Toaru Hikuushi e no Seiyaku:V5Part7

Part 13 (Part 6 of Volume 5)

September 1, Imperial Calendar Year 1349, 16:00──

Anton, a delivery service employee for "Delivery Dinner," and Roy, a part-time worker, had just finished loading blue cases filled with food onto their light truck. As they were about to leave the garage to make a delivery to the Odin Police Station, they encountered an obstacle in the road.

A luxurious limousine had stopped, blocking the road as if intentionally preventing Anton from exiting the garage. There was no way to get onto the street. Anton honked the horn repeatedly, but the woman in the driver’s seat, wearing sunglasses, only waved her hands apologetically, indicating trouble. Apparently, the engine had malfunctioned.

"Hey, what the hell are you doing! Don’t park there!"

Anton shouted angrily as he got out of the truck and approached the limousine. The woman also exited the car and removed her sunglasses.

"You can’t just park—"

Anton’s words trailed off.

Golden hair shimmering in the summer sunlight. Eyes as green as a deep forest lake. Her sharp, yet elegant facial features, and a body sculpted like a string instrument. Before Anton stood a woman who looked like a goddess from a myth, gazing at him with a fragile expression.

"I’m so sorry. The engine just won’t start…"

Her black outer camisole hung loosely by straps from her shoulders. The neckline was low, revealing ample cleavage, and her short skirt extended down her graceful legs to delicate ankles wrapped in thin summer heels that made one question if she could even press the gas pedal properly.

Anton gulped, instantly surrendering to the sight before him.

To hell with the delivery.

"Pop the hood. I’ll take a look for ya."

The goddess-like woman’s face lit up with a radiant smile that rivalled the sun.

"Will you really help me?"

Anton puffed out his chest proudly.

"Well, I can’t do my job if you’re blocking the way. If the food gets cold, the big shots at the police station will be mad. Now hurry up and open it."

The woman released the hood latch, and Anton opened it to inspect the battery.

"What the hell is this? The plug’s disconnected. No wonder the engine won’t start."

"Can you fix it?"

The woman leaned in close to examine the inside of the hood. Her ample chest was right there, her sweet fragrance filling Anton’s nose. Fixing the problem would only take a few minutes, but Anton wanted to savour this moment with the goddess for as long as possible.

"It’ll take a bit, but I got it. Hey, Roy! Bring me the wrench!"

Anton called out to his part-time worker for tools, then turned to the woman.

"Could you hold this for me?"

He pointed to the cover over the battery’s positive terminal.

"Here?"

"Yeah, or you’ll get shocked."

"Okay, got it."

The woman obediently pressed down on the cover with both thumbs.

"Don’t let go," Anton instructed as he leaned in closer, pretending to work while sneaking glances at her chest. He wished the moment would last forever, but then a sharp pain struck the back of his neck. His vision went dark, and his head slammed into the hood as he lost consciousness.

"Move 'em in! No one saw, right?"

Supporting Anton’s unconscious body, which had been knocked out with a karate chop, Reiner rushed back into the garage. Balthazar followed, carrying the similarly unconscious Roy, who had also been knocked out by Reiner.

Both Reiner and Balthazar were disguised with sunglasses, fake moustaches, and wigs. As members of the renowned "Seven of Eriadore," they couldn’t risk being recognized.

Reiner skilfully stripped the two men of their uniforms, leaving them in their underwear, tied them up with rope, and gagged them.

Meanwhile, the disguised beauty, Illia, blushed as she tightened the bolts with a wrench.

"Why would anyone need to hold the positive terminal!? This is ridiculous!"

Frustrated, she quickly reconnected the unplugged battery.

"What kind of idiot would disconnect this in the first place!? Are they mocking me!?"

Suppressing her anger, Illia finished the repairs and moved the limousine—borrowed from Voltec Squadron member McGuire—out of the way.

"Nice acting, Illia. The guy was totally smitten," Reiner chuckled, now wearing a "Delivery Dinner" uniform.

Illia shot a scornful look at him.

"I could feel his disgusting gaze on me the entire time," she retorted, clearly displeased with the outfit Reiner had chosen for her. She still couldn't understand why she had to expose so much skin.

"Hey, it worked, didn’t it? Oh, Balthazar, looking sharp in that apron!"

Balthazar, also wearing the delivery uniform, stepped out of the garage. He was dressed in a blue shirt and jeans, with a "Delivery Dinner" apron.

"Say one more word about this apron, and I’ll kill you," he muttered darkly.

"Come on, don’t start fighting now. I’ll drive, so hop in," Reiner said nonchalantly.

"Let’s go, Illia. You’ll take over on the way back," Balthazar ordered.

"Understood. I’ll be waiting at the station. Stay safe," Illia replied, getting back into the driver’s seat of the limousine.

Disguised as delivery men, Balthazar and Reiner climbed into the light truck, with Reiner taking the wheel.

"First hurdle cleared. Let’s see if we get lucky with the next one," Reiner remarked.

"No time for idle chatter. Let’s move," Balthazar snapped.

"Roger that," Reiner replied, starting the truck.

Their destination was, of course, the police station where Kagura and Kiyoaki were being held. Overhead, a Red Goat bomber from the routine patrol flew by.

September 1, Imperial Calendar Year 1349, 16:50──

High above the light truck Balthazar was riding in, a Red Goat bomber soared through the sky, piloted by Lulu and Lala.

Currently flying at an altitude of 5,000 meters, the floating island of Odin maintained an altitude of 2,000 meters, meaning there was a 3,000-meter gap between the island and the surface below.

"I wonder if BalBal pulled it off?"

"BalBal doesn’t seem very flexible, so I’m a little worried."

"Why does he get mad when we call him BalBal?"

"Right? It's cute, though."

Through the voice tube, the twin sisters chatted cheerfully as they completed their usual patrol mission, flying away from Odin’s surface and into the surrounding sea.

At 16:50, having finished their fan-shaped enemy search, Lulu and Lala returned to the skies over Odin and began searching for their pre-arranged target.

"Hmm, that’s the police station, and near it is the residential area…"

"There, over there, where all the big houses are lined up."

Lala pointed out the target, and Lulu squinted, confirming with her own eyes the "most effective landing zone" that Illia had described to them. The colourful, toy-block-like neighbourhood was spread out below in the slanted rays of the sun.

"Wow, those are some fancy houses! I’d love to live there!"

"Better find a rich husband. But first, let’s get ready. Did you strap on your parachute?"

"All good. Sorry, Red Goat, but this is for Kiyoaki and Kagura, so bear with us."

Lulu apologized to the unlucky bomber assigned to them for the day, then started to climb, circling as she carefully eyed the landing target. She lowered the nose of the plane.

"Here we go. Jumping at 3,000 meters!"

"Yay! Big adventure!"

Laughing excitedly, they continued to descend, the wind roaring around them.

At 4,000 meters, both Lulu and Lala opened the canopy and unfastened their seatbelts.

"Heading’s good! Prepare to bail!"

As soon as the altimeter needle hit 3,000 meters, the sisters shouted in unison:

"Jump!"

At the same moment, they leaped out of the plane.

As they plunged through the air, they watched the unmanned Red Goat descending below them and yelled out:

"Go, go!"

"Good luck, Red Goat!"

Spinning through the air, their parachutes opened, and Lulu and Lala floated gently down, watching as the Red Goat accelerated, wobbling slightly, before crashing into a corner of the upscale residential district.

Fuel remaining in the aircraft ignited, sending a massive column of fire into the sky.

"Bullseye!"

"Wow, what a huge explosion!"

A shockwave rippled across the surface of Odin, sending clouds of reddish-brown dust flying outward in a massive blast. Thick black smoke billowed into the air as burning debris scattered across the area. Soon, fires broke out, with orange flames flickering to life where the Red Goat had crashed. In a normal residential area, a plane crash like this would be a disaster, but Illia had chosen a vacant, uninhabited neighbourhood, so there were no casualties.

