Unlimited Fafnir:Volume 8 Chapter 2
Chapter 2 - Transformed Awaker
Part 1
Inside a forest on a mountain, there was an unnatural patch of desert.
This was the zone formed by Iris Freyja's Catastrophe. A huge hole had opened up in the center. The mouth of the opening had been blocked using rocks made of mithril.
Sealed under the rocks was the daughter of Shinomiya Miyako whom the "Purple" Kraken had chosen as its mate.
This daughter not only inherited the Kraken's powers but could also control dark matter. A hybrid dragon.
She was named Kraken Zwei.
That monster was supposed to be sealed at the bottom of the hole.
However, a crack appeared on the mithril, theoretically the hardest and most durable substance.
It was an unthinkable phenomenon.
Yet the mithril was definitely splitting apart.
Distributed in the vicinity of the hole, NIFL's unmanned weaponry was observing the scene too.
Furthermore, the unmanned weaponry's sensors also captured silver light and the sound of sharply slicing wind.
It was the trails of Kraken Zwei's hair, also made of mithril just like the rocks.
...As well as the sound of wires swung at frightening speeds.
The silver light and sound of slicing wind continued nonstop. With every instance, the cracks in the mithril increased.
Then cut up into smaller pieces, the mithril rocks collapsed, unable to sustain their shape.
Just as the mithril collapsed in a clatter, a silver ribbon extended broke out of the debris and extended outside.
The ribbon suddenly expanded, pushing aside the obstructing remains of mithril.
Underneath, an eerie purple glow leaked out.
A monster in the shape of a young girl slowly crawled out from the bottom of the deep hole.
Controlling her extended mithril hair like her own limbs, she had her eye focused on the sky—
"——"
Her pink lips quivered as though she were speaking, but her voice was overwhelmed by the sound of falling rocks. No one heard her.
What her eyes were seeking out, no one knew at this time.
Part 2
As soon as Iris, Ariella, John and I returned to the mountain villa, we saw everyone talking to Shinomiya-sensei with stiff countenances.
"—According to reports, Kraken Zwei just escaped from the hole and started moving again."
Shinomiya-sensei informed us of the situation in a grave tone of voice.
"With that, we must take action. But before that, I wish to check the status of your dragon marks. This is because a D's dragon mark must change color completely in order to transform into a mate, as dictated by past precedent."
After hearing Shinomiya-sensei, the sound of whispering instantly spread among the girls. And for some reason, everyone was staring at John and me.
"Y-You would like us to reveal our marks here?"
With her hand on her bottom, Lisa confirmed with the teacher. Although I had no idea where her dragon mark was located, judging from her reaction—
"Ooh... I'm a bit embarrassed."
Blushing red, Ren held her chest.
"I don't want to do it here either..."
With her hand on her lower abdomen, Ariella also averted her gaze.
"I'm perfectly fine with any time and place if it's to show Yuu. That being said, my dragon mark is merely on my right hand."
Saying that, Kili raised her right hand. Her dragon mark had already turned purple completely.
"Tia too... If it's for husband, no problem. But Tia doesn't want another man to see."
Tia pressed on her thigh shyly, fidgeting in awkwardness.
"Captain, I shall excuse myself for a while."
Reading the mood, John temporarily retreated to the corridor.
"Oh, hey! John, me too—"
I hastily tried to leave with him, but became frozen on the spot because Firill started undressing in front of me.
"This is fine now. Although it's embarrassing... I can accept it if it's Mononobe-kun."
Firill opened up her shirt to show me the dragon mark on her shoulder. Her snow-white skin was visible from the gap in her shirt. Seeing this scene, Iris frantically covered my eyes.
"Wawa! Don't look, Mononobe! Go outside together with John!"
"I-I know, you don't need to push me!"
Thus pushing me into the corridor, Iris glared at me with her face red.
"Do not peek no matter what, got that? Oh—I-It's not like I hate being seen by you, Mononobe, okay?"
