Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut:Volume 6 Capítulo 4

Capítulo 4 – Segunda Ruína “Dungeon”

Parte 1

Na madrugada do dia seguinte.

Lux acordou cedo antes do nascer do sol e então se dirigiu ao campo de treino dentro do campo militar.

Ele havia recebido a confirmação de Coral, que estava na mesma sala com ele, de que era permitido usar o lugar. O lugar estava vazio como ele esperava, talvez o fato de ser logo após o exame também influenciou.

“Agora, então......”

Depois de colocar seu Dress Gear, ele equipou seu <Wyvern> em seu corpo e realizou a operação básica como substituto para o aquecimento.

E então ele destravou o controle de ajuste exatamente como Lisha o ensinou.

“......!?”

Várias telas de luz flutuavam ao seu redor, com letras, símbolos e gráficos antigos refletidos neles.

Originalmente, era uma função que era para literalmente ajustar coisas como a potência do Drag-Ride, armamento e assim por diante. Normalmente esta função não era usada durante a luta, mas agora ele estava deliberadamente começando enquanto mantinha a função ativada.

(Como eu pensei, controlar o Drag-Ride no modo de ajuste é consideravelmente difícil ...)

Poderia se concentrar melhor se as informações e opções fossem limitadas a um certo grau.

O controle do Drag-Ride já era complicado e numeroso na melhor das hipóteses. Adicionar a manipulação de até mesmo seu valor de potência no meio da batalha deu um grau de dificuldade que era quase imprudente.

“No entanto— ...... mais um pouco—”

Depois de respirar fundo e se animar, Lux repetiu a operação básica enquanto mantinha esse estado.

Após cerca de uma hora com um leve descanso no meio, sua resistência finalmente atingiu o limite e ele caiu de joelhos no chão.

“──Haa, haa......”

Ele estava respirando com dificuldade com os ombros arfando enquanto se agachava no local. Então, de repente, ele ouviu passos atrás dele.

No momento em que Lux se levantou para se virar, uma toalha caiu em sua cabeça.

“......Uwah!?”

A visão de Lux foi obscurecida e ele entrou em pânico.

Quando ele pegou a toalha branca e macia, havia um rosto familiar ali.

“Bom dia, Lu-chan.”

“Ah......”

Era um rosto adorável, inexpressivo e com traços de infantilidade remanescentes nele.

Philuffy vestindo o Dress Gear estava lá.

Diferente do normal, seu cabelo estava preso em um rabo de cavalo curto. Essa aparência parecia fofa e surpreendente.

“P-Phi-chan. Por que você está aqui—?”

“Eu também sempre faço treino matinal. Então, eu ouvi a voz do Lu-chan, daqui.”

Depois de dizer isso com um tom desapaixonado, Philuffy lentamente retirou a toalha.

“Espe–, o que você está fazendo Phi-chan!?”

“Você vai pegar um resfriado se não enxugar o suor direito, sabe?”

Philuffy enxugava o suor de Lux com a toalha com uma expressão séria e um tom que soava um pouco repreensivo.

Mas, era constrangedor ter uma garota que era sua amiga de infância fazendo tanto por ele, então Lux ficou nervoso.

“E-Eu estou bem, sabe!? É-É só isso. Eu posso me secar sozinho então—!”

Não havia ninguém por perto, mas Lux virou a cabeça para a esquerda e para a direita para verificar.

“Está tudo bem, eu já terminei.”

Philuffy terminou seu trabalho enquanto ele fazia isso e ela colocou a toalha no ombro de Lux.

Assim, ela estava olhando fixamente para Lux com seus olhos puros.

“......!?”

Talvez porque ela tivesse acabado de treinar, a pele e o rosto de Philuffy estavam ligeiramente corados e havia um leve cheiro de suor vindo dela. Isso fez o coração de Lux bater mais rápido.

Em comparação com sua infância, seus seios, coxas e outros lugares haviam crescido em um corpo feminino incrível. Ele pensou nisso mais uma vez enquanto olhava para o rosto dela de perto.

“O-O que há de errado? Há algo em meu rosto—”

“Ei”

“Waah!?”

O corpo de Lux girou pela metade apenas porque Philuffy sacudiu levemente seu braço.

Em um piscar de olhos, ele foi obrigado a virar as costas para ela e se sentiu confuso mais uma vez.

“O-O que você está fazendo Phi-chan!? Meu suor já foi—”

O corpo de Philuffy agarrou-se firmemente às costas do perturbado Lux. Então ela sussurrou para ele em tom indiferente.

“Checando um pouco. Se o seu corpo está ferido.”

“Ei, você não precisa fazer isso, eu realmente não estou cansado! —Uwah!?”

Honestamente falando, ele estava em suspense porque os seios grandes de Philuffy tocavam suas costas.

Quando Lux torceu o corpo para se livrar dela, seu pé se enroscou e eles caíram juntos.

“Ah......”

Lux gritou depois de cair.

Quando sua mão se moveu por reflexo para se levantar, o corpo de Philuffy estava logo abaixo dele.

“D-Desculpa......!”

Os seios grandes que não perdiam a forma nem quando ela estava deitada de bruços preencheram sua visão, fazendo a cabeça de Lux ferver.

Philuffy, que estava sem expressão como de costume, continuou olhando para Lux e de repente ela moveu os lábios.

“Está tudo bem, não suportar, sabe?”

A pergunta de Philuffy, dita com sua cara séria de sempre, fez Lux enrijecer.

O calor e a suavidade do corpo de Philuffy que estava colado a ele.

Depois de se conscientizar disso, o coração de Lux batia forte como uma campainha de alarme, sua consciência ficou em branco por um momento.

“Porque Lu-chan, você olha como se estivesse pensando em algo.”

“—Eh?”

Depois que Lux sussurrou para aquelas palavras que de repente lhe ocorreram, Philuffy deu um sorriso fraco.

“Desde o passado, Lu-chan iria suportar imediatamente. Você esconderia seu verdadeiro sentimento.”

“............”

Essa voz soou um tanto nostálgica.

E, no entanto, também parecia um tanto solitária. Philuffy formou suas palavras com essa voz.

“Estou feliz por você estar fazendo o melhor por nós, mas— tudo bem, ser mais honesto com seu próprio sentimento, sabe?”

“......Tal coisa—”

Não é verdade. Por algum motivo, ele não conseguiu dizer isso quando olhou para o olhar direto de Philuffy.

*GOOOON*. De repente, o som de um grande sino que informava as horas soou no local.

“Oh...... eu preciso voltar para o meu quarto logo—”

“Certo. Até mais, Lu-chan.”

Eles se levantaram e, após trocar apenas essas palavras, Lux se separou de Philuffy e voltou para seu quarto.

As palavras diretas de sua amiga de infância fizeram com que um sentimento misterioso brotasse dentro dele.

Parte 2

Houve uma chamada de emergência. Quase todos os oficiais, assim como os cadetes oficiais que eram os examinandos do Exame de Promoção de Classe, estavam reunidos em Canopy na parte superior do centro de Ruin's Gear.

Os Drag-Knights estavam alinhados. Na frente deles havia um palco, onde a Princesa do Principado, Milmiette, e o homem que era o prefeito de Ruin's Gear estavam lado a lado.

“Pessoal— primeiro, obrigado por seu trabalho árduo no Exame de Promoção de Classe desta vez. O exame conjunto com o Novo Reino Atismata que foi realizado pela primeira vez também terminou com segurança, acredito que vai dar um resultado onde podemos esperar um desenvolvimento ainda melhor.”

Milmiette primeiro mostrou um sorriso que parecia uma flor e cumprimentou formalmente.

Mas, em contraste com essas palavras, era como se a atmosfera não parecesse relaxada.

“Originalmente nós terminaremos com isso. Mas, assim como todos do Novo Reino Atismata também sabem, recentemente a taxa de aparição e a atrocidade dos Abyss da Ruína estão ganhando força. A segunda Ruína, a ‘Dungeon’ existente no subsolo de Ruin's Gear também não é uma exceção.”

*Murmúrio*. Os Drag-Rides reunidos olharam um para o outro depois de ouvir essas palavras.

“Originalmente, o número de Abyss aparecendo da ‘Dungeon’ é fixo, mas esse número irá transbordar se for deixado de lado por um longo período, e eles irão subir pela porta na parte inferior. Originalmente, esse tipo de situação acontecia uma vez a cada poucos meses, mas independentemente da frequência de subjugação que aumentamos nesta Ruína, a situação é que os Abyss vão transbordar.”

“......!?”

As alunas que vieram da academia e os militares engoliram em seco.

“Talvez todos já possam imaginar depois de falar até aqui, mas gostaria de pedir a colaboração do pessoal do Novo Reino, no extermínio daqueles Abyss que tem aumentado demais dentro da ‘Dungeon’.”

Depois que ela falou bastante, o prefeito subiu no palco e falou o esboço da missão.

A “Dungeon” que existia no subsolo da Ruin's Gear.

O subterrâneo era dividido em cinco níveis no total. Nessa missão, eles desceriam esses níveis, derrotariam o maior número possível de Abyss e diminuiriam sua quantidade.

No entanto, na missão desta vez, eles só entrariam em ação até o segundo nível.

A razão era porque houve poucos casos em que Abyss poderosos apareciam nos níveis mais baixos.

“Claro, originalmente não há mérito nesta reunião para as senhoras e senhores do Novo Reino Atismata. Naturalmente, estamos planejando pagar a compensação por seu esforço, mas estamos pensando em conceder mais uma recompensa por isso.”

Depois que o prefeito de cabelos grisalhos e bigode desceu, Milmiette continuou a falar mais uma vez.

“O resultado de que todos levantados nesta missão de supressão serão tratados como um exame complementar especial do Exame de Promoção de Classe desta vez, e a pontuação será adicionada à avaliação do exame.”

“......Ooh!?”

O sorriso deslumbrante e as palavras de Milmiette fizeram os oficiais deprimidos erguerem o rosto.

“Claro, a cooperação com todos os oficiais e derrotar muitos Abyss com segurança serão avaliados ainda mais. Afinal, se alguém negligencia a cooperação em sua pressa por realizações, também ficará para trás na batalha real. Dentro da Ruína, os Drag-Knights de nosso país que estão servindo como examinadores assumirão a liderança. Será nossa felicidade se aqueles com energia sobressalente puderem se apresentar e cooperar por todos os meios.”

Milmiette fez uma reverência, então uma comoção se espalhou.

“Fuu. A Princesa deste país também diz coisas boas, hein.”

Tillfur, que por acaso estava ao lado de Lux, deu um pequeno sorriso ao ouvir isso.

No exame, desta vez, ela parecia estar sem confiança no que era a obstrução no meio dele também, então ela deve estar aliviada dentro de seu coração por esta chance.

A subjugação seria feita por equipe de três ou quatro pessoas. Entrar no terceiro andar era fundamentalmente proibido.

Parecia que essa decisão veio do pensamento de que, embora a “Dungeon” fosse vasta e profunda, mas porque a passagem em si não era tão ampla, mover-se em grupos grandes seria obstrutivo.

Essa missão de supressão seria realizada por cerca de três horas.

Claro, operar um Drag-Ride continuamente durante todo esse tempo seria impossível, então eles iriam descansar dentro ou fora da “Dungeon”.

Todos se reuniram com colegas e se prepararam, então no lobby eles se inscreveram para participar como equipe. Depois disso, eles se reuniram sob a Canopy— na frente do corredor em espiral que continuava em direção ao portão subterrâneo, e eles entrariam na ordem da equipe que obtivesse a permissão primeiro.

“Parece que o conteúdo do exame suplementar desta vez é vantajoso para nós, cuja principal força é a cooperação.”

Shalice, da Tríade, que estava ouvindo a conversa bem perto, gritou assim para suas companheiras, Tillfur e Noct.

Bem naquele momento, Noct que estava lá olhou para Lux.

“Ah......”

No outro dia, eles se separaram sem que ele fosse incapaz de dizer nada a ela. Lux estava preocupado em saber como ele deveria cumprimentá-la.

(O que devo dizer, isso pode tranquilizá-la...?)

Enquanto ele estava hesitando na frente dela com tal pensamento—

“Bom dia Lux-san. Você se machucou no exame de ontem?”

“Ah, e-estou bem. Estou completamente—”

Inesperadamente, foi a própria Noct quem abordou o tópico sobre o exame que ele achava que seria difícil conversar com ela.

“É mesmo, eu estava um pouco preocupada.”

“Eh......?”

Lux inclinou a cabeça perplexo. Noct falou com sua expressão calma de sempre.

“Yes. Estamos falando de Lux-san que é gentil com as garotas aqui, então você certamente iria pensar em vários métodos para me consolar, que talvez não estivesse bem. Eu estava preocupada se você não dormiria por causa disso.”

“N-Não, não é como se eu estivesse pensando nisso—”

O palpite correto de Noct fez com que Lux negasse com o rosto vermelho.

“É mesmo, isso é lamentável. Não importa que eu seja colega de quarto de sua irmã mais nova, o assunto sobre mim não vai pesar tanto em sua mente, não é?”

“I-Isso não é verdade. Isso, eu estava preocupado— sobre a questão de todas vocês da Tríade.”

Noct olhou para Lux com olhos desdenhosos quando disse isso com um tom sério.

“Yes. Como esperado, você estava pensando sobre esse tipo de coisa, não é? Certamente é um método de tocar nosso corpo para consolar—”

“Que tipo de pessoa Noct pensa que eu sou!?”

Quando Lux respondeu em pânico, a expressão de Noct repentinamente relaxou.

“Estou feliz. Porque pensei que Lux-san ficaria perturbado, que você não foi capaz de me ajudar no exame outro dia.”

“Eu só estava preocupado com você, mas em vez disso, deixei você preocupada!?”

“Yes. Ser atenciosa com o ambiente ao redor é o dever da família Leaflet que tem da linhagem de servos. Ainda não posso perder para Lux-san.”

A garota que era sua caloura sorriu levemente para Lux exausto e ela disse isso a ele.

“Ok, ok~. Então vamos nos preparar também. Lukkuchi também, vamos nos encontrar novamente dentro da Ruína.”

Assim que o clima relaxou, Tillfur entrou correndo.

"Ah, isso— vocês me permitem entrar no time da Tríade também?”

“............”

Ao ouvir isso, os membros da Tríade ficaram sem palavras por um momento com os olhos bem abertos.

“E-Eh......? Isso não é bom......?”

Vendo Lux incomodado, Shalice agarrou a cabeça de Lux embaixo de seu braço.

“Uwah......!?”

Devido à postura, o rosto de Lux bateu no peito de Shalice. Seu rosto de repente avermelhou.

Seu corpo estava tonificado, com a sensação de seios macios pressionados sobre ele.

E de seu corpo exalava sua marca registrada, a fragrância de rosa que fazia cócegas no nariz de Lux de forma sedutora.