As Lulu and Lala descended further, they began to hear the commotion on the ground. Fire truck sirens wailed in the distance, and police cars were already racing to the crash site.

"We’re gonna get a big scolding from Mon-chan."

"Yeah, totally. Such a drag."

The twins laughed cheerfully as they floated down with the wind, heading for the rural outskirts of Odin.

Dressed in the uniform of "Delivery Dinner," Balthazar, with a nonchalant expression, was serving the police staff when suddenly a heavy reverberation was transmitted beneath his feet.

──It has begun.

He glanced at the clock on the wall of the dining hall inside the military police station. Exactly 5:00 PM. Right on schedule.

“What’s going on? A bombing!?”

“It’s close! Hey, what’s happening!?”

The military police officers eating dinner in the dining hall began to panic. Some threw down their half-eaten meat pies and chicken sautés and rushed outside to check the situation. The explosion was that close.

──Those twins, they've got good skills.

Even Balthazar had to acknowledge their abilities. He had been quite worried about whether they were the right people to entrust with such an important mission, but since Illia and Leo had vouched for them, he had left it to them, and as a result, they crashed the bomber into the exact location at the exact time.

As the commotion spread in the dining hall, an announcement began to play over the station’s intercom.

“An aircraft crash has occurred in Block L14, at the planned settler residential area. There is a possibility of an attack by enemy aircraft. All personnel from the security and public safety departments, please gather in the conference room. Traffic personnel, please immediately proceed to manage the surrounding traffic. I repeat, an aircraft crash has occurred in Block L14, possibly due to an enemy attack...”

After hearing the announcement, the military police officers hurriedly shovelled down their dinners and left the dining hall with annoyed expressions. Since the accident had occurred right under the station's nose, the previously quiet station suddenly became chaotic, filled with the sound of hurried footsteps and shouts confirming departmental roles.

After confirming that all the personnel had left the dining hall, Balthazar, who had been serving beef stew, tossed the unfamiliar ladle onto the tray. Reiner, who had been serving meat pies, looked over with a smirk.

“How was it, Baltha? Your first time serving stew to someone?”

“Stop the useless chatter. Let’s wait until the place clears out a bit. Serve the meals and mix in the stuff. Deliver it to the staff downstairs.”

“Roger that. Now comes the real fun.”

Reiner divided up the food from the large plate and poured in the prepared muscle relaxant and sleeping pills into the stew.

Five minutes later, the unnecessary personnel had left, and the station was quiet.

Still disguised with hats, wigs, and fake beards, Balthazar and Reiner, making sure to avoid being seen as much as possible, each carried a tray of food and left the dining hall.

The layout of the station was already memorized from their previous visit. They headed straight for the stairs leading to the detention cells, pretending to deliver food as they descended.

On the first basement floor, the entrance to the detention area was blocked by a grate, and two military police officers were on duty.

One of the military police officers, with his legs up on a simple desk and his back against a chair, looked up from the dirty magazine he had been reading. He had a slimy, reptilian face.

“What do you guys want? What’s a food delivery doing here?”

Reiner stepped forward and explained their purpose.

“The section chief told us to deliver your meal.”

“Huh? My meal’s not until six o’clock.”

“There was a bit of commotion, so the meal times have been delayed. Please have it while it’s still warm.”

They handed over the delicious-looking meals on the tray to the two dubious-looking military police officers. The one with the reptilian face looked displeased but, likely due to hunger, raised the grate and took the plates.

“Sorry about all the fuss. I’ll be back to collect the plates later. Take your time.”

Reiner, as usual, boldly lied with his carefree tone and quickly turned his back to the officers, heading back up the stairs.

“Won’t take five minutes.”

“Let’s wait seven minutes, just in case.”

“You’re so precise. Got it.”

The two returned to the dining hall, packed the leftovers into a blue case, loaded them onto a small truck, and waited for the drugs to take effect. In the city, the sound of sirens from fire trucks and emergency vehicles blared, and traffic jams were forming. It seemed a fire had broken out in an upscale residential area, and the military police had been dispatched to respond.

“Wonder if Lulu loaded a bomb on that thing?”

Reiner grinned as he watched the black smoke in the distance and made a joke. It probably wasn’t a bomb, but the fuel tanks must have been filled to the brim. The black smoke showed no signs of dying down, only intensifying.

“It’s time. Let’s go.”

“Got it.”

“Don’t die.”

“Wait, are you actually concerned about me?”

“I don’t have the manpower to carry back your dead body. If your identity gets exposed, they’ll come for me too. I need to avoid getting caught because of your screw-up.”

“Understood. I’ll do my best not to die, but what should I do if you’re the one who bites the dust?”

“Leave me. It’ll only bring trouble to you.”

“Roger that.”

Exchanging banter, the two returned from the parking lot to the station and once again descended the same stairs.

They could only hope the drugs had worked on both of the military police officers. If either of them hadn’t eaten, things could get troublesome.

Balthazar remained composed, but inside, he was overwhelmed with anxiety. If the military police officers hadn’t been completely incapacitated, it would greatly jeopardize the mission. Hijacking the food delivery truck and crashing the bomber were all for the purpose of incapacitating those two officers with the drugs. They had put enough time and effort into the plan, but the results...?

“Excuse meee. We’re here to collect the plates.”

Ignoring his anxiety, Reiner descended to the first basement floor with his usual carefree tone.

Then, satisfied, he put his hands on his hips.

“Piece of cake.”

Balthazar stepped out into the hallway and checked the state of the two military police officers. The one with the reptilian face had slumped to the floor, resting against the wall, fast asleep. The other officer was also asleep, slumped over the simple desk.

“Keys, keys...”

Reiner deftly took the keyrings from the belts of the two military police officers and tossed one to Balthazar.

“I’ll go get Kiyoaki. You handle Kagura.”

Balthazar caught the keyring and nodded. Splitting up here had been part of the plan from the start. It was Reiner’s suggestion, as it would save time.

But there was one thing bothering Balthazar.

The words Kiyoaki had said when he visited the cell the other day.

“Reiner was the one who knocked over the communication equipment.”

The moment he heard it, he knew it was about the night landing of the Eriadore airship. Just before landing, a strong crosswind hit, making a crash inevitable... Just when he had resigned himself to that, someone behind the cockpit knocked over the communication equipment, balancing the airship. Someone with such godlike skills had been in the rear of the airship at that time.

In the cockpit were Kiyoaki and Illia. Mio had been immobilized by injury. The suspects were Balthazar, Kagura, Cecil, and Reiner. Balthazar excluded himself. Cecil was highly likely to be a key figure of the Sylvanian royal family, which left either Kagura or Reiner as the one hiding superhuman abilities.

──Your actions are sometimes unnatural, Reiner Beck.

Even today, during this entire infiltration operation, he maintained his carefree attitude, yet his skill with a knife when hijacking the small truck, as well as his effortless procurement of muscle relaxants and sleeping pills, was suspiciously efficient. He acts like an idiot, but no idiot could infiltrate the elite Voltec Air Corps. What if this man had shown just enough of the necessary skills to infiltrate the most elite division of the St Vault Air Force as a spy...?

Balthazar called out to Reiner, who was heading towards Kiyoaki’s cell.

"If Sakagami is dead, bring his corpse."

Reiner's steps halted. For a brief moment, he froze, staring straight ahead. It looked like he was quickly contemplating something. Then, he turned toward Balthazar with his usual frivolous expression.

"What’s that supposed to mean? If he’s dead, shouldn’t we just leave him?"

As expected, he raised a question. Balthazar lied.

"It's part of the contract with Cecil. Even if they die in that cell, we must transport the bodies."

Reiner silently stared at Balthazar. In his eyes, Balthazar noticed a sinister gleam.

──This guy is hiding his true nature.

He sensed it intuitively. Something extraordinary was lurking beneath Reiner Beck's persona.

