Hagure Yuusha no Aesthetica:Volume 7 Chapter 4
Chapter 4 - Realizing the Point of the Fall
Part 1
Many people have gathered filling the space full of vigor.
There are food, clothes, travel, and household goods beyond the basic elements.
It also has the everyday "food" that an ordinary family needs, that are in most markets or supermarkets.
There is light music playing in the background while people are listening to the limited time specials announcement. He is shuttling back and forth through the brouhaha in the store planing tonight's dinner.
In the crowded supermarket Onizuka was slowly carrying a shopping cart.
The menu has been decided. Tonight is going to be curry, and tomorrow morning is going to be curry.
In order to satisfy Tiana's insatiable appetite, he has decided to prepare breakfast at the same time to make it easier.
It should be good to just put the left overs in the fridge.
Tiana had every intention of letting Onizuka pick out dinner for the household. Even thought he was loathing the idea, he still went to the store to buy it.
Before he put the curry into the shopping cart, Onizuka checked out the instructions on back of the package.
"...... It seems very troublesome."
After reading the cooking steps, Onizuka slightly knits his eyebrows.
Onizuka is used to eating fast food packages of curry, but instant curry and curry are different. Its not just putting the pouch into boiling water for a few minutes.
"Do not underestimate curry. You have to have patience and take it one step at a time to cook delicious curry, uh-huh."
Tiana is walking next to Onizuka while waving her index finger from side to side, she knows all too well the details of good curry.
"Ah, okay okay."
Onizuka already ran out of patience.
"The question is, which is the best curry ... ..."
The popular preference of curry is nothing more than beef, pork or chicken.
Seafood curry is certainly a choice, however, it is too cumbersome of a food, and obviously not suitable for beginners.
It would be a better to choose simple meat Curry -- Onizuka thought. He also thought that because chicken or pork is cheap.
"Pork curry! I want it with streaky pork! Cut the pork into bite sizes, let it absorb into the stew, then it becomes so delicious and its hard to mess up......"
And so on and so on, Tiana then started to describe the taste of plump and tender streaky pork.
Just the very mention of food, and Tiana doesn't know how to moderate herself.
Onizuka casually chimed in several times, interrupting Tiana at the appropriate time.
"All right. Well, since you understand it so much and said its your favorite so many times, you can go to the meat counter and pick it."
Onizuka then directed Tiana to the meat counter.
He watch an ecstatic Tiana leave to the fresh meat section, while Onizuka went to the produce section. He still needed to buy the carrots, onions and potatoes to go with it.
Onizuka got his vinyl bag ready for the vegetables, he then grabbed whatever was on top of the pile -- without even looking once, then he through the bag into the shopping cart.
He basically did not care whether the ingredients were fresh or not.
After all, he's not a chef and as long as they don't get sick its fine.
After picking out the necessary vegetables, Onizuka made a u-turn and headed to buy some more coffee since last night he ran out.
"......Oh, that's right."
Then Onizuka suddenly stopped, he seemed to remember something.
Next to the produce just happens to be the rice section.
The hand-rolled sushi they had yesterday significantly reduce his stock of rice.
After all, he had cooked six cups of rice equivalent to twelve bowls of rice, of which about seventy or eighty percent went to fill Tiana's stomach. And tonight its curry, a dish that mainly relies on rice again.
"Just in case, had better buy some more."
Onizuka then picks up a cheap five kg bag of rice.
"......"
After thinking for a moment, he switched it with a ten kg bag of rice.
The shopping cart instantly weight more than ten kilograms, he was suddenly struggling a lot.
"Its seriously heavy, ah. Damn....."
Onizuka swore loudly.
He is voluntarily doing something troublesome for others now. But deep down, he was feeling pretty good. Maybe he is not just thinking about himself, and caring about someone else's burden?
Part 2
After some time ......
"Ken-chan, I found some chunks of streaky pork. Look, there are quite a lot, Wow! "
Tiana came back with a big smile.
Onitsuka looked in her basket filled with chunks streaky pork, and then notice that Tiana was munching on something.
"...... Are you eating something?"
"I got a sample of roast beef from that Obachan."
Tiana said as pleased as punch.
"Oh, I got a piece for you."
After saying that, Tiana gave him a toothpick with some roast beef stuck to it.
"Its free.....you can eat it."
Mildly embarrassed Onizuka shook his head to refused, but Tiana look like she would not let him off easily.
"I've already got one, this one is for Ken-chan."
"...... Tch!"
He has experienced her stubbornness before.
Reluctantly, he took the roast beef from Tiana, after chewing it for a moment.
".....This is not roast beef, its bonito."
The fish station is past the meat station, and they give out samples in front of the vendor's booth.
"......"
After hearing that, Tiana blinked her eyes in surprise.
"Uh ... ... the taste of roast beef and bonito are extremely close."
"You're like a pork curry aficionado, I can't even imagine that you didn't know the difference between the two after eating them."
Just when Onizuka was shaking his head in amazement, suddenly a melody could be heard playing.
"--A text message."
Tiana took out her cell phone and after reading the message... ...
"----"
She fell silent, and exuded grim look completely unlike her usual self.
Onizuka held his breath, it was like the busy supermarket froze for an instant.
Although he tried to asked her "what's going on", but he couldn't get the words out.
Onitsuka was completely suppressed by her imposing demeanor.
After some time ......
Tiana slowly put her phone away.
"Oh.....I'm sorry, you were saying.
At once, she restored her expression even the giant smile on her face, as if nothing happened.
The ice-cold atmosphere just like that was gone.
But ......
"Ken-chan, I find it hard to talk about food... ..."
"......What on earth?"
Its still her usual smile and tone.
But her words were like they came from a totally different person, Onizuka response was short.
Then her natural voice returned to an eerie one:
"I have to immediately hurry off somewhere, let me say goodbye here."
The words themselves gave Onizuka a bad premonition.
"......"
Onizuka silently thought -– where you go is your choice, and has nothing to do with me.
Its not like I'm you master and you need to ask permission first. She is just someone who forcibly started to live with me, so its not something I need to worry about.
".....What about the curry?"
The shopping basket was already full with the ingredients that Tiana and Onizuka picked out.
They decided to have dinner together, that's why there are so many things.
If it was just Onizuka, he would of simply had instant curry and not picked out so much.