“Fuh... então até aquele inocente Lux se tornou muito proativo. Você realmente quer que todas nós três nos apaixonemos por você, não é?”

Shalice disse isso brincando com um sorriso malicioso.

“Wahahaa, Lukkuchi é tão ousado. Como esperado, um menino é realmente diferente, hein~”

“Yes, Lux-san também está finalmente desenvolvendo um grande interesse por meninas. Julguei que é minha obrigação relatar isso a Airi.”

“J-Já disse que não é verdade!? Eu não tenho esse tipo de motivo oculto estranho, eu apenas—”

Até Tillfur e Noct entraram na piada e Lux ficou ainda mais em pânico.

“Nós realmente entendemos. Obrigada por se preocupar conosco.”

Shalice soltou Lux de debaixo do braço e gentilmente colocou o dedo em seu peito.

“Mas, só que desta vez nós queremos tentar umas coisas. Então, vamos contar com você em outra chance. Por enquanto, vá para as outras meninas que estão esperando por você.”

“Ok... Então pessoal, tenham cuidado.”

Com alguma hesitação, Lux concordou e saiu lentamente.

Depois de falar com Lisha e outras pessoas sobre o grupo, Lux voltou para a pensão pela primeira vez para encontrar Airi.

Parte 3

“Fuh, de alguma forma correu bem. Embora tenhamos concordado originalmente com isso, vocês não se arrependem, Tillfur, Noct?”

Shalice estava se despedindo de Lux enquanto falava com suas duas colegas.

“Yes, esperamos não aumentar os fardos de Lux-san com mais do que isso.”

“Na verdade, eu estava realmente feliz....... Ele está apropriadamente preocupado conosco também—”

Com uma expressão alegre e solitária, Tillfur suspirou.

Enquanto Airi estava sozinha em seu dormitório na noite passada, as meninas da Tríade fizeram alguns planos com antecedência.

Para ajudar Lux, as três decidiram se distanciar dele.

Embora fosse por causa do plano maligno de Buzzheim e adicionado por uma coincidência, ainda resultou nelas arrastando Lux no Exame de Promoção de Classe.

Se aquelas que não tinham força para usar habilmente um Drag-Ride Divino estivessem perto de Lux, elas se tornariam um obstáculo para ele.

As palavras que Singlen disse no exame de ontem atingiram o peito da Tríade.

Para reavaliar sua força novamente desde o início, as três decidiram não pedir a ajuda de Lux e lutarem sozinhas.

“Mas, eu posso ter feito algo ruim para Tillfur. Eu roubei o tempo em que você podia ficar junto com ele.”

Shalice falou provocativamente.

“Espe–......!? Shalice, mesmo que agora mesmo você tenha empurrado seu peito no Lukkuchi!”

“Yes, eu acho que é muito ousado da parte de Shalice...... Na verdade, você gosta de Lux-san, correto?”

“—Fuh. Eu estava apenas dando a ele um pouco de boas lembranças do meu próprio jeito como meu sentimento de gratidão. Não, embora não seja um erro estar satisfeita com ele.”

“Isso é realmente verdade~......? Shalice, embora ela esteja fingindo ser uma irmã mais velha, ela é realmente pura, então ela é inesperadamente fraca contra um avanço direto, entretanto~...... e ela gosta de um menino mais jovem também.”

“Yes, embora sejamos amigas de infância, esta é a primeira vez que vi você fazer esse tipo de coisa com um homem.”

“...B-Bem, é hora de voltar ao tópico em questão.”

O rosto de Shalice estava ligeiramente vermelho com a risada maliciosa de Tillfur e o olhar fixo de Noct. Ela então fez uma tosse forçada.

“Nosso objetivo é conseguir isso com nossas próprias forças. —Agora, vamos fazer o que pudermos com todas nossas forças.”

Shalice repetiu as instruções desde o início. As outras dois assentiram com compreensão.

As três avançaram em direção à passagem do hangar Drag-Ride que foi emprestado da Ruin's Gear.

Parte 4

“Airi, você está aí?” Depois de bater suavemente na porta e ouvir um “Entre”, Lux entrou na sala.

Exalando sua habitual atmosfera fria, Airi estava sentada em sua mesa lendo.

“Há algo errado, Nii-san? Você vai se juntar à missão de supressão mencionada, não é? Não é melhor se ir se preparar?”

“Ahaha....... Não, há algo que me incomoda um pouco.”

Dizendo isso, ele falou sobre como depois de ser rejeitado para acompanhar a Tríade, ele foi para onde Lisha e outras estavam.

Lux estava pensando em se juntar com Lisha, Krulcifer, Philuffy ou Celis com quem ele se dava bem e pertenciam ao Syvalles, mas a instrutora Raigree, que estava lá, disse a ele que ele estava proibido de acompanhá-las.

O instrutor disse—

“Na superfície, a tarefa é oficialmente destruir os Abyss, mas também é um exame suplementar para testar o trabalho em equipe para enfrentar os Abyss. Vocês, usuários de Drag-Ride Divino, não se agrupem entre vocês. Dividam-se e dediquem-se ao apoio às outras alunas.”

Foi assim mesmo.

Agora que ele foi informado disso, foi a decisão natural.

Lisha e outras, as quatro estavam em outro nível de força que era quase Classe EX e tinham grandes chances de passar no exame, portanto, seria desnecessário elas se esforçarem para obter vitórias na supressão.

Além disso, a segunda Ruína “Dungeon” é muito profunda.

Era melhor que os membros do Syvalles que tinham experiência em ir às Ruínas, se dividissem para apoiar os outros cadetes.

Isso foi o que disseram.

“Mesmo que eu estivesse pensando em apoiar Lux com o Drag-Ride que eu criei com grande esforço...”

Após o aviso, Lisha ficou chateada.

“Eu entendo o que você está dizendo, e é o raciocínio correto. Mas ainda me sinto um pouco insatisfeita emocionalmente.”

Krulcifer mostrou um sorriso com um significado oculto enquanto concordava.

“É uma pena....... Mesmo assim, eu vou carregar o lanche do Lu-chan também.”

“......Ahh. Por favor, traga para mim na próxima chance. Desta vez, Phi-chan pode comê-los todos sozinha.”

Lux mostrou um sorriso irônico enquanto confortava sua amiga de infância geralmente inexpressivo.

“Mesmo que eu quisesse descascar a laranja para você.”

“Você realmente não precisa fazer isso!? Ir tão longe me deixará envergonhado, ok!”

Após reclamar em pânico, Celis também veio para o seu lado.

“É inevitável. Eu originalmente queria usar esta oportunidade para retribuir a Lux por todas as vezes que você me ajudou, mas— não, definitivamente não é que eu só quero estar com você, ok.”

“Então, por favor, em outra oportunidade. Por hoje, por favor, seja a força das outras.”

Assim ele se separou das meninas e Lux voltou para a pensão.

“Haa, Nii-san é muito popular. No entanto, pare de ter relações íntimas com suas colegas de classe agora, enquanto estiver matriculado na academia. Caso contrário, ficaria envergonhada.”

“O-O que você está dizendo!? Todo mundo está apenas me tratando bem, estou lhe dizendo.”

A acusação de Airi fez o rosto de Lux ficar vermelho enquanto ele entrava em pânico.

Então, no entanto, Airi suspirou profundamente enquanto murmurava algo baixinho enquanto desviava o rosto de Lux.

“......A estupidez do Nii-san já está virando uma doença grave, afinal. Como pensei, a causa é porque ele está preso por questões do passado?”

“Eh...?”

“Deixa para lá. Não é como se eu quisesse ver alguém como o mulherengo Nii-san.”

Airi disse exasperada enquanto olhava pela janela.

“Vou esperar no salão da Ruína. Parece que o pessoal dos Sete Paladinos Dragão também estará lá, então você não precisa se preocupar comigo.”

“Hum, entendi.”

Lux assentiu e sorriu.

“Airi, além disso, algo notável aconteceu recentemente?”

“...Na verdade não.”

Lux sorriu ironicamente quando Airi respondeu com alguma hesitação.

“Ok, mas se alguma coisa acontecer, por favor me avise. Embora eu possa não ser confiável, ainda sou seu irmão mais velho.”

“.....!?”

As palavras que Lux disse fizeram Airi tremer por um momento.

Embora Airi imediatamente tenha retornado à sua calma habitual, sem expressão, e ela mostrou um leve sorriso.

“Compreendo. Boa sorte, Nii-san.”

Depois de ouvir isso, Lux mostrou um sorriso a Airi ao sair.

Poucos segundos depois, a expressão que ela fez com força finalmente desmoronou e Airi caiu em sua cama.

“Meu uniforme vai ficar amassado......”

Tal pensamento cruzava o fundo de sua mente, mesmo quando ela era incapaz de suportar.

Não havia como ela dizer isso.

Por alguma razão desconhecida, Singlen estava mostrando uma fixação anormal em Lux.

Não era apenas a persuasão persistente para se juntar aos Sete Paladinos Dragões, ele também pode saber coisas sobre o passado de Lux quando no Antigo Império e até mesmo sobre o irmão mais velho de Lux, Fugil.

Então— para evitar que os dois fiquem ainda mais envolvidos um pelo outro, Airi se calou sobre os eventos da noite anterior.

O espião da Dragon Marauder pode já ter se infiltrado no Novo Reino.

E então, os nobres importantes de vários países que estavam financiando a Dragon Marauder estavam em busca de desencadear uma guerra.

Se o conteúdo do documento antigo que Airi decifrou fosse relatado ao alto escalão do Novo Reino, a história e o conhecimento sobre o Antigo Império até agora seriam destruídos e um grande caos ocorreria, o impacto disso certamente – seria apontado para Lux e Airi.

Como os últimos sobreviventes do Antigo Império, e então como criminosos, corriam o risco de serem colocados em dúvida de terem vínculos com os Lord da Ruína.

“Se sou for apenas eu que acaba machucada, então ainda está bem. Mas—”

O pior caso seria se Airi fosse feita refém, e Lux caísse nas garras do Novo Reino.

Além disso, também havia pessoas dentro do cônsul que desejavam tirar proveito de Lux.

Ela não queria se tornar um fardo para seu irmão mais velho mais que isso.

“Eu, o que devo fazer......”

Naquele momento, uma batida de repente veio na porta fazendo Airi ficar surpresa e ela prendeu a respiração.

“Quem é?”

Ela perguntou enquanto colocava seu diário onde o antigo documento estava escondido em um local seguro em sua mesa.

“Por favor, não entre em pânico. Estou com o Principado de Vanheim.”

Ao ouvir o som vindo de uma jovem, Airi relaxou ao abrir a porta.

“.....!? Você é—”

“Você poderia vir comigo? Senhorita Airi Arcadia.”

Aquela que apareceu junto com alguns seguidores foi a Princesa Milmiette.

Parte 5

“Agora então, o que fazer a partir daqui.”

Para participar da missão de supressão, obviamente ele precisava consertar seu equipamento. No entanto, ele foi recusado de se juntar à Tríade, e parecia que ele não poderia acompanhar Lisha ou as outras desta vez.

“Devo tentar perguntar aos outros colegas?”

Lux pensou sobre tal coisa enquanto abria a porta do quarto de hospedagem, então—

“Uwah......!?”

“—Eh?”

Alguém sentado na cama estava tirando a camisa, soltando-a do braço.

As costas macias e brancas de pele exposta apareceram na frente do campo de visão de Lux.

“S-Sinto muito!? Eu não esperava que alguém estivesse se trocando aqui—”

Reflexivamente, Lux fechou a porta ao ver o jovem andrógino seminu.

No entanto, depois de gritar em pânico, ele percebeu algo estranho.

“Eh......? Olhando de perto, você poderia ser...... Coral?”

“Oh, ah, um...... sou eu. Eu também sou um homem, então não há problema aqui. Entre.”

“Ah, sim, isso mesmo. Então, eu vou entrar...?”

Quando Lux timidamente entrou, Coral, que já havia vestido um Dress Gear, estava dentro da sala.

Não importa o quão andrógino seja sua aparência e corpo, Coral sem dúvida deveria ser um homem.

No entanto, por algum motivo, uma leve culpa cresceu dentro de Lux. Até Lux achou isso misterioso.

“Hum, sobre isso— lamento que de repente gritei com uma voz tão estranha.”

Coral se desculpou com um sorriso um tanto tímido.

“Oh, tudo bem. Foi minha culpa ter esquecido de bater – De qualquer forma, Coral também está participando da missão?”

Ele não assistiu a luta de Coral na Batalha Geral dos Dragões da última vez, era entendido que dada sua habilidade de usar EX Wyvern significava que sua força era de classe alta no mínimo.

A partir dos resultados do exame, não parecia que o Coral precisava necessariamente dos pontos extras, mas...

“Bem, todo mundo no meu país está basicamente participando. Afinal, este é o nosso próprio país.”

“Entendo.”

Pensando nisso, era realmente o desenvolvimento natural.

“Desculpe fazer você acompanhar nossa saída na noite passada. Mas— você conseguiu relaxar um pouco com isso?”

“......Obrigado. Por causa disso, fui capaz de me dar bem com Greifer.”

Depois de ouvir as palavras de Lux, Coral juntou as mãos.

“Isso é bom então. Lux é realmente muito gentil, como eu pensava.”

Coral falou com uma voz misturada com alívio e alegria. Lux sorriu ironicamente, dizendo “Isso não existe.”

Havia a questão do que Singlen disse, Airi, cuja condição era um tanto estranha, e a questão da Tríade, embora os sentimentos de Lux tivessem se tornado um pouco leves.

“Então, essa é uma oportunidade difícil de surgir, você quer se juntar a nós na missão de supressão?”

“Isso, você quer dizer—”

Lux ficou perplexo com o convite de Coral.

“Hm. Na próxima missão de supressão na Ruína, espero que você e eu, junto com Greifer, possamos estar em uma equipe juntos. Tudo bem?”

“......!?”

*chiri—*, uma dor aguda correu por trás dos olhos de Lux e uma interferência que parecia uma tempestade de areia correu no fundo de sua mente.

(De novo......? O que é isso? Essa dor— eu já senti isso antes.)

Antes que Lux pudesse confirmar o que o incomodava, a sensação logo foi embora.

“......Qual é o problema?”

“Ah, não é nada. Espero não o incomodar muito então.”

Embora ele estivesse hesitante se deveria ajudar as outras garotas, elas também foram encorajadas pela instrutora Raigree para que montassem uma equipe com seu país aliado, o Principado de Vanheim.

Depois que Lux deu sua resposta, ele trocou o uniforme pelo Dress Gear.

“Uwah......!?”

"O-O que foi...?”

“N-Nada... Não se preocupe comigo.”

Coral respondeu com um sorriso preocupado por algum motivo. Lux achou estranho enquanto ele terminava de se vestir.