After saying something incomprehensible, Iris returned to the living room.
"She doesn't hate being seen but she asks me not to peek...?"
Finding an apparent contradiction in Iris' words, I tilted my head in puzzlement, only to see John, who had exited first, standing in the corridor sighing with a slightly appalled expression.
"...I suppose she means that she doesn't mind being seen by you but she doesn't want you to look at others."
"What—"
I felt my face heat up when I heard what John pointed out.
"Captain, you are regarded with abundant affection from everyone. I can clearly tell this much."
John smiled wryly as he spoke. His tone sounded a bit sad.
"No, that's..."
I scratched my head, unsure how to answer.
"Captain... Umm, are you going out with anyone in particular?"
John asked me slightly nervously.
"What, why are you asking that so suddenly—"
"M-My apologies! I have overstepped my bounds in my curiosity."
Seeing my flustered reaction, John bowed his head and apologized.
"Oh, no... There's nothing you need to apologize for. It's a very normal question seeing as I'm the only guy in group of girls."
I smiled wryly and decided to answer honestly.
"I'm not going out with anyone, because right now...the situation is very complicated."
Iris and Mitsuki were keeping their distance from me, trying to yield to each other. On the other hand, troubled by my gradually recovering memories, I had trouble confirming my own feelings.
"I-I see. Indeed, the situation is definitely chaotic and we must decide how to handle that child..."
Exhaling lightly, John nodded with a solemn look on his face. John looked like he had misinterpreted what I meant but clearing up the misunderstanding might make things worse, so I simply followed his line of conversation.
"—John, you intend to persuade Kraken Zwei?"
"Yes, that child is surely... seeking me out."
John replied, full of certainty.
"I think that's the best way if we can resolve things without fighting. Shinomiya-sensei definitely feels the same way, so you don't need to look so troubled."
I placed my hand on John's head.
"C-Captain..."
John went red as though in embarrassment.
At this moment, the living door opened with a click and Iris poked her head out.
"It's okay now. Only your dragon mark remains to be checked, Mononobe."
"Okay, got it."
I nodded in response and returned to the living room together with John then showed Shinomiya-sensei the dragon mark on my left hand.
"...No change in Mononobe Yuu's dragon mark. It's unclear whether it's because you are a man, or the change simply has yet to appear—Either way, it's a good thing."
"How is everyone's dragon mark?"
A bitter expression surfaced on Shinomiya-sensei's face when she heard my question.
"Kili Surtr Muspelheim's has changed color completely. Ariella Lu and Ren Miyazawa's are at roughly 30%. I have confirmed Mononobe Mitsuki's dragon mark beforehand, hers is in the same state. Lisa Highwalker, Firill Crest and Tia Lightning's dragon marks are also confirmed to have changed color slightly."
"Even Lisa and others..."
Things were happening as Vritra described. She had made the prediction that all Ds would get targeted sooner or later.
"Perhaps the rate of color change in the dragon mark is related to distance. Midgard's Ds have not shown any symptoms, but I fear that's only a matter of time."
"I see... Huh? Speaking of which, I didn't hear Iris mentioned just now?"
I turned my gaze to Iris and asked.
"Iris Freyja's situation is a bit special."
Shinomiya-sensei replied gravely.
"What... does that mean?"
I could feel my face going pale. I took a step towards Shinomiya-sensei and demanded an explanation.
"Calm down, Mononobe Yuu, I don't mean that in a bad way. When Iris Freyja's dragon mark initially showed a change in color, it was the same as Mononobe Mitsuki and the others, but for some reason, her dragon mark has shown almost no further change."
"No further change... in the dragon mark's color?"
I asked Iris with my gaze if it was true.
"Yes, although I dunno why... I checked and discovered that there hasn't been much change."
Holding her left flank, the location of her dragon mark, Iris tilted her head, finding it quite unbelievable.
"—Haha."
Immediately, I heard light laughter. I looked back to see Vritra's shoulders shaking in laughter as though she found things very funny.