"It is regrettable that I can't eat Ken-chan's curry, but..... "
Tiana's expression looks somewhat lonely, and feels very apologetic.
"The truth is this matter is more important than food."
--And the way she said it sounded like she was saying goodbye for good.
Part 3
"Well....."
Kaidou Motoharu just sent a text to Tiana and folded his cell phone closed.
Currently, he is at the closest station to JPN Babel.
He is sitting on the platform bench watching the commuters exiting and entering the tram.
Kaidou sent a text to Tiana with the necessary details on how to take the <Phoenix cells>.
Include with the message was a pdf with blue prints of JPN Babel that he covertly made while attending school. Also included was the best infiltration route, and the most likely place the <Phoenix cells> were being kept. It can be said that Babel's security guards and security system make the campus watertight.
However, it is not foolproof. The back up security system has a hole, moreover it was intentional.
Because,
"In the best situation......they can eliminate the enemy in one fell swoop."
Babel -- namely COCOON, are most wary of anti-Babel terrorists with special abilities. These terrorists are alternate world returnees with special abilities that don't want to let Babel manage their lives and thus would prefer to resit the world.
However, only a handful of them are extremists that take hostile action. Most have chosen to live incognito to escape the reach of Babel, while the extremists are willing to fight on the front lines. After all, Babel or COCOON manages -- rules the world, compared to that power the terrorists power is too far apart. Thus terrorist actions are limited to guerrilla warfare, such as sabotage or suicide bombers. If you want to lure out these terrorists you must give them an opportunity to launch an attack. For a terrorist this is known as hole.
Then COCOON can eliminated one by one these terrorist that are exposed.
Such as Tanaka, who made the training program go berserk.
Or how Phil Burnett took advantage of the undermanned security during the ranking tournament.
"But now, my situation will be very dangerous."
Although Kaidou hasn't let been caught by the short and curlies, but now he is up against Hikami Kyoya.
Kyoya is trying to use a long line to catch a big fish -- This is not the first time Kaidou sensed this.
However, Kaidou in the middle of his free and carefree Babel student lifestye, but he had better bravely jump into the trap...... because the situation has changed.
The calm and collected Hikami Kyoya unexpectedly is acting arbitrary.
If Kyoya is assuming the risk of betraying COCOON, at first glance –-
His goal must be worthy of throwing away being apart of the top of the world -- COCOON.
"Though I hate troublesome things...... I guess I have to take the initiative over there."
It doesn't seem like Hikami Kyoya would betray COCOON, and become an ally of "Crimson Twilight".
A troublesome enemy will be born besides COCOON, if "Crimson Twilight" sits back and waits.
This might have been foreseen by our leader Cecil, and that's why she ordered Tiana and me to seize the <Phoenix cells> from Kyoya's hands.
However normally there is no way of knowing where Kyoya is concealing the <Phoenix cells>, or if he has them. The vast campus has numerous school buildings, furthermore the tower of Babel tower's gargantuan size. Even Kaidou who is familiar with the campus, can't guess where the <Phoenix cells> are stored.
However the leader Cecil · End-heart inspected Kaidou's floor plans and after looking at it categorically.
--Pointed to where the <Phoenix cells> are now in the JPN Babel.
This is purely woman's intuition, and there isn't any corroboration. At first, it seems like speculation with no basis.
However, it is the intuition of the leader of the world's most powerful terrorist group "Crimson Twilight".
"......Hmm, they should be right here."
Kaidou knows that Cecil's intuition has never been wrong before.
That night when the <Phoenix cells> were being delivered, Cecil made it a priority to meet Akatsuki "by chance". She already seemed to know that that route was just a decoy.
To be first to inherit the leadership after the found of the world's most powerfull terrorist group "Crimson Twilight" her strength naturally can not be underestimated.
"Tonight's the ... ..."
Kaido muttered. The battle plan's next step is for Tiana to seize the <Phoenix cells>. Babel is already keeping their eyes on Kaidou, so he will play a diversionary role to scatter the enemy. Kyoya's end game is still unknown. It seems that the <Phoenix cells> play a very important role in Kyoya's plan, as long as the <Phoenix cells> are taken from his hands naturally it will impede his operation.
Conversely, if Kyoya has some other end game--
At that time......
"Well....... it is a good story that ends in murder."
Even if it is Hikami Kyoya the result is the same.
He is only one person. As long as he teams with Tiana there is no way they will lose to Kyoya.
While thinking over the odds of success, Kaido slowly lowered his head.
Since it is the evening, the platform is jam-packed with the after work crowd.
While sitting on a bench on the platform Kaidou Motoharu momentary smiled wryly, but it looked too ghastly to be called bitter smile.
The Monorail Tram also happens to arrive at the same time on the opposite platform.
Kaidou slowly looked up. The shrill look of a terrorist disappeared, replaced by a neutral look.
".....EH? That's not... ... "
The tram slowly departed. On the other platform among the crowd Kaidou suddenly found two familiar faces. Even mixed in with the crowd, two striking beautiful young girls attracted his eyes.
They are Ousawa Miu and Nanase Haruka.
A rather unusual combination. They both had a serious expression, not one found on a holiday outing. They also had several men following a little behind them.
There poise was impeccable, no doubt they are part of Babel.
Miu and Haruka also seemed to have noticed that they were being shadowed.
But they are simply ignoring them.
"Ah, God forbid if I don't already have enough trouble on my plate."
He watched them walk through the ticket gate and start to descend down the escalator. He mumbles as he also took action.
Part 4
As the debug mode Gouki disappeared the exercise program ended.
Because there is a special barrier physical damage is converted to mental damage. Even if it is not life-threatening, still the pain felt from the attacks remains. Akatsuki redirected the flow of his kei inside his body using renkan keikikou allowing his body to recover faster.
After some time, he recovered to the extent that it wasn't a problem to move around.
"--Old man, I will be over there shortly."
Akatsuki left the laboratory, and headed to Kubota's workshop.
The sun was gradually setting lengthening Akatsuki's shadow. He was chasing his own shadow. After walking for some time ... ...
".......Your back."
Kubota said while waiting with Sleipnir in front of the workshop.
"How about it -- your impression after trying my exercise program."
"Umm.....I worked up a good sweat."
Akatsuki smiled.
