tillfur’s Drag-Rides into Lux-san’s Bahamut. Originally Lux-san will only be able to fight for three minutes, but with this you should be able to move for around five minutes.」

It seemed that the Triad who were fighting defensively one-sidedly since before this were working hard so that they could increase Bahamut’s activation time even if only for a bit more.

Right after Lux glared at the dark cloud preparing to intercept the enemy, a Dragon Voice from Lisha could be heard.

『──Be careful Lux! No attack will work on this guy! Whether it’s physical attack or any kind of energy attack, everything will get absorbed and reflected back!』

Along with that desperate yelling voice, Lisha and others, the four members of Syvalles appeared together.

Lisha, Krulcifer, Celis, Yoruka.

Although they somehow still maintained the materialization of their Divine Drag-Rides, everyone was wounded all over with ragged armor.

It could be seen that they had no spare strength to fight properly.

「These four people together still couldn’t win, such thing──」

Tillfur looked up to the sky with a despairing expression, while Sharis and Noct also held their breaths.

But, Lux calmly glared at the calamity class demon.

And then first he quickly faced the girls and gave the very best instruction he could.

「Please take Philuffy and Airi to retreat. I will take over here.」

He entrusted the girls to the Triad and skated Bahamut towards the sky.

After he climbed up to a height where he could take an unbroken view of Triport, Metatron’s countless eyes captured Lux’s figure.

「Please be careful Lux! The enemy will fire laser beams from its eyes!」

• Giin!* Just as Celis said, its eyes shined and fired heat ray energy.

Lux used his great sword as a shield and blocked it. When the attack was over he unleashed his gathered energy.

「──Howling Howl-!」

It was a perfect timing that aimed at the moment the enemy’s attack ended──but, Metatron’s whole body shined faintly. The vortex of shockwave vanished and immediately after it was reflected towards Lux.

「……Ku!?」

Even while enduring the power of the attack he released himself, Lux was observing the enemy’s state calmly.

Among the countless eyes covering that enormous body, he saw that there was only one eye that was crushed.

「That’s, how is that──!? Why is only one of its eyes wounded……!」

「We don’t know. When everyone attacked it frantically, my sniping pierced it through. ──There should be some kind of secret about it!」

Hearing Krulcifer’s voice made Lux arrive at a certain hypothesis instinctually.

It was an imagination that he could think of exactly because he had accumulated several thousand battle experience from mock battles until he was called with the nickname The Weakest Undefeated.

Perhaps his idea was mistaken.

He might fail, get wounded, and then lose.

But even so──this hint came from none other than the girls who tried to leave behind a light of hope for Lux that they stayed behind even in their worn out state.

And then, Lux’s belief that was denied by Calensia was taken back by Philuffy for him.

I wasn’t fighting until now in order to be loved by someone.

「──I fight, because of my admiration.」

Philuffy who was in a position that possessed no power whatsoever, saved him who was in hell after losing his mother.

He thought that he couldn’t do anything for the country because he was the youngest child of the imperial family, however Philuffy was different.

She saved him simply with her kindness and feeling. He admired her nobleness and beauty.

That was why──no matter what anyone said, he wouldn’t hesitate anymore.

Lux’s true essence as a Drag-Knight.

His power of concentration that had been polished until the extreme was moving him to the very best action.

That attack was developed not by logical thought, it was as though his body was naturally guiding him.

(A timing where the attack works exists, if my hypothesis is correct, if I’m to aim at that moment──it can only be, this!)

「Howling Howl……!」

Energy was concentrated at the inside of the armor and a vortex of shockwave was fired once more.

「That’s no good Lux! Like that it will be reflected again!」

「You’re wrong, Lizsharte-san. Aruji-sama’s aim, is likely──」

Right after Lisha yelled, Yoruka corrected her with a bewitching smile.

Yoruka who possessed natural talents for battle seemed to notice it.

The absolutely invincible Ragnarok who absorbed every kind of enemy attack and returned it back to the enemy exactly as it was.

If there was a situation where an attack could work on it, that was──

「──HAAAAAAAAAAAaAAH!」

Lux took a deep breath, and activated Bahamut’s Divine Raiment with his whole soul.

The timing of an instant where failure wouldn’t be permitted had been ascertained with the first Howling Howl attack.

The activation of Divine Raiment with high output and wide range.

Lux’s new technique that was brought about by his bond with Celis, the barrier of Reload on Fire was deployed.