"That’s pointless."

"Whether it’s pointless or not doesn’t matter. It’s Cecil’s request."

"Why do you go so far to honour Cecil's wishes?"

"We don’t have time. I’ll explain later. Just remember, even if they’re dead, bring the body."

Balthazar cut the conversation short and stepped toward the stairs leading to the second basement to rescue Kagura. As he did, he felt the sharp gaze of Reiner on his back, almost murderous.

After watching Balthazar descend to the second basement, Reiner turned his gaze toward the darkness ahead and muttered his complaint.

"Baltha might be onto something, huh?"

The voice of the Hachidori in the back of his mind answered.

──The meaning of the request is unclear. What benefit is there in bringing back a corpse?

“Who knows?”

Hachidori thought for a while and then answered its own question.

──The request was probably a bluff. It’s meaningless.

──Balthazar threw out a meaningless demand to observe my reaction.

──That man might have noticed my presence.

“Should we change the plan?”

Hachidori fell silent again, considering the situation, before answering.

──It depends on Sakagami’s response. We’ll decide how to proceed based on that.

“Got it.”

Reiner slid forward, heading toward Kiyoaki’s cell.

If Kiyoaki had spilled Reiner’s true identity to the military police, Reiner would kill him on the spot and escape Odin. If he hadn’t talked, Reiner would get him out of the cell, kill him where no one was watching, and continue his life in Odin as before. That had been his plan from the start.

He soon arrived in front of Kiyoaki’s cell. Smirking, he called into the darkness inside.

“Well, well, well... It’s been a while, Kiyoaki. You still alive?”

The figure lying on the cold floor stirred.

A swollen face rose up.

"Reiner…?"

"Hey there. You’re looking even more handsome."

It seemed like Kiyoaki had been beaten up quite a bit. There were visible cuts on his cheeks and forehead. However, beneath the bruised skin, Kiyoaki couldn’t hide his relief.

"Reiner... You came for me!"

"Keep your voice down. Wait a sec."

Reiner fiddled with the keyring he had taken earlier, trying several keys in the lock. The third one was the right one, and the key turned in the lock.

A section of the iron bars swung open, and Reiner slipped into the cell, crouching down in front of Kiyoaki, who was lying on the floor.

His hands were cuffed behind his back, likely restrained after resisting. Though he looked exhausted, it seemed like he could stand.

"Reiner, thank you. Reiner..."

"Shut up. Stay quiet."

He silenced Kiyoaki while unlocking the handcuffs. With a short groan, Kiyoaki managed to push himself up into a sitting position on his own.

Reiner leaned in close and whispered.

"Now, Kiyoaki, I’ve got a serious question for you, and I need you to answer seriously."

He had to fulfill the real purpose for coming here today.

Depending on the answer, it could lead to something brutal.

"...? What?"

Kiyoaki tilted his head, confused.

Reiner steeled himself and asked.

"Did you say anything about me to the military police?"

"…About you?"

"Right before you were caught, you asked me a lot about my past, remember? Did you mention any of that stuff to the military police?"

Kiyoaki blinked a few times, looking directly at Reiner from up close. Then, as if understanding the meaning of the question, his expression became serious.

"...Of course not. That was my personal curiosity. I wouldn’t spread around questions that could harm you."

"……………………"

Kiyoaki's face grew even more solemn.

"I think of you as my best friend, no matter who you are."

He said that with an earnest tone.

"Now and forever."

Reiner received the answer, lowered his gaze, and then reached out with his right hand, grabbing Kiyoaki's chin.

Then, with his left hand, he placed it on the side of Kiyoaki's head.

If he applied enough pressure as if turning a steering wheel, Kiyoaki would die.

"I told you, don’t ever call me your best friend again."

"Reiner...?"

At the Air Hunt Officer Academy, Kiyoaki had told Reiner he considered him his best friend. Reiner had refused to shake the offered hand, instead putting Kiyoaki in a headlock and saying:

"Listen, never call me your best friend again, got it? If you say it again, I won’t let you off so easy next time."

Kiyoaki had screamed and promised never to call him that again.

Yet, despite that promise, Kiyoaki had broken it easily, calling him his best friend again.

Even though he likely suspected Reiner’s true identity, he still called him that.

How much of an idiot are you?

You’re the biggest fool ever. Knowing you has messed me up in ways I can’t even explain.

"Reiner...?"

With his chin and the side of his head still held, Kiyoaki looked at Reiner curiously.

"You piss me off. Seriously... You piss me off so much I don’t even get it."

If I had never met you, I could have just stayed a spy. I could have kept betraying and deceiving people, stepping all over them, and confidently turning my back on them while whistling away.

But because you act like a friend, everything’s gotten confusing.

I really don’t understand what I’m even thinking anymore.

Suppressing the emotions welling up from deep inside, Reiner let go of Kiyoaki and, this time, supported him by the shoulders to help him stand.

"...We’re escaping. Baltha is off rescuing Kagura."

"Y-Yeah."

"Illia is waiting outside."

Summoning strength in his shaky legs, Kiyoaki managed to stand up, though his movements were as unsteady as a newborn fawn. Reiner wrapped his left arm around Kiyoaki's side, supporting his body as they exited the cell.

"Hopefully, Baltha pulls it off."

"Yeah."

Kiyoaki, supported by Reiner, forced his weakened legs to climb the stairs.

Balthazar descended to the second basement, his eyes scanning the dark corridor where Kagura’s cell was located.

He moved forward with faltering steps, fully aware of the urgency he felt. His pace quickened, not because he was worried about Kagura, he told himself, but because the plan was on a tight schedule. He mentally repeated this excuse, even as his breathing became laboured while rushing down the hallway.

He soon reached the cell. It was too dark to see inside.

“It’s me, Kagura. Are you safe?”

He called out softly.

There was no response.

His heart started pounding rapidly.

──No, it can’t be.

──Not Kagura, of all people.

“Hey! This is no time to joke around. Wake up. We’re getting out of here.”

He raised his voice slightly, but still, there was no response. Squinting into the darkness, he couldn’t make out anything inside the cell.

“Damn it!”

Cursing under his breath, he fumbled through the keyring, trying each key in the lock. None of them worked. His anxiety grew.

“Which one is it? Damn it, is it the wrong key!?”

He tried all the keys, but none opened the door.

──This can’t be. I’ve made it this far. Kagura is right here.

──No, calm down. Don’t panic. Steady your hands.

He realized that his hands were trembling. Taking a deep breath in and exhaling slowly, he started over, trying the keys again from the beginning.

On the fourth try, the lock clicked open.

“Kagura!”

He shouted her name, flinging the door open and rushing inside the cell.

“Where are you? I can’t see you!”

His voice, bordering on a scream, filled the small space. From the back of the cell, a shadow slowly stirred and sat up.

“...Baltha...?”

The voice was faint, but it was unmistakably Kagura’s. As his eyes adjusted to the darkness, he could see her better. Kagura, still in her military uniform, had apparently been sleeping on the floor.

Relieved, he slid over to her side.

"Are you okay, Kagura? Are you restrained?"

"N-No..."

"We need to leave immediately. Can you stand?"

"Y-Yeah..."

"I’ll help you. Get up. I’ve arranged a ship to get you out of Odin."

Not giving her time to ask questions, Balthazar lifted her right arm and placed it over his shoulder, while supporting her left side with his left hand, helping her to stand. Fortunately, she wasn’t bound, and her limbs were free.

He guided Kagura out of the cell, then, under the dim corridor lights, placed his hand under her chin to lift her face.

Kagura resisted, tensing her neck and looking down.

Balthazar, almost forcefully, grabbed her cheek and made her look up.

In the faint light, her tear-streaked face was revealed.

There was a bruise above her left eye, but it wasn’t severe enough to change her facial structure.

"You look the same as always. There’s nothing to be ashamed of."