"For merely killing time its not bad, but I was nearly crushed along with that spare time --"
Akatsuki said while looking down at his fist.
"--Anyway, I was able to obtain a reward, and I think for people wanting to get stronger the program's not that bad."
"Hmm...... That's good."
Kubota asked for Akatsuki thoughts, and then changed the subject.
"The maintenance you asked for on Sleipnir and the synchronization of your AD are done, here."
He pick up the AD and threw it towards Akatsuki, who readily caught it with one hand.
"Thanks, This will help."
Akatsuki slipped the AD on his wrist, and tossed the borrowed one back to Kubota.
After Kubota received the AD he turned around and headed to the back.
"I have other things to finish, you better head back quickly. There is a comprehensive update of the system today, if you are slow in leaving the campus you will be trapped inside the barrier."
"Eh.....the Old man still has work?"
Akatsuki said.
"That was my bad, I would have come back in a couple of days since it was such a busy day for the Old man's talents."
"There is no need to worry. I said system update, but the people implementing it are not our engineers, and Hikami Kyoya is overseeing JPN Babel."
Kubota continues:
"In order to facilitate the management and operations of Babel, COCOON needs the most efficient system. However each Babel has very different operational policies drawn up by COCOON, as well as management of each school. In one way or another they all are involved with highly classified intelligence, so the system updates have always been handled by COCOON. Then the data and parameters are lowered so that our engineers can manage the system."
"Hmm.....very cautious."
Akatsuki is looking up at the tower of Babel.
"-- In other words, JPN Babel is Hikami Kyoya's castle, huh?"
He was looking at the top floor -- the Student Council's room.
Akatsuki narrowed his eyes.
"......"
A few days ago, in order prevent a war between humans and Demons, Akatsuki along with Miu once again visited Alayzard. And when they achieved their goals, they returned to this world--
The dimensional shift would have been detected by Babel and recorded on their "Apocalypse" network server. Naturally there is possibility that there was a system error.
However, there was no response by Babel, who must not let any returnees from alternate worlds slip through.
In other words, someone most have deleted the record.
"Hikami Kyoya......did you do a good deed?"
During spring break the school can be said to be a ghost town.
A person with access and able to delete a dimensional shift record from the "Apocalypse" server, which contains highly confidential information on alternate world returnees, would be very limited.
When Akatsuki heard the news from Haruka over the phone, he didn't reveal his inner doubts.
However, if someone entered the server archives and deleted the dimensional shift record --
The most likely suspect would be Kyoya.
-- Of course, I don't know what his end game is.
That's probably why, Haruka said not to be rash.
Even if the perpetrator is someone else, they surly have an ulterior motive.
......It's probably fine.
Akatsuki turned his back to the tower of Babel.
If they try to harm me or my other friends, Akatsuki will crush them without mercy.
Even if the other person is one of COCOON's managers of the world like -- Hikami Kyoya.
After the battle is decided, they should be able to know the answer.
Not in an exercise program that renders the "past".
Currently, my father and brother are standing at the top of the world –- Its up to me whether or not I have qualifications to confront them.
Part 5
The setting sun dyed the sky a fiery red.
The night sky gradually covered the vicinity, this time of the day inspires feelings similar to nostalgia in wandering hearts.
A quite voice could be heard echoing throughout the hallway of JPN Babel's school building.
"Oh...... I'm sorry to hear. Thank you for working so hard."
The owner of that voice -- Uesaki Ryohei quietly pushed the end button on the cell phone.
Ending the call.
Then, he ruminated again the contents of the conversation he had an hour ago.
"......As expected."
Ryohei scratchs the back of his head.
Then Minami standing next to him asks with a wooden expression:
"Ryohei ...... are you definite yet?"
"Oh, apparently no mistake. "
Ryohei suddenly sighed.
"There's nothing we can do about it."
"Ah ......"
Minami nodded, and both of them began to slowly walk.
Towards the student council room.
Part 6
- In JPN Babel's student council Uesaki Ryohei serves as a secretary.
When you say "secretary" it refers to writing down the minutes of their meetings, or a person in charge of all the documents.
However, JPN Babel's student council secretary also has another job.
Like Vice President Nanase Haruka, who assists the student council president Kyoya at the same time serves as the chairman of the discipline committee that the maintains the order and security of the school.
JPN Babel's secretary in addition to transcripts of the student council is also responsible for "information management". A few hours ago, certain information was brought to his attention.
It is data about an unusual event that occurred in this special autonomous region two days ago. The report is from the <peace preservation corps> that links the two or more incidents or accidents together.
The report itself is not a problem.
The analysis and details of the accident or incident in the initial investigation and the subsequent investigation were complied into different formats and both showed nothing suspicious.
Naturally this has to do with content.
"The problem is here."
Uesaki Ryohei painfully mutter.
This aren't any problems with the content in the report.
However, the problem lies with the number on the report.
Exactly what is the problem?
The number is the file creation date displayed on the screen.
Almost all the written reports were filed today or yesterdays after the events took place.
Only one exception -– at midnight the day of the incident. When the highway traffic cameras system failed, there were reports of a suspected man-made tunnel damage caused by an explosion. The archive date on the file was three days ago, which would mean it was created the day before the event occurred.
This is a very rudimentary mistake that someone made while trying to fake a report. According to the date the <peace preservation corps> had predicted in advance an upcoming event.
In fact, it is unnecessary for the <peace preservation corps> to be autonomous. However, this is an error that should not occur.
Inconsistencies in the file creation date and time should be highest priority to watch out for.
If such a mistake occurs, then that leaves only two possibilities.
The person in charge was too careless -–
Or there was a strict order to falsify the data in advance.
A person with any brains would automatically disregard the first possibility, Ryohei naturally is no exception.
After that, a new problem arises besides determining if the <peace preservation corps> betrayed us.
The report in question, there is a reference made about quickly blockading a highway around midnight. That night all the highways in the special autonomous region were all sealed off.
However, the special autonomous region's highways are not all just simple roads.
They are distribution routes of great significance.
Besides the people in charge of the special autonomous region COCOON -- Kyoya, no one can block a highway that supply's vital goods.
Also in the erroneous report, it directly states that Kyoya order the closure of the highway. Even if this was the <peace preservation corps> acting on their own, specifically stating that COCOON/ Kyoya issued the order is undoubtedly asking for trouble.