"What are you laughing about?"
I frowned and asked her. She responded with a wry smile.
"Hoo—No, it simply crossed my mind that all such happenings hath exceeded mine estimations. I recall that she is the one who inherited Basilisk's authority, yes?"
"Authority...? It's true that Iris can use Basilisk's Catastrophe... But so what?"
I urged her to continue.
"Then what happened is perfectly possible too. Although exceeding mine estimations... No matter, from mine outlook, it mattereth not which outcome."
"What's going on? Vritra, do you know something?"
I glared at Vritra and questioned her, only to see the corners of her lips curl up.
"I do not know but 'tis possible for me to hazard a guess. Be that as it may, I have no obligation to tell thee."
"Tsk..."
Vritra simply gave a mysterious answer then kept silent from then on.
I did not know if she enjoyed sowing uncertainty or if she actually knew something... I could not tell.
"Mother, stop being so mean. Tell them, okay? If you don't speak... I'll be mean to you too, got that?"
Kili giggled and threatened the restrained Vritra.
"Hmph, do as thou wishest, it mattereth not no matter what sort of treatment—H-Hey! Stop stretching my mouth!"
Vritra's cheeks were being pulled left and right. Her body shook as she struggled.
"Oh my, it doesn't matter what kind of treatment, right? Fufu, what soft cheeks. I can't believe your cute little cheeks can stretch this much, Mother."
Nitpicking Vritra's words, Kili began to toy with her.
"I-I ordered thee to stop! Q-Quit pulling!"
Just as I was distracted by their interactions, Shinomiya-sensei coughed to bring my attention back.
"—Relying on Vritra's information would be a waste of time. I will continue."
"Y-Yes!"
Iris straightened her back and nodded in upright posture. Although Kili continued to horse around with Vritra, the others shifted their gaze back to Shinomiya-sensei.
"Regarding our approach against Kraken Zwei, I have decided to attempt persuasion first."
"..."
John gasped, his expression relaxing somewhat. Had Shinomiya-sensei announced extermination as a priority, John would probably have rushed out, even if alone by himself.
"John Hortensia, consequently, I will request your assistance. Is that okay?"
"Yes, certainly! Thank you!"
John nodded and agreed to the request for assistance.
"Kraken Zwei is currently moving towards our position. We will use this fact to lure her to a suitable battlefield and make contact with her there. John Hortensia and Mononobe Yuu will be responsible for making contact with her. With the addition of myself, that makes a total of three of us."
"You're going too, Shinomiya-sensei?"
Since my dragon mark had not changed in color, getting selected was within my expectations, but I had not anticipated Shinomiya-sensei, the commander, to accompany us.
"Yes, I am Miyako's elder sister. Perhaps Kraken Zwei might react to me, a blood relative."
She probably wanted to increase persuasion's chances of success, even if just a little bit. I could sense agonizing in Shinomiya-sensei's expression and voice.
"Understood. In other words, Shinomiya-sensei and John will persuade while I guard the two of you."
"Precisely. If necessary, your antigravitational matter will also help in securing time for retreating."
Shinomiya-sensei spoke stiffly. Using a repulsion bullet will definitely allow us to survive a direct attack from antimatter, but—
"By 'if necessary'... that means if persuasion fails and the situation develops into a battle... Then how should we handle Kraken Zwei?"
If possible, I did not want to consider this situation, but I had no choice but to confirm.
"By that juncture, we will have no choice but to defeat her. If she has lost her rationality to become a dragon in search of mates, then Kraken Zwei would be an enemy that must be defeated."
John's expression froze after listening to Shinomiya-sensei but he did not object, because if persuasion failed, that would mean "the child" mentioned by John no longer existed.
"The job of attacking Kraken Zwei shall be undertaken by Lisa Highwalker, Firill Crest, Tia Lightning and Iris Freyja, the four of you whose dragon marks still have some time before the color change is completed. But even so, the risk of dragonification still exists, so launch your attacks from as far away as possible. The rest of you will stay on standby at this base of operations and take action with your own safety as the top priority."
