Hagure Yuusha no Aesthetica:Volume8

Novel Illustrations

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Prologue - Omen of the Upcoming Conflict and Chaos

Part 1

There was a group in the world known as COCOON.

Their people hold positions in the "new United Nations," which consisted of the formulation of the international policies, even the secretary and chairman. And they also were the chief executives of the alternate world institutions of Babel.

A position among this small group of people could be refereed to as an administer of the entire world.

Children * Of * Cross * Over * Other * Nation.

Out of all the returnees to this world they had an overwhelming strength.

Even a single individual had enough power to surpass the military force of a large country.

What was the best way to describe these troublesome people? The answer was very simple.

They were the most powerful elites, they represent the world -- that was what it was to be called a "COCOON."

Part 2

"- JPN-Babel went into lock down?"

The man who received the report abruptly narrowed his golden pupils.

This young man was the new chairman of the United Nations and the leader of COCOON that ruled the world.

And the strongest person in all of COCOON, Michael • Arcwood.

Inside the headquarters of COCOON in the United Kingdom.

Michael was sitting on luxury leather chair, looking at the woman standing across the desk in front of him.

She was Retia • Crisis, second in command to Michael, and also the secretary of the new United Nations. This beautiful and talented woman was looking down at the tablet in her hands.

"Yes, This happened about fifteen minutes ago when JPN-Babel suddenly suddenly cut off its connection with the "Apocalypse" server, and is denying other Babel institutions as well as our own login."

"Was the system hacked from the outside?"

The security of the system of COCOON's headquarters and Babel was the best in the world.

In addition to the ordinary security programs, magical fail-safes were created sufficient enough to prevent all intrusions from the outside world.

There weren't many people able to decode these conceptual barriers, probably only the writers of these program within COCOON could, and if a presence greater than COCOON existed.

Strictly speaking, the only possibility would be "Crimson twilight" the world's strongest terrorist group comparable to COCOON. They were said to have recruited many experts in the field of information-gathering and conceptual magic.

Moreover, was also a report that some of the members of Crimson twilight have permeated the special autonomous region within Japan.

Therefore it can be reasonably speculated JPN-Babel had suffered a hacker attack and went into lock down as an emergency defensive maneuver.

But......

"Although that possibility is not zero, however ...... Its probably wrong."

Retia started to talk.

"The program's log showed no signs that JPN-Babel being hacked, but fifteen minutes ago the system suddenly went into lock down."

"Meaning ......?"

"I'm afraid that Kyouya probably cut JPN-Babel's external connection allowing it to operate independently."

"......"

Michael is trying to speculate what Hikami Kyouya has in my mind.

Kyouya spoke very little at COCOON's round table conferences. His attitude was always composed, and always had a cold smile on his face.

......But ......

Michael Arcwood was reminded of an incident that took place a few days before the Japan summit.

The summit was held amidst JPN-Babel school's ranking tournament and experienced an unexpected interruption.

An intruder damaged part of the system, and after transformed into higher-dimension being, a fire breathing dragon.

At that time, Kyouya was participating in the summit and not on the campus. They had to depend on Ousawa Akatsuki to stop the fire breathing dragon to resolve the crisis.

However, after the conclusion of the summit Michael took advantage of the opportunity when he was alone with Kyouya to toss out a question:

Why did you refuse to do it yourself? The "Y Plan" is ultimate goal we are trying to achieve in COCOON. In order to make this plan into reality, some sacrifices are an necessary evil.

Having heard what was said, Kyouya coldly replied to Michael's question:

-- Some sacrifices? -– Including your brother!?

That was the first time Kyouya showed such a provocative sheer attitude to Michael. Could Kyouya hold some unknown ambitions......

"......"

Michael couldn't help but get lost in thought. Perhaps Kyouya already learned of some secret.

Not long after Akatsuki attended the high school with JPN-Babel the training program went berserk.

In a video conference with Kyouya, who was responsible for relating the story about Akatsuki, Kyouya's face and tone seem very strange.

Michael didn't know how both of these things were related to the current situation.

But he was sure that Kyouya was acting arbitrary, and there must be hidden purpose behind it.

And in order to achieve his goal Kyouya didn't hesitate in betraying COCOON.

Part 3

"-- How is the current situation of JPN-Babel?"

Access to the campus had been closed off, and all external communications were cut off.

Since the campus was protected by an optical barrier it wasn't possible to perceive the current situation from satellites limiting their intelligence.

However it was limited to areas within JPN-Babel's grounds.

By observing the surrounding areas a limited amount of speculation on the current situation could be inferred.

"The special autonomous region looks to be calm. There are no observable abnormalities in Babel at the present time."

However -- Retia continued,

"There is some suspicious movement by the Japanese naval force. A nuclear-powered submarine deployed in the pacific has veered off its normal navigation route to Yokosuka's third port. At first glance it seems to be mooring at home port......"

"...... But it may be heading to the special autonomous region?"

The Japanese Self-Defense force was reorganized as the official army, since about a quarter of a century ago.

Japan's previous constitution restricted their military expansion into other Asian countries, and in respect to popular sentiment it had taken a back seat. However, measures were taken to sign cooperation agreements and set up military alliances with other powerful countries. In return Japan was able to maintain peace and their own country's military superiority.

However, around 30 years ago when people first started being summoned to alternate worlds these treaties and military alliances essentially lost all of their meaning.

Those returnees brought back technology and magic from the other worlds that no modern military could rival. Those special abilities were undoubtedly "other dimensions of power."

So in order to keep pace with other countries Japan amended the Constitution, and began to expand its armaments.

In view of the aforementioned reasons, deployed in the Pacific was a new model of nuclear submarine equipped with a special weapon -- a cluster nuclear warhead. If it was fired, it had enough power to level Babel...... that was, wipe out the whole artificial island without leaving a trace.

However, that island was an special autonomous region of COCOON.

Destroying that artificial island was the same as the Japanese Government officially declaring war on COCOON.

Also it meant the annihilation of Japan.

COCOON was capable of wiping out Japan at any moment.

Michael Arcwood thought that the Japanese Government unlikely to go so far as to commit such a stupid mistake.

...... But......

The possibility of being driven into a desperate action couldn't be ignored.

JPN-Babel's lock down on behalf of Kyouya already broken away from the normal practice.

If the Japanese government was also involved --

Kyouya must of took advantage of the Japanese Governments to implement some kind of plan, and then calculated to toss them aside once their role was done......

Apart from burying the evidence of their betrayal of COCOON under the rubble of special autonomous region the Japanese government had no way to help themselves. At that time, even if COCOON were to place blame on the government for the destruction, Japan could use the excuses that it was a measure to stop Kyouya's plan.

"...... What are you going to do now? You and I still have to sign the new treaty with the European Union, and participate in coordination meetings before it."

Retia said looking for affirmation from Michael and,

"We might want to get in touch with the Chinese Dragon --"

"- No need for that."

Michael denied Retia's proposal, and stood up from his chair as he walked towards the door.

Retia immediately followed.

"Negotiations with the EU have reached the final stage. I'll wait until the meeting is over, and then go directly to Japan."

That way, all of the problems will be easily solved.

"If anyone really intends to spoil our plans-"

Michael Arcwood's golden eyes shined.

"Even if its Hikami's cunning or the might of Japanese Government, I'll personally eradicate all obstacles."

Part 4

The grounds of JPN-Babel were shrouded by the darkness of the night, and how was the current situation?

In one word "chaos."

The first day of the new semester was about to begin, and in order to update all of the systems only a handful of staff and guards remained on the huge campus.

To compensate for lack of vigilance, Babel's security program design to suppress intruders was up and running.

The so-called "guardian beast system."

The system was set up to summon Gargoyles enhanced with a protective shield derived from the special barrier of Babel, sufficient to withstand most physical and magic attacks.

Simply put the Gargoyles would be enough to deal with intruders.

However......

In a corner of the campus a large number of gargoyles had gathered.

They numbered a dozen or so.

In the forest, continuous loud collisions were disrupting the atmosphere. An intruder was attacking the summoned Gargoyles.

The rapid barrage of noises didn't show the least bit signs of ending.

The dozen or so Gargoyles were unable to suppress the intruder.

So......

"----"

The system once again summoned a fresh new group of Gargoyles.

"-- Although I was to be bait to attract the enemy it unexpectedly became a game of "catch the killer" on the campus at night... ... Not a long distance endurance marathon. Ah, is it over?"

Even while being chased by countless Gargoyles, the night intruder -– Kaidou Motoharu's tone was relaxed.

The Gargoyle's offense was still a force to be reckoned with.

Flames came out of their mouths, a flap of their wings call out wind blades, heat rays emitted from their eyes, and their sharp claws could rip through iron. Combinations of those attacks would mercilessly come towards Kaidou from all directions.

However......

"-Woops!"

Kaidou just twisted his body avoiding all attack with ease.

His flowing high speed movements allowed for that to happen.

At times standing on the ground or a wall of the building.

Sometimes standing on the branches or trunks of the growing trees.

Even if he found himself encircled by Gargoyles he just took a three-dimensional evasive action.

Kaidou was avoiding every attack from the Gargoyles.

Just like a whirlwind.

A free wind that couldn't be caught, that continuously moved between the Gargoyles, Kaidou Motoharu laughed,

"This mere watchdog system thinks it can catch me? Maybe in the next life."

Part 5

There was a reason why the free peace loving Kaidou found himself in such a dangerous situation.

The <Phoenix cells>.

The cells of a high-dimensional being that the Japanese government had happened to have obtained. Then they were researched and developed under the utmost secrecy only to have them fall to JPN-Babel also to COCOON -- That was Hikami Kyouya hands.

Therefore, Kaidou was instructed along with a companion to steal them.

The order came from the leader of world's most powerful terrorist group "Crimson Twilight."

Cecil Endheart.

Even though Kaidou was not fond of taking such troublesome actions, it was scary in various ways to defy an order by Cecil. Anyway he will play his role properly.

"However... ... dressed like this, it's not surprising that I'm being treated as a suspicious character."

The brim of his hat was low, and a pair of black sunglasses covered his eyes.

The Kaidou as of now, absolutely looked suspicious.

Of course, a disguise this simple couldn't escape detection from the surveillance system of the Babel. Kaidou was a student at JPN-Babel, and through 3D image recognition software and by comparing power fluctuation data his identity will be exposed.

Therefore Kaidou was making use of "Crimson Twilight" powers.

Those new abilities were exclusive to returnees who had returned for a second time from an alternate world.

Babel's detection system was unable to detect the higher dimensional change in the body and soul. Coupled with Kaidou's own protective barrier he became completely invisible.

The reason why those Gargoyles were chasing him was probably to determine the cause of system error that found a suspicious person.

"Without these extra layers of cover the system would have instantly recognized my true identity –- wow!"

Moreover this Gargoyle proliferation showed no signs of slowing down.

However -- Kaidou thought that was probably good.

He just needed to be patient until Tiana gets the <Phoenix cells>.

About now she should have arrived at the target location.

That meant Kaidou's task was just about to end, after he was just a diversion to separate the Gargoyles from interfering.

Then......

Suddenly, Kaidou cell phone vibrated, it seems he received a message.

"It finally came, I was getting tired of waiting."

Kaidou started to run and flip open his cell phone to check the email.

"Huh ...... Memeko?"

However the email wasn't from Tiana, Kaidou was slightly surprised.

The sender was another member of "Crimson Twilight" who came to the special autonomous region a few days ago.

Mikagami Memeko.

Kaido amidst the confusion read the contents of the email.

"Lock down... ... Japanese navy and nuclear missiles? Really, no kidding, could there be some sort of mistake?"

Reacting to the astonishing situation written in the email, Kaidou instinctively raised his voice.

Although the message was beyond imagination, Kaidou didn't think that Memeko would fabricate such news.

The reason was very simple.

...... Lying in her world was the second most hated thing.

By the way, in Memeko's world the most hated thing was said to be Kaidou, however it was unknown as to whether or not it was heartfelt.