Ele estava carregando uma bússola, comida portátil e água potável em sua bolsa, então eles se juntaram a Greifer.

“Eu realmente não me importo, mas por que você está propositalmente se unindo a esse sujeito de outro país...”

“Está tudo bem certo? Greifer não tem muitos amigos mesmo.”

Coral respondeu a Greifer que estava um pouco irritado. Então, depois que eles pararam na base dentro do palácio— o lobby, os três foram em direção à entrada da “Dungeon”.

Depois de chegar ao fundo da escada em espiral que era oca como uma cova de larva de formiga-leão, os Drag-Knights de ambos os países já estavam reunidos em grande número.

“Lux! Se alguma coisa acontecer, me chame imediatamente! Vou correr para te ajudar!”

Ao ouvir a voz enérgica de Lisha, Lux acenou desajeitadamente.

Embora as três da Tríade também estivessem presentes, por alguma razão Buzzheim também estava presente.

Seus ferimentos foram amarrados com bandagens, tornando difícil imaginar como ele poderia operar um Drag-Ride. Além disso, sua licença de administrador também parecia ter sido revogada.

Parecia que ele estava ali apenas para ver o início da missão como um militar. No entanto, ele olhou para Lux com olhos de cão como de costume.

“............”

“Relaxa. Buzzheim já não tem nada a ver com esta parte do exame.”

Coral, que percebeu para onde Lux olhava, entendeu a situação.

No entanto, Greifer murmurou irritadamente.

“......Eu me pergunto? Bem, vou ficar de olho em você.”

“Próxima equipe! Número 17, venha para a frente!”

“É a nossa vez agora.”

Depois de serem chamados pelos fiscais, Lux e seus companheiros se aproximaram.

Se o Gigas que veio para o Novo Reino fosse excluído, esta seria sua primeira vez entrando na Ruína de outro país. Lux estava nervoso com isso enquanto se preparava.

Também como cavaleiro de Lisha, seria o melhor para Lux aumentar sua classe.

Além disso, para proteger a cidade dos Abyss, ele se esforçaria ao máximo.

(Mas... para que?)

As palavras de Singlen ficaram em sua mente.

Ele havia decidido que não hesitaria... mas por que se sentia assim?

“Vamos, Lux-kun.”

Coral gentilmente tocou as costas de Lux, chamando Lux para ir. Na frente do local, Lux invocou seu <Wyvern> e puxou sua espada.

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

Ele apertou o botão em seu punho e disse o cântico.

Partículas de luz convergiram ao redor dele em alta velocidade. Seu corpo ficou coberto com uma armadura azul aerodinâmica.

Alguns segundos depois, enquanto estava de pé no pentágono no chão que era chamado de Portão, uma luz laranja subiu gradualmente, dando a Lux a sensação de estar flutuando no ar.

Sentindo como se sua consciência estivesse se separando do corpo, os três entraram na “Dungeon”.

Parte 6

O telhado do Palácio que estava de frente para a escada em espiral que ligava à “Dungeon” – o topo de Canopy.

Singlen, usando sua armadura de costume, estava deitado na borda de pedra, onde um único passo equivocado o faria cair por algumas dezenas de mel.

Enquanto seus olhos seguiam Lux desaparecendo na “Dungeon”, ele olhou preguiçosamente para a retaguarda das tropas principais.

“Estou de volta, meu senhor.”

O ar atrás de Singlen mudou ligeiramente.

Como se estivesse coberto por um lençol, apareceu um velho cavaleiro de máscara e paletó brancos.

“Você está atrasado, Zwei. Alguém seguiu você aqui?”

“Não houve nenhuma ação. Eles estão economizando suas forças? Ou então, talvez a Dragon Marauder também não esteja planejando fazer um movimento descuidado aqui.”

“Quem sabe... Se eu fosse eles, não hesitaria nesta oportunidade. Agora que o perigo da Ruína está aumentando e cada país está fortalecendo suas defesas, pode não haver outra chance de eles se moverem facilmente se perderem esta.”

“...Verdade.”

A voz rouca do velho cavaleiro concordou com a opinião de seu mestre.

“Então vou ordenar aos Cavaleiros de White Ridge que permaneçam vigilantes. Para se prepararem para o pior cenário—”

O velho cavaleiro se preparou para partir. Singlen pegou a bainha de seu Sword Device no chão, elucidando um pequeno baque quando segurada.

“Bem, espere um segundo, Zwei. Embora você tenha sido um homem capaz desde o passado, sua tomada de decisão é um pouco prematura. Certamente fomos solicitados a proteger esta cidade. —Mas, ninguém nos avaliará altamente apenas por extinguir um pequeno incêndio que não pode ser visto. Não tínhamos experimentado isso muitas vezes no passado, vamos ser um pouco mais espertos aqui. Faremos uso de nossa lição.”

“............”

Singlen sorriu ao dizer isso, exalando uma escuridão profunda e interminável.

O velho cavaleiro de repente percebeu o verdadeiro significado por trás de suas palavras.

“...Isso—”

“Pegar peixes grandes exige paciência. Lembre-se de que priorizaremos a segurança da Princesa Milmiette primeiro.”

“Sim senhor.”

Após esta breve resposta, Zwei desapareceu.

Singlen não se importou ao olhar as portas do palácio.

“...Fugil, ah. O que seu irmão fará a seguir? Estou ansioso por isso.”

O rosto de Singlen exibia um sorriso profundo.

No entanto, sua voz sombria não foi ouvida por ninguém.

Parte 7

“Esta... é a Dungeon?”

Enquanto seu corpo passava pela porta, Lux não pôde deixar de sussurrar enquanto testemunhava o interior incrível.

Embora as lições da academia e a reunião pré-missão descrevessem o que ele precisava saber, ainda era uma visão além de sua imaginação.

“E aí? É a primeira vez que entra em uma Ruína?”

“...É muito espetacular.”

Em resposta a Coral, Lux não conseguiu dizer mais nada para descrever sua impressão.

No entanto, esses eram seus verdadeiros sentimentos.

Na mente de Lux, a “Dungeon” deveria parecer como cavernas.

Com rochas frias, escuras e inorgânicas canalizando através deles.

No entanto, o cenário à sua frente superou sua imaginação.

Bem na frente deles havia um pátio semelhante a um altar.

Ao redor do pátio havia um campo de flores.

Acima do pátio, em vez de um céu azul, algo como musgo que emitia uma luz fluorescente amarelo-clara fazia a área parecer brilhante o suficiente.

Em vez de uma caverna, era mais como um pátio com paredes em volta de todos os lados.

“Aqui no meio está a saída para o mundo exterior. Também tem lugares como este longe de onde estamos com um lago e outras paisagens, não é interessante?”

Enquanto Lux olhava curiosamente ao redor, Coral deu sua explicação.

À medida que se aproximavam, as outras alunas paravam para olhar em silêncio.

“Oh, aluno honrado-sama! Nossa tarefa é suprimir os Abyss aqui, certo? Não trate isso como um piquenique.”

“Greifer continua o mesmo! Nossa missão deve durar apenas algumas horas, mas você ainda fica nervoso. Ou você só quer terminar rápido e voltar para a Princesa Milmiette?”

Os dois começaram a brigar.

Lux olhou para os dois com um sorriso irônico quando um pensamento cruzou sua mente.

“Então, agora... quantos andares vamos atacar?”

“De acordo com os registros, a exploração só chegou até o quarto andar. A área parece espaçosa, mas na verdade é bastante complicada. Depois de passarmos três andares, a quantidade de Abyss poderosos e ambiente hostil aumentará...”

“Entendi.”

Ao ouvir a resposta de Coral, Lux deu um suspiro de alívio.

Parecia que nesta Ruína, a existência da autômata que se chamava Gear Leader não havia sido confirmada.

Sem a Hayes que era chamada de Lord, a possibilidade de que algo acontecesse em Ruína é baixa.

“Vamos começar? Embora haja apenas alguns Abyss aqui, não baixe a guarda e derrote-os um por um!”

Lux acenou com a cabeça para as palavras de Coral, então eles também começaram o extermínio dos Abyss.

Ao longe, na escuridão, um grito pôde ser ouvido.

“Esse som, é um Hind hein.”

“Mesmo que esta criatura se pareça com um cervo, é muito feroz. Tenha muito cuidado!”

Lux ouviu as instruções de Greifer e Coral enquanto sacava a arma.

A missão de supressão começou com esta equipe que se formou pela primeira vez.

Parte 8

“Escute-me! Greifer é incrível? Eu falhei em tantos pratos que eu cozinhei, mas ele encarou isso como um desafio e comeu tudo!”

“...E-É mesmo?”

Ao mesmo tempo.

Sob a Canopy, nas profundezas dos corredores do acima da porta da “Dungeon”, a Princesa Milmiette e Airi estavam lá.

Por que ela estava sentada ao lado da princesa do Principado de Vanheim?

Parece que Coral providenciou muitos guardas para garantir que Airi ficasse segura, mas ter muitos guardas a deixava nervosa.

“Coral é filho de parentes distantes, mas por causa da morte de seus pais por doença, foi adotado como meu acompanhante. Como assistente do Greifer nos Sete Paladinos Dragão, acho que mais cedo ou mais tarde sua visita ao Novo Reino também aumentará, por favor, trate-o bem então.”

“Não tem problema. Isso... Se me permite dizer, você poderia me dar licença por alguns minutos?”

"Oh, me desculpe. Eu estava muito preocupada em conversar. Vou mandar um guarda para acompanhá-la.”

“E-Eu vou ficar bem sozinha!”

A Princesa Milmiette tinha boas intenções, mas estar cercada por oficiais era problemático.

(Como dizer... essa pessoa, ela é tão pura que é difícil lidar com ela......)

Fora isso, muitos olhos e ouvidos ao redor deixavam Airi desconfortável.

Por causa do antigo documento que ela decifrou estava escondido em um pacote na bolsa de Airi.

Ela saiu do Lobby e caminhou em direção ao banheiro.

Airi tinha sido muito cautelosa até lá.

No entanto, logo após terminar seus negócios e sair do prédio, por um momento ela baixou a guarda.

“......!?”

“Ei!”

Uma silhueta se aproximou silenciosamente das sombras.

Um homem com um pano cobrindo o rosto agarrou a bolsa de Airi.

“L-Ladrão! Pare! Por favor pare–...!”

Ela gritou sabendo que era em vão.

Mesmo tendo sido atingida e derrubada, ela se levantou rapidamente e começou a persegui-lo. No entanto, ela não conseguiu alcançá-lo.

O homem correu em direção à cobertura do prédio dentro do Palácio. Como se estivesse substituindo aquele homem, um <Wyvern> voou de lá enquanto segurava a bolsa e fugiu pela escada em espiral.

“—Eh!?”

Airi foi interrompida pela cena inesperada.

Se o homem voasse para fora, seria difícil encontrá-lo. E ainda assim o homem estava indo para o fundo do Palácio— para a entrada da “Dungeon” onde não haveria lugar para escapar.

Ele era um ladrão, então por que iria correr para um lugar sem saída?

Embora muitos Drag-Knights tenham se reunido devido à missão de supressão, no entanto, se alguém de fora descesse lá, ele ainda deveria ser notado.

A menos que este homem fosse originalmente um Drag-Knight que fazia parte da missão de supressão e recebeu permissão para participar—

“O que exatamente está acontecendo...?”

A situação era intrigante.

Mas depois de pensar por alguns segundos, a possibilidade fez Airi tremer.

Por entre as fendas do pano, o rosto do ladrão parecia semelhante ao de um dos homens de Buzzheim.

“Certamente... não pode ser...”

Naquele momento, Airi se lembrou de uma cena da noite anterior.

Quando Singlen visitou o quarto de Airi na noite passada, ele usou palavras que sugeriam que Airi estava secretamente na posse de algo que estava conectado à Ruína.

「Esses caras estão enviando espiões para todos os países. Será perigoso se eles souberem que você está escondendo o segredo da Ruína. O que eu quero dizer é para ser cautelosa. 」

E se supostamente Buzzheim tivesse ouvido essa conversa...

“......!?”

O coração de Airi bateu furiosamente e ela sentiu sua consciência desvanecer.

Se os documentos antigos fossem expostos, eles perderiam o lugar que haviam obtido no Novo Reino.

As pessoas vão questionar seu relacionamento com os Lords (Criadores), então eles seriam presos mais uma vez, ou então—

(Não há tempo para hesitar.)

Airi correu de volta para o Lobby para informar os outros sobre a emergência.

Este caso de roubo não pode ser relatado aos oficiais militares do Principado de Vanheim.

Já que não havia evidências de que era um dos comparsas de Buzzheim, e era apenas especulação de Airi.

Ela não poderia agir contra um oficial militar de outro país sem evidências sólidas. E mesmo se, por exemplo, ela tivesse algo assim, eles obviamente fingiriam ignorância. Isso significa que ela não poderia parar Buzzheim pelos meios normais.

“Nii-san, eu—...”

Airi hesitou em discutir isso com seu irmão. Airi desceu correndo a escada em espiral como se estivesse sendo empurrada para baixo. Quando ela se aproximou do portão do “Calabouço”, Noct entrou em seu campo de visão.

“Qual é o problema Airi? Seu rosto não parece bom.”

“......”

Tillfur e Shalice da Tríade também estavam lá. Talvez elas tivessem acabado de descansar e voltado para cá.

No entanto, Lux e Lisha e outros membros, as usuárias de Drag-Ride Divino, não estavam lá.

Talvez fosse melhor procurar ajuda primeiro, mas não havia tempo para isso.

Buzzheim não podia usar um Drag-Ride devido ao seu ferimento, e a maioria de seus seguidores não deveriam acompanhá-lo, apenas alguns deles—

“Noct, há algo em que preciso de sua ajuda. Poderia me ajudar, por favor?”

Quando Airi percebeu, ela foi direto ao assunto.

Ela disse que queria ir à Ruína para pegar o ladrão.

Parte 9

“Fuu... nós nos saímos muito bem. E agora mesmo nossa equipe terminou a quarta batalha.”

Coral disse isso com um sorriso enquanto a lenha crepitava.

Eles estavam cercados por pedras por todos os lados com um gramado fino cobrindo o chão como um cobertor.

Eles estavam descansando em um espaço aberto na parte nordeste do primeiro andar da “Dungeon”.

Parecia que havia vários locais de descanso chamados Acampamento espalhados por todo a “Dungeon”.

Eles não faziam originalmente parte da “Dungeon”, mas foram criados um por um pelo Principado de Vanheim enquanto exploravam. Ao lado deles, a água da cachoeira se dividia para criar uma bacia ao redor deles.

Lux e Coral estavam descansando em tendas desgastadas montadas nas proximidades.

“Duvido que haja veneno na água, mas ainda assim é melhor não beber. Se pudermos entender a situação rio acima, nossa segurança também aumentará, mas não há garantia disso.”