"……………………"

"Never look down again in front of me. Keep your head up."

The indignation that had built up in his chest transformed naturally into those words.

"...Yeah..."

Kagura mumbled, rolling the words around in her mouth before whispering.

"...You came... for me..."

It seemed she had finally grasped the situation.

"D-Don’t get the wrong idea. Cecil asked me to. It’s not for your sake."

Snapping back to his senses, Balthazar hurried to explain.

"...I see. I see... You came to... rescue us..."

Balthazar noticed that Kagura’s voice was filled with tears.

"N-No! It’s because Cecil ordered it!"

"Yeah. Yeah. I know. I understand..."

Despite her words, Kagura pressed herself tightly against Balthazar, as if seeking comfort.

Her body warmth and current emotions were directly transmitted to Balthazar.

Kagura was so happy that she was crying. He understood that. And knowing that made Balthazar inexplicably happy, too.

──I’m so glad. I’m truly glad that Kagura is alive.

He couldn’t stop his heart from whispering those thoughts.

“We can cry later. For now, we need to escape. Can you walk?”

"Yeah. It might be a bit tough. Help me, Baltha."

Like a child clinging to a parent, Kagura earnestly asked for help.

"Hey, Kagura, are you alright? You’re acting like a different person."

Balthazar, bewildered, lifted Kagura onto his back. If she couldn’t walk, he had no choice but to carry her, or so he justified it to himself.

"Thank you. Sorry, Baltha."

Kagura, like a reassured child, wrapped her arms around Balthazar’s chest and clung tightly to him.

──She must have been terrified of being imprisoned.

The sense of relief and the soft, dependent voice that Kagura expressed from behind seeped deep into Balthazar's heart. Feeling the weakness in Kagura’s grip, Balthazar bent down once to adjust her position on his back.

──She’s so light. Is she really this small and fragile?

She always carried herself with such confidence that he had assumed she had a stronger build. While her weakened state could be partly due to her time in captivity, even then, she seemed unexpectedly delicate.

"Baltha... Baltha..."

Kagura repeatedly called his name.

"What is it? Are you in pain somewhere?"

"No, I'm fine. Baltha... Baltha..."

The grip of Kagura’s hands tightened as she clung to him.

"I asked you what you wanted."

Balthazar’s face turned red as he asked again. This was the first time someone had called his name so closely and repeatedly, and it made him feel strangely embarrassed.

"There’s no reason. Balthaaa... Balthaaa..."

She whispered sweetly into his ear. Unsure how to respond, Balthazar shouted back in frustration.

"This is no time for joking! The danger isn’t over yet!"

"I know. Sorry... Are you mad?"

"I-I'm not mad! Have I ever gotten mad at you?"

"No. Never."

Still clinging to him, Kagura pressed her cheek against Balthazar’s, rubbing gently.

"What is that? Is your cheek itchy?"

"No."

"Then why are you rubbing it?"

"I don't know... I just feel like doing it."

"You’re a strange woman. Do as you please."

As Kagura rubbed her cheek against him, Balthazar continued to climb the stairs, step by step. Although it seemed like a meaningless gesture, he didn’t want her to stop. He found it oddly comforting.

They reached the first basement floor. Reiner’s presence was already gone, as he must have gone ahead. In front of Balthazar, the two military police officers were still deeply asleep due to the drugs.

"Kagura, is there anyone you want revenge on?"

"Huh...?"

"The officer who gave you that bruise on your forehead, is he one of those two?"

Kagura lifted her head and looked at the officers sleeping in the hallway.

"Uh... the one sleeping in the hallway. The guy who looks like a lizard..."

"Wait here."

Balthazar gently lowered Kagura from his back. He then approached the officer, who was sleeping soundly against the wall with his legs stretched out, and kicked him hard in the crotch.

A short, pained grunt escaped from the officer, but the drug’s effects were so strong that he couldn’t wake up, let alone stand.

Unable to control his anger, Balthazar kicked him repeatedly. The image of Kagura, her arm in a sling and head bowed, replayed in his mind. Fuelled by rage, he kept kicking until he felt the man’s most sensitive area break under his foot, and only then did he stop. Breathing heavily, he reported back.

"He won’t be able to use it ever again. Are you satisfied?"

Kagura, leaning against the wall, had watched the entire scene. The officer foamed at the mouth, showing no signs of moving.

"Was that... really necessary...?"

"Wasn’t it?"

"...He hit me, but... to take away his manhood..."

"If he hit a woman’s face, then this is the least punishment he deserves. Let’s get moving."

"Y-Yeah..."

Balthazar once again hoisted Kagura onto his back and began climbing the stairs.

As she swayed gently on his strong back, Kagura quietly expressed her gratitude.

"Thank you, Baltha. Thank you."

"I-I didn't do it for you. It was because Cecil..."

"Yeah, yeah. I understand. I understand, Balthaaa..."

Kagura pressed her cheek against Balthazar’s once again, and in doing so, they both reaffirmed each other’s presence. Their faint breaths synchronized, and the rhythm of their hearts beat in unison, transcending the barriers of their physical bodies to communicate the voices of their souls.

Balthazar had never in his life felt anything resembling happiness. He had always seen life as a barren wilderness where he walked alone, armed only with his own skills. There was no room for joy, nor did he think he needed it.

Yet now, there was no doubt that what filled his heart was happiness. He could feel an affection welling up from the depths of his soul, spreading throughout his entire body. Just as a silk cloth dyed red could never return to its original colour, he knew that both his body and soul would be forever marked by this affection.

But this was no time for peace. Danger still lay ahead of them.

"Stop it. We’re almost outside. Someone might see us..."

Blushing deeply, Balthazar climbed the final steps, peeking around the corner to check the lobby for any people. Thanks to the chaos caused by the crash, the staff had all left, and the area was deserted.

"We’re going. Illia is waiting for us outside..."

He had never prayed to any gods before, but for the first time, Balthazar prayed. If there was a god, he didn’t care if none of his other wishes were granted for the rest of his life—just this one, let them escape unnoticed.

"Let’s go!"

With determination, he stepped forward. Seven meters to the exit. Clenching his teeth, he sprinted with all his might, Kagura on his back, across the lobby.

"We’re out!"

Bursting through the building’s doors and into the sunlight, he shouted in triumph.

"So bright...!"

Kagura’s voice was a mix of joy and surprise, as if she hadn’t seen the sun in ages. Having spent so much time in the darkness of her cell, the intense summer sunlight was overwhelming for her.

“Baltha, hurry!!”

Illia, who had stopped a limousine at the entrance of the police station, shouted from the driver’s seat. Balthazar bolted toward the car like a rabbit escaping danger.

In the passenger seat was Reiner. In the back seat, Kiyoaki sat with his eyes closed, looking utterly exhausted. Balthazar opened the door and hurriedly pushed Kagura into the back seat.

“Kagura…!?”

Kiyoaki, still with his eyes closed, turned his face towards the voice and shouted. He too seemed unable to see. Balthazar slid in next to Kagura on the left and yelled towards the driver’s seat.

“Hurry, get us out of here!!”

“Yes, sir!!”

Illia shifted gears, and the car began to move. Kiyoaki and Kagura forced their eyelids open, managing to vaguely see each other, and intertwined their fingers.

“Kiyoaki, are you alright, Kiyoaki…!?”

“I’m fine, Kagura. I’m so glad, Kagura…!!”

Their voices were filled with tears as they expressed their joy at each other’s safety. Balthazar quickly glanced back, confirmed that no one was pursuing them, and then spoke to the two.

“Don’t force your eyes open. Let them adjust to the light slowly.”

“Yeah.”

“You’re safe now. A submarine is waiting directly below Odin. You two will descend using parachutes, set off a flare on the sea surface, and the submarine will pick you up. After that, you’ll be able to return to the Akitsu Federation.”

As Balthazar spoke those words, a sharp pain pierced his chest.