She also has a similar ability to Cecil's "intuition," Mikagami Memeko possess a pair of "eyes" that see through the truth. Therefore the email was probably true.

However, their leader Cecil had said –-

Hikami Kyouya acted on his own when he stole the the <Phoenix cells>, the other COCOONs had been unaware of his actions. Therefore, Kyouya actions were obviously not going to be made public. He would have certainly gone to great lengths to conceal the truth and prevent them from finding any clues.

Kaidou couldn't have imagined that Kyouya would take such extreme measures.

"There are too many problems. Come on, give me a break."

It was hard to believe that <Phoenix cells> would have such fanfare, this was really too unnatural.

Hikami Kyouya must have some other goal.

In addition to <Phoenix cells> -– No, something much more important than the <Phoenix cells>.

Today JPN-Babel was in complete lock-down.

"Surely their has to be a more important goal to achieve... ... In that case."

Kaidou Motoharu abruptly stopped, and changed his course of action.

Within no time the Gargoyles who were following closely behind came in for the kill one after another.

"-Sorry, playtime is over."

Kaidou mumbled, as he raised his right hand and with a slight wave.

Godspeed, so fast that the tip of his hand was invisible.

Light flash between them......

And the next moment.

Dozens of Gargoyle that were immune to physical or magic attacks have been destroyed, turning into countless particles of light and disappearing without a trace.

Kaidou walked into the scattering light particles.

"It seems that the rest of COCOON will soon make their move... ... A full-scale conflict is inevitable."

A clash of the strongest vs. the strongest.

That clash of opposing forces might level this artificial island without the assistance of nuclear warheads.

Kaidou couldn't help but sigh.

However, as a member of Crimson Twilight a cruel smile emerged on his face.

Within the helpless tone was a mix of joy and a bit of anticipation.

Kaidou Motoharu mutterd,

"Ahhh ... ... I still prefer unfettered freedom and to live in peace."

Just to be around you longer would make me the most happy.

I don't want much, that would be enough.

Chapter 1 - The Thoughts of the Other Side

Part 1

A tower of Babel reaches through the clouds.

They stand in each of the special autonomous regions of the G7 countries, symbols of COCOON's authority.

Their operation and management were left to the COCOON in charge in that area.

Each of those countries that comprised the G7 had very different cultures and religions. It would of been more of an obstacle to regulate them all the same way. Therefore besides the infrastructure, the construction of the building as well as management of the towers of Babel change depending on national circumstances in an attempt to make every special autonomous region the most effective.

So to speak, a tower of Babel was the exclusive castle of the COCOON in control of that region. And,

The COCOON currently in charge of JPN-Babel -- Hikami Kyouya -- was presently inside a certain place within Babel.

"Who could have thought this place would come in handy this soon......"

Kyouya floated a thin sneer.

Part of the building wasn't drawn in any of the blueprints, and he was in that secret space.

Other than Kyouya himself there wasn't a second person in the world who knew of its existence.

The reason was very simple -- to reach the room it was necessary to pass through three concept barriers. An ordinary person wouldn't even be able to detect the entrance which was concealed under the influence of first concept barrier.

Even if the entrance was discovered, beyond the first barrier was nothing but an empty space. Of course, the empty room was a facade.

Whereupon most people would choose to turn back there.

However, someone of the level of Crimson Twilight or COCOON should detect a "strange feeling" lurking inside the empty space. After finding the source of that "strange feeling" they would need to break through the second concept barrier to enter into the next space.

And that concept barrier protects the room from all physical and magic attacks.

The unfaltering fortress barrier.

The barrier had been reinforced with several layers providing an absolutely impregnable defense.

It was unlikely there would be someone would suspect the purpose of this space.

However, it was also part of Kyouya's meticulously set trap.

Masked inside the fortress barrier was the barrier that leads to the third space.

Even members of Crimson Twilight or the rest of COCOON would find it very hard to detected that last concept barrier.

And only if the barrier was released according to the correct procedures would the entrance appear.

All to establish an absolutely secret space.

At this very moment, Hikami Kyouya was standing in his little fort.

Part 2

The environment within the space made it seem like a temple from an another world.

The air was crystal clear.

A sacred space void of impurities as if they did not exist at all. Kyouya's voice sounded,

"-- Now, let's get started."

Kyouya stared ahead -- at the alter in the center of the room.

It was composed of a light blue ore.

And lying on said altar was a girl.

"......"

The girl was silent, because she was unconsciousness.

Only peaceful, calm breathes were being repeated.

The lovely sleeping beauty's name -- Ousawa Miu.

She was the demon king's daughter from the alternate world of Alayzard.

-- Then.

Under Kyouya's watchful eye Miu's body began to dimly give off a white light. And simultaneously,

Kyi~i~i~i~i Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze Tze

A shrill rumbling began in the room which sounded similar to the noise of a dimensional shift.

So......

"Everything seems to be going smoothly... ... Wonderful."

Kyouya unintentionally deepened his smile.

The ultimate goal of COCOON was the -- "Y Plan". In short, it was to bring about the manifestation an ultra-high-order life form, a living entity which transcends the law of causality and freely able to manipulate all events, and place it under their control. Allowing COCOON to bring complete order to this world, liberating all of humanity from every kind of suffering thus creating a new paradise.

However -- to elicit a manifestation of such a supreme entity into the world an appropriate "place" was essential. This was the reason COCOON constructed the towers of Babel in various countries around the world.

The towers control the Chimyaku flowing through the earth, turning the planet into a suitable "place."

This 'Y plan' by COCOON, even while receiving interference from 'Crimson Twilight' was still gradually progressing. However, at the present rate of progress it may take several years to be realized.

-- Meanwhile, Hikami Kyouya had obtained a golden opportunity.

He discovered that Ousawa Miu was possibly an ultra high-dimensional being.

And after he got the report from the person sent to observe Miu, he found out she had returned to Alayzard with Akatsuki that possibility turned into conviction.

Therefore, Kyouya started on a course of action to fulfill his own ambition.

There were too many people within COCOON. The world needed only one true God -- that was, Kyouya alone.

The life form transcending the law of causality that Kyouya / Cocoon were going to manifest originally was a type of conceptual existence that did not posses a living consciousness towards itself. All events could be manipulated. If the one in charge of that power were to think 'I want to destroy the world' it becomes an event at once, and this world would be destroyed.

Therefore a way to stabilize the power, and always control uncertain phenomenon were needed. And COCOON had already completed -- the device.

The equipment unit was located beneath COCOON's headquarters in the United Kingdom in a state that could be activated at any time.

And Kyouya exactly replicated the same device under utmost secrecy in JPN-Babel. It was not noticed by anyone, in a place which no one knows about.

In short, Kyouya had completed all the preparations to control Miu.

"Now its just a race against time......"

To draw out the power of an ultra-high-order life from Miu, and stabilize said power would take time. Further to control it from there would take an even greater amount than that, and also that Miu was an existence equivalent to ultra high-dimensional being, after all, was just an unconfirmed possibility. Kyouya had no expectations for her existence to be superior to all the laws of cause and effect. However, it should at least be a level where COCOON's strongest Michael Arcwood would pose no problem to him.

And that also meant exceeding the leader of the Crimson Twilight, who was about equal in terms of power.

In other words.

"With this kind of power, I will stand at the top of this world."

And after COCOON and Crimson Twilight were suppressed the "Y plan" could move to the later stages.

Allowing himself to be the only true God in charge of this world.

At that time -- there would be no person in this world who could stop him.

Part 3

"Now ......"

Kyouya took out a pocket watch from his breast pocket to check the current time by opening the lid.

-- A few minutes to nine p.m.

Almost an hour had already passed since JPN-Babel had went into lock down. The other COCOONs including Michael himself should already have grasped the situation, and it was around the time when they should have started to take some kind of steps. And when the moment comes will it be China to act -- CHN-Babel's Wang Feilong?

...... Or is Michael himself going to move......?

Well, it was fine either way.

Including the nuclear submarine of the Japanese Government JPN-Babel's defenses were well prepared to withstand any enemy coming form the outside.

So the focus of attention was not the outside, but from within.

Actually, two members of 'Crimson Twilight' had at present invaded JPN-Babel's premises.

Among them was one person Kyouya was very familiar with.

"Kaidou-kun, did you also finally move?..... unable to hold back anymore."

Although there was no positive proof, it was understood from the beginning Kaidou was not ordinary by any means. Perhaps it was the mutual understanding from a strong man to another. Even if Kaidou tried to keep a low profile, it was clear to Kyouya's eyes. Not every returnee from another world had that degree of strength. Since he was not a COCOON like himself, the answer was virtually given what he was.

-- Of course, Kaidou himself came to the same understanding.

For him to be openly known by Kyouya, and still overtly pretend to be mundane.

On such a poor imposter Kyouya was very clear, Kaidou would be quite the troublesome enemy. However "Crimson Twilight" was not after Miu. With the confusion over the bait, the <Phoenix cells>, the other side shouldn't figure out Kyouya's real intention.

No matter, toys have been prepared to keep them company. Until the time comes, it would be good for them to play to their utmost. Now no one can interfere with Kyouya's plan.

-- Except him.

When the figure of that youth came to mind Hikami Kyouya can not help but look up at the empty space.

The corners of his mouth gave rise to a delightful smile,

"Yes, except you...... Ousawa-kun."

Part 4

In the bathroom of the Ousawa home came a continues screaming, and crying.

It was the wailing of a teenage girl who's heart carried an unbounded amount of regret and sadness -- Nanase Haruka.

".................."

Inside the warm bathtub Ousawa Akatsuki's arms were around the lower back of the crying girl in front his eyes, as he thought to himself.

...... That guy was abducted by Hikami?

Not long ago, Haruka had been transfer to Akatsuki's side while he was bathing.

-- When they all where in Alayzard in order to ensure the personal safety of Haruka he placed a transfer seal on her body. Since that was activated must mean she faced a life or death crisis. When he asked the reason Haruka kept crying as she explained, but within that sobbing clogged voice he was only able to make out a few words about the situation.

On how Miu -- had been captured by the President.

When Akatsuki returned to the house Miu was nowhere in sight. Before he had asked Listy the reason, and was told she went out with Haruka.

...... So that's it.

Since she was not fully accustomed to this world he didn't think she would make such a rash move on her own.

Perhaps, Kyouya wanted to speak with Miu, and it appears she was unable to wait for Akatsuki to come home. Maybe someone was sent on behalf of Kyouya to compelled her to meet so soon. The reason for Listy's vague explanation must of been because they were unclear on what Kyouya wanted.

After all,

...... I've been looking for an opportunity to fight Hikami.

If Listy told it like it was there was no guarantee that Akatsuki wouldn't go marching into JPN-Babel.

However COCOON -- no, Hikami Kyouya's power was clear that anyone with eyes could see, and without being in the right mind set wasn't someone Akatsuki could handle. Therefore, Miu decided to keep the appointment. Haruka might have gone in an attempt to protect Miu. In short, because of their concern over what his impulsive nature would do. Miu had chosen exposed herself to danger.

"...... It was my fault."

Akatsuki quietly said. Still sobbing Haruka looked up at him.

"......!"

The look in Akatsuki's eyes said it all.

-- I'm the one who didn't protect Miu. It was not your fault.

However, Akatsuki floated a tender smile,

"Your sense of responsibility is one of your strengths, but don't put all the blame on yourself."

Then he gently wiped away her tears.

-- That's right, this wasn't Haruka's responsibility.

Having dangerously exposed Miu, also having made Listy worry.

And even the cause of Haruka's tears -- all the blame was on Akatsuki.

So Akatsuki drew closer and embraced Haruka stronger.

"-- Ah."

After hearing a small voice come out from his arms, he whispered into her ear,

"I'm sorry, Haruka...... even under normal circumstances, being wedged between the student council and us had to be painful -- I put you in a situation that hurt you the most."

So ......

"-!"

After hearing that Haruka shoulders began to shake, as her body was slightly trembling again.