“Entendi.”

O bule e a água que eles tinham em mãos vieram de uma parte da comida que trouxeram com antecedência.

Como eles estavam explorando apenas por um dia, não havia necessidade de trazer muitas provisões com antecedência.

“—No entanto, não há dúvida de que Lux será promovido aqui.”

Enquanto Lux bebia seu chá, Coral sorriu e o parabenizou.

Com base no relógio de bolso que tinham, faltava menos de uma hora para que precisassem retornar.

Eles exterminaram os Abyss seguindo as instruções dos examinados que estavam aqui e ali e repetiram isso várias vezes.

Enquanto Lux só podia usar o <Wyvern> para lutar, Greifer e Coral eram bastante fortes, então a missão correu bem.

No exame principal, ele agiu de forma que rebaixou sua avaliação várias vezes, mas com isso a promoção de Lux para a classe média não terá problemas.

Ele continuaria a manter sua reputação como cavaleiro de Lisha.

(Mas por que eu me pergunto... Por que estou me sentindo tão superficial?)

Lux largou a xícara de chá e começou a caminhar atordoado pela tenda.

Não havia mais Abyss ao redor e apenas o som da água calma fluindo podia ser ouvido, mas...

“Ei.”

“Uwah!?”

Ouviu-se uma voz que veio de repente do lado, então uma adaga atingiu o chão à sua frente.

Quando Lux saltou para trás em pânico, Greifer usando <Cuelebre> chegou ao seu lado.

“Não fique vagando por aí. Estamos descansando agora, mas não nos afaste muito da tenda.”

“Ah, desculpe...”

Lux pediu desculpas apressadamente. Greifer resmungou ao lado.

(Ah, quando eu pensei que nosso relacionamento finalmente melhorou um pouco...)

A atitude rude de Greifer em relação a Lux fez com que ele se sentisse desanimado enquanto caminhava de volta para a tenda, foi então—

“Isso foi perigoso, Greifer! De qualquer forma, você precisa explicar a ele sobre isso!”

“O que você quer dizer?”

As palavras de Coral que estava saindo da tenda confundiram Lux, enquanto Greifer mostrava uma cara incômoda.

“Haah, o Portal está nessa direção. Eu não expliquei antes de entrarmos?”

“Oh...”

Lux percebeu qual era a intenção de Greifer.

Dentro da “Dungeon”, além das escadas que iam para o subsolo, havia coisas chamadas “Portal” instaladas em vários andares.

A forma do Portal era simplesmente um grupo de pedras em um círculo que era fácil de notar, mas como ele só conseguia transportar coisas do andar superior para os andares inferiores em uma viagem só de ida, a equipe poderia correr o risco de se separar no momento eles parassem naquele local sem perceber.

Lux percebeu que embora ele apresentasse uma atitude diferente na superfície, Greifer estava bastante preocupado com a segurança de Lux.

Em qualquer caso, o homem é realmente muito atencioso, não importa o que diga.

“Obrigado Greifer. Vou trocar com você para patrulhar agora.”

Lux disse isso com um sorriso, enquanto, por algum motivo, Greifer lançou um olhar desconfortável para o lado.

“Não estou com vontade de beber chá, então vou me abster. Vamos voltar logo de qualquer maneira, certo? Em vez disso—”

Greifer tinha um olhar indiferente como sempre ao se levantar usando seu <Cuelebre>.

“Uma comunicação do Dragon Voice chegou. Parece haver algo estranho acontecendo. Os homens do Novo Reino que não foram muito bons no exame desta vez— essa equipe parece levantar alguns resultados anormais para este exame.”

“Isso não é uma coisa boa? Com isso, a possibilidade de as pessoas do exército do Novo Reino serem promovidos aumentará.”

Coral inclinou a cabeça enquanto Greifer continuava a falar.

“Isso se eles estiverem fazendo da maneira adequada. De acordo com o inspetor, parece que a equipe já cuidou de cerca de uma dúzia de Abyss ou mais.”

“Eh...?”

Ao ouvir isso, Lux reagiu à conversa pela primeira vez.

Estranho.

Os Drag-Knights do Novo Reino, com exceção do capitão Dilwy, devem consistir apenas em Drag-Knight de Classe Baixa ou Média.

Claro, essa classe no final era apenas um indicador de força, mas era difícil imaginar que todos eles iriam de repente mostrar tais resultados dentro desta Ruína desconhecida em um país estrangeiro.

“Parece que os Abyss do segundo andar não são páreo para eles, então foram em direção à entrada do terceiro andar. Eu me pergunto, qual é o truque deles?”

“............”

Quando Greifer disse essas palavras, uma expressão grave apareceu no rosto de Coral pela primeira vez.

No entanto, ele suspirou imediatamente e voltou ao seu comportamento habitual.

“Isso é preocupante, mas nenhuma regra foi quebrada, então não há problemas.”

“Se for assim, então está tudo bem. Ainda é um pouco cedo, mas que tal começarmos a voltar?”

Por sugestão de Greifer, Lux se levantou.

Mas, naquele exato momento. *Dong!* A “Dungeon” começou a tremer verticalmente.

“Um terremoto!?”

Logo após Lux ter julgado assim, a luz amarela pálida que iluminava a caverna começou a piscar em vermelho brilhante.

“Isso é!?”

Lux lembrou de uma situação passada na “Ark” que era semelhante a esta. Ele puxou seu Sword Device.

“Alguém arrombou o terceiro andar!? Isso é ruim, nesse ritmo— a Ruína entrará em estado de alerta!”

Coral que viu aquilo também invocou seu <EX Wyvern> e o equipou.

“Greifer! Vou confirmar a situação. Você sai da masmorra e aguarda as instruções da Princesa Milmiette.”

“Entendi. Ei, Príncipe, vamos voltar para o Palácio.”

“Espere! Eu vou dar uma olhada também!”

Lux pediu para acompanhá-lo, mas Coral balançou a cabeça calmamente.

“Não posso levá-lo para uma parte da Dungeon que você não conhece. Embora você esteja preocupado com os oficiais do Novo Reino, por favor, tenha paciência por enquanto.”

Dizendo isso, Coral voou enquanto usava o <EX Wyvern>.

Ele viajou pela masmorra e rapidamente desapareceu do campo de visão em um piscar de olhos.

Part 10

“...W-what is this shaking! What is happening!?”

“I-It's not our fault!? Although we accidentally chased the Abyss towards the third floor, just because of that, the Ruin become like this...!”

“Captain Dilwy! Did you see!? Should we retreat...”

It was a team that was composed of only male officers.

The squad captain, Dilwy and three Drag-Knights of the New Kingdom military. They were panicked at the sudden change in situation and showed the weak-kneed expression that was exactly opposite with until now when they were defeating a lot of Abysses.

Their steady advance until now was solely thanks to Dilwy, while the other three were only given the leftover. There was no sense of duty or dignity as knight in that.

“──Haah.”

Dilwy raised a smile of mockery towards them.

His old wound had healed. His right arm now had strange black pattern on its surface. That arm was holding a knife that was left behind by the robed man last night.

No, not so much as healed, but it was even stronger than before.

“The seed of war huh. I see, so that is how it was...”

“Cap-Captain Dilwy! Let's retreat quickly.”

“Aah, it is already that time huh... then, let's have a farewell soon.”

The men in his squad let out a sigh of relief hearing Dilwy's words.

No one there noticed how Dilwy was like a completely different person from his normal demeanor.

Part 11

“This sound, what happened–!?”

Equipped with her Wyvern, Sharis was surprised and wondering what was happening?

The Triad and Airi were searching for Buzzheim on the second floor when the sudden chaos ensued.

Perhaps it was time to head back, there were no signs of other Drag-Knigths around them.

“Isn't this bad!? How come this feels like the last time in the Ark?”

“Yes, I judge that the possibility is high. But according to the Radar, it will still take a little more until we catch up with Buzzheim and others who seem to be the robbery culptrit, about 70 mel ahead──”

“.....”

Airi bit her lips with a complex expression while being held by Noct's Drake.

They heard explanation about the Dungeon's alert state when they received instruction regarding this suppression mission.

About five minutes after the color inside Ruin changed, the stairs connecting the third floor and the second floor would be blocked. And there was danger that many Abyss would appear.

That ancient document absolutely had to be taken back.

──However, she also couldn't expose the Triad to even more danger than this because of her selfishness.

“...As long as we have my Drake, we will be able to communicate within the Ruin using Dragon Voice. There's about 50 mel left till we get to the stair connecting to the third level. They should be there.”

Noct said this in response to seeing Airi's troubled face.

Sharis also spoke to the undecided Airi.

“Let's go. There is no time to waste. The despicable thieves, as someone serving as the Academy's vigilance committee, I will not stand them unless we pay them back.”

“That's true~, they also harassed us a lot at the exam~”

“Yes, I will continue detecting the Abyss, so please leave securing the path of retreat to me.”

“──My apologies, everyone.”

Airi let out a weak voice toward the Triad who were considerate and helpful to her.

“I'd also like to test my skills after all. Let's go Tillfur, Noct.”

“Roo~ger”

“Yes, my Lord” (English)

Tillfur and Noct responded to Sharis's statement with a smile.

Right in front of the staircase leading to the third floor, it was discovered that Buzzheim and a small group of people were taking position there.

Buzzheim did not have any Drag-Ride equipped but he was holding on to Airi's bag. However, the four men of Wanheim Principality's military officer with him each were equipped with general purpose Drag-Ride.

Sharis quickly aimed her breath Gun and gave a warning.

“A warning towards all of you the officers of allied country Wanheim Principality! You are in possession of something that belongs to the civil official of our New Kingdom. If you return it now, I will not report your deed to your superior and the incident will not turn into serious matter. But if you refuse, we will take it back by force!”

In response, Buzzheim face shifted from surprise into a sneer.

“...Just when I thought what you are going to say, but could you have gotten the wrong people? The package was something that was given by an acquaintance of mine.”

He said this as he retreated behind his subordinates.

“So you are refusing to return it. If so, I won't be so polite in taking it back.”

The moment the finger of the Wyvern Sharis controlled touched on her Breath Gun, one of the followers wearing Wyrm rushed ahead suddenly.

He released a barrier to protect himself from the assault, so that he could forcefully charge forward even while deflecting bullet.

“The standard reaction huuh. That's no good you know──”

Aware of the enemy's movements, Tillfur who was similarly wearing Wyrm intercepted the enemy.

Tillfur's Hammer swept aside the enemy's Blade, making him lose balance. Then she landed a decisive blow to the shoulder of her opponent's armor.

“Ga, ahh......!?”

When the man flinched backwards after witnessing that smooth blow, Sharis who had switched her weapon followed with an attack by her Blade. The enemy's armor was dispelled after his Force Core received the impact.

Furthermore, Noct kept covering Airi while pulling the trigger of her Breath Gun to hold back the other men who tried to join the fray. The three of them splendidly coordinated their strategy and acted all at once.

“This is checkmate, Buzzheim-dono.”

“Ku...!”

As Sharis's sword was pointed at him, the defenseless Buzzheim groaned.

The outcome was decided.

If they returned with full speed from now, they could go back before the blockade of the stair between second floor and the third floor was completed.

As soon as Airi had a slight peace of mind, Buzzheim loudly called out.

“I-I will not give it back to you! I know that I am holding the evidence of of you hiding something that will lead to the Ruin's secret! If you hurt me, I'll expose everything in court! You wouldn't want that. After all──”

“Is that so──then I'll have you entrust that so called Ruin's secret to me.”

“Na..!?”

The sudden incoming voice made Buzzheim, his men, the Triad, and Airi all freeze in place.

Standing there was a young man with delicate features clad in EX Wyvern, Dilwy Froias.

(Even though I don't want it to get seen by this person too who is an army officer of New Kingdom──)

Seeing how things have been going, Airi was desperately thinking about what to say to Dilwy.

However, the necessity of this disappeared a moment later.

“Wh-what are you saying!? Who will...ahh!”

• Zan-*, the EX Wyvern's Blade swung and cut off the head of Buzzheim.

“-...!?”

Right after Airi and the Triad felt terrified, Dilwy's Blade slashed once more.

Accompanied by the sound of air being cut away, the silver flash ran through the air and lopped off the head of the rest of Buzzheim's followers who were dumbfounded.

“Wha, what are you──”

Giving a glance at Sharis who whispered with pale face, Dilwy carelessly snatched the blood soaked bag of Airi from the arm of the headless Buzzheim.

His presence was completely the same like his usual quiet attitude without any change.

But that was instead felt so hair-rising terrifying.

“Ah, sorry to frighten everyone.”

Dilwy said it with a deadpan face without revealing any emotion, as though what he had done was even less than crushing a bug.

“The squad that came with me are already heading back. Although it is quite difficult to communicate using Dragon Voice from this third level to the ground level, but in the unlikely chance you girls manage to call for help, it would be quite troublesome.”

“What are you saying? You...”

Sharis said with a slight trembling in her voice.

“Enough with the chit-chat. After all, threats require the necessary steps. So, how much should I say I wonder? Right, it's nearly impossible for you to call for help. If you draw your weapon against me, then you will die. I will cut the hands and legs off of the three girls around you one by one before cutting their neck. Do you understand now? Well then, this thing about the way to the Ruin's secret, could you please explain? Airi Arcadia?

“............”

Airi could only shiver as the saliva in her mouth dried up.

Her heart and mind were unable to comprehend the reality in front of her.

However, one thing was obvious.

That, this man──was a horrifying enemy.

“Having said that, I did not expect that I can be this strong. Although my right wrist is now working thanks to that strange man──well, I don't need to mention that too.”

“──Sharis, Tillfur, are you in position? The reaction is close.”

Adorned with her <Drake>, Noct whispered while holding a tense expression.

“Well, there is no other way──let's go!”

Right after that call, Sharis's Wyvern flew to the side.

Taking a deep breath, Noct grabbed Airi and she with Tillfur ran following Sharis.

“Sorry, but we aren't a match against him! Your safety is the highest priority, Airi!”

Sharis shouted while searching for a different path to get to the second floor.

The understanding of the nearby terrain and the detection of Abyss had been finished using Noct's Drake.

“It appears that you all are unable to understand your own strength from the Class promotion exam, huh? I was threatening because all of you have no escape.”

Dilwy spoke with a calm tone as he chased them with EX Wyvern.

“Unfortunately, I understand about myself. Your worry is unnecessary!”

When they arrived at spacious, straight channel, Sharis fled towards the cramped passage at the side.

“──!?”

In that moment, a roar from the darkness before them sounded out through the air.

“Indeed you are the commander's daughter. That's not half bad.”

Dilwy who noticed the Triad's intention whispered with a fearless smile.

Sharis's plan was to escape by making fellow formidable enemies clashed with each other.