The only explanation is that the erroneous report was Kyoya's idea.
Just to be sure, Ryohei contacted an acquaintance in the <peace preservation corps> and confirmed the truth. The user account that examined the report that evening turned out to be the corps superintendent general.
As a result, he had a rational reason to believe there was no mistaking it.
It is because their is absolute no way that corps superintendent general would have the nerve to betray Kyoya.
......After all, he is a middle-aged man that Kyoya selected to be the superintendent general as a figurehead. Therefore he does not have any real power.
Then the answer becomes easy.
Kyoya shaped the events that occurred two days ago.
"But, Ryohei......isn't it possible that it was secret order from COCOON?"
"Unlikely."
To Minami's possibility Ryohei shook his head.
Denying this possibility.
"If it really was secret order from COCOON, why forge a report? And publish a highly classified document? After all, COCOON's secret operations of this level would only be carried out with their personnel."
"Then......"
"Uh huh......this is an arbitrary decision of Kyoya's."
Mostly likely the superintendent general was called by Kyoya beforehand to make a report last minute and panicked. After all, Kyoya is a member of COCOON and was personally asked and entrust with an extremely important matter. Because of the tension cause by the urgency not to fail and because of the excitement of gaining a favor from Kyoya the superintendent general presumably lost focus and unknowingly left a mistake. Even the admittedly astute Kyoya miscalculated in the rush.
"......Shouldn't we further investigate?"
Minami asked.
"There are several other events related to the highway incident, perhaps ... ..."
"Hmm, there might be a relationship."
Ryohei nodded, and the fact is he was also thinking about such a possibility.
Indeed further investigation may unravel some the clues and establishing a connection between the incidents, which is likely to clarify the reason behind them. But then, you have to consider the worst case scenario.
"In any case, lets talk to Kyoya first before we explore any deeper than this."
So ......
Ryohei and Minami stopped. They have arrived at their destination -- the Student Council room.
Uesaki Ryohei thinks -– we have a right to know.
We should know what Kyoya is thinking as well as his plans for the future.
And if Kyoya is not taking the right path.
Then this shouldn't be felt to other people -- We should stop him.
The reason is very simple.
"We are... ... not just Kyoya's subordinates, but his friends."
They opened the door, and walked into the room.
To know their best friend's real intentions.
Part 7
Surrounded by silence, as if the lively commotion of last night's pajama party never happened.
In the Ousawa home only one person remained. While sitting on the sofa in the living room, Listy muttered:
"I see..... this is the first time for me."
Since she followed Akatsuki to this world ... ...
Today is the first time being all alone.
......Very unpleasant.
Anyhow, she still couldn't settle down.
The silence after dusk when the world began to darken brought an unspeakable loneliness to Listy.
For Listy, this place is in an unknown world and in an unknown country.
Once Akatsuki and her other friends are not around, Listy doesn't know what to do.
--However, now is not the time to be complaining.
The reason is very simple.
"Its all my fault ... ..."
Listy muttered.
The reason why Miu and Haruka went to JPN Babel was not entirely for Akatsuki.
It's also because they wanted to keep Listy's existence secret.
As a result -- intense guilt was overwhelming Listy's heart causing her great suffering.
When she thinks about how her own existence became a burden to Akatsuki and Miu, Listy was beside herself.
What she wants is to be able to do something for everyone.
She also knows that there is nothing she can be do.
Listy now can only keep silent in order to avoid any more trouble for them. Her powerlessness only added to the regrets in her heart. Listy could no longer withstand the unbearable silence that she brought about.
"......!"
She got up from the sofa and walk out of the living room. Then she walked over to the stairs headed for the second floor.
Part 8
Listy was not going to her and Miu's room, rather to the room of the current owner of the Ousawa home -- Akatsuki's.
Standing in front of the door, Listy hesitated for a moment.
"......"
After slowly turning the knob, she opened the door to his room.
She was here along with her other fiends last night to save Chikage.
"Ah ......"
Listy was standing in the center of the room, and blushed a little while lightly hugging herself. It is because she recalled last night when Akatsuki was touching her.
Listy could not help but think at that time Haruka never tried and stop Akatsuki –-
What kind of influence do you have on everyone?
If something really bad happens –-
Right now......how can I think of such a thing?
Listy slowly walked to the bed against the wall and sat down on top of it.
She pick up the pillow resting on her lap and wrapped her arms around it.
She tightly hugged the pillow.
Along with the soft feel, she could faintly smell Akatsuki's scent.
"Finally calmed down ....."
When she felt a little bit of Akatsuki here, Listy felt relief.
Her entire body relax and she naturally toppled over on top of the bed.
The spring mattress gently supported her body.
"Hurry back ... ... idiot."
After quietly complaining, Listy slowly closed her eyes.
Her cheek pressed up to the pillow is expelled the anxiety in her heart a little.
She could smell Akatsuki's scent as she breathed in, gradually her breathing became lighter and lighter.
Her body gradually warmed as she is slowly sinking into the darkness after closing her eyes.
She immersed herself in this feeling, and lost track of time.
"-- Hey."
After being calling out to, her shoulder were gently shaken a few times.
"Huh......"
Listy slowly opened her eyes.
Her eyelids were heavy it seemed she unconsciously fell asleep.
She looked carefully at the cheeky grin Akatsuki had on before her.
"You were so at ease sleeping in a mans bedroom......I'm gonna have to eat you."
"Food.............EH--!?"
Listy had completely awoken, panicking she sprang to her feet.
She saw the marble clock resting on the nightstand, its hand showed she had been asleep for quite some time. Miserable, she originally only wanted to stay for a little while.
"Th-this is......."
Listy's face was flushed red as she tried to collect herself.
"Seeing you sleep so soundly, I really didn't have the heart to wake you."
Akatsuki smiled.
"Since I'm back, you wont need a pillow."
"I-its just, I am.......!"
Akatsuki saw through her loneliness at first glance, Listy look very embarrassed.
"Umm... ... why are you all alone? Where did the other one go?"
Akatsuki voice had some displeasure in it, Miu is obviously not home.
Listy said alarmed:
"Y-you got it all wrong! Miu just left with Haruka ... ... "
"The Vice President? Are they out shopping or something?"