And then she pressed her head against his chest, and shook her head -- as if telling him he doesn't need to apologize.

"Oh dear...... how troublesome."

His intention was to stop her tears, but it caused her to cry more.

Akatsuki could not help but smile wryly. He was still really bad at dealing with a crying woman.

...... But......

As Haruka remains now, Akatsuki was not going to wait for the crying to stop naturally.

Not because of a question of time.

It was just that right now a girl was crying in front of him.

To stop a woman from crying he will do whatever it takes. That was just the aesthetics of Ousawa Akatsuki.

However, Akatsuki's aesthetics were not that simple.

"...... It seems that will have to do."

Akatsuki took a half step back, and gently touch Haruka's tear stained cheek.

She was one of girls who decided to take part in the destiny Akatsuki had chosen. They were already well mentally prepared, and willing to sacrifice part of their lives for that. Including the most important things like precious people and things, or even their past, present, and future just to stay with Akatsuki.

Ousawa Akatsuki couldn't help thinking – what can I do for them?

Just like before, it wasn't enough to just stop her tears.

This girl Nanase Haruka deserved more.

A method of conveying that feeling, and Ousawa Akatsuki understood the best way to do that. So in order to let his thoughts reach Haruka's heart --

Akatsuki overlapped his lips with Haruka's.

Part 5

Nanase Haruka for an instant didn't understand what had happened.

Pressed up against his torso, and with his hands tightly wrapped around her back she felt a warmth entirely different from the hot water. It was the heat coming off -- Ousawa Akatsuki's body.

And now her lips were feeling the same warmth.

She had been kissed by Akatsuki.

"-!"

Haruka stiffened up in the surprise for a moment -- But,

"...... Ah."

There were no signs of resistance.

Instead she slowly closed her eyes, and put her hands around the back of his neck.

She accepted that kiss, as Nanase Haruka committed to her first kiss.

Because,

....... I liked him for a long time......

-- A little while ago, when she found out she was saved from Kyouya thanks to Akatsuki.

She was finally able to realize it. She wasn't willing to admit to herself, and had been deliberately ignoring and denying her feelings. She didn't know exactly when it began -- but Nanase Haruka was definitely sure she liked Ousawa Akatsuki.

To the point she couldn't help it.

So......

Even though there were feelings she couldn't explain to herself, rejecting the kiss made no sense. So Haruka admitted to herself she liked Akatsuki and accepted him.

The tense mood suddenly relaxed.

...... Ah......

Taking advantage of the situation Akatsuki's tongue advanced into Haruka's mouth.

Without knowing whether it is good or what to do, she let Akatsuki take the initiative as he entwined their tongues.

"-- Fuaan~"

She leaked a sweet lovely voice from her nose, since Haruka's tongue was being pinned down, her slender waist involuntarily twisted back and forth.

Intense pleasure ran through her whole body in an instant.

...... Th-this is......

Through Akatsuki's Kiss something invaded Haruka's body.

Since the emergence of a seething heat inside, representing the continuous influx of Akatsuki's Ki, Haruka felt her body gradually becoming soft.

...... A-amazing......

Although it was her first kiss it brought so much pleasure.

Haruka couldn't help thinking, what was going on with her body?

...... Oh..... maybe......

She recalled it. The time in Alayzard inside the brothel when they drank that aphrodisiac, and after how Akatsuki came to detoxify them.

That night -- Haruka had the Ki inside her body sucked out through her moles continuously by Akatsuki. She tasted the peak of pleasure many times. That kind of supreme pleasure was deeply imprinted on Haruka's body and mind.

And so......

...... My body's senses have been developed by that person......!

Long before her first kiss Haruka's body had already known a woman's happiness.

"Mmhnn...... oh, chu...... oh...... mmm~"

Under the influence of Akatsuki's tongue assault, Haruka's euphoric intoxication deepened.

Then -- suddenly she felt a warm heat coming over her chest.

When she looked down she was surprised to find all the buttons on her school uniform were undone.

"...... Ah."

Feeling the shock of not knowing when he did that, Haruka pulled herself away, and saw a gentle smile appear on Akatsuki's face,

"It's not good to have your clothes on while taking a bath."

He barely finished when Akatsuki's hands lightly caressed the left and right side of Haruka's collarbone from outside to the inside. In addition to the buttons on the jacket and blouse, apparently even the bra clasp could not escape his clutches. It was hard to believe how easy it was for her clothes and bra to be taken off, and tossed outside of the bath. She felt a brief pleasant sensation as her upper body was exposed for him to see.

"AH......!"

Haruka quickly covered her chest with both hands.

Apart from embarrassment from being exposed, she felt more shame over,

...... I just kissed him. He actually let me......!

That alone brought about a female physiological response in her body. The tips of her breasts tighten into two sensitive spots.

To that fact, her face reddened and a surge of heat emerged in her lower abdomen.

However, Haruka was not able to run away. Akatsuki had firmly encircled her waist with his arm. And as if he had seen through everything,

"-- You don't have to hide your embarrassed side from me."

Then he said earnestly,

"Your usually very dignified, and now your very red face with shame is cute as well... ... I already know about these sides, and have accepted them."

"I ...... I ......"

After receiving some gentle comfort, the blushing Haruka didn't know how to respond.

It was certainly as Akatsuki said.

-- After she drank that harmful aphrodisiac that night, Nanase Haruka would never forget that image of herself she exposed to him.

Initially she was somewhat reserved, and then in the end simply reveled in pleasure she had in that drunken state.

Under the pretext of being detoxified Miu and herself let out some unbelievable lewd noises, and surrendered their minds and bodies to the pleasure Akatsuki brought forth.

She gave up being that Nanase Haruka, and indulged in the happiness of a woman.

At each mountain peaked she would involuntarily call Akatsuki's name over and over again.

And so ......

...... If it's in front of this person, perhaps I don't need to hide anything.

Whether it was her deplorable, regretful crying self.

Or her shameful self drowning in pleasure during the detoxification.

Even the embarrassed self who felt more helpless because of a kiss.

Akatsuki accepted all of Haruka, unconditionally.

But still,

"......!"

Haruka couldn't bring herself to entrusted everything to Akatsuki.

She thought it was impossible to enjoy such a right, because she couldn't protect Miu.

And -- it was at that time.

With a clank the bathroom door opened from the outside.

"Eh-?"

Haruka had a confused look as he turned back to look face to face with her.

Looking at the nude Akatsuki and the half naked Haruka inside the shower was Listy Sherfied.

After being seen by Listy -- Haruka realized the fact of the predicament,

"This, this is......!"

At the same time as the embarrassment was an inexplicable anxiety.

Listy was aware how she went with Miu to JPN-Babel.

...... And it unexpectedly resulted in me snuggling alone in Ousawa Akatsuki's arms......

As she began to reflect over things a sense of guilt and apology sprang forth.

Shamelessly only herself had escaped, furthermore was seen being comforted by Akatsuki in this sort of place. Haruka felt she betrayed Listy's trust.

At the very least Haruka wanted to provide an explanation to justify Akatsuki, and when she tried to convey so --

"Listy... ... Did you also want to enter together?"

Behind her, some incredible words came out Akatsuki's mouth.

It was undoubtedly adding oil to the fire.

Haruka thought Listy would immediately furiously condemn Akatsuki and herself -- but,

"...... Nn."

An unexpected answer reached Haruka's ears.

"..... Listy?"

In front of the surprised Haruka, Listy slowly moved --

And she started to take off her clothes.

Part 6

With a hand on the shoulder strap of the camisole, Listy couldn't help but gulp.

A feeling of shame and tension flooded her mind, but.

...... You can't hesitate.

After she pushed aside both shoulder supports, in the entrance changing room to the bathroom -- the camisole slid directly to the floor. And when she grabbed hold of her inner undergarment there was incidental eye contact with him.

...... Please let me do this...... I believe you understand my feelings.

Listy sent a glance begging for approval, conveying how she roughly understood the current situation.

-- That's right, Listy guessed to how things ended up.

Haruka's cries had echoed throughout the whole bathroom, and even reached the living room where Listy was. Therefore, Listy immediately rushed over.

But -- Haruka had gone with Miu only to return alone, and was hiding out crying inside the bathroom.

That was enough to figure out something must have went wrong.

So in the changing room, which was was separated by a door, she eavesdropped on much of the conversation between Akatsuki and Haruka.

Because she believed only Akatsuki could heal the sadness inside Haruka.

But ......

If Haruka were to hesitate to show her real self to Akatsuki, then the story was different.

In that case, only another woman like herself could help her.

So Listy firmly decided to open the door to the bathroom.

At that time -- Akatsuki asked if she wanted to bathe together.

Although it was said in a tongue-in-cheek tone his eyes were very serious.

-- That also wasn't that surprising.

Usually in that case, Listy would have made a fuss over "what are you doing?" indiscriminately blaming Akatsuki. However, if she did that Haruka would only blame herself more.

And, far more than anything else she was crying in front of Akatsuki.

He probably stopped her tears in his special way, but that wasn't going to settle her emotions. So Listy picked that seemingly coincidental time as the the best time to intrude. She saw through everything when Akatsuki said "enter together?"

And of course Akatsuki clearly understood what she intended her mind.

That -- her timing was to help Haruka accept Akatsuki.

Haruka, at this point, wouldn't have been able to permit herself to do so -- because an issue weighed heavily on her mind that only Listy, a woman like herself, could undo.

Now Listy was standing in the same situation as her, to prove to Haruka that she had not done anything wrong.

That was the only way to resolve her guilt, and have her frankly face Akatsuki.

And so......

The first step for Listy to put herself in the same situation was to take off all her clothes.

Last night -- even though Listy stirred up a lot of trouble, Miu still accepted her. And today Miu also went to JPN-Babel with Haruka in order to protect her. She herself was unable to do anything about it, and forced Haruka into the role of protecting Miu alone while she stayed home.

That's right......

Miu's abduction wasn't Haruka's fault.

Akatsuki may think he should be held responsible, but that too was incorrect.

Strictly speaking, it was because of Listy.

Whether it was Miu being taken, or Haruka's inner suffering over not protecting her, everything stemmed from Listy.

So......

It was her turn this time to lend a helping hand to Haruka, and then attempt to rescue Miu.

Starting with Haruka, Listy Sherfied knows how to do it.

The other day in the monorail she was personally taught by Miu on how to accept Akatsuki.

Now she only had to do the same thing this time herself.

"Listy...... Uh, I......"

To Haruka's bewildered expression, Listy silently returned a smile.

She crossed her hands as she grabbed the hem of the undergarment, and then --

"-!?"

In one breath -- she took it off.

Listy was trembling slightly, only because her skin was exposed to the cold outside air.

There was embarrassment being exposed to Akatsuki, however it wasn't the reason Listy couldn't help but shiver.

-- Now was not the time to hesitate.

The only thing remaining on Listy's upper body was a bra, and once that fastener was undone it would naturally fall to the floor.

It became so that she was almost completely naked in her underwear.

And finally she unhooked the bra clasp, and it was just a pair of panties.

"............"

She hid her exposed breasts with her left hand, as she slowly walked into the bathroom.

In preparation to personally show Haruka the best way to fully accept Akatsuki.

Part 7

In the bathtub Haruka looked up at the nearly nude Listy wearing only a pair of underwear.

...... How beautiful......

Seeing her newly, Haruka couldn't help but think so.

In the world of Alayzard Listy was called "The greatest treasure of the Sherfied," yet Listy's beauty at present exceeded even that title.

Listy then dropped to the waist to draw in some hot water in the washbowl, and over the period of time it was flowing from her shoulders,

"...... Stop looking so much."

Then with her checks were bright red -- she entered the bathtub in front of Haruka.

Looking at her very much sandwiched in the middle, Haruka couldn't help say,

"Listy...... Why would you ......?"

Her red face said it all, Listy was definitely feeling very embarrassment.

It was understandable. After all, she was in front of the person she liked -- Akatsuki, and was exposing her skin to him.

But......

"-- It's alright."