A ferocious medium-sized Abyss intercepted Dilwy from the front.

Part 12

On the other side, since the mission was about to reach the time limit, and the Ruin entered the alert state, 90% of the Drag-Knights were returning to above ground.

It was not only to escape the changing, deteriorating terrain but also to intercept the Abysses that were summoned around the Ruin. The combat force needed to return back for that.

“What do you mean? Why can't we go rescue them!?”

In the middle of the Lobby where many Drag-Knights were gathered, Lisha, dressed in pilot suit flared up at the commander of Wanheim.

“That is because, due to the regulation regarding the Ruins, people the New Kingdom shall not enter the Dungeon while it's in alert state......”

“I already said that we can! Give us the permission already!”

As Lisha slammed her fist on the table, a voice came from behind them.

“──Good grief, could you please be quiet, your highness the princess of New Kingdom.”

“-...!?”

A man in a blue coat made a sudden, unexpected appearance.

The Blue Tyrant──Singlen Shelbrit who had been concealing himself since last night.

Although the air was tense, he did not waver at all.

His dull black pupils were deeply dark like an abyss.

With that pair of eyes staring at her, Lisha slightly faltered.

“Can you explain to us? Our comrades are still trapped inside there.”

Singlen shrugged toward the grim gaze of Krulcifer standing beside Lisha.

“Oh? It seems that I was overestimating all you. I thought that although you all are just noble daughters playing around, you all are still people who belonged to the military after a fashion, looks like I'm wrong.”

“Don't mess with me! There isn't much time, so I can't be sitting around pretending to make conversation with you!”

Krulcifer pushed out her hand to the side to hold Lisha back.

“The priority of the army is to protect Wanheim Principality's princess Milmiette here──is that what you are saying?”

From Krulcifer's words, Singlen merely responded with a smile.

Of course, although half of that reason was only a pretext. The truth was that they wanted as much combat force as possible to wipe out the Abysses that were appearing near the entrance quickly.

Thinking about it now, from the start this was the reason that princess Milmiette purposefully came to observe the exam personally.

If they recruited the officers of New Kingdom to exterminate Abyss and the Ruin entered alert statem, they could gather combat force near the Dungeon's entrance and made them protect the city. That was their aim.

The princess was a necessary presence to achieve each of these goals under just cause.

“This me who is holding the right of command this time have given the command to those in the Ruin to retreat. Well, do not worry, I will send in my men to search. If you're lucky──hm? Aah”

There, a man wearing a white coat representing the White Ridge Knights whispered in Singlen's ear.

“I see, it's quite regrettable. Just now, it seems that the entrance to third level is blocked, and the bunches on the third level became stuck inside.”

“What──!?”

Hearing that, even the expression of Instructor Raigree who was keeping calm changed drastically.

At the second and third level, there was a mechanism to blockade the level entrance.

Thus, it was strictly forbidden to enter the third floor. However, some did it accidentally.

Such as the forces of Buzzheim and the troops of Dilwy.

Additionally, the members of the Triad and Airi who entered last were also imprisoned on the third level.

“It can't be helped. The investigation of Ruin is always accompanied by accident. We will send in rescue team after the alert state is dispelled, made up from those who still have spare strength left at that time.”

Those words from Singlen changed the atmosphere.

“── Don't screw around.”

A cold voice passed through the the noisy Lobby.

From behind Lisha, Lux showed up while walking towards Singlen.

“Are you saying that you are abandoning them knowing that they are left behind? You're abandoning fellow Drag-Knights while having the strength to save──”

Lisha and Krulcifer were surprised at how Lux spoke with such a menacing force that was unlike him and they stared at his face.

“Don't lose your temper handyman. This is also the decision o fthe consul managing Ruin's Gear. The ones trapped on the third floor are mostly Middle Class or lower anyway. They are just obsolete bunch who fell behind without any significant ability or quality. In this current world──there is no leeway to save the weak.”

“The weak...... you say?”

Singlen chuckled at the Lux's quiet voice that contained rage.

“There also seems to be a few officer cadets mixed among those bunches. But, keep in mind, they are still military people. They should be resolved even with this kind of situation. A Ruin that is moving into alert state will summon a lot of Abyss to its surrounding in no time at all. In a situation where the enemy's battle force surpassed yours, it's the basic to do defensive battle at the base. You are planning on going to rescue them for the sake of your own so called sense of justice, and expose the people of the city to danger?”

“............”

Lux had no words in response.

Lisha and others, along with the other military personnel who until now were insisting to rescue their comrades held their breath without being able to say any more objection.

Singlen's words were fundamentally correct.

Plus they cannot disobey the man who was the current commander of operations.

Whispered sighs spread like at his words.The commotion was drawing back like ripple.

Even Wanheim's military personnel who were demanding to send rescue team, along with the officers of the New Kingdom, they came to think that there was nothing they could do. However,

“So what?”

“...huh?”

Lux's sudden words broke the silence.

He weaved through the gap of the bewildered soldiers and confronted Singlen.

“You said they are weak? That those who are left behind inside the Ruin, are bunches without significant ability or quality. That here, there is no leeway to save them.”

“I said that, so?”

“Your decision is mistaken.”

Lux muttered these words as he glanced around. Then he continued.

“Rescuing the surviving allied combat force is also our job. In this suppression mission, when the time limit is passed, even if we exterminate Abyss after that, it won't add anything to our exam evaluation.”

“And?”

“The possibility is high that our allies who are left behind inside the Dungeon likely entered the third level because they fought the Abyss in an unexpected situation and headed toward the third floor while the time hadn't run out. Or perhaps they chose that in order to save their comrade who was in the verge of danger. That's why they ended up left behind inside the Ruin.”

Lux continued speaking matter-of-factly with calm demeanor.

“In the army, order is absolute. However, a knight that is able to make his own judgements considering the changing situations isn't the same like a coward who is merely fliching in front of enemy and only tries to survive without problems. You ──which of the two are you?”

A burst of commotion spread throughout the Lobby.

Lux faced the commander of the Seven Dragon Paladins, Singlen who was also appointed as the commander of the operation this time, with opposing attitude right to his face.

“.............”

Singlen mulled over Lux's words quietly for a few seconds before giving an empty smile.

“Kukukukuku. You're a more interesting man than I expected. My opinion of you has slightly changed. But see, you are a powerless human. At this place, you are unable to ignore the rules set by Wanheim Principality.”

“Certainly. ──Save only one exception.”

Right after Lux answered, *Bang!* the door of the Lobby was kicked open and a man entered.

It was another member of Seven Dragon Paladins the same like Singlen, Greifer.

“I spoke to the geezers at the government office. If it is the Seven Dragon Paladins who are recognized by the World Agreement, it seems they can exercise a unique authority even toward a Ruin of another country yeah? Especially in emergency cases, they can trespass into Ruin without going through protocol──”

“Greifer...”

“Well, my duty too originally was to protect the princess, but I also gotta go to search for that Coral.”

Lux felt his conviction from that sentence.

Right after that Lux turned again to face Singlen.

“I swear to the vice-captain of the Seven Dragon Paladins, Singlen Shelbrit. At this very minute, I aspire to become the Seven Dragon Paladins of New Kingdom Atismata!”

“-...!?”

The words of Lux took everyone by surprise.

As the ripples of noise spread, an uninhibited smile emerged on Singlen's face.

“You're taking a big step just to save your sister huh. The man who before this refused to join by that much.”

“Time is running short. Even if you disagree, I will go to rescue them even if I have to violate the rule.”

“──Fuh, fine then.”

Lux's words caused Singlen to hold his laughter.

“I already obtained the consent of the people in authority. The last descendant of the Old Empire, the ruined prince Lux Arcadia. I'll recognize you as the Seven Dragon Paladins of New Kingdom Atismata.”

Singlen loudly announced at the top of his voice toward everyone present.

While the Lobby was in commotion due to the surprises, Lux walked away as though he was parting through the officers.

Midway as he passed Lisha, Krulcifer, Philuffy, and others, he stopped momentarily and whispered.

“My apologies, Lisha-sama. Please take care of the rest.”

Lisha understood what he meant and nodded back with a confident smile.

“...Got it, get the better of that twisted man and leave him speechless.”

“Yes.”

Lux nodded with a serious expression and then he stood at the edge of the spiral staircase's entrance that connected to the Dungeon's Gate.

“You're ready, prince?”

Lux nodded his head wordlessly and pulled out Bahamut's Sword Device.

Greifer also readied the Sword Device of Cuelebre. Together they kicked the handrail and jumped down to the center.

The people and the military surrounding them didn't even have time to be surprised as a roar thundered from the Ruin.

──BIiiiiiiIIIII-!

“──!?”

Countless Abyss emerged from below the widely open spiral staircase through the Gate.

The first to approach them were the Gargoyles, Chimeras, and other winged beasts that flew at them in a straight line from the central hole.

Lux and Greifer both pushed the button of their Sword Device and equipped their respective Divine Drag-Ride.

“──Yoruka, I'll leave them to you!”

After Lux's sharp shout, numerous cuts appeared across the air. Just from that, the many Abysses were cut apart and scattered everywhere in the blink of eye.

After a breath, a Drake's camoflauge function was lifted, and a black haired girl with exotic foreign clothes was revealed piloting a Divine Drag-Ride.

“I have been waiting impatiently for your command, my lord.”

The assassin Drag-Knight who was formerly called as the Empire's Assassin Blade──Kirihime Yoruka.

In order to obtain assistance in this Ruin of foreign country where they were in a situation that was under many restrictions, Lux called for her even with the understanding of the dangers.

“Uoh!? Who the hell is this woman?”

“Don't worry. She is my──ah, my companion.”

Lux who wasn't an imperial family of the Old Empire anymore found it hard to call her as his servant or subordinate, so he spoke that.

Yoruka was falling while cutting down winged Abysses one after another that crossed path with her, as though being vanguard for Lux and Greifer.

Three people landed on the floor where four Abyss were cleared out at the same time. They then took position on the Gate's entrance that was enveloped with dim darkness.

When Lux and co stood above the Gate wearing their respective Drag-Rides, they were immediately pulled into the inside.

At the same time Yoruka pulled out her Sword Device, and countless windows of light floated from her shoulder armor.

“Search Frame – On(Probe Mechanism – Boot Up)”

At the same time with Yoruka's whisper, countless lines of light spread radially from her shoulder armor and spread widely, crawling in high-speed along the ground and walls of the Dungeon.

The Divine Drag-Ride of special equipment type, Yato no Kami was provided with functions like enemy search, camouflage, support, supplement, repair and so on. Its abilities were a few ranks above the general purpose Drag-Ride, Drake. (TN: The special equipment type here refer to Drake-type Drag-Ride that is installed with various ability that Wyvern-type and Wyrm-type doesn't have)

“──My lord, your younger sister is still safe and sound. The three others around her are all right as well. From the coordinates, they are to the northeast part of the third level. Although they are moving little by little.”

Most likely, they were searching for the exit of third level while running away from enemy at the same time.

The three girls of the Triad were doing everything they could to protect Airi even under this situation.

Their escape route was blocked, and they were left behind. In that desperate situation, they didn't give up and continued to fight.

Just this fact made strength well up in Lux chest.

“Yoruka, can I ask you to guide us through the Dungeon? I want you to derive the shortest route while avoiding battle with Abyss as much as possible.”

“Affirmative my lord.”

Yoruka responded, at the same time she drove the four legs of Yato no Kami and jumped with a movement as though she was kicking midair.

That special armament that was called <Vacuum Step> made it possible to make that frame of special equipment-type Drag-Ride that possessed no ability to fly to move as though it was sliding in the air.

“I see, for you to have this kind of terrifying ally, looks like you prince got more then meet the eye huh.”

Greifer exclaimed in admiration from Yoruka's expert performance. From time to time, he sent flying the Abyss that was coming from behind using his Tail Blade.

After a few minutes moving in high speed through the corridor, leaving behind the flowing scenery, Yoruka who was going ahead dropped her speed.

“We have arrived, my lord. It is right below us.”

“-......!?”

Seeing the scene, Lux could not help but be shocked.

Each floor had a large stair set up leading to the bottom. The entrance of the stair to the third level there was sealed by a solid iron lattice.

“Hah, just something like this──!”

Greifer filled his Tail Blade with energy and slashed, but only sparks flew out.

“──This is not an ordinary iron lattice!?”

Lux also followed, slashing his black great sword──Chaos Brandhe, but it bounced off the same.

The thick lattice around the size of an adult's arm was only scratched a little.

It could possibly take them half an hour in order to break down the lattice.

“Nothing could be done, huh. Destroying this barrier is the key, but another way into the third floor is──”

“............”

Lux bitterly kept thinking.

(Calm down, there should be other ways. If I remember right, when they explained this Dungeon's structure description──)

[Lux-san! Are you close!? Please respond!]

“-......!?”

At that moment, communication came through from the Dragon Voice of Noct's Drake.

[I am here, Noct! We are above your position on the second floor! But──]

“I know what you want to say, Lux-kun. We also tried it. If only we could destroy the partition between us, we will be able to escape somehow. ──But”

“Sharis-san! Airi! Everyone else too──”

Across the lattice that divided the area──near the large stair, he could see the figure of the Triad and Airi.

They seemed to have struggled too, but as expected it seemed they also failed to destroy the lattice from the third floor side.

It was evidenced by Sharis's weapon being in tatters.

“......Lux-kun, we are still safe. Don't be too rash. The alert state of this Ruin won't last for long right? Then it's fine. If it's just a few minutes, we will hold on somehow.”

“I'm rea-ally frazzled but, compared to Celis-senpai's training this is still better perhaps.”

“Yes, I am used to waiting.”

Although Sharis and others showed a smile, it was obvious they were bluffing.

Their forehead and neck were covered with sweat, and ragged breathing could be heard.

They were fatigued from the Class promotion exam, in addition to the mission to suppress the Abyss that they participated in without resting.

On top of all that, they seemed to have been battling with some sort of formidable enemy several times as evidenced by the cracks in their armor.

“My lord, there is an influx of Abyss coming from behind us. On your younger sister's side, there is the presence of Drag-Ride approaching. From their situation, it does not seem like that it's an allied Drag-Knight.”

“............”

Lux had an idea about a party who would aim at Airi.

The Dragon Marauder, whose goal was to explore Ruin and obtain treasures through any means to weaken the power of countries that currently were in possession of Ruin.

This threat was approaching the Triad and Airi from their side.

“Don't worry about my safety, Nii-san. I am still okay—“

And then, Airi called out from behind Noct.

She had the same calm and graceful usual tone, with a smile of a young lady that smoothly navigated the society.

Lux also understood that she was acting tough.

“Airi, I understand.”

Thus, Lux also answered with his usual gentle smile.

Just like what he had done many times since their childhood in the past until now, he used the same voice like when he patted her head and told her this.