Akatsuki nonchalantly asked.
Listy couldn't help but gasp.
--If you nod right now, you will undoubtedly deceive Akatsuki.
"Uh huh ... ... ah, that's right."
Even with extreme disgust in her heart, Listy choose to nod.
Akatsuki is back now, how to explain it to him? Miu and Haruka before leaving had consulted with Listy. Akatsuki clearly holds hostility towards the managers of this world COCOON.
And Hikami Kyoya is part of the COCOON.
Once she reveals his name, there is no guarantee that Akatsuki will not lose his cool. When faced with the formidable opponent sentimentality will undoubtedly lead to defeat. Everyone made up their minds to become the Akatsuki's biggest supporter.
She doesn't want to be protected by Akatsuki forever -- from now on she wants to fight alongside him. However this is not the time for Akatsuki to have a showdown with COCOON.
If it can be avoided, it should be avoided.
"Oh ... ... okay then."
Akatsuki scratched his head, it seemed he accepted Listy's words.
"In that case ... ... Before that one gets back, can you give me a minute? There are some things I want to tell you."
"Yes, of course, but why was so mysterious?"
Its rare for Akatsuki to make such a request.
Actually as long as it was important neither Miu or herself would refuse. By how seriously he requested, this matter should be very important.
Then Akatsuki nodded "Ah", before pausing.
While staring into space with a serious look he continue to say:
"I want to also tell you two about my past."
Part 9
After the sun set, the night sky was about to fall.
By the time Haruka brought Miu to JPN Babel campus, they were already surrounded by the darkness.
"There seems to be no one here......"
Walking beside her Miu said in an uneasy voice.
Haruka returns "Yes" with a nod.
"Its now spring break, plus the comprehensive systems updated is tonight. Except for a few staff members, no one else is allowed to be in the school."
However, the number of guards increased to be on the safe side in case of terrorism.
However, to prevent terrorists from taking advantage of this opportunity to create chaos, the security level was enhanced.
Moreover not just by increasing the number of guards, but improving the fundamentals.
......It seems to be starting.
Haruka confirmed the reaction with her wristband that only members of the student government have.
In addition to the boundary system that converts physical damage to mental damage--
Babel currently launch another system designed to confront illegal invaders.
It was named the "guardian beast system" security program.
Like the training program the that summons monsters. Once an unknown power fluctuation is detected or a fight is detected, immediately Guardian beasts are summoned to suppress the situation.
"But for us......this may not be a good thing."
Haruka continues：
"In case things go wrong -- we would be considered the enemy."
"Ah ... that's right"
After seeing Miu quietly nodded, Haruka once again reminds herself to be on alert.
She can't forget where they are, also can't forget their next move. This is JPN Babel, an organization that manages all things related to alternate worlds. In case Miu's true identity is exposed, they both would to charge with serious violations of the rules and immediately restrained. Sill it's the worst case situation, but they must be prepared for it.
If this should happen and their fears become reality. Their only chance is to give it their all and aim at escaping to join up with Akatsuki at any cost. Then they can determine what to in the future.
At that time it might be possible to flee to a third world country where Babel doesn't have a special autonomous region -- No, even then getting fake identities to illegally enter may be impossible.
Haruka already contacted Kuzuha and Chikage and informed them on the possibilities. Including of course the worst case scenario.
......But......
Nanase Haruka couldn't help but thinking that today they are going to be fortunate, and they shouldn't encounter this bad end.
Last night everyone spent the night at the Ousawa home.
At that time everyone had reached a consensus, and decided on the path they want to take.
Therefore everyone has already prepared their hearts.
In case of am emergency, Kuzuha and Chikage will team up and then take action together. There's nothing to worry about.
Besides the student council may not know Miu's true identity.
Perhaps it's all just baseless fear.
So Nanase Haruka spoke her inner desire:
"Let's go and end this quickly......and return to Ousawa Akatsuki's side."
Part 10
After entering the main campus in the tower of Babel the silence made the air feel heavy.
Inside the uninhabited campus only faint lighting was needed for the system update.
The moonlight that passed through the windows was brighter.
Haruka and Miu slowly walked towards the elevator.
Only their footsteps could be heard in the dark and deserted corridor.
They went to the student council's private elevator that has access to the top floor of Babel. Inside the fast rising elevator a weird atmosphere was created in the confined space.
"......"
"......"
Haruka and Miu invariably tightly closed their lips not saying a word.
The silence inside only added to the atmosphere in the elevator, but now is not the time to talk or laugh easily. While they waited, and kept waiting they were trying to suppress suffocating tension until the steel doors in front of their eyes automatically opened. After some time, the elevator reached the top floor.
Haruka was the first out of the elevator.
"--This way."
Under Haruka's guidance the two walked down the empty corridors.
Other than Haruka and Miu, the top floor also was naturally uninhabited.
While walking in silence, Haruka couldn't help thinking –- this is a long corridor.
She walked this way almost every day, but today it was exceptionally long.
However, having thought that the corridor soon came to an end.
They arrived at the door to the student council's room.
Haruka stood in front of the door and looked back at Miu:
"...... Are you ready?"
"Uh huh ......"
After their final confirmation of their wills, they nodded at each other -- and slowly open the heavy door.
The moment they set foot into the student council room. Haruka thought she had walked into a freezer.
She heard Miu gasped beside her, she might of sensed the same thing.
Of course -- that is not possible.
Because their breath is still transparent and colorless.
The room was just as dark as the corridors, she couldn't help but wonder if anyone was inside.
"--Hey, come in........I've been waiting for you."
From deep within the darkness in the back of the room where the moonlight through the windows didn't reach Kyoya slowly emerged.
He stopped in front of student council's president desk.
"Sorry to have kept you waiting, President...... "
Haruka said, then gave a little nod.
She wanted to switch on the light sensor, however, since this is Kyoya's classroom he must of wanted it dark. She would need his permission, so naturally there was no choice.
......No signs of life......besides them.
Haruka thought Kyoya planned to have staff lying in wait in the classroom, then as soon as they entered they would arrest Miu. But judging form the situation at hand, their apparently is no need to be worried.
Also along the way from the elevators she did not feel any other presences either.
"......" "......"
Haruka and Miu remained silent, they only winked at each other.