Listy's tone was exceptionally calm. And while dyed red,

"We had already vowed from now on to live with Akatsuki...... so, its better to accept him like me, and not overly blame yourself."

"That is......"

When Haruka tried to defend herself Listy gently held her.

Listy's hands were around her waist, when she undid the the button to Haruka's skirt immersed in the hot water.

Then with surprising swiftness pulled down the zipper.

"L-listy...... wait......!"

Instinctively, Haruka spoke out panicky.

"It's okay...... its the same with me. Come one, stick out your feet."

"......!"

Haruka sent a fleeting glance back, and saw Akatsuki quietly staring at the two.

She felt the look in his jet-black eyes were motioning -- for them to continue without any scruples.

And so......

"--------"

If that's the case, it might not be regarded as betraying Miu.

After all, she had received consent from Akatsuki and Listy.

"...... The same as with Listy......"

After Haruka persuaded herself that, she lightly raised her legs in the bath.

Thereupon the buoyancy of her body suddenly shifted causing her half rotate around,

"Ah......"

Seeing Haruka was going to lose her balance Listy quickly embraced her from behind.

"...... It's alright, take it easy."

Feeling Listy's softness and warmth on her back Haruka immediately felt very at ease. At that time Akatsuki was in the front of her again, and in his hands was her skirt which she was unaware had been taken off,

"Now then, the last remaining one......"

The soaked skirt was gently placed outside of the bathtub.

"But......"

"What are you talking about. You can't bathe with your clothes on, right?"

Haruka let go of her indecision when she heard Akatsuki's matter of course tone.

Then from behind her Listy reassured her with a hug, and also whispered in her ear,

"Haruka...... are you that scared to have yourself be seen by Akatsuki?"

"I ......"

Though Haruka was embarrassed about being naked in front of the Akatsuki, it wasn't the reason she couldn't dare face him. After all, her affection for Akatsuki was at a level where it was likely to overflow and spill.

However,

"But...... I couldn't protect Miu......"

Haruka thought her present self wasn't entitled to be comforted by Akatsuki.

So ......

"I'm also very worried about Miu-chan...... but right now I'm much more worried about you."

And Listy softy said,

"I believe you know Akatsuki's aesthetic? If you continue to cry Akatsuki won't be able to leave here, and go to JPN-Babel to rescue Miu-chan."

"-!?"

Haruka had a sudden rude awakening, as she stared at Akatsuki.

...... I once again became a burden......

Her face turned pale.

"Don't make such a face...... as for not being able leave a crying woman alone is simply my own selfishness."

"But......!"

He quickly attempted to stop Haruka from crying, however it was not possible.

The overwhelming fear of almost being killed by Kyouya -- was deeply carved into Haruka's mind.

-- At that moment, Nanase Haruka understood that now she was completely unable to stop her tears.

Then......

"I'm not going to ask you to force yourself to stop crying, doing such a thing would be too lonely. Since you did cry in front of me, then how to stop your tears, and eliminate your fear and sorrow...... naturally is my responsibility to bear."

And Akatsuki laughed gently,

"So long as you now only think of yourself -- no, thinking only about me would be better."

"Thinking of you ...... would be better?"

Haruka subconsciously repeated Akatsuki's words.

"However...... how to comfort a woman who is crying in the bath, I only know of one way."

As soon as he said so, Akatsuki's right hand reached out to Haruka.

"Ah......!"

Ignoring Haruka's cry of surprise, he forcibly pulled her over with Listy. In the bathtub, Haruka was sitting on top of his right thigh, and Listy on top of the left,

"-- So, I'm going to handle this my way."

At the same time as saying so -- Akatsuki started to caress both of their breasts.

As he rubbed them he ruthless poured Ki into their bodies.

“!? -- fua~ a a an!"

Nanase Haruka had let out a lovely voice and Listy,

"Ohhh...... Oh...... Fu......"

After the intense pleasure came the ensuing collapse.

...... I just...... lightly reached the peak......

The thought of how shameless she was caused Haruka to involuntarily quiver slightly.

-- However, Akatsuki wasn't going to give her too much time to reflect.

Even after the light peak he continued to caress their breasts.

Haruka's breast within Akatsuki's hand was kneaded into a variety of lewd shapes that protruded through the gaps of his fingers.

And,

"Kyaa...... AAAhhhhhh!"

The light peaks were making Haruka's whole body sensitive, and made her able to fully recognize the pleasure that Akatsuki's palm was bringing about. However, the real pleasure was about to begin.

"Fua, kyaa~...... Ah, uhn...... Haaa."

Every time his hand on her chest moved without restraint the rest of Haruka's body involuntarily twisted in the water.

The messy waves on the surface of the bathtub said it all.

Her body had long ago accepted Akatsuki.

As clear images of THAT night in Alayzard revitalized in her mind.

...... Even though there is no aphrodisiac, how is it that I ......!

Nanase Haruka then had to admit that –- she was inevitably linked to Akatsuki, and with him in mind one hand alone could push herself to the pinnacle of pleasure.

The fact that she had been willfully blind in the past has now been clearly recognized.

"Ah......"

After the new realization Haruka's body felt numb, and her back faintly trembled involuntarily.

That's right -- How could I have forgotten?

That irresistible joy, and the happiness that was brought about.

...... Yes.

Haruka remembered only now.

How her own body and mind -- desired to be dominated by Akatsuki.

-- Then someone gently clasped hold of Haruka's left hand inside hot bath water

Her slender fingers had been gently entwined with Listy's soft hand.

And then Haruka's line of sight could not help but move to the side,

"Fua...... an, aaa...... nnn!"

Almost like a reversed image in a mirror -- Listy and Haruka together sank into the abyss of extreme happiness.

Suddenly, Haruka and Listy's eyes met. They both similarly had accepted Ousawa Akatsuki as women.

"............"

"............"

Then while Haruka was facing Listy she saw her face light up like a peach flower.

It seemed similar to the joy she herself displayed.

And before Haruka's gaze,

"Fua -- fua, Ah, Ah, Ah, Ah ~ ~ ~ !"

Listy's whole body trembled violently along with the lovely voice.

She had mounted the peak.

As Akatsuki massaged her breast Listy's body incessantly twitched. And before long she slumped down into the arms of Akatsuki.

"Fu, ah...... nn, Fuu...... Ha...... ha."

Sweet moans leaked out, as she wore a trance-like expression exuding sex appeal.

Haruka couldn't help thinking, Listy right now surely couldn't be able to think of anything. Her brain must be lingering over the intense pleasure that Akatsuki had caused.

After she witnessed that sort of appearance from Listy,

...... The next...... will be me......

The moment she thought so, a heat was born at once inside her.

The torrent of intense pleasure was enough to make anyone incapable of thought.

So,

"Oh...... OHH, ooooohhhhhhhhh!"

The last of Nanase Haruka's reason was blown away.

She completely lost herself, abandoning all reservation to revel in the pleasure of a woman. She placed her hand on top of Akatsuki's that was on caressing her chest thirsting for more, with greater force. But,

Haruka unconsciously had look back over her left shoulder.

...... Ah.

A pair of jet black eyes that seemed to have suck her breath away were staring at her.

She stared back for awhile thoroughly liberated. It was the moment Haruka accepted, and also the moment she fell into a delightful abyss.

He -- the man named Ousawa Akatsuki had completely conquered her.

So ......

"...... Stand up, put both hands on the wall in front."

Her tender conqueror's order was passed to Haruka's ears

Haruka fully understood the contents of the command, also knew what Akatsuki had requested.

"...... Nn, nn......"

Still Haruka nodded. The option to refuse was nonexistent -- such notions were gone. She had become thoroughly obedient to him, and felt extremely glad for that now.

She slowly pushed aside the hot water in the bathtub, the lingering effects had caused her to stagger when she rose up.

"...... Ah."

Her body was still trembling intoxicated with pleasure. There was almost no power to put in her legs and waist. However, she still managed to stand on her legs shoulder width apart, and lift both arms to put her hands on the wall.

And,

"......!"

When she stretched out to touch the wall her butt naturally pushed out in Akatsuki's direction. Then,

"...... That's a good girl."

As he said so, Akatsuki gently stroked her rear side.

"Oh ......"

Akatsuki gave me a compliment -- the moment she thought so a feeling beyond joy over came her.

Such that she shivered from the happiness.

Then Akatsuki's hands stroking her lower back gently slide to her firm butt.

He appeared to suddenly massage Haruka's butt really fast then slow seemingly to confirm its softness, however it was to cause the pleasure to permeate her body.

"Mrmm...... ah, fu...... nn...... uhn!"

Akatsuki's Ki flowed in endlessly. Haruka's body had been in a state of extreme sensitivity, now gained a stronger sense of pleasure from that in itself.

-- However, Nanase Haruka was very clear.

That was simply the beginning, definitely not the end.

And perhaps -- very soon she would reach a height she hadn't reached so far. As long as its Akatsuki, Haruka would gladly accept.

But, there was something that had to be said before that. So she looked back behind her,

"Ah... ... W-wait a minute... ... Listen to me first."

The pleasure involuntarily caused Haruka to move her hips back and forth as she spoke. However, she still faithfully passed on what she knew of JPN-Babel's current situation.

Including how Kyouya kidnapped Miu, and information regarding the "guardian beast system." She passed along any information that might become of some help to Akatsuki. Like that, Haruka conveyed everything without the slightest hesitation.

"...... Is that so, I understand."

Akatsuki's tone was calm, he understood how hard it was for Haruka,

"Now, entrust it to me."

At the same time his soothing words reach her ear, Haruka suddenly felt Akatsuki's hands on her wet panties.

"Oh, Ohhh......"

Haruka let slip a shameful voice, but she still didn't resist.

She didn't mind as long as it was something Akatsuki desired.

So, her last piece of clothing taken off, and everything of herself was exposed.

"......!"

In the excitement thick saliva had accumulated in her mouth Haruka couldn't help but swallow. From the kiss a little while ago Akatsuki's saliva had already fused together with her own. The taste of it gave birth to such extreme pleasure it was scary.

And Nanase Haruka's body suddenly shook as she reached a little peak from the saliva.

She could no longer restrain herself.

"...... Akatsuki...... Akatsuki...... Akatsuki!!"

Haruka closed her eyes, and kept calling out his name.

She abandoned all her shame and modesty to seek pleasure one step further.

Then she suddenly felt as though Akatsuki faintly smiled from behind her.

At that time -- her visibility and thoughts went blank.

...... Ah......

Haruka knew what that phenomenon was, because she had already experienced it in Alayzard.

The moments before when the pleasure surpassed what she could perceive everything becomes pure white.

She didn't know where Akatsuki had touched, only knew that this was the climax.

However, it was a moment where a person body memorizes the feeling such pleasure, engraved into the mind and body was that sweet joy it received. And now pushed beyond the limit she was overtaken by a bottomless abyss of pleasure.

The next moment,

"--------"

The degree of pleasure was enough for Nanase Haruka to be born again, her whole body twitched violently and involuntarily trembled.

Akatsuki brought an absolute pleasure that turned her consciousness into a white world.

Part 8

-- And now, the echoing of the lovely moans faded away, and at long last calm was restored to the Ousawa bathroom. The crying that was there until a while ago had disappeared leaving only the sweet breathes of two girls lost in their dreams.

"...... Well, its almost time."

The youth quietly muttered to himself.

However, within those few words was a fiery determination.

Slowly -- Ousawa Akatsuki had begun to move.

Part 9

There was a place that supported the tower of Babel that extended into the sky.

It was deep underground, precisely the lowest level of JPN-Babel.

In there was always a low mechanical hum, but now there was other sounds mixed in with the usual. It was the sound of two people kicking off the ground in a sprint as hard as they could.

"Stop joking around, damn......!"

While running in the dark passage dimly lit by a red light Onizuka Kenya couldn't help but complain.

The girl who Onizuka infiltrated the underground area with was also currently freeloading at his home, Tiana Randohauze. They had encountered an enemy attack that had been lying in wait.