──What is this? It hurts.

It felt like a drill was boring into the centre of his chest, leaving a raw, intense ache.

With her eyes still closed, Kagura turned her face towards Balthazar.

“Do we have to run away?”

“Of course.”

Balthazar responded, trying his best to hide the loneliness that threatened to creep into his voice, maintaining an indifferent tone.

Tears began to stream from Kagura’s still-closed eyes.

“I don’t want to leave.”

Without any hesitation, Kagura clung to Balthazar, disregarding the presence of others.

“W-What are you saying? If you stay on this island, you’ll be caught again.”

Blushing, Balthazar awkwardly tried to reason with her.

“I want to stay with everyone.”

Kagura clung to him even tighter, not bothering to hide her tears, and spoke from the depths of her heart.

“Hey, Kagura, you’ve been acting strange for a while now. Calm down. You can’t stay in this country anymore. The people of this country are your enemies now.”

Balthazar spoke firmly, as if trying to suppress his own feelings. But Kagura shook her head.

“People aren’t the enemy. Even if the nations are at war, people aren’t enemies.”

The once composed and dignified expression Kagura always wore had completely crumbled.

“They’re such kind people. They’re such good friends. Why do we have to say goodbye? This doesn’t make sense. This is madness.”

Through her tears, Kagura cried out. The car fell silent. Even Reiner, who would usually make a joke in such a moment, remained quiet.

No one could answer Kagura’s question.

She just wanted to stay with her cherished companions. But the reality of nations and times would not allow even that small wish.

Everyone in the car knew that the times were indeed insane. And they also knew that no matter how much an individual might wish otherwise, there was no changing it. They were powerless, tossed about by fate, left with nothing but futile laments.

As the car sped through the city, the streets gave way to open plains. Illia spoke up, announcing their destination.

“Captain Leo is waiting at the very edge of Odin. He’s already thrown down the flare for the submarine to spot. Once you jump from there, they’ll pick you up right away.”

Kiyoaki, surprised, asked, “Captain Leo is helping us too…?”

“Yeah, it was Captain Leo who arranged for Lulu and Lala to be assigned to the afternoon patrol. He said he wanted to save his comrades…”

Deep gratitude welled up in both Kiyoaki and Kagura. Despite the fact that, in Leo’s position, they were now enemy pilots, he had taken on such a dangerous mission that could jeopardize his own career.

“I don’t even know how to begin repaying him…”

That was all Kiyoaki could say. The sense of chivalry from Leo, a soldier of the St Vault military, struck deeply into both Kiyoaki and Kagura.

“The best way to repay him is to escape safely. If you make it out alive, we’ll meet again after the war ends…”

Ilia’s words offered a small but much-needed comfort. Kiyoaki nodded.

“…Yeah. We’ll meet again. If we survive, we’ll definitely meet again.”

Salvation lay in that hope alone.

No matter what happens, surviving is the most important thing.

No matter how harsh fate may be, they must never give in, and they must keep living.

Beyond all of this, surely, a happy tomorrow awaits.

That was the only thing they could believe in.

"Step on it, Illia. They’ll figure out the prison break soon. If they set up checkpoints, we’re in trouble," Balthazar commanded, knowing that they couldn’t relax until Kiyoaki and Kagura were safely off the island.

"Got it."

Illia shifted the gear into top speed, and the limousine kicked up dust as it sped away. In the distance, the faint sound of police sirens echoed, confirming Balthazar’s suspicion—the breakout had been discovered. If they didn’t get Kiyoaki and Kagura parachuted off the island soon, all their efforts would go to waste.

The acceleration pressed down on all five passengers.

Each person fell silent, lost in their own thoughts.

The time they had left together was quickly running out.

Their farewell was drawing near.

"There it is. That’s the drop point," Illia pointed ahead. At the farthest edge of Odin stood the ruined fortification of a gun battery. Once installed by Urano, it had been decimated during the Battle of Sierra Greed by the St Vault Navy and Air Force, and now it stood like a concrete graveyard. The three massive 46cm gun turrets were broken and twisted, left overgrown by vines, as the clean-up had been delayed indefinitely.

"Hurry."

Illia stopped the car, and all five of them got out. Illia and Balthazar helped Kiyoaki and Kagura, who were still struggling to fully open their eyes, to their feet.

"There are two parachutes in the trunk, along with Kagura’s sword."

"You brought my sword? Thank you…"

Reiner opened the trunk, rummaged around for a moment, and then pulled out two parachutes.

"This one’s for Kiyoaki, and this one’s for Kagura. Took a lot of effort to get these, you know," he joked, handing the parachutes to them. Kiyoaki squinted his eyes open just enough to inspect what he had received, then let it dangle from his right hand.

Suddenly, from behind one of the gun turrets, Leo and several members of the Voltec Air Corps emerged.

"Right on schedule, Sakagami, Kagura. Glad to see you’re both safe."

At the sound of Leo’s voice, Kiyoaki and Kagura reacted immediately.

"Captain! Thank you so much. I don’t know how to repay you…"

"I can never express my gratitude. This debt will last a lifetime…"

Leo approached them, placing a hand on each of their shoulders as he spoke.

"Even St Vault soldiers have their pride. What this country has done to you was wrong. Forgive us."

"N-No…"

Leo shook his head and continued.

"Flee from this country. Use the skills you’ve honed for the sake of your homeland. That’s the path of a soldier. Your role now is to survive and fight for your nation. I hope that you live and fight for your country as I will for mine."

"Captain…"

Both Kiyoaki and Kagura stood up straight and accepted Leo’s words.

Leo, as if he were running out of time, delivered his final orders as their superior officer.

"Listen, if we ever meet on the battlefield, fight with honour. Don’t hold back. That’s how we show respect for one another. Bushido and chivalry—the highest praise for each other’s values. I won’t hold back. I will give my all to shoot you down. You must swear to do the same—fight with everything you have to bring us down."

Kiyoaki couldn’t hold back his tears. He was overwhelmed by the realization that, in this St Vault nation, he had been blessed with such a remarkable superior officer. What Leo was saying might not be understood by ordinary people, but to a soldier, it was the highest form of honour.

A soldier fights for the future of their country. Their role is to protect their grandparents, parents, friends, lovers, children, and grandchildren. When soldiers from different nations meet on the battlefield, even if they are friends, they must give their all in the fight. That is the duty of a soldier.

Determined to convey his respect and gratitude to Leo, Kiyoaki straightened his back and responded.

"Yes, I will fight. I will fight with everything I have against the Voltec Air Corps."

He swore through sobs. Kagura also stood tall, summoning her strength to speak.

"I will fight with honour. For the name of the samurai, I will fight proudly against the noble knights of St Vault. I will face them head-on, without running away."

Their gratitude to Leo could only be conveyed through that vow. Leo nodded several times before patting both of their shoulders and bidding them farewell.

"Take care out there. Don’t go dying in some pointless way. When the war is over, and if we’re still alive, let’s get together and raise some hell again."

"Yes. Thank you. Thank you so much…!"

As Kiyoaki sobbed, Balthazar urged them from behind.

"Hurry, we don’t have much time…"

Kiyoaki and Kagura exchanged parting words and hugs with McGuire and Leon, who had accompanied Leo, before moving to the edge of the gun turret.

Holding the parachute in one hand, Kiyoaki opened his eyes. Since getting out of the car, his vision had adjusted to the light, and he could now see the landscape.

Standing at the edge, he leaned forward slightly and looked down. Far below the concrete platform, the silver sea was calm and still. The setting sun cast a broad reflection across the surface of the water.

He felt the summer breeze brush past him.

The smell of the wind told him that another precious season was coming to an end.

When he looked back, Illia was standing right behind him.

She wore a black outer camisole, boldly revealing her skin, with her bright red hair swaying in the summer breeze. In her deep green eyes, there was a gleam of sorrow for their parting.