For now, it seems the worst case scenario is unlikely.
They both slowly walked towards the back of the room.
--Then Haruka suddenly tripped on something hard on the ground.
"--Ugh!"
Haruka kick out her opposite firmly planting it on the floor, avoiding her from stumbling down.
She walked into the room almost every day, naturally she was very familiar with the furnishings inside. And although it was dark inside she did not pay attention to her feet. Perhaps since inside and outside of the room there was no one waiting to ambush them, she let down her guard.
She was really careless she thought, then Haruka's looked to the left staring at what she nearly tripped over -- his body.
".........................EH?"
At that moment, Nanase Haruka stopped thinking.
That's not an object, but its a person.
Uesaki Ryohei and Aihara Minami -- Two of her good friends were lying in front of her.
Part 11
Although she had stopped thinking, Nanase Haruka immediately understood what that scene represented.
They didn't trip, they didn't fall asleep, and they didn't faint. The object she almost tripped over was Ryohei's right leg--from the knee it was broken in two places. Not just the bone but the entire leg itself.
Both of them were covered in a white powdery substance.
It was frost.
Ryohei and Minami's bodies were frozen.
And ......
They -- have been killed.
"H-how can... ..."
Dumbfounded, Haruka can't help muttering.
She had convinced herself that she envisaged all the worst case scenarios.
She even thought about the possibility of being attacked as soon as she opened the door, and even thought of countermeasures for that situation.
But ......
Ryohei and Minami -- her two close friends dead, was completely beyond Haruka's imagination.
".......What.....have you."
Haruka could only stare, frozen in place.
--Still, it was less than a few seconds that Haruka had stopped thinking.
However, it was a opening that could be exploited.
In that split second.
"--?"
Haruka felt a tremendous murderous intent run through her back.
She thought she was dead.
Then suddenly a heavy thud was heard behind her.
"--Miu！"
Haruka instinctively screamed.
She immediately turned back to look, Miu was lying unconscious on the ground and her long double ponytail was still floating down to the floor.
"Hmm... ...I did not expect it to go that easy."
Kyoya sneered, it seemed like he was a little disappointed.
"President ......!"
Haruka was biting her lower lip as she stared straight at Kyoya.
--Ryohei and Minami's death, and Miu's attack cause her to be shaken.
In her mental condition she was not in any position to put up any defense, suddenly Kyoya's murderous attack hit.
However, Haruka and Miu were not defenseless.
They set up an invisible barrier around them.
But, the magical barrier's protection can only be effective against magical attacks, there was no no defense from "murderous intent." Moreover that is not just an ordinary murderous intent.
Rather it was from one of the world's strongest in COCOON -- Kyoya unleashed his murderous intent in earnest. Even just standing nearby Haruka thought she was dead.
The impact might not have any effect on the building, but Miu received a direct impact and as expected lost consciousness.
Haruka was now alone to face the Kyoya, it became almost impossible for her to move. Still, she desperately began to squeeze out words.
"Why would you do all this... ..."
"--In order to realize my ideal."
Kyoya did not hesitate to answer in a cold voice without a trace of emotion.
"However, this is not COCOON's ideal, but my own ideal."
"To achieve that -- it was necessarily to kill Uesaki and Minami?"
Haruka can't help but raise her voice.
The fact that her two friends are dead is not easy to accept.
But now is not the time to escape reality.
So Haruka has accepted this fact, an intense emotion emerged inside her –- anger.
Whatever the reason, this is unforgivable.
But ......
".......There was no other choice."
Kyoya said while smiling wryly.
"Before you came, Aihara-kun and Ryohei notice that I was moving secretly and came to find me. They wanted to know what I was thinking so I informed about my plans, thinking that maybe they would want to help with it. Unexpectedly..... they wanted me to carefully reconsider."
Kyoya also lightly sighs "What a pity".
"I didn't want to do it this way, but they both refused to quite about it. This plan must absolutely be keep secret from COCOON, any possible risk factor must be eliminated on the spot."
"They were not only your loyal subordinates, but also your best friends ......they could of constituted a risk to achieving your ideal so you had to kill them, this is your so called "no choice" ......!"
Her suppressed anger turned into words, that overflowed from Haruka's mouth.
There was no way such simple words, could be used for justification.
After all, her original reason for joining the student council was because she believed in Kyoya's ideal.
But ......
"Is it so wrong to prefer one's ideal over their friends?"
Kyoya had an ice-cold smile.
Haruka instinctively swallowed as if she was looking into a dark abyss in his eyes. Suddenly she had deja vu from this coldness.
.......Those eyes......
She has seen the same eyes as Kyoya before.
So......
Back when she visited Alayzard with Akatsuki and her other friends.
In the religious kingdom of Aleclasta there was an archbishop in the church of Richard.
......If she remembers correctly she was called Miranda .....
The face that woman had when she crushed Haruka's theory at the pitch to negotiate a peace agreement.
She always felt she looked like someone very similar.
At last, Haruka understands the answer now.
Hikami Kyoya is simply a second Miranda Quenty.
Part 12
"In short, this is a question of priority. Friends are important, but not compared to me achieving my ideal. If needed I would sacrifice everything -- not everyone would make the same choice."
Kyoya continues：
"Just like how you gave up your JPN Babel's student council's Vice President responsibility and discipline committee chairman duty, choosing to stand by her and Ousawa-kun side ... ..."
"...... President, you already knew Miu's true identity."
Haruka only said she resigned as the President and discipline Chairman for personal reasons. Since her primary reason "protecting friends" would not be unreasonable, because alternate world returnees are already receive protection from Babel and COCOON.
In this case however Haruka obviously must protect Miu from Babel and COCOON.
If Haruka revealed her true intentions, they would have been used against Miu in an in-depth investigation. Then also figure out that Haruka was involved in the situation.
......Wait, maybe ... ...
According to that logic, then it was probably Kyoya who erased the dimensional shift record.
"What are you going to do with her......?"
Haruka asked.
"Are you going to make her a hostage to force Ousawa Akatsuki to surrender to you--"
"Ousawa-kun？ Come on......"
"Ha" Kyoya laughed.
"His power certainly is attractive and caught my interest. If it is possible I want to obtain it.......however, he is unrelated to my plans, instead its only a matter of time before he becomes an obstacle."