The other party were terrorists who previously caused damage to JPN-Babel.

Phil Barnett -- and Onizuka's former classmate Tanaka.

-- And now, after Onizuka and Tiana encountered them they immediately retreated back the way they came.

They were currently already many floors above were they met Phil and Tanaka.

However, Onizuka hadn't stopped his feet.

And several steps in front of him -- was the small back of Tiana running,

"Ken-chan can you run a little faster? I might have to leave you behind."

"Urhhh, I'm going as fast as I can!"

Tiana looked back urging Onizuka on, however he yelled back in return.

At that moment......

"-- Did you think you could escape?"

A voice came from behind him, at the same time Onizuka's body was blown away from the side.

The attack from Tanaka, who was chasing after them, had caused him to slam into the passage's wall.

"Gahhh...... gah, damn......!"

None the less, Onizuka withstood the pain to get up and start running again.

...... Shit...... what was that attack from Tanaka......!

Even from earlier, Onizuka was unable to see what had struck him over and over again, and it even broke through the protective barrier he set up. However, the barriers still played a bit of a role. Tanaka's shock waves at most were only able to slam him into the wall, and not fatally injury him.

If Onizuka was hit directly by the wave he would of lost consciousness immediately, the first time around.

Then Tiana suddenly spoke,

"That wave must be some sort of wind-based magic. On top of being invisible, he is deliberately canceling the magic formation making it even harder to avoid. It really is a bit tricky -- Amazing!"

In the middle of her analysis to herself Tiana took two quick steps sideways. Then the space where she was standing until then was gouged from a shock wave.

She dodge it perfectly.

"You've just been jumping around -- How are you able to avoid that guy's attacks!?"

"Since the surrounding atmosphere fluctuates right before he attacks you just have to feel it out. The direction as well as the timing can also be read from it."

Confronted with Onizuka's question containing his irritation, Tiana answered without hesitation and,

"...... But then again, why hasn't Ken-chan been doing so?"

"If I had such a skill I would have been doing it a long time ago."

Feel the fluctuations in the atmosphere? Stop messing around.

That's just as difficult as dodging an attack that couldn't be seen by the naked eye.

...... It was my foolish mistake for asking her for tips.

Onizuka clicked his tongue loudly. However, even if he couldn't imitate what she could do -- Onizuka still had his own way to respond.

So......

"Basically...... I just have to go all out!"

While shouting Onizuka ignited the area around him into flames.

That undoubtedly gave away their position.

...... But in any case, their location was already grasped by them. It was only that they didn't have a light to guide them.

Onizuka and Tiana were currently running trying to get away, and not hiding in some shadow to get past their enemy. So then, priority should be given to self defense rather than concealing their whereabouts.

And then,

"-!"

A soundless horizontal shock wave came towards Onizuka who somehow successfully avoided it by lowering his body. The fire around his whole body had fluttered which allowed him to detect Tanaka's oncoming attack.

"See, I knew Ken-chan could do if he tried."

Tiana turned back in admiration.

"Urhhh...... leaving that aside, what direction did that come from?"

Onizuka asked with a rude tone.

Even though Onizuka and Tiana were in a rush to escape it didn't mean they didn't need to put any thought into countermeasures.

"Let's see, he must be somewhere nearby -- Ah look, right ahead!"

Just as Tiana was searching a wide open space suddenly appeared at the end of the channel.

It was huge area that look to be still undergoing some sort of construction.

Compared to the floors of the tower of Babel above ground the underground areas seemed especially vast. Judging from the size of the large-scale machinery they appeared to be building a rather huge underground facility. As Onizuka looked around,

"Here will be good......!"

In addition to the area, there was also sufficient height.

The moment after he muttered, and was able to get a second to catch his breath,

"-- Oh, your not going to run away anymore?"

A familiar voice suddenly came from behind. Turning back, the two enemies from earlier stood in his line of sight.

Phil Barnett and Tanaka were their names.

"What is here? Have you found a good place to die?"

Phil Barnett asked while floating a thin sneer, he couldn't help but ridicule them. However, Onizuka and Tiana had no intentions of continuing to escape. Strictly speaking, it was no longer necessary to escape.

"Unpleasant... ... Well, the thought fighting of you in that narrow passage was out of the question ~. A little misstep and the ceiling would come crashing down burying everyone alive."

And "Ahaha" Tiana laughed as she revealed her plan,

"On that point...... if its here everything will be fine even if things get a little bit violent for a moment."

"...... So instead of trying to to escape you deliberately lured us here?"

With a rather bland tone Tanaka had asked, to which Tiana sincerely nodded her head.

"You might say it was something like that... ... You two have the <Phoenix cells>, and even if you were buried under the rubble it might end up with just Ken-chan and myself suffocating to death."

After saying up to there,

(Ken-chan, please listen to me......)

Tiana suddenly started whispering to Onizuka and,

(They probably have already had the genes from a higher order life form implanted in their bodies called "Phoenix cells." It's because of them they can instantly restore themselves just like after he received my earlier attack. Speaking of which Ken-chan, you said that they were both terrorists caught by Babel...... most likely their bodies were more suited to have the cells transplanted into. To tell you the truth, the reason I snuck into Babel is to recover these cells......）

(Conveniently, the circumstances are good now. The <Phoenix cells> you called them. Meaning their resilience is close to immortal. How the hell do you plan on defeating such guys?)

Onizuka asked keeping his voice low.

(Their tremendous recovery power is only coming the <Phoenix cells>. And even if they were immortal there is still a way to win.-- But facing two enemies at the same time with such strong resilience myself alone might be......)

(What!... ... Even you couldn't beat them?）

(If I really want to act recklessly I could do it, but......)

And Tiana started to look around.

(...... I want to avoid it here as much as possible.)

Apparently, there seems to be some kind of reason why Tiana cannot fully use her power here. Therefore,

(Got it...... I will take one of them.)

Onizuka readily agreed and,

(Even if I can't beat one of them, at the very least I can temporarily stall until you defeat one. You should be able to manage that alone.)

Just as they reached an agreement on what to do -–

"-- Is your battle plan nailed down yet? Then, I would like to begin."

Phil had a thin sneer on his face as he lightly waved his right hand.

Then his AD reacted, a long sword took shape in his hand.

And......

"I'll hand him over to you...... from the earlier reaction it seems you two are acquainted."

After moving next to Tanaka he said that, and with a whiff of laugh,

"Strictly speaking, I also met him one time before... ... However, I still want to deal with her. I haven't been able to show my gratitude for cracking my ribs and rupturing my internal organs."

"...... I understand."

Responding to Phil, Tanaka nodded as he remained expressionless.

Then the two slowly stepped towards their opponent.

"Since we have already been nominated, it can't be helped ...... Well then Ken-chan, I'll deal with bright smile-san, and you'll have sourpuss-san as your opponent."

And like that Tiana stepped forward.

And the next moment......

Gakiiiitsu-!

Together with a loud crashing sound the battle of Tiana and Phil began.

While catching a glimpse of the fight out of the corner of his eye Onizuka Kenya slowly moved to stand opposite of Tanaka. It was something that Onizuka couldn't escape, confronting himself from his past.

"Tanaka ......"

Onizuka called his name with a bitter expression and,

"There's no need to make such a face...... you don't have to feel guilty or sorry."

Tanaka was both machine-like in voice and facial expression and,

"The past and now, you are not something I hold any emotions towards."

"...... But, I......!"

Onizuka's voice was strained. Even if Tanaka didn't give it a thought, he felt there was a deficit.

But,

"If you want to feel regretful then by all means, its fine to do as you like."

Tanaka talked quietly, without any emotion and,

"-- You'll die here soon anyway."

As he said so several magic formations expanded all at once.

"-!"

Even though Onizuka took a defensive stance in a instant he still faced countless shock waves coming at him at the same time.

Part 10

Haruka had lost consciousness while in the bathroom, so Akatsuki decided to carry her to his room.

"You'll catch a cold without any clothes on."

He had wrapped his bath towel around her, and then lightly covered her with the blanket after laying her on the bed. Akatsuki then looked at Haruka sleeping soundly.

After he did he thought her sleeping face was so peaceful. For the time being she should be okay with this.

So -- Ousawa Akatsuki could act now.

After he put on the new uniform Haruka brought over last night,

"The uniform's interwoven with telepathic stone fibers...... huh."

He said to himself on the verge of going to defeat Kyouya.

Today wearing the uniform provided by Babel felt a bit strange.

...... No matter.

Akatsuki made a small wry smile. As long as it was needed to win, even using an enemy's outfit wasn't wrong had always been his creed. Not to mention that it was something Haruka went out of her way to bring over, however there was still no reason not to wear it.

Furthermore it was Kyouya who made her cry, taking advantage of a Babel uniform to beat him naturally couldn't be more fitting.

Finally Akatsuki slipped the new type model of AD on his right arm,

"--I'll be right back, Haruka."

After a brief goodbye to the sleeping Haruka he quietly left the room.

And when he made his way into the garage he stopped in the entryway when he found a figure standing near Sleipnir. The figure was wearing something the first time.

It was Listy in a uniform for JPN-Babel.

"That was fast... ... I thought it took a women a lot more time to get ready before they went out."

Akatsuki said with a laugh.

"This time I absolutely won't let you leave me here -- no matter what."

"...... It seems you're adamant about going."

"That's only natural."

Listy answered and,

"I already made a vow with Miu-chan last night to be companions and to share a common fate from now on."

"It's not that I can't understand how you feel, but......"

Akatsuki couldn't help think things would be difficult.

The enemy was Hikami Kyouya. Even when Miu and Haruka combined their power they were completely no match for him.

Listy's ability wasn't that much different from Miu or Haruka's.

To put it bluntly, it would be too dangerous to bring her along.

But......

"I beg you, Akatsuki......"

And Listy on the verge of tears,

"Miu-chan got caught while trying to protect me. Then, now would be my turn to help her... ... Isn't that so?"

Within that serious expression Akatsuki saw a determination in her eyes that absolutely wouldn't compromise.

"...... Good grief, I truly don't know what to do with you."

Akatsuki sighed and,

"I understand. We'll go together."

"Really ......?"

Listy's face brightened up.

"I'll be troubled if I leave you here crying. Even that would be useless, you would just secretly follow anyway."

However, Akatsuki added,

"You'll have to follow my instructions. I can't have you acting of your own -- Are you good with that?"

"You mean don't become a burden to you? I understand."

Listy nodded.

"Well, now that its come to this -- not telling those two seems a bit unreasonable."

Akatsuki then took out his cell phone from his pocket.

"When you mean those two...... Chikage and Kuzuha?"

"Uh huh. I was worried they would do something ill-advised on their own. And with those two around you would be less likely to do something recklessly."

If it was just Listy alone it would be difficult to guarantee she won't act on impulse, however the situation was significantly different with those two along.

Since it was a lot harder to let emotions affect your decisions when your actions might jeopardize others.

...... Well, the same goes to me.

Akatsuki smiled wryly in his mind.

Now with Listy and the others coming with Akatsuki also couldn't be reckless. However, as for whether those three when things turn bad become fetters, or a powerful force was dependent upon him.

-- All right, time to go.

To go find the girl waiting for him, and to by all means crush a man.

It was just like the aesthetics he holds himself to. There was no going back, and there won't be any compromises.

Ousawa Akatsuki then said,

"For abducting that guy, and making Haruka cry... ... You will have to pay the price Hikami Kyouya."

Part 11

After getting in touch with Chikage and Kuzuha it was decided that everyone would meet at JPN-Babel.

So Akatsuki got on Sleipnir, and then Listy sat directly behind him.

"I'm going to go fast...... so hold on tight."

"Yes......"

Under Akatsuki's warning Listy wrapped her arms around his waist.

...... Ah......

It was only for a moment, but she had seen the look on Akatsuki's face. The seriousness in his face was different. Listy had known him for a long time, and could count the number of times she had seen an expression like that on him.

"Let's go......!"