The heartache split Kiyoaki’s chest wide open.

It was the same soft yet piercing pain he had felt when he parted ways with Mio at the Cross Cape.

Two years had passed since the harrowing escape through enemy lines in the Eriadore airship. During that time, Illia had grown to be an irreplaceable part of Kiyoaki’s life. She had always been by his side, a constant presence.

Now, it was possible he would never see her again.

Or worse, they might meet again on the battlefield and be forced to kill each other.

"Illia."

He called her name. They both moved toward each other without thinking.

He had no idea how to express what he was feeling in words.

The emotions he held for Ilia—were they the same as what he felt for Mio? Could they coexist, or did he need to choose between them? He had no answer.

All Kiyoaki could do was turn his feelings into actions.

He was about to experience another painful farewell. So, he wanted to honestly share his heart with the person standing before him, still alive.

"I have a request, Sakagami."

Illia, as she embraced Kiyoaki, wrapped her thin arms around his back and whispered into his ear.

"Yeah. Anything. Just tell me."

"I want you to swear the same promise you made with Captain Leo, but this time with me."

Illia quietly made her request.

Kiyoaki closed his eyes and pulled Ilia’s head closer to him, pressing her against his chest. Her warmth, softness, and the steady rhythm of her heartbeat were overwhelming.

"I can’t."

How could he promise to meet this precious person on the battlefield and fight to kill her?

"Swear it to me."

Ilia’s breath was hot against his chest as she whispered.

"I can’t fight you."

Kiyoaki’s legs trembled.

"Why not? Is it because I’m a woman?"

"No, that’s not it. But I can’t shoot you."

"Do you not see me as a soldier? Do you not acknowledge me as an airman? Am I not worthy of being your opponent?"

"It’s not that. I respect you. I believe you’ll be the best pilot in the world someday."

Illia lifted her face and looked at him with the resolute expression of an airman.

"If you truly believe that, then fight me for real."

"Why?"

"...Because I also believe that you will one day become the king of the skies."

"……………………"

"And one day, we will meet in the sky. I know it. I have to defeat you. That’s my destiny."

Kiyoaki realized that Illia was serious. This was something she had planned to ask him during their farewell.

From a young age, Illia had been raised by her father, Karsten, to become the "king of the skies." Most of her life had been dedicated to that purpose. Even after joining the Voltec Air Corps, she had relentlessly trained and refined her aerial combat skills.

Kiyoaki could feel Illia’s deep emotions toward her father, who had been defeated by Kiyoaki’s father, Masaharu, losing an arm in the process and falling into alcoholism. No matter how poorly she was treated, Illia could never abandon her father. She fought tirelessly with the dream of becoming the king of the skies and making her father proud.

──And if I’m the one who stands in the way of her dream...

──What am I supposed to do?

The distant sound of police sirens echoed in the background.

There was no more time to hesitate.

Kiyoaki didn’t want to leave Illia with unresolved feelings.

At the very least, he wanted to be completely honest with this important person.

He didn’t know what kind of future awaited them, but if this was what Illia wanted...

Then he would make another promise.

Still holding Illia close, Kiyoaki swore:

"If we meet on the battlefield, I’ll fight you with everything I have."

It felt like blood was dripping from his heart as he spoke those words. Only after saying them did he truly feel the weight of the vow.

Ilia smiled, tears brimming in her eyes.

"I’ll give you a sign. I’ll have a white wolf painted on my nose art. It’s something my father gave me. You should put a black rabbit on yours. That way, I’ll know it’s you."

"Alright. You’ll have a white wolf, and I’ll have a black rabbit. I promise, I’ll paint it on my plane."

"I respect you, Sakagami. To become the king of the skies, I know I must defeat you. One day, I will shoot you down."

Illia smiled as brightly as she could, despite the tears in her eyes, as she said those words.

Kiyoaki’s heart ached with affection. She was so precious to him, yet here they were, making such a painful promise. Why did it have to be this way? Why did they have to agree to something so tragic?

"I hope we never meet. If possible."

"Does that mean you don’t want to see me again?"

"When the war is over, I’ll come find you. No matter where you are, I’ll come see you."

Illia smiled faintly and tightened her grip on Kiyoaki’s back.

As he felt Illia’s warmth and tried to hold onto the moment, Kiyoaki became aware of another gaze directed at them—a gaze filled with intense and unsettling emotions.

──Reiner.

Kiyoaki shifted his eyes toward him and made up his mind.

──I’m grateful for what you did to help us. But...

──I can’t let you continue betraying your comrades.

──I’ll settle this with you.

Kiyoaki slowly let go of Illia and turned a serious gaze toward his friend.

Standing at the edge of the gun turret, Kagura forced her eyes open and confirmed the ocean 2,000 meters below. Then, she turned around.

Her saviour stood awkwardly, his face bright red, with both hands stuffed in his pockets.

"Hurry up and go. I—I don’t care what happens to you two…"

Time was running out.

Kagura, letting her emotions take over, ran towards Balthazar.

“You only did this because Cecil asked you…,” she began, but silenced his all-too-familiar excuse with a kiss.

Balthazar stood there, hands still shoved in his pockets, frozen in place.

"Do you think we’ll meet again?" Kagura asked, pulling back and looking up at him.

Balthazar’s face turned bright red like molten lava, but he didn’t respond.

"This isn’t goodbye forever, right?" she pressed.

Still, Balthazar remained motionless, steam practically rising from his head, his arms straight at his sides, unable to move.

Kagura smiled. This man, who was so remarkably competent, who pretended to be cold and indifferent, was kind, brave, and noble—but so clumsy that he couldn’t even put his true feelings into words. She found him irresistibly lovable and endearing.

“We’ll meet again, Baltha. I promise, I’ll repay this debt tenfold.”

Balthazar finally looked down at her.

“I-I didn’t do it to save you.”

Kagura gave him the brightest smile she could muster. If this truly was their final goodbye, she wanted to leave Balthazar with the best memory of her.

“I love you, Baltha,” she said, without any hesitation.

Then, she hugged him tightly, rubbing her cheek against his chest, savouring the warmth one last time.

“We’ll meet again. We will. And when we do, we’ll both be stronger, powerful enough to change the world.”

“O-Okay.”

“Stay safe. Don’t die. We’re going to meet again, after all.”

“O-Okay.”

Kagura wiped away her tears, looked at Balthazar’s flustered face with a smile, and then turned toward Kiyoaki.

It was time to go.

She had to leave behind everything and return to her beloved homeland.

At that moment, Kiyoaki did something unexpected. He threw his parachute toward Reiner.

“…Huh?”

Reiner caught it, his face filled with surprise. Kagura noticed the dangerous gleam in Reiner’s eyes.

──This is bad.

She didn’t understand the situation, but her instincts screamed at her.

Without thinking, Kagura’s hand moved to the hilt of the sword at her waist.

As Kiyoaki and Illia, and Kagura and Balthazar shared their farewells, Reiner continued to quietly converse with the Hachidori in his mind.

──The sabotage isn’t enough.

"I’m telling you, it’s fine. Once he jumps with that parachute, the belt will definitely snap."

──The cut isn’t deep enough. There aren’t enough weak points. If you want to ensure the kill, it needs to be deeper and in more places.

"If I did that, it’d be too obvious! Trust me, when he jumps, he’ll definitely die!"

Earlier, Reiner had secretly made a cut in the strap that connected Kiyoaki’s parachute to his body. If Kiyoaki jumped without knowing, the shoulder belt would surely tear mid-air, sending him plummeting to his death.

──I don’t believe it’s certain.

──If he notices the damage mid-flight, he could adjust his weight on his right shoulder and manage the descent.

"You’re worrying too much. I’m telling you, it’ll work perfectly…right?"

In the middle of his sentence, Reiner noticed Kiyoaki was looking directly at him.

Maybe he was about to say his final goodbye? Reiner met his gaze.