He looked at the unconscious Miu laying on the floor.
"As for what I'm going to do with her? The answer is simple, she is a necessary factor in achieving my ideal."
"......Miu is?"
"Yes, she can help me create a true utopia -- a world where the strong and the weak are equal. There would be no difference in treatment nor prejudice. Turning back time to before people were summoned and granted power. So they can enjoy the most basic human rights and freedoms."
"How is that possible .....? "
"As long as she is -– with me, nothing is impossible."
Kyoya smiled. All the preparations will be completed soon.
.......This much confidence ... ... It seems that Miu must have some sort of special ability.
For Kyoya to take such a risk.
Miu must be worth of all this.
Worthy of betraying COCOON, besides being from an alternate world.
"--Nanase-kun, I do want your help, like I said before I admire your abilities. You visited an alternate world twice now, you might not even be aware about the new power you obtained and that now you can be an existence that rivals COCOON or Crimson Twilight."
"...... You really know everything."
"That's right. I know you went to alternate world Alayzard, also knew her true identity. I also know when Ousawa-kun back to Alayzard he brought a new girl back. I didn't want to you be investigated for your failure to report your duty, only wanted you to think it over. Your obligations outstanding, to assist all the returnees and keep them from being harmed by the outside world. To achieve this, modest sacrifices are inevitable -- originally you swore allegiance to me, and now that the moment has arrived."
Kyoya finally says:
"Nanase-kun -- Its time for you to carry out the justice you firmly believe in."
A world where returnees wouldn't have to suffer any more.
For the Nanase Haruka this is also the utopia she dreamed of.
If as he said modest sacrifices are inevitable. She also would sacrifice herself.
She couldn't find a mistake with what Kyoya said.
".................."
Haruka's mind was in chaos, and returned to being silent.
A silence that neither answers with an affirmative or a negative.
So ......
Haruka decides to answer with actions instead of words.
She focused her mind on her AD, and summon her half-moon sword while transforming her uniform into combat clothes.
"......Its too bad."
Having said that Kyoya didn't have a hint of disappointed his face.
Just indifferent.
"In order to protect Ousawa-kun and the others, you prefer to become an enemy of the world? Compared to the well-being several thousands of people--no, the billions of people around the world, still you chose only a few people to have happiness."
"In the ideal world the president speaks of even if several billions of people are saved, Miu would not be saved......and perhaps Listy."
Haruka replied.
"However Ousawa Akatsuki and our desire fro this world, not only will it save all those billions of people it can also save Miu and Listy. However sacrificing the President is also a given. We want to create a world in which everyone can happily laughed together, and live together in the same world... ... This is Ousawa Akatsuki ideal, I will not give up this world he aims for."
Haruka's tone was resolute.
This is the justice she upholds.
"President Hikami, I will not help you -- nor will Miu!"
Haruka screamed, while finishing her magic release chant letting loose her wind magic.
Her wind tore through the room wiping out everything in its path towards Kyoya.
But ......
"I'll say it again."
Kyoya leisurely smiled.
"-Its too bad, Nanase-kun."
He gently waved his right hand.
The wind created by Haruka suddenly disappeared without a trace.
"Uhh......!"
Haruka can not help but lower her head.
--Back in Alayzard, for some time she was completely unable to use magic, because her consciousness wasn't link with her body. But then, her magic power and the others increased a lot.
She single-handedly suppressed the enemy's large army at Gorudono Canyon with her new power.
But, she can't believe that even with her new power.
........She still is no threat to Kyoya.
Kyoya just said "an existence that rivals COCOON or Crimson Twilight", meaning that after visiting alternate worlds twice new powers can be awaken.
However, she just awaken to her new power and is only at the starting point. In order to harness its full power, extensive training of a course is required.
In other words.
There's an overwhelming difference in ability between Kyoya and Haruka.
......Even so......
Haruka Nanase doesn't care.
From the beginning she never thought she had what it takes to beat him.
What Haruka must do now is not defeat Kyoya.
But protect Miu -- right now she needs to try to flee with all her strength, then meet up with Akatsuki and her other friends.
Of course, because of this ability difference it will not be easily to elude Kyoya. However, if Kyoya shows a slight flaw even momentarily, she will have a chance--
It is possible to use the high-speed of winds magic to be able to fly away.
So ......
The first step in her escape plan is to go all out with one strike.
......Next......is the timing.......
Haruka begins counting down in her mind.
.....3, 2, 1 --
"-- Zero."
As she said it out loud, countless particles of light appeared in the student council room.
Haruka by using her magic was able to trigger the security system to stop intruders -- "guardian beast system".
Both physical and magical attacks are completely ineffective against guardian beasts in this room.
Two Gargoyles appeared.
At the same time, Haruka increased her speed with her wind magic.
--The system reacted because she was not the only one to use magic.
In order to neutralize Haruka's charge, Kyoya must of used his magic.
The two Gargoyles appearing proves it.
Of course, the system will not attack Haruka or Kyoya because they are students in Babel.
The system probably detected conflict between two students.
To resolve the conflict two Gargoyles were summoned in between Haruka and Kyoya
Forming a wall immune to physical attacks as well as magic attacks.
Haruka seized the opportunity and used high-speed wind magic to charge to Miu's side. And then simply carry Miu using her velocity created from the wind magic to flee the classroom -- that's Nanase Haruka plan.
But only one step away from Miu -- no, half a step away......
"It really is too bad. In fact, your timing was perfect."
"--!?"
Suddenly, Kyoya appeared in front of her.
......Its not possible .....!
Haruka couldn't hide her surprise.
The two Gargoyle were in the middle of Haruka and Kyoya.
The shortest distance to Haruka and Miu, Kyoya must first bypass the wall made up of the Gargoyles.
In terms of speed, Haruka believed their was at least chance of winning.
And for insurance, she created a situation where he would have to travel a longer distant.
But ......
"Hah--Ah Ah Ah Ah!"
Haruka didn't stop there, instead she slashed her half-moon sword at Kyoya.
Intended to stop Kyoya's movement for a second -- creating an opportunity to escape.
Then......
"Kin" an ear-piercing metallic rang.
"...... Huh......!?"
Her half-moon sword shattered into pieces.
It clashed with the absolute zero barrier that Kyoya invented. The barrier defends against all attacks while freezing any object that comes in contact with it.