And Sleipnir departed. As if it understood its owners feelings the pitch-black machine made off with Akatsuki and Listy in the wind.

...... At such time I, what the......

While clinging to Akatsuki's back, Listy had dropped her head down and cast her eyes down.

In her, there was a somewhat tight feeling that had silently raged in her heart. It was surely a little jealousy.

-- Once in Alayzard, when they were fighting to free the Imperial City of Erdia taken by Galious.

Akatsuki had rushed to the battlefield to save Listy and the others from the crisis.

Listy Sherfied couldn't help think.

At that time -- while he was heading toward the battlefield.

Whether Akatsuki had made the same face as he had now.

Chapter 2 - Twilight's Domain

Part 1

A soothing melody flowed.

It was in a place fit to enjoy the evening, a bar lounge in a major hotel in the center of the commercial district. It was famous for its exquisite view of the night sky through the window that always drew in a large group of clientele.

-- But the situation today was very different.

Currently, there was only one female customer sitting at the bar. The rest of the huge lounge was devoid of guests.

From the looks of it, it would seem as though it was reserved. However, there was no such sign at the entrance stating so.

Only the usual "OPEN" signboard.

Still, no other customers came at all -- no, its not exactly that no one came. They came up to the front, however for some reason every customer turned back at the entrance of the place. The bar was open during its normal hours of business with plenty of open seats, but they still chose to leave.

The reason for this was the sole female customer.

"Barkeep, your pretty good --......"

The woman finished her cocktail in one sip then let out a beautiful smile.

The Bartender lowered his head slightly and said, "You're too kind......" as he started mixing another cocktail.

But, the woman didn't order another drink. She simply would of liked another drink -- no, strictly speaking she just "thought" she was now in the mood for one. However, that much alone was enough to inform the bartender she desired another cocktail. On the basis of having merely a thought in mind was capable of making the bartender make the drink she wanted.

It was the same reason why no other customers were around.

Just because she was thinking "I want to quietly drink alone" the other customers would all naturally turned around in front of the entrance to the bar lounge.

That was the kind of unfathomable power the mysterious female customer had.

Everything about the woman was beautiful.

Her face, all of the curves and lines of her body -- even the atmosphere around her.

However while having a such beauty to pride over, there were few people who know her name and identity. The leader of the world's most powerful terrorist group "Crimson Twilight."

Cecil End-heart -- was her name.

Her subordinates within the group Motoharu Kaidou and Tiana Randohauze had been sent to infiltrate JPN-Babel that same evening to take possession of the <Phoenix cells>. Cecil was alone at the bar enjoying her drink.

-- Hikami Kyouya's not hesitating to betray COCOON to enact some sort of scheme up till then had been grasped.

If it was an average person Cecil would've been able to see through his plans to a certain extent. But --

...... I'm unable to read the situation this time.

Cecil's smile became even more brilliant.

The inability to predict the situation, while dangerous harbored a great deal of fun.

As one of the world's most powerful terrorists, most of Cecil's daily life could be said to be tame with everything planed out, almost never would anything unexpected occur.

However this time the situation was uncommon, and she was unable to make out Kyouya's genuine aim.

Cecil understood that it was a dangerous omen. Not being able to perceive anything -- most likely meant things were moving in a dangerous direction. So, initially she thought to also intervene in this situation, because in the worst case Kaidou and Tiana wouldn't be able to handle the situation.

But -- Cecil in this matter decided to remain a observer.

It was because a few days before she happened to encounter a young man, for Cecil it brought "unexpected" variables.

His strength still had room to grow, and his future development was limitless.

"Fufu......"

Remembering that time Cecil happily laughed.

Back then when he touched her chest her heart started racing, almost like a girl in love. Even when she faced her predecessor, a man with far more power than herself, or when she was around other suitable people and companions she had never felt that way. That was why she dared to remain in the special autonomous region, to observe nearby how he would move under these circumstances -- In order to confirm it.

Soon after......

"-- Was that."

The moment after Cecil inventively called out she smiled sweetly.

As if it was a gust of wind, the unique sound of a vehicle had swept past the outside of the hotel.

Fast.

The road in front of the hotel was an ordinary street, and despite that the speed was much faster than the time she road tandem on the highway the other day.

"That wind was really hurried......"

Apparently something must had occurred -- that left Ousawa Akatsuki no option but to actively intervene.

"However...... it's just a little too early."

Cecil lowered her head in thought.

At the present time there hadn't been any contact from Tiana. Most likely it would mean the <Phoenix cells> had yet to be seized. Cecil didn't care about Akatsuki's involvement, but she didn't want his actions to obstruct Kaidou and Tiana.

So......

"I'm sorry Akatsuki......"

Cecil softly called out the name of the young man that made her heart flutter.

And with a happy smile on her face,

"Your going to have to take part in a little sideshow -- so that I may understand you better."

Part 2

Akatsuki and Listy were racing through the dark streets of the special autonomous region on Sleipnir.

They were ignoring all the traffic lights, even the pedestrian signals. Akatsuki as of now was impossible to stop.

So much that along the way the traffic security started to pursue them vigorously, and was ultimately shaken off.

And after a while of this intense driving......

"-- Sshaa, we finally arrived!"

Their destination came into view at the end of the road ahead.

The main gate to JPN-Babel.

"Akatsuki, what is your plan going forward?"

Listy seated behind him had asked about his battle plan.

"Heh...... it goes without saying, no?"

The corners of Akatsuki's mouth turned into a smirk, and he turned back to look at Listy,

"Moving ahead in a roundabout manner is not my style. I'm going to attack head on -- and kick around any opponent."

However,

"-- What is it?"

Suddenly Akatsuki noticed the strange situation. Despite their vehicle approaching with no signs of slowing down the security guards made no attempt to stop them. Or more precisely there were no guards.

-- Just recently there was the incident where Phil Barnett invaded JPN-Babel.

Therefore, in order to prevent a similar situation from happening again the main gate must have at a minimum of six security guards standing in front of the gate around the clock, and from there another ten guards on standby in the outpost next to it. But at the moment, there wasn't a single one.

...... Old man Kubota did say there was comprehensive system update, is this because of that?

It was said that there would be a limited amount personnel allowed on the premises tonight for it. However then that would unavoidably make the campus more vulnerable to a foreign invasion.

Therefore the security level around the school should be tighter than usual.

...... If that then even the [Guardian Beast system] should be activated.

From what he heard from Haruka he was able to grasp to some extent current situation inside JPN-Babel. That being said, not having people stationed at the main gate was really too unwary.

...... Or is it a trap?

Perhaps, already at an earlier time it was anticipated that Akatsuki would be coming, and this was a tacit formulated back then for him. In that case, barging straight through the main entrance would be a very risky move.

So ......

"Akatsuki......"

Listy softly called out to him.

"-- Are you scared?"

"Of course not......"

And Listy tightened the grip she had around Akatsuki's waist,

"We got to keep going...... and kick around anyone in the way."

"Aah -- Leave it to me."

Akatsuki responded to Listy with a nod.

As it was, they directly broke through the main gate, invading the premises without slowing down at all.

It was at that time Akatsuki saw a myriad of black shadows lying on the asphalt road.

The campus under the night sky was shrouded in darkness. In addition, the high speed of which Sleipnir was moving made it extremely difficult to identity what the shadows were,

"Akatsuki, that is --"

Listy turned, and stared behind them. Akatsuki's eyes also were looking in the same direction,

"They're most likely Babel's security guards......"

If that was the case, then who in the world did that? Was this also part of the trap?

But -- Akatsuki wasn't able to draw any conclusions to the questions that floated in his mind.

Because the two were abruptly struck by an intense shock.

The high speed of which Sleipnir was moving had instantly been stopped, as if it were caught on something invisible. Akatsuki and Listy both were flung over the front of the motorcycle.

"Damn......!"

Even though it happened all of sudden Akatsuki still had the time to react. Listy was thrown in the air the same as himself, so he first pulled her over into his arms. Then he kicked out his legs in an attempt to land upright,

"-- Leave it to me!"

The same time Listy shouted she expanded a magic formation.

Invoking flight magic using the wind they landed on the ground light as a feather.

"Sure enough it was a trap. I wonder if it was that man...... Hikami Kyouya's doing?"

"I don't think so."

Akatsuki denied the possibility that Listy had said.

When he though about it to himself, if it was Kyouya's handiwork then there would of been no reason to knock out the guards.

And.......

That thing they couldn't see which stopped Sleipnir, Akatsuki had an idea as to its real nature. Then from out of no where,

"...... Ara, you easily dealt with my surprise just now. Your reactions were very good, no?"

The carefree voice was vastly out of place with the tense atmosphere at the scene. It wasn't a voice that Akatsuki and Listy were unfamiliar with, in fact the new it very well.

"That voice...... could it be......!"

Listy shot a hurried look at Akatsuki.

"...... As I thought."

Akatsuki couldn't hep but laugh to himself having his speculation not being wrong.

And then he turned to look back. His eyes were fix ahead -- at a dark spot on the side of road where the light didn't reach. It was at that time, a youth slowly appeared from out of the darkness.

Akatsuki then floated a fearless smile,

"You took that prank a little to bit far...... eh, Kaidou?"

"Oh~, I was also wondering so......"

And despite Kaidou Motoharu just laughing it off being confronted,

"To tell the truth, I'm in the middle of carrying out something important at the moment. I hate to tell you this -- but, I can't let you go in any farther, Ackkee."

In the depths of his eyes was an ice-cold stare.

"......!"

Listy couldn't refrain from gasping from the overpowering pressure. Akatsuki gently put his hand on her shoulder, hinting there was no need for her to be afraid,

"...... What an amazing coincidence. In fact, I also have a urgent matter to take care of."

And slowly, he began to walk towards Kaidou,

"So -- I'm going to have to get past you by all means."

"Seriously? This is going to be troublesome... ... What can be done?"

And Kaidou deliberately put on an air of anxiousness,

"It can't be Ackkee, that you intend to resorting to brute force to get through, right?"

"Idiot. You're my best friend, how could I possibility be so heartless?"

And Akatsuki cracked a smile,

One breath.

"Ram him -- Sleipnir."

Instantaneously the command was passed through the AD.

The large mass of steel immediately broke the sound barrier barreling towards Kaidou with an astonishing amount of momentum.

Part 3

The sonic wave that was generated whirled up a cloud of dust.

Listy was engulfed by the strong gust that was created right next to her,

"Is, is it necessary to be that rough?... ... Are you not worried of what might happened to him, Akatsuki?"

In the shock Listy had had involuntarily raised her voice, however Akatsuki was rather composed and,

"Ah. This should be the quickest way. I don't have time to waste on this fellow here."

The synchronization with his AD and also Sleipnir that Kubota did was being put to use so soon. Akatsuki lightly chuckled at that as he looked up at the sky. When he was about to look back at Listy there was suddenly a high-pitched noise.

And at the same time,

"Wh-what is this......?"

Listy raised her voice, confused as to what happened right before her.

A transparent wall had suddenly been placed between Akatsuki and herself.

"...... A barrier?"

Akatsuki muttered to himself, and behind within the cloud of dust,

"-- Didn't I say, I can't let you get passed me?"

The sudden voice sounded like it was said with a smile. Therefore, Akatsuki focused his mind on his AD again.

"--------"

However, this wasn't another command to Sleipnir, rather it was to transform his uniform into combat attire. And when he turned to look at Kaidou, he was also wearing combat clothes standing there in front of him.

"I will also make it clear. Kaidou -- there is nothing you can do to stop me."

As soon as he calmly said so, Ousawa Akatsuki bent both his knees, and launched himself towards Kaidou.

Ready to prove the words he just said a moment ago.

Part 4

Izumi Chikage and Doumoto Kuzuha after being contacted by Akatsuki were on their way to JPN-Babel to meet up. And the two of them happened by chance to have entered the campus at the same time.

Their first sight on the scene was a number security guards lying unconscious on the ground.

"This is......"