“I will come save you soon, so wait just a little bit more for me.”

“-......!?”

Lux's words made Airi's expression froze.

The mask of calmness she would always keep on her face gradually collapsed and her shoulder began trembling.

“N-Nii-san, what are you talking about. ......It won't work, please consider the situation. In any case, the second level and the third level are completely separated now!”

Even so, Lux calmly breathed in without a single twitch on his expression.

“No──there's a way.”

“──Eh?”

Lux calmly made a statement to that caused Airi and the Triad to stir.

“There is a one-way Portal in this Dungeon that connect to the lower floor. If we use that, we can get to the third floor evne from here.”

“Please hold on!? What are you thinking!? The Portal in this Dungeon will only lead you to the bottom! In order to save us, even you will be locked in. I don't──want to become Nii-san's burden anymore!”

“Airi...”

Seeing Airi shouting sadly, someone placed a hand on her head.

“We are also begging you. Don't be too rash, Lux-kun.”

Sharis cut in with a gentle expression.

“I am very glad you are coming to save us. However, this is our responsibility. After all, we the Triad got lured here by that bunch. We were unable to see through their aim and exposed Airi-chan to danger.”

“Yes, we too do not wish to be a hindrance anymore to Lux-san.”

“We-ell, you don't have to worry so much. We've survived till now, haven't we──”

And so Sharis and Noct requested, and Tillfur echoed their sentiments with a wry smile.

They have obviously been through quite a bit with all the wounds over their body, but the four acted tough so not to burden Lux even more than this.

“No matter what, we the Triad will do our utmost to protect your sister. So──”

Sharis said it with a somewhat lonely tone, but also with the conviction of a warrior.

But──

“──Yoruka, can you confirm the location of the transporter at the third level?”

“What...!?”

The words that Lux said with serious face caused the face of the three Triad to change color.

“Why do you go so far...”

While Airi whispered with a stunned look, Yoruka gave her report to Lux indifferently.

“It looks like it's a little far from here. It's position is to the northeast.”

“Understood. I want you to stay here and lure the Abyss swarm that come. Can I leave it to you?”

“It is regrettable that I cannot join you my lord, but it cannot be helped isn't it?”

Yoruka responded with a hearty smile and she took a stance with her katana-type Blade.

“Let's go, Greifer!”

“Got it. I too gotta go find that Coral.”

Lux steered Bahamut towards the Portal.

“Everyone! Hold on a bit longer!”

Right after he yelled, he left the stair in the blink of eye and quickly flew wearing through the corridor.

Before long they found a circle engraved with some unknown text. They landed on it.

The time it took the Portal to move them towards the interior of the Ruin was quite short.

The light began to overflow around Lux and Greifer along with the Drag-Ride.

“Sorry, Greifer for dragging you with me.”

“Hah, I have not gotten weak enough that I require your highness' concern.”

In reply to Lux's apology, Greifer laughed confidently.

In that moment, their weight seemed to disappear and their vision was covered by light.

As their field of vision cleared up, some medium sized Abyss were coming.

It was a situation that if it was the average Drag-Knight, this would become an assault that was like an ambush where they wouldn't even be able to react.

However, the two members of of the Seven Dragon Paladins didn't waver at all even in this siutaiton and they moved.

“──Photon Dive.”

As sharp teeth and claws approached, Greifer's Cuelebre was wrapped in light.

The Divine Raiment that performed invincibility for a few seconds repelled the attack of the Abyss before his eyes, it was at that moment Lux's Bahamut took action.

“Reload on Fire.”

Time was compressed, and then his speed was accelerated by several fold which he used to launch super speed slashes.

Criss-crossing slashes from a blade resulted in the beast's body to be completely hacked to pieces.

Originally, it required preparation to counter the enemy's attack. However, Greifer's Photon Dive created an opening that allowed Lux to attack.

“You took the prey, huh. Oh well, not much time left anyway, I'll forgive you.”

“Much appreciated.”

Lux expressed his appreciation, then continued flying towards where Airi was.

However, although the Ruin was under alert state, surprisingly few Abyss appeared.

He felt it strange even while they arrived at the location of the Triad and Airi.

Across from them, the girls were facing a man.

“So you all also came here?”

The Silver Flash, Dilwy Froias.

A military officer who at this occasion was serving as a group leader leading the soldiers of New Kingdom who were taking exam here.

“Well yeah. Rather than that where is your comrades? Also by the way, have you seen a Drag-Knight with a girly face named Coral or a man named Buzzheim?”

Landing nearby, Greifer raised some questions.

Lux intended to ask a question, when Sharis made a tense voice.

“Both of you be careful! That man is suspicious! Buzzheim and his men were also killed by him!”

Lux and Greifer were puzzled after hearing those words.

But, Dilwy, who didn't look bothered at the slightest, began laughing softly.

“That is a misunderstanding. They were attacked by some parasitic Abyss. And these kids saw me clean up the situation so they think I killed them. Why would I kill people of my own country and the soldier of Wanheim?”

“So...what is that thing in your hand then?”

“Oh this. This is something Buzzheim-dono dropped. I picked it up to hold on to it for now. But the content is somewhat suspicious for this to be his item. Inside there is a diary of a girl and some ancient archives from Ruin slipped in between.”

“............”

After he muttered, he opened that ancient document and traced its text in a display.

“Even though I look like this, I am very interested in these treasures related to Ruin. I also once spent my time deciphering ancient text. I don't understand the exact content of this text because I'm not that knowledgable though.”

“What are you saying──”

“The only thing that I understand from this text, is Holy Arcadia Empire──only that name. I've never heard that this kind of ancient document has been submitted. I have connection with the consuls of the royal capital see. If this document is something that you secretly concealed, then you two will need to be questioned for the responsibility......no, about the connection between that Old Empire and the Ruin.”

“──?!”

Airi had a tragic expression after hearing this.

The secret that she thought should not be known to others was exposed now.

“Lux Arcadia. And Airi Arcadia. You two siblings know about something? The Old Empire, and its connection to the Ruin that is described in this ancient document. The true identity of the two of you the imperial family of the Old Empire──”

Dilwy's words surprised everyone at that place.

Between the intermittent alarm sounds and shaking red light, Lux breathed calmly.

“......I don't know. Even if I did I wouldn't tell you.”

He stared at Dilwy with cold eyes.

“You want to ask why... it is because you are a Dragon Marauder's spy, infiltrating the New Kingdom's military looking for a chance.”

“──?!”

As Lux asserted this, everyone there was tense.

“Why did you take your comrades into the third level of this Ruin? It is well known that the dungeon is deep, and exploring it is not allowed. For such an honest and loyal soldier who is famous like you, why would you commit such baffling act?”

“...You think too highly of me, Lux-kun. I am not perfect. Even I will make a miss when several unfortunate accidents piled up one after another.”

Lux continued staring at Dilwy who was smiling bitterly.

“The purpose of the criminals Dragon Marauder is to plunder treasures in the Ruin in order to hamper the countries' military power. You caused the ruins to enter an alert state, you also provoked Buzzheim to steal the ancient document my sister had, in order to lay the blame on her, while you yourself will search for the secret of the Ruin──”

“......I have said several times already, kid. Buzzheim-dono was killed because he was possessed by Abyss. Are you so committed to make me out as a traitor so you can escape from my question?”

“The Portal to go to the third level is a one way road that go from above to below. That's why, in the case you go down the level without using that, you won't be conscious of the stair location. Can you grasp the route I used from the place where I was transferred to reach until this spot?

“............”

Lux's question elicited only silence from Dilwy and his expression vanished.

“The corpse we saw had no trace of possession because of Abyss. In other words──”

“There isn't anything else to say, meek man. You are the traitor who killed your own comrades.”

Greifer calmly finished Lux's words, and held up his Tail Sword.

Lux and Greifer deliberately showed an ignorant attitude based on their suspicion of Dilwy.

“—Hu”

As Dilwy heard their words, the atmosphere changed.

“It seems that I underestimated you a little. The true identity of the Black Hero was you, a kid that appeared to be nothing special. Honestly, it was hard to believe.”

“Then, as expected my bag was stolen becauase──?”

As Airi whispered, Dilwy's shoulders shook in laughter.

“You misunderstand, it was purely by chance. I was just watching you. I happened to overhear your conversation with Singlen and induced Buzzheim by giving him hint to steal the bag with the ancient document. Another option would be using the magic flute to make the Abyss kidnap you.”

“The plan was well-planned but the execution was stupid. Do you truly believe you can deal with two users of Divine Drag-Ride by yourself?”

Taking Greifer's words as a signal, Lux also raised his great sword.

When the explosive situation reached the limit, Dilwy's both eyes snapped open and he flew high.

“-......!”

The celing was flashing with the red warning light.

From there, he swooped down and unleashed a stabbing attack with his Blade.

From above──especeially from right overhead was the position that Drag-Ride found it the most difficult to defend against.

When Lux and Greifer barely avoided that attack, the Blade of the EX Wyvern Dilwy was riding grazed through.

“This guy...!?”

• Ceng!* As the crisp sound of air being sliced resounded, a slash drawing the trajectory of creascent moon came flying.

Greifer twisted his body to avoid the attack. Then Dilwy quickly turned his right wrist resulting in a second cut, third cut, till fifth slash cutting the air.

Criss-cross. Cascading shocks from the slashes crossing many times over were also moving towards Lux next.

Lux avoided the slashes by a mere millimeter, as the rocks behind him became engorged with countless deep cut marks.

“Shot Blade(Dragon Teeth Shot Sword)──, a rare weapon that general purpose Drag-Ride can use huh......”

Although the performance was not equal to that of special armament of Divine Drag-Ride, rare weapon with level of performance that was close to that existed.

The Shot Blade, it could release energy from the forward motion of it blade, releasing arrow-like shots with a slash.

Lux heard from Sharis that Dilwy's famous ”Silver Flash” nickname came from the fact that he was more skilled than anyone else with using that special armament.

“That's quite something. So the rumor that you are a man who cannot stand anymore in front line because your right hand is broken and unusable is just a bluff huh. That's some personality you got there.”

“You are incorrect──. Until last night, I was a weakling exactly like your description.”

“...What do you mean?”

Dilwy quietly smiled while listening to Lux's question.

“Why!? Why would──! You who are my father's direct subordinate, why would you collude with the Dragon Marauder?”

As the daughter of the deputy commnader of the New Kingdom's military, Sharis shouted at that conversation, resulting in Dilwy's exasperated sigh.

“Stupid question. A rich lady who happen to stand out among the weakling and is contented with her lot won't get it. You see, I have aaalways been dissatisfied. Five years ago, I was injured by the ‘calamity' of Blackend Kingdom, and after returning home, I entered under the banner of the New Kingdom as Drag-Knight of moderate faction.”

“Then, you...!?”

“You are of the rebel army that inherited the will of the Old Empire...is that correct?”

Tillfur and Noct flared up, but Dilwy snorted.

“That's a shallow thinking. I am not interested in that sort of label. Whether it is the Old empire or the New Kingdom, it doesn't matter. I, Dilwy Froias, being born as a man in a family of knights only aim to become the strongest Drag-Knight.”

“-......!? For that sort of goal, you abandon the New Kingdom to join the Dragon Marauder? You go so far as to ignore her majesty's kindness in promoting you as a non-commisioned officer──”

When Airi shouted incredulously, Dilwy wordlessly pulled out his Shot Blade.

It cut through the air with a strange sound and the shockwave pierced the air flying towards Airi's neck.

Noct moved to block the attack but her defense was broken, with the shockwaves hitting even her clothes.

“Guh, ah...!”

“Noct!?”

“Shut up please. Did I ask for your opinion? Mindless pawns will be mindless pawns, you can just feel satisfied as you are being used. Someone not even aiming for the top, not even lamenting their own powerlessness, existing just to complete the orders given to them. How can incompetent like that understand my distress?”

“-......!?”

His words caused the Triad to show pained expression.

But the next moment, two Drag-Knights attacked towards Dilwy's sneering face.

“──Don't screw around.”

Lux's Bahamut flew parabolically.

He used the momentum from the free fall to add some power to his attack as he swooped past.

The use of the free fall part of the flight path (Downflow) was a higher level technique with more force than a stabbing attack.

Even if Dilwy's skill let him rivaled EX Class Drag-Knight, it should be difficult to counter the power in the incoming attack, but──.

“──Battle Array – Vicissitudes.”

“......-!?”

At the moment they crossed each other, Dilwy's <EX Wyvern> released a barrier which shocked Lux.

It was a parrying technique that made use of tuning, to create sharp force field that averted attack from left to right.

That is the special move of barrier manipulation that the Blue Tyrant, Singlen Shelbrit showed Lux.

Dilwy grinned wickedly and swung his Blade to Lux whose attack was evaded and showed a defenseless back.

He was aiming at the brainstem part, where the barrier of the armor was thin.

Greifer's Tail Sword blocked that attack which assaulted in a timing of certain kill.

The force of their attacks caused both of them to be repelled backwards away from each other.

“Hah, what a terrifying person, to be able to use even that vice captain-sama's technique. Well, you ain't gonna win against me with just that though.”

“...Seven years ago I once studied under Sir Singlen. At that time I was unable to learn any of his moves. But now, I finally obtained skill of that level.”

Dilwy muttered to himself intoxicatedly.

“Wanheim Principality's Seven Dragon Paladins...... If it's you who start from being a lowly orphan and climbed up until being the princess's aide, you should be able to understand my pride too aren't you?”

“Unfortunately, I ain't interested in your life. Let's finish this quickly yeah, Dragon Marauder's spy.”

“You are after all, just a wild dog lured by bait. ──Then, let me finish you off here.”

While taking Greifer's shower of attacks one after another, Dilwy suddenly fired towards the ground with his Howling Howl.

“-......!?”

Large amounts of dust suddenly arose inside the gloomy underground of the Dungeon, and then numerous silver flashes of light headed towards Greifer.

“──Photon Dive!”

Greifer's Cuelebre wasted no time to activate its Divine Raiment of invisibility and all the slashes from the Shot Blade were deflected.

This was the battle style of Greifer and Cuelebre that excelled in defensive ability.

Not giving the opponent the opportunity to counter-attack and dragged it into a battle where they could only defend while destroying all path of retreat──it was like a seasoned hunter tracking his enemy before giving the final blow.

However, he was affected by the smoke cloud that made him lose track of Dilwy's silhouette.

“──What!?”

As Greifer's eyes search for his lost target, EX Wyvern jumped out from behind Airi and the Triad.

“-......!?”

“──Reload on Fire.”

But, Lux who stood on his way a moment quicker activated Bahamut's Divine Raiment.

Using his time compression, he released consecutive high-speed slashes.

The slashes aimed towards EX Wyvern's wrists and shoulders in an attempt to break the barrier. But in that moment, Lux noticed something and he changed his movement.