After listening to Shinomiya-sensei's battle plan, Lisa raised her hand with an expression of doubt.
"Shinomiya-sensei, I understand the stages of the operation, but do we have any actual means of taking down Kraken Zwei? Our choice to trap her earlier stemmed precisely from the fact that we had no way to defeat her without Mitsuki-san..."
"I know, but looking at battle records from earlier, I have concluded that there are openings to attack. I will explain the details later. Time to set off is one hour from now. All participants, please get ready as quickly as possible. I will inform Midgard of the detailed situation via a secret line, so come find me at the caretaker's room if any matters arise."
"Yes—"
Lisa nodded with uncertainty remaining in her expression. The rest of us also nodded to obey Shinomiya-sensei's directions.
"I would've like to have a longer stay..."
Dismissed for now, Iris commented wistfully.
"Tia wanted to play tennis too!"
Having slept almost the entire time apart from lunch, Tia expressed her regret.
"We can come back soon if persuasion succeeds. But if it fails... Then it might turn into a difficult battle."
Lisa seemed to be worrying about the case of fighting Kraken Zwei. Her response to Iris and Tia was stiff in tone.
"Indeed... Not being able to rely on Mitsuki makes a huge difference."
Firill agreed with a worried look.
"If only we could take part too... Sorry."
Ordered to standby, Ariella apologized to us with regret. Next, Ren tugged my clothing from the side.
"...Because I can't go along, I will prepare packed meals for Onii-chan and the others."
Saying that, Ren ran to the kitchen.
Ren had practiced with the rest of the class during the school festival and was now able to do simple cooking. I felt really happy that Ren was offering to cook for us on her own initiative.
"Packed meals huh... It's true that there are leftovers from lunch and there should be enough time with an hour remaining. I'll help out too."
Ariella waved and left with Ren.
"—I won't be helping since I need to supervise Mother."
Kili sat down on the sofa in the living room, speaking while she rubbed Vritra's head.
"That's simply because you can't cook. I've never seen you cook even once when we were working together."
Kili smiled stiffly in response to John's accusation.
"That is quite rude of you. It's merely cooking. I can do it too, but I don't because there's simply no need."
"...Hmph, who knows if you're lying."
"Could you be a little more aware of your position? I almost died to save you."
"I don't remember asking you to save me."
Kili and John glared at each other viciously.
They did not seem to get along despite clearly working together previously. Seeing their interactions, Vritra sighed in exasperation.
"—Now that 'tis mentioned, I cannot believe ye would still engage in the troublesome likes of cooking. If these bonds of mine were to be released, I could effortlessly transmute food for the lot of ye."
Vritra shook her head in annoyance to escape Kili's hand then suggested.
However, I smiled wryly and shrugged.
"How can we possibly let you run free? Besides, even if you create food using transmutation, the food will surely be inferior to the real thing like last time. This is the obvious outcome."
When taking a stroll in town, the ice cream that Vritra replicated did not taste good. Even Vritra herself had admitted that.
"Hmph... How arrogant."
Vritra spoke with displeasure and turned her head away.
"Jeez, Mononobe, don't make her sound so bad when she even offered to help. Vritra-chan, don't sulk. I'm very happy for your gesture!"
"I am assuredly not sulking!"
Iris defended her but caused Vritra to sulk even more and yell. Seeing their interactions, Kili could not help but laugh while covering her own mouth.
Leaving the displeased Vritra, we exited the living room, went up to the second floor and returned to our respective rooms.
Rooming with me, John still seemed a bit nervous. He sat down on his bed.
"Although it's time to get ready... There is nothing to do because I have no belongings. I think my weapons were lost during the fight against Sleipnir, so I am completely unarmed right now."
John made a wry smile and showed the empty holster under her jacket.