Then, to his shock, Kiyoaki tossed the parachute right at him.

“What?”

Reiner instinctively caught it and stared at Kiyoaki in confusion.

“Thank you for everything, Reiner. I still think of you as my best friend,” Kiyoaki said, his expression serious.

“And I always will. So, whatever happens next, please understand—it’s all for your sake.”

Reiner couldn’t decipher Kiyoaki’s intent.

Leo, his two subordinates, Kagura, and Balthazar all turned their attention toward Kiyoaki, puzzled by his actions.

Reiner tilted his head, puzzled, and asked, "What do you mean?"

Kiyoaki smirked mischievously, an expression Reiner had rarely seen—a smile that made him look like a cheeky troublemaker.

──Black Rabbit.

The nickname briefly flashed through Reiner’s mind.

Suddenly—

Kiyoaki turned to face everyone else, his voice clear and commanding.

“I need to tell you all something important.”

Then, Kiyoaki pointed at Reiner and declared:

"Reiner is a spy for Urano."

Everyone froze in shock at his words.

"The sabotage on Air Hunt Island wasn’t Mio’s doing—it was him. During the previous sea battle, he was leaking Voltec Air Corps information to Urano. We need to detain him immediately."

Kiyoaki spoke confidently, his tone leaving no room for doubt. Leo, perplexed, looked back and forth between Reiner and Kiyoaki, trying to make sense of the situation.

“H-Hey, what are you suddenly saying...?” Reiner stammered, attempting to defend himself, but Balthazar cut him off.

“We need to investigate him. There have been far too many suspicious events surrounding him.”

Balthazar’s mind flashed back to the words Kiyoaki had spoken during their imprisonment.

"Reiner was the one who knocked over the communication equipment."

Ever since then, Balthazar had kept a close eye on Reiner, and the more he looked into it, the more he couldn’t shake his suspicions about Reiner’s true identity.

“W-Wait a minute! You can’t just accuse me of being a spy out of nowhere! What proof do you have?” Reiner protested.

“We have no physical evidence, but there are countless questions that demand answers. You’ll be coming with us for a long and thorough interrogation, Reiner Beck,” Balthazar said sternly.

During their infiltration of the police station, Balthazar had thrown a bluff at Reiner to gauge his reaction. He had sensed something deeply unsettling lurking beneath Reiner’s usual flippant demeanour—something sinister and dangerous that couldn’t be ignored any longer.

"Hmm, if you both insist, then we’ll have to investigate," Leo said thoughtfully, rubbing his chin as he gazed at Reiner.

Reiner took a step back.

Then, he glanced toward the edge of the gun turret, down to the sea below, and strapped on the parachute Kiyoaki had thrown him.

At last, Reiner understood why Kiyoaki had tossed him the parachute. It was an act of mercy—Kiyoaki had knowingly given him the damaged parachute as a parting gesture to his so-called friend.

“Hey, Kiyoaki,” Reiner suddenly called out, a grin creeping across his face.

“Move.”

A strange, malevolent light flickered in Reiner’s eyes.

Without warning, something glinted in Reiner’s right hand.

It was a dagger, hidden in his pants pocket.

Dust kicked up around Reiner’s heels as he lunged forward.

“!?”

Kiyoaki couldn’t react in time.

The three meters between them vanished in an instant, as Reiner moved with inhuman speed—a devilish action beyond normal human capability.

“Die.”

With the dagger aimed at Kiyoaki’s heart, Reiner muttered those words.

There was no way to dodge.

──I’m going to die.

That thought flashed through Kiyoaki’s mind.

But in the very next moment—a shadow stepped between them.

“Huh?”

A dull sound echoed as the blade sank into flesh.

Blood sprayed out.

Kiyoaki’s eyes widened in horror.

In front of him was an elegant, familiar back.

That back had taken the blow, shielding him from Reiner’s knife.

"Kagura!!"

Kiyoaki shouted her name.

“Nngh…!”

Reiner growled and slashed horizontally with his knife once more.

Blood sprayed through the summer air again.

“Guh…”

Kagura let out a pained groan.

The blood scattering was hers.

For a brief moment, an image flashed in Kiyoaki’s mind—the image of his sister, Yumiko, who had died protecting him from gunfire.

──Am I going to be saved by another important person’s life again?

──Am I going to survive once more by using the life of someone I care about as a shield?

There was a sharp metallic clang, followed by sparks flying in the summer sky.

Reiner clicked his tongue and leaped backward.

He gripped his dagger more firmly, bracing himself for another attack.

"Are you alright, Kiyoaki?"

Kagura turned to face Kiyoaki.

Blood dripped from the sword she held, and she was bleeding from two places—her right upper arm and her wrist.

“Kagura!!” Balthazar shouted.

Kagura lowered her sword diagonally, pointing it toward the ground.

Reiner’s predatory gaze locked onto her.

“I’ll kill you.”

He said it in a voice that Kiyoaki had never heard before—cold and filled with pure malice. With an inhuman burst of speed, Reiner lunged toward Kagura’s chest.

For a moment, Kagura stumbled. She had been imprisoned for so long that her body hadn’t fully regained its agility.

Reiner’s dagger cut through the air, aimed straight at Kagura’s throat.

Kagura barely managed to dodge, twisting her body away at the last moment, and countered with an upward slash from her sword.

Like a panther, Reiner sidestepped to the left, dodging the blow, and switched his dagger to his left hand.

His right calf tensed, gathering an extraordinary amount of strength, preparing to strike the ground with immense force.

“Kagura, watch out!!” Kiyoaki yelled, just as a cloud of dust kicked up around them.

In a straight line, like a bullet, Reiner leaped toward Kagura, thrusting his knife toward her heart.

Kagura brought her sword down with a powerful strike.

The flat of her blade knocked Reiner’s dagger away.

“Damn it.”

Reiner spun his body, creating distance between them with a quick retreat, his eyes glowing with the fierce intensity of a wild animal, locked onto Kagura’s sword.

Kagura tightened her expression, standing tall and resolute. She lifted her sword, pointing its tip directly at Reiner.

“I’ve seen through you.”

The dignified presence of a samurai radiated from Kagura.

“What did you say?”

Reiner’s face twisted with even more murderous intent, just as—

A gunshot echoed through the air.

Blood splattered from Reiner’s right shoulder, staining his military uniform.

“Gah…!?”

Balthazar, standing behind Reiner, had aimed his pistol at him. His voice was cold and commanding as he barked out a short order.

"Don't move," Balthazar commanded, the smoke still rising from his gun barrel.

Reiner glared at the barrel of the gun, and Leo, along with two of his subordinates, had already drawn their pistols, all aimed at Reiner. Kagura stood before him, her sword raised, her eyes locked on him.

The situation was clearly decided.

"Jump with your parachute, Reiner!!" Kiyoaki shouted impulsively.

He knew Reiner was now the enemy and had tried to kill him. But still, Reiner had been his best friend.

Reiner glanced at Kiyoaki.

For just a brief moment, he smiled.

──Goodbye, my friend.

──Don't die on me, okay?

That was the message Kiyoaki felt in his heart as Reiner smiled at him.

Reiner spoke:

"Kiyoaki, my nose art is the 'Hummingbird.'"

And with that, Reiner, parachute strapped on, leapt from the edge of the gun turret.

"He's escaping!" Leo's furious voice echoed. Everyone rushed to the edge, looking down.

At about 1,000 meters below, a white parachute bloomed in the air. But instead of a smooth descent, Reiner twisted awkwardly, his body jerking as he fell.

"What the hell... He really was a spy," Mcguire muttered, voicing the thoughts of everyone present. They all watched Reiner’s parachute drifting downward for a moment longer, but the sound of approaching police sirens reminded them of the urgency of the situation.

Kiyoaki walked over to Kagura, examining the blood coming from her arm. Fortunately, it didn’t seem like any arteries were hit.