Five Daggers were thrown in parabolic arc from behind Dilwy.

Lux immediately knocked them down and at the end he aimed at Dilwy's armor.

But, his attack was barely blocked by Shot Blade and a distance was opened once more between them.

“Even though I was hiding inside smokescreen so my attack pattern wouldn't be read, even so my movement was still predicted──that's really something isn't it? I'm getting a better opinion on you two now.”

“............”

Having two Divine Drag-Rides as his opponent at the same time, Dilwy still revealed a composed expression.

Seeing this, Lux had a strange sensation in his chest.

Although Greifer too maintained a casual attitude, he gradually began to frown with suspicion.

(Certainly, he might be already a brilliant Drag-Knight from the beginning, but──)

No matter how he was using an EX Wyvern with stacked up tuning and he was an expert of a rare weapon, but would that be enough to make him able to fight the current Lux and Greifer until this much?

“It looks like, your royal highness is also confused huh?”

Greifer suddenly said such thing as he stood there.

“It's really strange. With that Drag-Ride and armament, it's not like that sort of move is impossible──but, no matter how I see it that man is strange. I cannot say it well but, he ain't a normal human for sure.”

Lux agreed with Greifer.

But, he still wasn't really confident with his hypothesis.

“Is that it? That is your limit? The name of Seven Dragon Paladins is going to cry you know?”

Greifer steps forward to meet the mocking Dilwy.

“You're on. I'm also tired hearing your lecture, I'll finish this in the next move.”

Then, Cuelebre flew and threw numerous Daggers towards Dilwy.

“Stupid man. Do you not understand that these tricks don't work on me?”

In response, Dilwy moved his Shot Blade swiftly in various arcs to release shockwaves.

The mesh-shaped shockwaves entangled the Daggers and deflected them.

In long-range battle, Dilwy's Shot Blade held the advantage.

When Greifer activated Photon Dive to defend against the silver flashes heading towards him, Dilwy grinned.

“──Battle Array – Vicissitudes. How incompetent can you be to use the same move twice in a battle.”

Dilwy formed a barrier forcefield in the timing of impact to parry the attack from right to left.

Greifer's slash was dodged and he stood still with his defenseless back exposed to Dilwy.

“I have seen through the amount of time you can operate your Divine Raiment. ──You should apologize to your princess from the other world.”

Without missing the opportunity, Dilwy slashed at his back.

However──,

“...what!?”

Instead of what Dilwy expected, Cuelebre's Photon Dive did not end, the light wall was deflecting the slash toward the back.

Realizing his mistake, Dilwy attempted to flee from Greifer's thrust, however it was too late.

“──The one incompetent is you right? I fought a woman who saw through this right from the start y'know?”

The stretching Tail Blade drew a spiral trajectory to avoid Dilwy's barrier and pierced his barrier.

As the blade cut across his chest, droplets of fresh blood rushed out.

“Gobah...!?”

Dilwy vomited blood as his eyes rolled back.

At that moment──the outcome was decided.

“...As I thought. It is easy to deal with opponents that you do not need to worry about killing.”

The Photon Dive's duration on Cuelebre.

Normally Greifer would deliberately fix the duration of his Divine Raiment to a certain period and lift the effect in short several seconds to mislead people of the timing of his invincibility.

Although Lux heard about this matter from Krulcifer after the All-Dragon battle, it was still a splendid plan.

“Now then, we gotta think about how to get out of here. Although most of the Abyss seems to be gone outside, we still need to find that Coral.”

The relaxed Greifer turned away from Dilwy's dead corpse.

At that moment, Lux noticed something strange.

“Behind you! Greifer!”

“────”

Greifer heard Lux and turned back around while holding up the Tail Blade as a shield.

However, his defense was a little slow. And Dilwy's Blade bit deeply into his armor.

“Guh, ah...!?”

Greifer was blown backward, but he somehow held his ground.

Dilwy, who should have been completely dead, continued to move.

His chest was cracking, like dried fish.

“Wha...what the hell is this guy?!”

Greifer who was normally aloof had a distorted expression from shock.

It wasn't an illusion nor a fantasy. Dilwy, who could not have possibly survived the fatal injury, was giving a gruesome smile.

His hand was not holding the EX Wyvern's control lever, but a small knife.

There was a strange burst of seven-color aura coming out of the knife.

“...I will not lose. Because that hero has saved me! I who was clinging even to Dragon Marauder looking for hope, is filled with this light......!”

“What did, you mean!?”

“Let me awaken! My voice, my cry, my shout, if they are reaching..... Grant ”Baptism” throughout my whole body, guide me! Oh ”Elixir”!”

• Stab*. Dilwy, with his trembling hand, inserted the knife into his own left chest. With the knife in his chest, he underwent another strange mutation.

“-......!? Wh-What is that? What is happening!?”

Sharis who was watching from the side was stunned as she whispered.

While Everyone present was taken by shock, Dilwy's body that was still wearing EX Wyvern was suddenly──transforming.

The same black pattern that was running on his right wrist spread out from his left chest to the rest of his body.

His body was like a pale flame wrapped in waves of heat, being colored darker and darker.

His skin became darker than night, while his hair turned white.

His eyelids opened wide, showing eyes radiating a scarlet red light like fresh blood.

“Wh-What is that...? It is not the Drag-Ride──but he himself that is changing──!?”

“Yes, the cause of calamity that occurred in various places, could it be......”

“Nocturnal......, is this the new type Abyss──!?”

Tillfur, Noct, and Airi were shaking as this devil began to make its first sound of its birth in this world.

“SHAaAAAAAAAaAAAAaaAAAAaAaAAAAAAAH!”

It was the roar of devil from a human that wasn't a human.

That monstrous shriek was far more terrible than the Abyss that was the nemesis of human. The screams shocked the walls of the Dungeon as well as the eardrums of everyone present.

The time passing seemed to be a mesh of nightmare with reality as the devil flew together with the Drag-Ride.

“──!?”

Fast.

Compared to the winged Abysses they fought previously, he was considerably faster.

EX Wyvern creeped along the ground in a very low flight.

If a blunder was made──no, with a speed that wouldn't stop even if it crashed on the opponent, Dilwy who was changed into devil attacked Lux.

“Kuh...!”

He did not have time to use Reload on Fire to accelerate time.

Lux swung his great sword using Quick Draw and slashed horizontally at Dilwy who was approaching like a bullet.

──But,

“Ku ku ku──this is the strength of the so called Black Hero?”

“......-!?”

Lux was shocked as the dark voice reached his ear.

Dilwy's Shot Blade met Lux's Chaos Brand, resulting in the projection of some intense sparks.

“...Gu!?”

Lux was blown directly to the side from receiving the charge's gust of wind.

Dilwy who looked like he was going to crash on the rock wall sharply dove up on the spot.

He quickly somersaulted through the air, then moved towards Greifer next.

“What..!? This thing──”

From a super low-altitude flight to rapidly rising followed by a rapid dive into a backflip.

The more preeminent someone was in handling Drag-Ride, the more they would understand just how impossible that movement was.

Drag-Ride couldn't be moved with just pure operating skill.

Things like the burden on the rider's body and stamina, the timing of breathing, and so on existed.

No matter how proficient someone was at swimming, they wouldn't be able to dive underwater for tens of minutes without breathing.

Thus, witnessing Dilwy making impossible movements for a Drag-Knight created a moment of opening in Greifer which Dilwy took advantage of. Greifer was blown away.

“Chih...! This damn monster”

Lux and Greifer adjusted their movement in preparation for pursuing attack.

But unexpectedly Dilwy and the EX Wyvern flew until near the ceiling of the hall, taking a position to look down on everyone there.

“──!? Everyone, quick! Defend yourselves!”

Lux immediately understood his intentions, and at the same time he flew to where Airi and others were at.

The devil's eyes glowed deep red and grinned wickedly while overlooking the scenery.

Next, the right hand armor gripped the Shot Blade which began to emit light energy.

“──Silver Flash, Hail Fang”

• Gin-!* With a roaring sound that could be heard splitting through the air, a flash of shockwave that drew an arc like crescent moon was fired.

Originally, the silver flash the Shot Blade fired was limited to several shots per breath because of the burden on the user's stamina and mind.

But this attack appeared to be an unending torrent of rain of light pouring down on the Dungeon's zone.

“────”

Several hundred overlapping sound of slicing wind and the destruction sound of the ground getting pulverized could be heard.

The storm of hail that reached them in less than a second erased the stifled scream of the girls, blowing away even their consciousness and thought.

Their breathing stopped in their tenseness and fear, and ashes were swept up that blocked their vision.

As it felt like the endless nightmare was ending──before long, Airi opened her eyes.

“......U, ah.”

Due to the aftermath of the attack, dust covered their bodies.

The previously sturdy walls of rock were cut apart, and the terrain was completely different.

While lying on the debris, Airi gingerly moved her fingertips.

Fortunately, her body was intact.

In addition, the Triad were lying around her with their Drag-Ride cancelled off.

“Everyone──please, get ahold of yourself.”

Perhaps due to being strained to their physical limit, the three of them could only stir a little bit.

Airi intended to call for help but as she looked up, the scene made her at a loss for words.

“──Ha, hah, ku...a”

Buried in the rubble with Bahamut, Lux was breathing hard.

Fatigued from all the fighting, Lux's face had an anguished expression and his whole body was dripping with sweat.

“End Action huh....... a hidden move of Drag-Ride operation that was introduced during the Old Empire days, a technique that unleashed unlimited slashes. But even it has to end, and it seems your strength has finally reached its limit.”

“Damn......, it”

In an equally ragged state, Greifer in Cuelebre was laying at the opposite side of Lux.

The invincibility of his Photon Dive could only be maintained for about 10 seconds at maximum.

So, on this prolonged, uninterrupted attack that lasted more than ten second, he naturally could not make it out unscathed.

At the same time, Lux too was protecting Airi, and the Triad using End Action and he succeeded, but it took everything he had to do so.

The two of them were exhausted until very nearly the limit while they did their all so only their Divine Drag-Ride wouldn't get desummoned.

That was their only way to resist in their current state.

“──Magnificent.”

Dilwy smirked in intoxication in the air as he looked down from above at everyone who was standing still unable to move.

“Ah, what a wonderful power.”

He kept muttering to himself heartily.

“The officer cadets of the New Kingdom, a Seven Dragon Paladins, the Black Hero......I transcended and surpassed all their strength. Dilwy Froias is able to return in his true form as a Drag-Knight who aims for the seat of the strongest like in the past. I will be able to realize the dream that I have held through a long time from here on. I'll immediately build a new legend. I can surpass the Blue Tyrant──the mentor who once abandoned me. If it's the current me, even that will soon come true.”

Dilwy ended his intoxicated self-praising words, and moved his venomous red eyes towards Lux.

“Although the outcome has already been decided, I do have some questions left for you, Lux Arcadia.”

He opened Airi's bag and pointed to one of the lines of text in the ancient documents.

“The name of ”Arcadia” recorded in this ancient text. I wanted to ask before I kill you if you are associated with these Ruin, and know something about it.”

“......You have already betrayed everyone, what is the point? Just what do you intend to obtain by becoming the strongest Drag-Knight whatever for the sake of Dragon Marauder?”

Although his breathing was ragged, even then Lux's eyes weren't dead.

Seeing this, Dilwy's jet black face twisted as he laughed with bared teeth.

“The Dragon Marauder you say...? I have no more business with them. My goal was to attain even greater power from this Ruin. In order to prove my strength as Drag-Knight, I need to cause more chaos and great war......!”

His body was wrapped in dark desire and resentment.

It was the answer of the man who was writhing in agony from being toyed by the reign of the Old Empire and the distortion of the era.

His path as Drag-Knight met setback, his hope stolen, and after clinging on his past for a long time, this was his true real nature.

“Don't make me ask you a second time, Lux Arcadia! Give me all the knowledge you own, show me the path to reach the deepest layers of these ruins! Otherwise──”

Dilwy turned his ominous crimson gaze towards Airi and the Triad, and he yelled.

The roar of devil shook the air around him. Right then,

“Understood. It looks like, this is as far as it goes.”

Airi who was dirtied by the dust of the smashed rock wall slowly stood up and muttered.

“Nii-san over there──No, that person who I called brother and used by me, the Lord(Creator) of the Ruin is ignorant of my true identity. Asking him is useless.”

“Ai,ri...?”

Lux who stood up trying to rally up Bahamut saw his sister's cold expression and icy eyes.

“Hou, you are saying that you are a survivor of Ruin, connected to the name of Arcadia written here? That you were hiding it all this time until now?”

“More accurately speakling, I just forgot about it. In order to protect my own safety──but, there is no meaning even if I hide it in this situation. Even I value my own life.”

Airi spoke these words fluently.

Then, she looked at the bewildered Lux with a cold expression.

“When I found that old document, I remembered. That my true identity is one of the Lords, Aeril vi Arcadia, and also my original purpose and mission──”

“Y-you, what are you saying...? What is the meaning of this, Airi missy!”

Airi turned a deaf ear to Sharis, who could only move half her body.

“In any case, the man who I called as “Nii-san” and used as my guard is not usable anymore. But──at the present, even I the Lord is unable to completely control the Ruin. If you promise that you will guarantee my life, I will cooperate with you to a certain degree you know?”

“Hou...”

The expression of the devil who heard that distorted inhumanly in joy.

“I do not think you have any other choice. By yourself, you won't be able to use the true function of the Ruin fully.”

“Very well...”

‘Ku ku', Dilwy's devil shoulders shook with laughter.

“Now, come over here. I'll listen to the story of this so called Lord without rushing.”

“──Then, excuse my leave, everyone.”

Airi whispered without any emotion as she moved towards Dilwy.

“...Wait, a minute, Airi.”

Noct and Tillfur were conscious but could not move as they lied on the floor.

Airi glanced coldly at that as she walked towards Dilwy, and then──,

• Zan-*

A jet black dragon landed down between them in a position that seemed to shield Airi from the devil.

His heart was beating furiously and he could not control his breathing. His body also clearly displayed his fatigue. But Lux was somehow able to move his body.

“......You are in my way. I have already said I don't have any use of you anymore.”

Airi coldly criticized as she said with slight frown.

But,

“──I won't let you go. I have already decided that I won't let anyone take away those I cherish anymore.”

“Hah”

Dilwy's eyes shot towards Lux. Looking into his determined eyes, Dilwy laughed and readied his Shot Blade.

Multiple silver flashes pierced Bahamut's fragile barrier.

Not being able to withstand the impact, Lux's upper body cracked with multiple red lines.

“Gu...!”

However, he did not back down as he rushed toward Dilwy before him.

Even as his body was swaying due to physical exhaustion, he slashed down an attack using his great sword with a sharp trajectory. Dilwy casually evaded it and struck Lux's body with his Shot Blade.

Even so, Lux immediately regained his fighting posture and charged forward once more.