"Then I'll make one for you using transmutation. What kind of weapon do you want?"
I used to be the team's arsenal as well during my NIFL days. Due to my low capacity for dark matter generation, I could not transmute more than ten kilograms unaided. However, as long as I had stamina, I was able to transmute guns and ammunition below ten kilograms. Hence, there was no worry of exhausting ammunition or losing weapons as long as I was around.
"N-No thank you, umm... It will be fine, because I don't want to trouble you, Captain. Besides, I am not going there to fight."
What John meant was that he was purely going to persuade Kraken Zwei. His expression showed his determination to convince Kraken Zwei no matter what.
"I see, but you should still be minimally prepared since we don't know what'll happen. At least take this with you."
Anti-personnel weapon—AT Nergal.
Using data downloaded to my mind as a blueprint, I created a anti-personnel projectile-based electroshock gun.
"...Yes, understood. Thank you, Captain."
Despite showing slight hesitation, John still received Nergal from my hand and placed it into his holster.
I nodded then sat down in front of my luggage to begin my own preparations.
However, there was not much I needed to do. Unneeded belongings could be left at this base of operations, so there was nothing I needed to do after checking equipment such as my communicator and portable terminal.
"I'm going to check up on Mitsuki, John."
After equipping the necessary items on my person, I stood up and said to John.
"Y-Yes, that is... your sister, right?"
John was sitting on the bed, watching my movements. For some reason, he shifted his gaze away frantically then answered me.
"Yes—She is my precious little sister."
I nodded in response then went to the second room next door. This was Shinomiya-sensei and Mitsuki's room but right now, Mitsuki was alone, sleeping on the bed. Shinomiya-sensei was probably in the caretaker's room, holding a discussion with Midgard.
I entered the room quietly and approached Mitsuki who was lying on the bed under a blanket. Her breaths were long while her skin looked pale. I tried to touch her face lightly and found it even colder than I imagined.
"Mitsuki..."
I gently picked up Mitsuki's upper body in my arms and lifted her hair in the back. The dragon mark on her pale neck came into view. Roughly one third of it had turned purple.
It was evidence that a dragon desired Mitsuki.
Kraken Zwei—She was about to take Mitsuki away from me.
Instantly, my heart began to beat violently. Scorching and aggressive feelings surged in my chest.
—I won't hand Mitsuki over to you.
Just from looking at her face like this, my memories with Mitsuki were reawakened bit by bit.
Her smiling face, her angry face, her happy face... Mitsuki's many faces remained in my heart.
Most poignant of all was her crying face the day when Mitsuki became my sister.
The death of her parents, the manifestation of the power to generate dark matter, adoption by the Mononobe family—Faced with so many changes, Mitsuki had felt greatly troubled and was on the verge of a mental breakdown.
Back then, I had decided. From now on, I shall protect Mitsuki.
Hence, when confronting Hekatonkheir, I did not hesitate and accepted Yggdrasil's deal.
If it was for Mitsuki's sake, whatever it took, I would—
"..."
I suddenly came back to my senses and laid Mitsuki down gingerly.
"...I am getting too emotional. Persuasion should come first, not battle."
I muttered as though warning myself then covered Mitsuki with the blanket up to her shoulders.
If persuasion could resolve the incident, that would be for the best.
However... I somehow got the feeling that the gradual color change in the dragon marks was Kraken Zwei's expressed will.
"No matter what, I will end everything before you wake up, Mitsuki. Wait for me."
I expressed my determination to the sleeping Mitsuki then walked to the room's exit. However—
Riiiiiiiiiiiing!!
A loud bell suddenly sounded.
"What happened—?"
I halted and looked around. A bad premonition began to rise within me as though coming from underfoot.
'You are the one making the choice.'
The message Miyazawa Kenya had passed along from Major Loki now echoed in my ear.
"...!"
Thinking something must have happened, I quickly left Mitsuki's room.
Immediately, John poked his head out of my room almost simultaneously.