Fortunately, all of the guards were only knocked out, and still alive. But to take out such a large number of guards at the same time within a short period of time the person responsible's strength had to be considerable. At the moment, they thought it must have been Akatsuki who arrived earlier to take back Miu, but was stopped by security kind of thing. However,

"...... It's strange."

"Nn...... It's too clean to be Ousawa-kun's style."

Chikage and Kuzuha glanced at each other, while they shared their inner doubts.

Akatsuki wouldn't have gone so easy on an enemy standing in his way, not to mention in a situation where they had taken Miu. Since time was so precious, the moment he was confronted he would of swiftly and violently blown them off to the side without any explanation. However, on the fallen guards there were no conspicuous external injuries, even their clothing was completely intact. It was as if they were suddenly attacked from behind. There was no doubt -- this was done by somebody other than Akatsuki.

-- But then, what happened became completely strange.

In that case then was it an intended trap by Hikami Kyouya for Akatsuki when he came to rescue Miu, to portray him as a threat to JPN-Babel. The supposed arrangement of the scene was in line with Akatsuki's style.

However, that really wasn't the case,

"No way..... is there another intruder?"

"But also to pick such a crucial time......"

Once Chikage heard what Kuzuha said, she could help but hardened her expression.

That unidentified master depending on whether he was an ally or foe was going to greatly influence their situation. Nevertheless -- the two abruptly got a clue to lead them to the answer.

A series of loud bangs were heard from a place not far away.

"-!?"

It was almost as if space itself had exploded, the heavy low pitched sound shook their bodies to the core.

Izumi Chikage and Doumoto Kuzuha had a very clear sense of what that sound stood for.

Those were cause by a battle breaking out.

"--------"

Therefore, the two didn't need any words to confirm what the other intended.

Kuzuha placed her hand on the ground unfolding a magic formation, creating a stone golem in the shape of a lion.

Chikage immediately jumped up on the lions back sitting behind Kuzuha. Every motion was fluid and in sync with each other, as if the two had planned it out ahead of time.

-- Then the Lion started to run charging off towards the sound.

The low stance as it kicked off the ground with all its strength brought the carnivorous beast to top speed in an instant. The lion cut through the air as it carried Kuzuha and Chikage. The roaring sound didn't stop as they moved toward the battlefield.

Part 5

Listy Sherfied's body was enduring enormous vibrations.

The low heavy bass that shook the atmosphere.

It was the aftereffects caused by huge impacts -- from the battle that had unfolded before her eyes.

"......!"

Both of Listy's feet were firmly planted the ground as she stared at the space 100 meters away.

The two people fighting were Akatsuki and Kaidou.

The battle had already been going on for several minutes. The offense and defense of theirs had continued without any breaks.

"Evenly matched......"

Listy had muttered unable to conceal her surprise to that fact.

-- Akatsuki was currently fighting bare handed without materializing his black magic sword.

However, he was employing Renkan Keikikou therefore the presence or absence of a weapon was not a big problem.

Akatsuki's own body in itself was the greatest weapon, the sword attack was but one aspect -- so to speak, it was an extension of his physical attacks.

...... And in terms of movement empty handed was much faster......

Still, Kaidou was able to completely match his movements.

And from what Listy could tell she didn't think Akatsuki was holding back.

Every one of Akatsuki's punches or kicks had enough force to constitute a fatal blow. If Listy wasn't protected by a barrier her consciousness would of certainly went flying after a single attack.

...... But......

Against such attacks Kaidou continued to take them head on. He was using arms and legs to protect himself, while evading certain blows to allow himself a chance to strike back.

...... Who could have thought Kaidou was that strong......

What Listy understood about Kaidou Motoharu was only about as much as the young man's name.

She did know that the person in question would half jokingly call himself Akatsuki's best friend, but Listy personally never had a conversation with him.

-- And of course that Kaidou was considerably powerful.

When he visited Alayzard together with Akatsuki, from the initial peace negotiations to until the end of the war, Kaidou had taken on many important roles from the shadows.

At the time when Akatsuki was away from Forestnium partaking in the peace negotiations Kaidou repulsed the almost invulnerable dead soldiers Leon had created, minimizing the damage to the village. Moreover, at the decisive battle in Gorudono Grand Canyon Kaidou had defeated the general of Kingdom of Sherfied Zechs.

...... Then there was that pressure she had felt at that time......

Listy Sherfied was reminded of the scene.

Upon Akatsuki receiving a fatal wound during the battle Kaidou had released a frightening amount murderous intent over herself and the others at the scene.

"--------"

There was no way she could be mistaken. That was clearly more overwhelming than the aura Phil Barnett released with the evil dragon Zahhak harboring inside his body at the time he left to apprehend Miu -- it might of even been more powerful than the one Akatsuki had shown on the battlefield.

"Kaidou Motoharu......"

While watching Akatsuki and Kaidou attack each other on numerous occasions Listy had come to a deeper understanding.

The Kaidou standing in Akatsuki and her own way right now was a formidable enemy, and equally matched with Akatsuki. Then,

"-- Listy!"

Soon after her name was call out, two girls had arrived to the scene. Across the back of the sprinting lion golem was Doumoto Kuzuha and Izumi Chikage.

"Ho, you guys......!"

The arrival of two reliable friends seemed to have lift Listy's spirit, her face revealed an overjoyed look.

"Why are you just quietly watching? We need to hurry --"

Chikage's voice held some reproach as she jumped off the lion's back to look up to see Akatsuki and Kaidou. For Chikage it was a natural question to ask.

-- It was already decided that everyone will live with and walk down the same path together with Akatsuki.

Therefore even if she didn't know the reason why Akatsuki was fighting Kaidou, exactly what to do next was clear.

Kaidou had fought side by side with everyone, but if he intended to stand in their way while they're trying to save Miu -- Kaidou was an enemy to be taken down.

And so......

"I'm sorry, Akatsuki. I know you don't like others to infer with your fight, but --"

As soon as she say so, Chikage materialized a long bow from her AD.

She had completely drawn back the bowstring, and after had created a magic arrow.

However,

"-- Wait Chikage!"

Listy had called out to stop her.

"Did Ousawa-kun ask you not to infer?"

"No, it's not like that."

Faced with Kuzuha's question Listy shook her head. She felt the same way as Chikage and Kuzuha. She didn't care if Akatsuki would have been displeased if she intervened in his one on one fight, and in her heart she was anxious to lend a helping hand. And rescuing Miu as soon as possible was the top priority.

So, it was not a good idea to waste anymore time dealing with Kaidou here.

But......

"...... Watch carefully."

Listy stretched out her right hand, and at the same time unfolded a magic formation releasing a fireball. It flew towards Akatsuki and Kaidou -- but about 10 meters away it suddenly disappeared.

"How...... how is that possible?"

Chikage clearly saw the mass of fire seemly vanish before it crashed into anything.

"A protective wall -- No, a barrier......?"

Stunned she had spoke out, while she lowered her bow that had been poised. It seemed that the power of the fireball Listy released was equivalent the magic arrow Chikage was about to shoot. After what she witnessed, Kuzuha abruptly narrowed her eyes,

"More than that, the way the fireball was repelled...... was close to an absolute barriers of a higher life form."

"That was his doing."

Listy turned her eyes towards Kaidou.

"He and Akatsuki are fighting on the other side of this barrier. I tried to activate magic directly behind the barrier, also to no avail... ... Perhaps he set up that barrier to block any magic from the outside."

"Have you tried physical attacks?"

"Of course, but the result was still the same... ... This barrier is stronger than we can imagine."

Listy had reported with a bitter tone. She already tried to support him many times. But still, with all her efforts she was unable to get past the barrier that Kaidou created.

In addition,

"That's not all. That barrier besides being around those two stretches out ahead."

Listy looked in the direction of the tower of Babel.

Following her eyes Chikage sighed,

"In other words, we are completely stuck here."

"Yeah. Unless he is defeated, we simply can't advance......"

So, Listy turned her eyes straight ahead, and with confidence in her gaze she said,

"It is now up to Akatsuki...... and only he can do it."

Then the fight unfolding before Listy and the others eyes had suddenly changed.

"That......"

Chikage briefly leaked her surprise which was clearly heard by Listy.

Akatsuki and Kaidou's speed was elevated to another dimension.

Part 6

Akatsuki kicked off the ground.

His Ki had been gathered into his legs using renkan keikikou, and instantaneously his initial velocity increased. The more he kept his feet moving the greater his speed raised.

He was able firmly plant his feet on the synthetic grounds of the number one athletic field.

The high-speed movement transformed himself into into a gust of wind headed to the enemy in front of his eyes.

As it was, the distance between each other shortened at once, followed by a left and right punch.

Aiming for face that would leave him completely thrashed.

However......

"-- Oh wow, very scary."

Along with the wind the voice -- had wrapped around from behind.

"Shit -!"

Akatsuki had sent a right backhand behind him, but his arm was stopped. Still Akatsuki had already predicted that would happen. As it was he twisted his body to the lower right to unleash a backwards left kick down. However, the kick only ended up hitting thin air.

When he looked Kaidou had already retreated several meters back. Although the attacks had been right after each other Kaidou was still able to step back in that gap.

"Stop running away!"

Akatsuki once again dashed forward chasing after his enemy -- Kaidou Motoharu.

There was another onrush of punches and kicks from Akatsuki that even his own eyes could hardly follow, but still Kaidou was able to cope with one after another. He fended them off with a mix of body, and hand movements to parry the attacks. Akatsuki couldn't even touch his clothes.

...... What's with this, how is he still keeping this up......?

Renkan keikikou that Akatsuki uses was a technique to manipulate Ki precisely as its name suggests.

It wasn't limited to using the Ki in his own body, but was possible to manipulate someone else's just by touch. As such, now that some time had elapsed in the fight Akatsuki had already made contact with Kaidou many times.

However, Kaidou's speed wasn't dropping. On the contrary, it had risen to match Akatsuki's movements.

...... He must be using some form of "Kuzushi."

In order to manipulate the Ki in someone else's body it becomes necessary to match that person's breathing, heart rate and as well as the flow of their Ki to find the appropriate places in their body to infuse Ki to alter the flow. However, Kaidou through changing his footwork and contorting his body size was altering his own body rhythms disrupting Akatsuki's ability to judge.

"No wonder you're so self-confident... ... As expected, you were concealing your power."

Akatsuki had never genuinely fought against Kaidou up to now. They met for the first time on the roof of a 3rd story building within JPN-Babel, and lightly exchanged punches without showing each other their real strength. Kaidou had used the word "handshake" to call it at that time. None the less, he was active behind the scenes in the ranking tournament, and from what he showed at the battle in Alayzard Akatsuki had highly evaluated Kaidou's strength.

Every time Akatsuki provoked him, Kaidou would perfunctory evade the question with "I don't like to take on challenges where I can predict the result." But make no mistake, Akatsuki broadly smiled while he exposed a mocking expression on his face,

"What the hell...... Kaidou, I never thought that you'd be this strong!"

As he spoke Akatsuki's right fist was easily blocked upward.

However, before he was able to gather his fist, Kaidou had grabbed his wrist and,

"Brace yourself Ackkee!"

Unable to quickly shake Kaidou off, Akatsuki was cast aside with a sudden force.

However -- Akatsuki wasn't slammed into the ground. His body was literally thrown high into the air with tremendous force. Without being able to grab a foothold in the sky he could only watch as he was awkwardly falling into the forest near the sports fields.

It was the same forest that had become the stage for ranking tournament.

"Ah, ahhhhhhhhhh!"

The force of the fall cause him to break through the heavy thicket, bending and breaking several branches along the way.

"Gah... ... Damn!"

He manged to somehow settle himself in the air. Taking hold of branch with his right hand Akatsuki, using it as a fulcrum to spin around in a half circle, counteracting the force he was thrown by Kaidou, and firmly landing on the branch.

"Pursuit? --...... No probably not."

Akatsuki muttered. Kaidou's goal was to buy some time. As such, he was trying to his best to detain Akatsuki as long as he could making a follow up attack unnecessary.