"Thank you, Kagura. Are you okay...?"

"Somehow. But wow, I didn’t know Reiner was capable of such combat skills..."

"Kagura, you're amazing for blocking those attacks... It was incredible."

"It was all instinct. Plus, Balthazar helped me," Kagura smiled warmly at Balthazar, who awkwardly holstered his gun.

"It was just a precaution. I always carry it with me," Balthazar muttered.

"The debt keeps growing. I’ll repay it, I swear," Kagura replied.

"I don’t need it... Now go. If you get caught again, all of this will have been for nothing."

At Balthazar’s urging, Kiyoaki turned back to Kagura. There was only one parachute left, so they would have to jump together, their bodies strapped together.

"Kagura, I’m sorry, but we’ll need to go together."

"Yeah, I get it. Let’s stick close."

Illia carefully bandaged Kagura’s right arm as Kiyoaki strapped on the parachute. He fastened Kagura’s belt to his own with metal clasps.

"Do you want to face backward or forward?" Kagura teased mischievously.

Kiyoaki blushed and stammered, "Uh... for safety, let’s face forward. That way we can support each other with both hands..."

"Okay."

Kiyoaki took Kagura into his arms, preparing to embrace her for the jump.

"Make sure you’re both securely strapped. Don’t let go of each other," Leo instructed, passing a belt under their arms to ensure they were tightly bound together. Mcguire and Leon also tightened their belts, making sure Kiyoaki and Kagura were properly secured.

"That should do it."

"Kagura, hold on tight."

Kiyoaki wrapped his arms around Kagura, gripping her belt firmly.

He swore to himself that he wouldn’t let go.

He smiled at Balthazar and Illia. Kagura spoke once more.

"We will never forget our vow. No matter what happens, we will never hate each other. We trust each other, no matter what. We will never forget that."

Perhaps that vow had been made with this farewell in mind, anticipating this very day.

"We won’t forget. No matter what happens, we’ll uphold our vow," Illia replied.

Balthazar, who had been quietly watching, finally spoke.

"I have a feeling we’ll meet again someday. Until then, make sure you stay alive."

It was a rare, sentimental farewell from Balthazar.

Kiyoaki and Kagura wiped their tears, offering smiles to their friends.

They would never forget.

No matter how far apart they were.

Even if their countries became enemies.

Even if they met on the battlefield and shed each other’s blood.

They would never hate each other.

Their friendship would endure forever.

"Goodbye, until we meet again!!" Kiyoaki shouted, shaking off the lingering emotions.

"We’ll definitely meet again, and we’ll laugh together!!" Kagura shouted as well, and with that, the two of them leapt together from the edge of the gun turret.

Their friends, who had been waving, disappeared from view.

Kiyoaki’s entire vision was filled with the summer sky.

The wind roared in his ears as they plummeted downward, Kagura held tightly in his arms, headfirst into the brilliant blue sky.

Then, with a sharp pull, the white canopy of the parachute unfurled.

The force jerked their shoulders, but Kiyoaki held on tightly to Kagura, enduring the sudden deceleration.

The sound of the wind died down.

Slowly, gently, Kiyoaki and Kagura descended through the summer sky, still embracing each other.

"Kagura, are you alright?" Kiyoaki whispered into her ear as they floated down.

"Yeah, thanks to you, I’m still alive," Kagura replied in her usual nonchalant tone.

"We were completely saved," Kiyoaki remarked.

"Yeah. I'll repay you. Someday, for sure," Kagura replied softly.

"Yes, someday. Definitely."

Kiyoaki held Kagura close, his gaze drifting toward the ocean below. Far in the distance, Reiner's parachute appeared as a tiny speck, swaying unsteadily from side to side.

"Looks like he figured it out in time. He can manage the descent," Kiyoaki said with a sigh of relief. When Reiner had handed him the parachute, Kiyoaki had instinctively inspected it. Sure enough, the straps had been cut—just enough to make it seem like an accident that would kill him mid-descent. Reiner had planned to make Kiyoaki’s death look like a tragic mishap. Now, it was Reiner himself who had to use the damaged parachute. The fact that it was only damaged enough for Reiner to still survive suggested a sliver of conscience remained in him.

Kagura, still clinging tightly to Kiyoaki, murmured, "What do you think he'll do?"

"He’ll figure something out. He’s a skilled spy, after all."

"Is he really? I didn’t notice a thing."

"I think he showed his cards more to me. Maybe deep down, he felt guilty for betraying everyone. Perhaps he even wanted to be found out."

"Men are complicated. I still don’t understand them."

In the distance, the sun hung low near the horizon, slowly sinking into the feathery clouds.

The sky deepened into shades of red, signalling the end of another season. As they gently descended with the wind, Kiyoaki and Kagura reflected on the two years they had spent in St Vault.

There had been so much sadness and joy. They had met such wonderful companions. Kiyoaki had once believed that the seven who had flown together on the Eriadore would remain friends forever, laughing together through life.

But now…

"Everyone's scattered," Kagura said quietly.

"Yeah. Quite thoroughly," Kiyoaki agreed.

Looking back, it seemed as if the seven of them were destined to be torn apart from the moment they met. Balthazar, Illia, and Cecil remained in St Vault, while Kagura and Kiyoaki returned to the Akitsu Federation. Mio and Reiner, on the other hand, were with Urano. The seven who had once stood together as heroes of St Vault were now divided among three opposing nations.

Kiyoaki remembered something Kagura had said once before.

"Is this... destiny?"

"Yeah... I believe there's a reason we all met. Something big is waiting for us. Heaven brought us together for a purpose, and now we’re being separated to play our roles in that grand design. I can’t explain why, but I believe it."

Kagura’s words weren’t logical. They weren’t the kind of thing that could be proven scientifically. Yet Kiyoaki felt them resonate deeply within him.

"I feel the same... I think there’s a greater meaning behind us being divided among these three nations. I don’t have any proof, but it’s just a feeling."

"Even Balthazar said he felt like we’d meet again, didn’t he? No reason behind it, but he said it anyway. I’m sure we’ll meet again, someday, somewhere. To change the world."

As Kagura finished speaking, the two of them touched down on the surface of the ocean.

The white canopy of the parachute spread out on the water, and Kiyoaki and Kagura floated on top of it. Kiyoaki lit the signal flare they had been given, and a plume of deep violet smoke rose into the twilight sky.

"Kagura, is your arm alright?" Kiyoaki asked, concerned.

"Don’t ask. I’m holding back a scream," Kagura replied, her voice tinged with pain, though she managed a brave smile. Her injured arm was submerged in the salty seawater, and the pain must have been excruciating, yet she bore it with dignity.

Kiyoaki scanned the horizon, searching for any sign of the promised submarine. Balthazar had assured them that one would be there, but...

"There it is!" Kagura suddenly shouted in relief.

Kiyoaki followed her gaze and saw the periscope of a submarine cutting through the water, heading straight for them like a prairie dog poking its head out of the ocean.

They both waved their arms frantically.

"Hey! Over here!" Kiyoaki yelled.

A sleek, black submarine surfaced in front of them, parting the water like an orca. Water sprayed into the air as the submarine’s hull emerged. The hatch on the bridge opened, and Akitsu Federation soldiers waved to the two of them.

"We’re saved…!" Kiyoaki exclaimed, grinning as he and Kagura waved back and began swimming toward the submarine.

"We're going home. Back to where we belong," Kagura said, her voice filled with a mix of relief and anticipation.

"Yeah. We’re going home."

As they swam through the waves, the reality sank in. They were going back to their homeland—the place where they were born and raised. But they also knew that from this point on, they would be obligated to fight for their country.

Undoubtedly, more hardships awaited them in the future.

But no matter what…

──Even if we become enemies, we will not hate each other

──Friendship is eternal.

Kiyoaki repeated that vow in his heart over and over.

It was the only remaining hope for the seven of them, now scattered across enemy lands.