"Captain, what on earth—"
John looked quite disturbed but before I could speak, the indoor announcement system was heard.
'Emergency situation, everyone is to gather at the caretaker's room on the ground floor at once. I repeat, everyone is to gather at the caretaker's room on the ground floor—'
Shinomiya-sensei's voice was calling for us to assemble.
"What happened...?"
John frowned and asked.
"We'll know once we get there. Anyway, let's hurry."
I hurried John and prepared to head to the caretaker's room, but as though trying to block our way, all the other room's doors happened to open at the same time.
"Wawa, Mononobe!"
Rushing out suddenly, Iris almost crashed into me, accidentally stumbling.
"Woah!"
Seeing Iris about to fall over backwards, I grabbed her arm and pulled her back. She immediately blushed.
"T-Thank you."
Iris thanked me then left. Our conversation next to the waterfall was probably still bothering her.
Originally in their rooms to prepare, Lisa, Firill and Tia also showed up after Iris.
"Emergency situation... What could it be?"
"Tia jumped in fright at the sudden announcement!"
Firill and Tia seemed quite unsettled, not knowing what was happening.
"Everyone, please do not stop moving. Let us go to Shinomiya-sensei."
At Lisa's urging, we started walking again and went down a floor. Kili and Vritra were no longer in the living room. The kitchen side also sounded very quiet.
We entered the caretaker's room on the first floor to see that Ariella, Ren, Kili and Vritra had already gathered inside.
The room also served as a security room with many surveillance monitors set up. Shinomiya-sensei was standing in front of the monitors with a solemn expression.
"—Everyone is assembled, right? I will immediately explain the situation. The surveillance devices installed in the mountain has detected multiple intruders. The bell earlier was an alarm to alert us of this fact."
Everyone gasped in response to Shinomiya-sensei's announcement, but rather than surprise, our expressions read more like feelings of "just as expected." They had probably considered this possibility when the bell rang.
"...Is it NIFL?"
Looking at the surveillance monitors, Lisa asked.
"Chances are likely if the information from Director Miyazawa is correct. Sensors at the foot of the mountain were triggered, which means they will take some time to reach here. Before that happens, we must decide how to respond."
Shinomiya-sensei nodded and swept her gaze across everyone's face.
"Meaning that... we either retreat or intercept them."
Ariella murmured with a troubled expression.
"There is an emergency escape passage because this place was designed as a hiding place for important people. Escaping itself is easy but in that event, we will need to carry out our operation while under attack from assailants."
After explaining the situation, Shinomiya-sensei looked at me questioningly. Perhaps she wanted my opinion as a former member of NIFL.
"I believe—we should intercept."
After some slight thought, I expressed my view.
"The risk is too great if we carry out our operation while being hunted as you said, Shinomiya-sensei. And the principal is currently restraining NIFL, so the amount of personnel they can field in secret should be limited. The probability of an endless stream of assassins is very low."
And the most important reason was—As long as the attackers were crushed here, then there would be less danger for Mitsuki and the others who were staying back on standby during the operation.
Since I was going along to persuade Kraken Zwei, that meant I could not stay by Mitsuki's side. Precisely because of that, we must not let the enemy go.
"—I understand your view. However, the enemy should number more than ten, judging from the quantity indicated by the detectors. Is interception actually feasible?"
Shinomiya-sensei asked me with a solemn expression on her face.
I suddenly remembered being asked a similar question in the past.
NIFL had sent a team to invade Midgard and execute Iris who had been marked by Leviathan. At the time, I repelled them single-handedly. Hence, this time too—
"Yes. As long as the enemy is human, I alone will be enough."
I spoke the simple truth.
That was how certain I felt.
I had defeated Hreidmar at the Principality of Erlia. Yesterday, I even came close to killing Vritra.
I definitely would not lose to anyone as long as I was not afraid to kill—And I had already resolved myself for that. Back when I found out that Mitsuki, whom I thought had died, was still alive, I already decided—
—I decided I will never allow anyone or anything precious of mine to be taken away.