The barrier covered a side of Metatron that was floating in front of him. It absorbed Lux’s Howling Howl and then shifted to reflect it back, but its movement was decelerated and stopped.

In other words, attacks would work on it only in this instant that was even less than a second.

Using Bahamut’s Reload on Fire, the speed of the attack reflection was decelerated. At that timing, the great sword Lux thrust out pierced Metatron.

「────GIIIIIIIIiiiIIIIiiiIIIII!」

While the Ragnarok was raising a shriek that sounded like a scream, Lux operated his back wings propulsion device in full power and charged through inside its body in a straight line.

Even with the barrier and pilot suit protecting his body, heat that felt scorching to his whole body was enveloping him. Even so he didn’t stop.

Just by thinking of Philuffy, and then his comrades from the Academy, his last strength welled up.

(Thank you──everyone.)

And then, there was a sensation of breaking through a membrane with hard resistance. Right after that, Lux pierced through to outside the spherical body.

There was a definite response of piercing the core.

Lux turned around and readjusted Bahamut’s posture. Almost at the same time──that enormous body exploded and burning fragments danced in the air.

It was like countless falling stars were illuminating the night sky of despair. They were silently burning to ash.

────

From inside the blown up Ragnarok, a crystal──the Grand Force fell out. Lisha caught it.

Everyone of Syvalles landed down on the ground. Even after they dispelled their armor and gathered, they immersed themselves in the aftertaste of the battle for a while.

「──It’s over huh, Lux.」

「Yes. Thanks to everyone.」

When Lisha held out the crystal with a relieved smile, Airi and the Triad who were hiding to protect themselves rushed towards Lux in a hurry.

「Are you okay, Nii-san!?」

Lux caught Airi who was jumping at him into his embrace, then a smile naturally formed on his lips.

「Yes. Thanks to the Triad sharing their energy with me, I can stay awake like this.」

「I see, that’s great. Then, let’s treat this as Lux-kun owing us a favor.」

「Wait, you are saying that in this kind of situation-!?」

Lux spontaneously yelled at Sharis’s mischievous talk.

He was sighing in relieve that they seemed to have more spare energy than he thought, but next Tillfur also put her arm around his shoulder.

「Thaat’s riight. After all even though we also wanted to unveil our new weapon, yet we generously conceded the best spot to Lux-chi!」

「No. I judged that we merely mistook the timing to use it. Besides, there is still one issue that we haven’t solved──」

「Wai-!? What are you saying Noct, I told you that’s still a secret──」

Noct retorted to Tillfur who was proudly boasting. A lively laugh was spreading to everyone.

「You girls are just like always──but, with this my failure has been settled.」

The Campus Festival around half a month ago.

Even this incident that began from a connection with Rosa was finally closing its curtain.

Rosa Granhide who was able to escape from Calensia’s control was being guarded by Coral.

Lux was reported to the alliance as an assassin sneaking into Heiburg, but surely she would give proof of his innocence.

「Even so it’s a bit unfortunate. We too believed that we have grown stronger considerably but── in the end we completely relied on Lux-kun again.」

Krulcifer coolly brushed up her hair and muttered that jokingly.

In response, Lux shook his head and told his current feeling honestly.

「No, you are wrong Krulcifer-san. This time I was able to defeat the Ragnarok thanks to everyone lending me strength, also, Philuffy was……」

She stopped him when he was caught in the evil designs of Heiburg’s King of Vices and he almost took the wrong path.

She gave the answer to Lux’s doubt that was budding from this time and five years ago when the Old Empire was destroyed.

Next time even if he confronted Fugil again, he wouldn’t be in doubt anymore.

He would only fight holding the belief that was taught to him by her who was closer to him more than anyone.

「It’s Phi-chan, right?」

Philuffy was objecting while leaning unsteadily on Lux, her expressionless face seemed to be a bit dissatisfied.

「A, at this kind of time it should be fine right!? That’s, the atmosphere feels serious like this──」

Lux’s cheeks flashed red and he objected, but Philuffy was discontent and faced aside with ‘puih’,

「Lu-chan, is cold. Even though, I helped you a lot during the honeymoon.」

The moment she muttered that casually, everyone around was provoked.