However, before Lux's great sword found its mark, Dilwy deflected it with his own sword.

“You still try even though you know it is futile, how unsightly. So the true identity of the Black Hero is only something like this.”

Lux unabatedly continued his assault while ignoring Dilwy's scornful words.

In contrast, Airi began to feel pain as she witnessed the scene.

“Stop──please, stop already!”

Airi yelled seeing the heavily wounded Lux showing no sign of stopping the fight even then.

“Why, are you doing something like that!? You, you don't need to fight for my sake anymore, so why──”

“I changed my mind. Although I'm still interested in you, I'll bring you down here. Together with everyone else too.”

Dilwy made a quick backhand stroke and flashes of silver flew towards the Triad who were lifting up their upper body.

Lux flew and intercepted the roaring silver flashes.

“-......!”

Due to the pressure of the impact, Lux's face was covered with thin red lines.

Even through all of that, Lux continued to glare at Dilwy with fearless eyes.

“Lux, kun......”

“Lux-chi......”

“......Lux, san”

The members of Triad were speechless seeing him covering even their tattered self.

Witnessing this scene, Airi had a faintly pained expression on as she held her hands on her chest.

“-......!?”

“I can't understand. Are you that stupid? Even though there is no reason to save your sister who already betrayed you, even though there will be no advantage saving those useless small fries in this situation. Ku ha ha ha ha. Is it just like Singlen said? You really don't have any reason to fight, you try to save someone just because you want to be loved? A pitiful──”

“──Shut up”

“What?”

Lux commanded with a cold, yet threatening tone.

“Don't you notice anything? Why Airi said those words, why she went as far as lying, pretending to be unrelated to us.”

“-......!?”

Airi's cold mask was on the verge of collapse at Lux's words.

“Airi wants to save us. Even if it gains the resentment of her friends, even if she has to become the villain, even though she cannot use a Drag-Ride, even so she is constantly thinking about what she can do, and fight.”

“........”

“I remembered....... Whether as the prince of the Old Kingdom, or a criminal of the New Kingdom, the reason I fight has not changed in the slightest since the past.”

In order to protect the people important to him.

No matter how powerful and unyielding the authority(plot) Lux faced, he swore he would accomplish its destruction in his own way.

“Since I failed at that time──I thought that it would be fine if I entrust my dream to someone else.”

Lux thought that his path was to protect Lizsharte, the princess of the New Kingdom, and cooperated for the sake of her ideal.

“But, I'm wrong. It won't be meaningful if my ideal doesn't come true together with it.”

When an enemy that he couldn't match was standing in his way, if he had to consider his important people as weak and abandoned them like Singlen──he would rather fight, became stronger, he swore he would protect them.

“I'm──not going to give up anything. I won't let someone like you, take away even a single one of these girls who are important to me.”

Although blood was dripping from his head and whole body onto his armor, Lux's willpower didn't wither in the slightest.

“──Hah! Then I will teach you your helplessness right here! You powerless hero!”

Dilwy sharply flew forward and brandished up his Shot Blade, rushing toward Lux.

He violently drove his EX Wyvern and struck with a terrific slash.

“You can't protect anyone! Let me show you!”

Dilwy released silver flashes towards Airi.

Lux intended to block the attack, but the number of attacks were too great and several slipped through him──however,

“Don't worry about us, Lux-kun!”

Sharis shouted from behind.

The Triad stood up once more in their Drag-Rides and worked together to make a solid barrier to shield Airi.

“What are you all doing! Don't move so carelessly! Wearing Drag-Ride in that condition will make you──”

“It's all good, Airi-chan.”

Sharis smiled even as blood was dripping from her forehead while the other two also nodded in agreement.

“Even though we look like this, we are not playing around. We cannot just lie down sleeping. It doesn't matter even if we are powerless in the present situation, we can't just stand around doing nothing after seeing how you and Lux are fighting.”

“We-ll yeah, we can still move after a fashion......”

“Yes, we will fight until our last breath.”

“You all......”

Airi whispered while the three of them were adjusting their formation.

“Thank you──everyone.”

Lux thanked them as he resumed his battle with Dilwy.

With the three's assistance, the task of protecting Airi was left to them. Lux was gradually pushing on Dilwy.

But──,

“Let me tell you......all of your struggling is futile!”

Dilwy once again soared towards the ceiling while waving his Shot Blade.

“You are definitely finished this time──Silver Flash, Hail Fang!”

“You're gonna be the one to die yeah, blackened uncle.”

Unnoticed by anyone, Cuelebre rushed to meet EX Wyvern that was going to unleash a storm of slashes from the silver flash once more.

“──You!?”

“I'm thinking that I'm not gonna die here for the sake of our princess. I too ain't able to bear it see, that I keep getting looked down by a sleazebag like you.”

Greifer concentrated all his energy and with a dazzling, shining light cut down with the Tail Blade.

Seeing the spiral curve of the attack, Dilwy snickered.

“──Battle Array – Vicissitude.”

The moment just before the blade's tip touched, a forcefield of barrier that was formed with diagonal track repelled the attack of Tail Blade──wasn't what happened here.

“What-...!?”

“Don't underestimate someone else too much, uncle. Certainly I'm really reckless, but can learn y'know?”

The blade with multi joint drew an arc with a movement that avoided the barrier and entangled the blade of the Shot Blade.

It was a deluding attack that pretended to aim at the body but actually attacked the opponent's weapons.

“Your struggling is futile! ──How unsightly, you stray dog!”

But, Dilwy who was taken by surprise counterattacked with Howling Howl without delay.

The impact was several times more powerful than the attack output of an average Drag-Ride, and Greifer was blown far backwards.

“......-!?──Well fine, I've made an opening I guess. I'll leave the rest to you yeah, your highness.”

Cuelebre's armor was broken while Greifer said with a fearless smile.

To his words, Lux responded with only brief comment.

“──Yeah, I won't hesitate anymore to fight for my own sake.”

The moment Dilwy turned into offense and exposed a large opening, Lux held aloft his great sword.

“It's futile──no matter how many times you try, I am much faster than you!”

Dilwy was able to defend faster than Lux could swing down his sword.

He moved with an extraordinary speed and Drag-Ride operation technique that only the current him could achieve.

He unleashed an attack using his Shot Blade to bisect Bahamut with all his strength, however, the forcefield of barrier that was generated from Lux's left to his right completely repelled that attack.

“──Whaaat-!?”

“──Battle Array – Vicissitude”

One of the Drag-Ride operation techniques that the strongest Drag-Knight of Blackend Kingdom, the Blue Tyrant, Singlen Shelbrit used.

Dilwy who couldn't learn that technique until he was turned into devil borrowing the power of Baptism witnessed it with his own eyes.

How can this kid use this technique!?

Just from seeing it only a few times during the Class promotion exam he──.

Even more shudder of terror ran through Dilwy without giving him any time to soak in his shock.

“──Battle Array – Aeon Fire.”

“......!?”

The special move that even now Dilwy couldn't use.

By collecting all energy from the barrier, propulsion, and driving force into the Blade, a blow with explosively increased might could be unleashed.

The attack broke through the EX Wyvern's barrier of maximum output and cut down feeply into the shoulder.

“Guh, gahhhh...!”

His blackly dyed shoulder was soaked red from the spilt blood.

Blown to the floor, Dilwy tried to take action to defend from Bahamut's pursuing attack. However, EX Wyvern was slow to react as he tried to take a defensive posture.

“......The machine isn't moving!? Why?! My body is still──”

Although his body was moving, the Drag-Ride was not responding.

Given the impact of Lux's attack on the Force Core in his shoulder, he was unable to move for a few seconds.

“I won't lose...! After attaining this power! Against a bastard like you, I won't──”

Dilwy screamed and struggled as Lux moved nearer.

He operated his Drag-Ride with all his available strength to defend against Lux's sword and slashed back──, Lux didn't overlook that obvious counterattack.

“──Reload on Fire”

Instantly, countless slashes from the great sword cut through EX Wyvern's armor.

The wrist armor, Force Core, back wings, and other joints to move the armor were slashed apart by the instantaneous slashes, bursting and scattering the EX Wyvern.

“Impossible...!? Wh, WHYyyYYY-!? I should have taken it back! The power that I should be able to obtain in my hand, and yet──”

Dilwy frantically screamed as his armor fell apart.

He picked up the Shot Blade with his own flesh and blood hand and brandished it, but then that hand along with the sword was cut off.

“──Then, that strength must be just an illusion right? Monster uncle.”

“Gahh......! GUSHAaAAAAaAaAaAaAAA-!”

The Blade of Cuelebre that Greifer drove flickered and the tip of the blade gouged the heart.

Cracks of light emerged from his body as this monster that was once a man gave his last screams of sorrow.

Similar to an Abyss with its core destructed, that body broke and dissipated into the dust.

Part 13

[So──that handyman brat, he really used my technique, the Battle Array?]

After the fight subsided, one man was moving in the shadow.

It was a strange looking Divine Drag-Ride flying through the passage of Dungeon at high speed──It was Zweigbergk the old knight.

At the surface, he was following Singlen's orders to rescue Lux and others who were left behind in Dungeon but,

[Sir-, but I don't understand. My lord's Battle Array that is making use of tuning is the best technique for a Drag-Knight. No matter how outsanding Lux Arcadia's skill is, it should be impossible to learn it in that short of a time period.....]

The expression of the old knight didn't change. However he sent back a reply with Dragon Voice that was mixed with irritation somewhere. But,

[That's simple. Isn't the answer obvious already, Zwei?]

[By that, you mean?]

Singlen maintained his calm attitude while answering.

[That guy had already known about it. He couldn't use the two Battle Array that I use, but he knew them.]

[............]

[The use of tuning is impossible if one is not knowledgable about the control interface of Drag-Ride. But that guy, he must have attempted the finesse of the technique many times since in the past. Even though he did not know the mechanism of tuning, he himself wasn't satisfied with just devising three hidden techniques. Even after that, he constantly thought whether there is something more that he could do, and day after day, on and on, he continued to work hard groping for new techniques. That's how it is.]

[No way, such thing is......]

‘Hard to believe', Zwei let out such voice.

[He crossed sword with me at the exam. When he saw that my skill is clearly superior, that guy immediately switched his fighting style. He moved not to defeat me, he fought in the way to steal my techniques──that guy always hardened his defence at the tournament in royal capital most likely isn't just for training his foresight, he also aimed to learn the technique of his opponent's attack even just by one more.]

Singlen's exultant tone caused Zwei to become silent.

[In a situation where that guy cannot help but joining Seven Dragon Paladins, he realized my trap while leaping into it in order to save his comrades. Until that point it's according to my expectation, but it's unexpected that he also stole two of my techniques. Even though his face looks like he cannot even kill a bug, but he is scheming like a strategist. He cannot be dealt with normal methods, is what this mean.]

[............]

[I was thinking of him as one of the pawns connected to Fugil, but he is a man more terrifying than I imagined. The time ahead looks amusing......don't you agree, Zwei?]

Even while in one side Singlen was showing vigilance toward Lux, his tone sounded as though he was amused.

Zwei nodded in agreement to that before he immediately cut off the Dragon Voice's communication.

Part 14

“......That was a tiresome battle. Good grief.”

“Are you all feeling okay? Greifer, everyone?”

Greifer took a breath, then he saw a new EX Wyvern flying in front of him.

The one who was riding it was a youth with androgynous features, Coral.

“You...... where did you go until now?! Do you know how long we have been looking for you──”

“Sorry. I desperately shook off the many Abysses that appeared here in the Dungeon. If I carelessly brought them over here, I am afraid it would put you all in danger so──”

“Haa, well, doesn't matter. Although there are lots I wanna say, for now let's leave this place first.”

The moment Greifer muttered, not far from them, the sound of a something being opened was heard. Yoruka wearing Yato no kami landed down.

“It is great you are alright, my lord. I followed your instructions and secured the escape route.”

As a result, it seemed that she eliminated a large number of Abysses in the area by herself.

The lights in the surrounding also returned to their original color, and the alert state of the Ruin was finally ended.

“Let's retreat now. We are going to talk later, after we ensure everyone's safety.”

Greifer agreed with Coral's suggestion after examining the surroundings.

The Triad also stood up somehow, while Lux who had dispelled his armor was standing in front of Airi.

“.............”

Airi could not lift her face to meet Lux's eyes.

The matter of the ancient document that she was hiding.

The matter about whether she and Lux were really related by blood with the Ruin or not, which was still unclear at this point.

The matter of how she showered harsh words to Lux and others, even though it was in order to save them.

And above else, the matter of how she got caught into the evil design of Dilwy of the Dragon Marauder, which exposed everyone to danger. All those matters made her unable to lift up her face.

However──

“I'm sorry Airi. You feel pained for my sake.”

Even so, Lux said in his usual tone while sounding somewhat apologetic.

“Airi, I completely understand how you are feeling. It's all right already, so──”

The words of her big brother that were the same like usual made Airi's feelings erupt.

“-......!? Nii-san! Just what are you saying!?”

The tears that she was trying to hold back dripped down, then she knocked her hands on Lux's chest powerlessly.

“We might be different from what we thought you know!? We might not be a mere criminal of the ruined Old Empire, we might be people related to Ruin! If that's really the case, then from here on, it's unknown what is going to happen to me or Nii-san!”

Airi feared these things all this time.

The possible realities weighed on her so she could not help but shout.

“Even just now too! Why didn't Nii-san just abandon me?! I don't want nii-san to suffer because of me anymore! So why──”

“I don't feel miserable or anything.”

He murmured as he gently held Airi, stroking the hair that was the same color as his.

“I have never imagined anything I have done to protect Airi to be painful. There is also nothing that I thought as painful or I regret doing for you. Just being able to protect my only important family makes me happy.”

“...Why?”

Airi could not bear it and she buried her face in Lux's chest with a sob.

“Why is nii-san always like this!? Are you idiot!? Why are you always, for the sake of someone like me──”

“......I'm sorry that I made you worry. But, I won't change my mind. No matter what kind of secret is hidden inside us, I will always be Airi's big brother, that's why.”

Lux gave off a slightly shy smile as he stroked his sister's back gently.

“It will surely be all right. It's alright, that's why──don't cry anymore.”

“tsu......U, AAaAAAAAAH!”

Airi raised her voice in contrast with Lux's words.

She wanted to hold back in front of the others, but the tears would not stop.

The family who continued to stay at her side since she was a child, when she had been frail and helpless as she lost her mother.

The big brother who since the period of Old Empire, had continued to protect her no matter how much he got hurt.

Even though he was always slow and insensitive, even though when the time came he would forcefully shoulder everything alone.

His voice's warmth and his chest were warm, the reassurance from his hands stroking her hair, they caused the tears to spill out without end.

Inside the Dungeon, a girl's sobs echoed.

And then, the incident closed its curtain.