"You will fight... alone?"
Shinomiya-sensei gulped and confirmed with me. Everyone stared at me, seemingly intimidated by my intensity.
"The rest of you only need to surround this mountain villa with a wind barrier to cut off enemy invasion. I'll handle the rest."
In a relaxed tone, I told everyone what they should do.
"Hold on, Captain! I wish to fight with you. I will not burden you!"
However, John pulled himself together and frantically begged me.
"...You have a point. Indeed, it should be fine if it's you, John. However, you should take on your original role as a sniper and focus on support in the back."
"Understood! I am honored to be able to fight alongside you again, Captain!"
John saluted me with joy in his eyes.
"I will participate if this is what we're doing, because I need to blow off some steam. Oh by the way, Tia, I leave Mother in your care while I'm gone."
Kili tossed her hair and stepped forward.
"G-Got it."
Tia nodded even though she felt surprised but I could not accept her suggestion so easily.
"No, considering the enemy's goal, since your dragon mark has changed color, Kili—"
"I'll make myself clear first. It's useless even if you object. I will act on my own."
Kili interrupted me and insisted strongly.
"—Fine. But can I ask you not to use attacks that'll get us caught up in them?"
I sighed and reluctantly agreed to let Kili join the battle. She was definitely sufficient in terms of combat power, but entrusting my back to her made me feel a bit uneasy.
"Of course, you don't have to worry, Yuu."
Kili smiled mischievously. Seeing this, Lisa spoke up.
"Unfortunately, I cannot relax. Hence, I shall accompany Kili-san to fulfill surveillance and bodyguard roles."
Hearing her suggestion, I panicked.
"W-Wait! Lisa, you can't go!"
"Why is that?"
"You don't have any experience in fighting humans, right? Once it turns into a war..."
—You might taint your hands.
I made myself vague because we were in front of everyone, but Lisa seemed to pick up what I wanted to say.
She nodded with an expression of comprehension then looked me squarely in both eyes.
"In truth—I have been secretly training in techniques against humans ever since my defeat at Kili-san's hands. I shan't approach the frontlines at all, so please allow me to assist."
"Lisa..."
Sensing her unrelenting determination, I swallowed what I was going to say.
"Ever since Mitsuki-san collapsed, you have been brooding the whole time. I really cannot leave you alone."
Lisa smiled wryly and touched my cheek. Only then did I realize my face had been tense all along.
"...You mustn't push yourself too far, okay?"
Through our "couples training" previously, I understood Lisa's personality very well. By this point, rather than push her away, it would be better to trust and rely on her.
"Exactly what I wanted to say to you."
Lisa nodded in agreement with a mixture of relief and joy in her expression.
"...Ahem."
But at this moment, Firill coughed deliberately, bringing Lisa to her senses. Frantically, she withdrew her hand from my cheek.
"U-Umm..."
Listening to our conversation, Iris raised her hand, looking like she had something to say.
"Let me say this first. I absolutely won't allow you to fight, Iris. Whether mithril explosions or Catastrophe, your firepower is too high against humans."
"I haven't said anything yet..."
Iris' shoulders slumped in dejection.
"It's the same for the others. Firill and Ariella, please focus on deploying the barrier. Tia and Ren will monitor Vritra. Iris, I am counting on you to look after Mitsuki."
I looked at everyone in turn and told them their respective responsibilities.
Vritra looked displeased to be treated as a surveillance target, but everyone else nodded affirmatively with serious expressions.
Next, I shifted my gaze back to Shinomiya-sensei at last.
"Mononobe Yuu, I will believe in you and hand command over to you. Those heading out to intercept, please put on communicators and stay in frequent contact."
"Yes ma'am!"
We answered Shinomiya-sensei and prepared to intercept the intruders.
Part 3
| Back to Chapter 1 | Return to Main Page | Forward to Chapter 3 |