......He even used.....such a technique......!
In that moment, Haruka tasted true shock and despair.
Haruka knew about the absolute zero barrier of Kyoya's, because she had seen it once before.
However, creating the absolute defense required a significant amount of time to activate.
Though it was triggered at that instant, Kyoya must of chanted the barrier in advance. The same way they already prepared a battle plan--
Kyoya also was carefully prepared.
He prepared everything to make sure he got Miu at all cost.
"Oh --"
Haruka stared blankly was Kyoya outstretched his palm, and place it right in front of her face.
A combination of blue and white light gathered in his palm.
Haruka had absolutely no way to dodge at this range.
Kyoya snears at her:
"Goodbye Nanase-kun......"
She was only able to see his lips move.
Part 13
"-!"
At that moment, Haruka Nanase was aware she could not escape death.
She closed her eyes before the oncoming attack would hit her.
She felt a burning sensation rather than a cold one all over her body simultaneously.
Exposed to Kyoya's ice magic her body sensed the pain from the ultra-low temperature as a burning sensation. Confronted with the fear of certain death, and the severe pain that will accompany it, her body reflexively stiffened. But -- she didn't feel any other pain then that.
Instead she couldn't catch her breath.
"!!!!"
The pain was different from what she had imagined. She struggle momentarily, widely moving her hands around.
-- A hand forcefully grabbed her.
Then it wrapped around her her waist, and powerfully pull her away.
"Huh ......?"
Haruka was perplexed, and instinctively opened her eyes.
A familiar face appeared before her eyes.
"Ousawa ...... Akatsuki ......？"
This person shouldn't be here, Haruka can't help but shout out his name.
"Its all right, vice-president."
Akatsuki told her.
After hearing Akatsuki voice, and feeling the warmth of his embrace Haruka was sure of one thing.
This is definitely not a dream.
But ... ... What on earth is going on? Haruka then suddenly noticed where Akatsuki and herself were. Akatsuki had his arms around her waist, while in his birthday suit.
However, the improper one was Haruka. The reason is simple, they were immersed in hot water and she was familiar with the location.
She was in the Ouswa home's bathroom.
Akatsuki appeared naked in front of eyes, Haruka screamed and desperately tried to escape.
Everything happened too fast.
"......"
Haruka's brain could not keep up, she stood there and repeatably blinked. She completely had no idea how to react.
-- Up till now, she was in JPN Babel's student council room meeting face to face with Kyoya. Why am I in the Ouswa bathroom, no where near were I was?
Then......
"You're shaking... ... What happened? "
The moment she heard Akatsuki's question.
"-!"
Haruka gasped.
She remembered her best friends -- Ryohei and Minami's dead.
And Kyoya's ice-cold eyes.
Also Miu laying unconscious, and that she was almost killed.
"......Me and.....we......"
"Despair" that word echoed in Haruka's mind.
No more words could come out her mouth.
Extreme fear froze her mind and body, chilling her to the bone.
Even though she was in the bathtub filled with hot water, the trembling of the whole body wouldn't stop.
However......
"--Haruka"
The shout was like a bolt of lightning shot into her ear, while his two hands gripped her shoulders. Forcibly Akatsuki pulled back her consciousness.
"Don't be scared anymore. I'm right here, there's nothing to be afraid of."
"Ah ......"
Those words permeated Haruka's heart. The icy tension gradually began to melt away.
Her body slowly regained its warmth.
"Good......that's it."
Akatsuki gave her a gentle smile.
Seeing his smile, Haruka's intuition told her -–
It was Akatsuki who saved her at that critical moment.
...... But, how?
Before her brain found the answer, Haruka's heart told her; however she never could of expected him to save her, there must of been some way. Haruka started to look at it retro respectively.
Reflecting on how Akatsuki devised a method to help her from a remote place.
The results ......
"Oh --"
Nanase Haruka finally remembered.
In the world of Alayzard, that she went too along with the Akatsuki and the others.
Miu and Listy became hostages, and the method by which Akatsuki saved them. She said:
"Forwarding...... seal."
Part 14
Sometime later they all learned of it.
It is a miraculous reversal at the end of the war by Akatsuki.
Even if they believed that peace would soon be realized, he still did not forget to prepare for the worst. He affixed a seal to Listy during the duel to prove his power.
Miu had a seal affixed the evening after he went into Sherfied looking for an antique shop to buy the seals. They were waiting at the brothel after accidental ingesting too much of an aphrodisiac. They needed Akatsuki detoxify them.
"Don't tell me... ... at that time ... ... "
She knew the answer ready.
Prior to the peace agreement, even if Akatsuki was on good terms with the Kingdom of Sherfied it was still enemy territory. So Akatsuki affixed a transfer seal to Haruka, who was accompanying him.
In case of a dangerous situation, he could simultaneously save Miu and Haruka.
......Then.....I......
Nanase Haruka suddenly realized.
It was not a coincidence that she was saved by Akatsuki just now.
Why -- There is still that feeling.
She will never forget -- there first meeting was the worst.
He did not even try to follow the rules, she was disgusted how he behaved freewheeling. Every time she saw him, he began to create all kinds of difficulties.
She was always worried about him in the back of her mind, she kept telling herself it's all in her imagination. She was unwilling to face the truth, and didn't want to admit it.
She didn't admit it until she went to Alayzard and witnessed Akatsuki implement justice she had believed in.
But ......
That night -- in the brothel with Miu he entrusted my life.
No, it should be before that.
Nanase Haruka was in Akatsuki's safety net.
So ......
"----"
Haruka clasped into Akatsuki arms, she was at her limit.
She knew nothing at all and feels guilty.
She was unable to protect Miu.
And regrets it.
What Kyoya did was outside her assumptions. The death of her best friends Ryohei and Minami greatly shocked her. She is reluctant to explain everything to Akatsuki. However, Haruka understood she can't make an excuse for this. The harsh reality is inescapable.
We all promised, we swore. No matter when, no matter where.
Miu unconditionally trust me, but ... ...
"----"
Haruka bursted into tears.
She was not enough.
Her resolve nor her strength ... ...
Nanase Haruka could not protect Ousawa Miu.
Her irreplaceable friend was taken from her.
Haruka had lost everything.
Translator's Notes and References
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