「Wha wha wha what did you say-!? Even though I heard it was only an act just for form’s sake, don’t tell me you──!?」

「It seems it’s necessary to hear the details. To act like that while disregarding me the fiancée……」

「It’s a misunderstanding Lisha-sama! Or rather, Krulcifer-san too, that’s wrong right!? How did it become a formal betrothal like that!?」

「Lux!? Yo, you have joined together with her!? N, no, i, if it was Lux himself who was wishing for that, then it’s not like I can say anything about it but──uu」

Celis who said such thing was hanging her head down with a depressing aura strangely enveloping her.

When he reflexively looked at Yoruka looking for help, she burst into a smile and stared at Lux.

「It was worth it to endure myself from chasing after Aruji-sama to serve as your guard. It will be great if a successor is safely made──」

「Why are you pouring oil on fire at the very end-!?」

Everyone who was lit on fire by Yoruka’s saying questioned Lux all at once.

「Haa, really. Everyone is a troubling person just like usual.」

Soon the coldness of winter would be intensifying.

Airi was looking up deeply at the freezing night sky while letting out a white sigh.

Part 13

On the other hand, around the same time.

The royal capital of the New Kingdom, Lordgalia. Inside the royal palace there, a strange ship with streamlined shape was mooring.

That thing that was staying at the courtyard was a prehistorical legacy that was called Sky Palace.

It was called an airship that could float in the air and swam through the sky, it was recognized by the world alliance as the dwelling of the Lords as well as a vehicle that could travel around.

Because the Lords needed to be involved with the conquering of the remaining Ruins, they were preparing this in order to fly around to the Ruins in every country.

Inside it, in the space inside the ship that was made from smooth metal, the silhouettes of four people were standing.

One of them was the first imperial princess of the Holy Arcadia Empire, Listelka.

In addition, was her imperial knight, Fugil.

Then the maid Mishis V Xfer.

And then── even the second imperial princess, Aeril Vi Arcadia was there.

The tops of the Lords faction who were the rulers of the old era were all there, talking to each other about the present abnormal situation.

「My deepest apologies, my princess. Like this, I was unable to predict their movement early. Please punish me as you see fit.」

Fugil who was wearing an extravagant red cloak first said that to his master and awaited her judgement.

But, in contrast Listelka shook her head slightly and brushed up her beautiful silver hair.

「No, the case this time is my blunder. Their battle with Metatron should be a few days from now in the plan, and we also dealt with the Dragon Marauder that appeared nearby. Though thanks to that, it became a little troublesome.」

Saying that, the girl let out a lamenting sigh looking as though she was troubled from the bottom of her heart.

Originally, the liberation of Ruins was an important groundwork for arriving at Avalon.

But regardless of the accomplishment of conquering one of the Ruins, the situation was being guided to a different direction from their plan.

「Because of him, the trick of the Ruin might be suspected. If it’s not by us, the clan of the Lords, Grand Force cannot be placed at the deepest part of the Ruin. But, how does that Singlen know about that? Even though there should be no more humans alive who know about that in this era.」

Beside Listelka who was tilting her head in confusion, the second imperial princess called Aeril was observing Fugil’s behavior.

She was trying to ascertain some kind of reaction from him, but it was as though he wasn’t showing suspicious behavior at all.

(Am I just over thinking it? However…… I’m feeling some kind of apprehension in my chest.)

In front of the conflicted Aeril, her elder sister suddenly turned her face.

「It’s also unfortunate that Aeril didn’t make it in time. In the end, you were unable to obtain any clue about Dragon Marauder from the King of Vices correct?」

「──Yes. But, I noticed something strange. Sir Singlen was lurking in a place where he could help in defeating that Metatron, but he intentionally let Lux Arcadia take the credit. That means the possibility that he understands our situation is high.」

「Is that so, in any case this is troubling. I want to do this as amicably as possible, but if by any chance he installed more than two Grand Forces, then we will have to make him disappear.」

The usual gentle atmosphere vanished from Listelka. She was showing an expression of bottomless darkness.

「Let’s observe their movement with even more prudence. We don’t want to stand out, but in the next Ragnarok subjugation, we also have to participate and manage the situation.」

Listelka nodded at the words of the maid called Mishis.

Beside her, the second imperial princess Aeril was seized by a baffling thought.

(Why did Singlen hand over the achievement to him……? Even though he should have failed in winning over Lux Arcadia, don’t tell me──!?)

An uneasy imagination was born inside her chest.

The art of manipulating people wasn’t limited to just using a strong authority.

By giving a helping hand to one’s own enemy, one could guide their movement.

Something was moving behind the scenes.

She was feeling such uneasiness in her chest while looking down silently.