...... Well, at least it seems he isn't in league with Hikami Kyouya.

However, he couldn't afford to remain here forever.

He must rescue Miu as soon as possible.

...... But then again.

Akatsuki thought at least Miu's safety was guaranteed. According to Haruka, Kyouya had some sort of plan he needed her for.

At that time, Kyouya seemed to have mentioned something about making a "Utopia."

Although several possibilities were conceivable, the mental state of Miu evidently had become important.

So, he was unlikely to cause Miu any harm...... at most would be limiting her freedom.

-- That said however, it couldn't be taken lightly.

The longer this drags on the more time Kyouya will have to fully prepare.

And more importantly......

...... That guy needs to be rescued right now.

Ousawa Akatsuki had no other choice. He must get going, before Miu started to cry.

So Akatsuki tightly clenched right fist. Kaidou was indeed a powerful enemy, maybe even stronger than himself. And before he would of absolutely been no match for him.

However -- it was vastly different now.

...... Thank you old man Kubota.

After the baptism he went through during the training program earlier in the day, Akatsuki had learned how to fight an enemy stronger than himself. The key to victory lied in the means, rather than the superiority in strength one side had.

And if Kaidou's aim was as he said to stall for time, there was a somewhat greater chance of success.

So......

"Bring it......!"

Ousawa Akatsuki fearlessly laughed as he began to run forward again.

Faster than the wind he had made it out of the forest.

"AHHHHHHHHhhhhhhhhhh!"

As he roared a torrent of Ki had been gathered in the palms of his hands.

Two massive balls of Ki were released from his left and right hand, curving respectively as they headed toward Kaidou.

"Hey Ackkee, you can't really think such an attack would hit me!"

Kaidou easily sidestepped the attacks which soared straight past him.

After missing the target the balls of Ki crashed into the ground, and with a loud bang billows of earth and sand had been kicked up. It brought forth enough dust to obscure Kaidou's vision.

"The goal was such a thing--"

"Yeah, such a thing."

With his view blocked, Kaidou had quietly leaked his assessment. Akatsuki had answered while he went around his back from the right hand side.

-- Attacks were sent in from all sides leaving only one way to escape, up or backwards.

But, once he takes to the air at that time he would temporarily be powerless. As Kaidou was just wanted to stall for time he was unlikely to go on the attack, and therefore his means of escape were narrowed down to one.

Faced with Akatsuki onrush however Kaidou was still able to turn and face all the attacks in time.

No matter, Ousawa Akatsuki wasn't going to let up at this point.

As it was now, he took a step forward towards Kaidou releasing a right fist. The punch maintained shoulder level as it went the fastest straight out. Seeing that Kaidou also responded with a fist of his own.

""--------!""

The two fists brushed past each other in the air, invariably making both Akatsuki and Kaidou dodged sideways.

However, Akatsuki took a step forward.

And,

"Oraaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

His right arm twisted, altering its path mid-air striking Kaidou on the back knocking him to the ground.

"Gaha-!"

The impact caused the air in Kaidou's lungs to be expelled. At that moment, Akatsuki further twisted his body to the left.

"-- Eat this!"

Without changing, he aimed his left elbow down at Kaidou's face.

"OOOOOHHHHHH?"

Kaidou quickly rolled to the side. Akatsuki's elbow had smashed into the ground.

Along with that loud boom that shook the earth a large crater was formed in the sports field.

Part 7

"Tch... ...Missed."

Even while rolling on the ground several times Kaidou could hear Akatsuki grumble.

And using the force he rolled to the side he got back up and,

"That was a little too much Ackkee, right? If I really 'ate that' my precious face would of been completely blown off!"

Akatsuki just shrugged nonchalantly to that and,

"Relax ~, it wouldn't have been so bad. Come on -- at most, your face would of just been in pieces."

"Whoa, that's very cruel! Isn't there at least a bit of love for a fellow student!?"

"You're too loud --"

As Kaidou protested in full force Akatsuki suddenly disappeared.

"Uh-oh!"

Kaidou quickly struck with nukite (spear hand) to his right side.

Under the Moonlight he could clearly see a shadow moving towards himself.

However, Akatsuki used his left hand to neutralize Kaidou's technique, throwing his own right fist diagonally instead.

"Ne, dangerous!"

Alarmed, Kaidou jump back in a hurry -- however, he still received a blow to his body.

"Gahh -- Ah!"

While flying backwards Kaidou could hardly believe what he seen his own eyes.

Akatsuki's fist was definitely too far to make contact with him.

However, the fact was he was knocked back after suffering a heavy shock.

...... Was that toate? (striking at a distance)

To strike by ramming your fist through the air was a supreme feat. And apart from the attack itself, it also expanded the range Akatsuki could threaten him.

"Damn......!"

And after regaining his posture in the air Kaidou landed on his feet,

"Sorry -- That was only a one time gimme. I'm not that easy-going."

After closing the distance Akatsuki freely launched a stream of punches and kicks. As Kaidou defended himself,

"Gua......--!?"

He avoided the first wave of attacks, nevertheless Kaidou was still struck.

The reason was simple -- Akatsuki's attacks had become incomparably faster than they were a little while ago.

...... This......!

Kaidou couldn't hide his surprise. Akatsuki current attacks were entirely on a different level then from the beginning. All the pointless power, unnecessary movements, and useless thoughts from Akatsuki had vanished. His attacks now followed the shortest distance with maximum speed, eliminating all the waste. Every motion had been sharpened to the utmost limit leaving Kaidou struggling to cope with the barrage of blows.

"Tch......!"

When Kaidou found it unbearable he took a big leap backwards.

"-- I'm not letting you escape!"

At almost the same time Akatsuki kicked off the ground after him.

At once he caught up with Kaidou releasing a jump kick with his left foot.

Aimed at the side of his head, Kaidou reflexively raised his right arm,

"-!"

He just barely protected himself in time, however the strong force that was hammered down on him from the attack left his entire right arm numb. Still, Kaidou was able to grab Akatsuki's foot with the other hand in an attempt to slam him into the ground.

"-- Too slow."

Akatsuki had acted a beat faster, raising his right leg overhead, and come down with his heel. And with no more free hands, it was impossible for Kaidou to stop.

So he choose to dodge it.

He strongly pulled on Akatsuki's left foot, he still had a grip on, towards himself, while lowering his upper body forward.

Allowing him to dive towards the ground underneath Akatsuki.

Then there was a thunderous roar that came from the ground back behind him, caused by having evaded Akatsuki's axe kick.

...... Hey now.

Most likely he had made a new crater in the ground.

All of those attacks came at his face, so much that it seemed Akatsuki really wanted to crush his face.

That being the case, then it was his turn to start fighting back. So Kaidou rotated on the heel of his left foot, spinning in place in a 180 degrees, allowing him to drive an elbow at Akatsuki's face.

Gakyi!

Kaidou clearly felt an impact hitting through flesh to the bone.

But -- his elbow wasn't in Akatsuki's face.

Rather Akatsuki had countered it with his own elbow.

...... Seriously?

It had to have been sent at the same time his heel hit the ground.

"Since your fighting so passively to buy time, I can read your next two or three moves."

As Akatsuki boldly declared with a fearless smile, Kaidou could not help but think --

...... What am I do now?

Kaidou's task in obtaining the <Phoenix cells> was to divert the enemy's attention from Tiana.

After getting a mail from Cecil earlier his workload had increased.

He was to delay Akatsuki as long as possible.

In order to prevent him from bumping heads with Tiana currently infiltrating the lowest levels of JPN-Babel. On the surface it probably was to rule out a potential barrier for Tiana, but --

...... Leader is pretty fiend-ish, and seems to quite admire Ackkee.

So, she might be taking advantage of this opportunity to test his strength.

However, it was already exhausting serving as diversion, and now I'm responsible for dealing with Akatsuki.

What a horrible bargain that was. I want to go home, this is too troublesome.

And as he thought of such, Kaidou was subtly beginning to lose motivation but still,

"...... Since it has come to this, I advise you to give up this meaningless perseverance."

There was a strained laugh contained in his voice as Kaidou's consciousness came back the real world.

"-? Me give up? What the hell."

Some unsuspecting words came out of Kaidous's mouth to which Akatsuki broadly smirked.

And -- which he was going to definitively make eat,

"It seems its decided? Of course it would be pointless to persevere against -- "Crimson Twilight."

Part 8

Even across the barrier Akatsuki's words were clearly heard by Izumi Chikage's ears.

"Is that so... ... It was like that."

Chikage's expression had turned very serious.

...... No wonder.

She understood with that why Kaidou's ability to fight was so high.

"Crimson Twilight is not......"

Listy had just come to this world, and only roughly knew about its circumstances. While Kuzuha next to her nodded,

"Nn... ... They are the world's strongest terrorist group that is said to have equal fighting strength with the administrators of the world COCOON."

With Crimson Twilight openly opposing COCOON it went without saying what his motivation and intention was in attending JPN-Babel.

If what Akatsuki spoke of was true, the thing that should be paid attention to wasn't the past, but the present.

And that was the current situation with Kaidou blocking their way.

So......

"-- If Kaidou is a member of 'Crimson Twilight.'"

The tone in Izumi Chikage's voice was a little rigid. And as she stared ahead,

"Then Perhaps -- the real battle is yet to begin."

Part 9

"Oh boy......"

After what Akatsuki said Kaido Motoharu couldn't help sighing.

At that time in Alayzard, Kaidou had a tongue in cheek manner evaded the that topic after being accused by Akatsuki.

Akatsuki however was clever, and to some extant should of already been aware of his true identity.

-- Still until now, the two had an unwritten understanding not to look under that card.

Kaidou didn't have a clue as to what Akatsuki was thinking, however at least by him doing so he was able to maintain his position as a friend. It was even so now. Despite being instructed to temporarily delay him by Cecil, Kaidou was not here as a member of "Crimson Twilight," but as his friend stopping him from entering into their domain.

However,

...... Good grief, it has come to this.

Kaidou slightly looked down, with a self mocking smile.

Admittedly there was a little bit of regret, but he also had no choice but to accept the fact.

"I only wanted to stall you little to complete my mission......"

Kaidou muttered, then soon after slowly raised his face.

A cruel smile was met there. Crimson Twilight's true nature was revealed.

Your the one who stepped into our territory -- Ousawa Akatsuki.

So, I won't be able to guarantee it any longer -- your safety, your life, or anything relating to you.

"...... This is what you asked for, Ackkee."

And Kaido Motoharu unleashed the power he was holding back.

Part 10

"Oho......"

In a space protected by a concept barrier, Kyouya had been watching the course of events, and was more than a little surprised. He never imagined Kaidou would bring out his ability here.

He originally thought Kaidou would play the fool to the end but,

"Ousawa-kun...... you seem to be born with a natural ability to make others want to curry favor with you."

Kyouya also spoke with a very please smile,

"However, it seems you really did get yourself into a troubling spot here......"

Besides, Akatsuki also had something he must do.

...... That's right...... a very important task.

Kyouya looked behind him at the alter where Miu was still fast asleep.

Then coldly laughed,

"Hurry up, its almost time to start -- that is the execution of my plan."

Part 11

The murderous intent emanating from Kaidou rapidly swelled.

Akatsuki started to feel pin pricks on his skin, because the atmosphere was so strained.

...... Heh, this fellow......!

While subjected to such pressure that would likely crush him if made slightest mistake Ousawa Akatsuki laughed in his mind. It was good like this, because he wouldn't have been able to make any headway with him continually dodging. He needed to move forward -- to the place ahead he was aiming at.

Akatsuki's goal was to take on the head of COCOON his older brother, and also the founder of Crimson Twilight his father.

If he couldn't surpass Hikami Kyouya or Kaidou Motoharu here then -- Ousawa Akatsuki would never be able to reach the place he set his goal on.

And how would he do it? Such a thing was very obvious.

"-- Bring it!"

Akatsuki kicked off his legs, quickly rushing forward.

He knew Kaidou's true weapon was a chain, and was most likely invisible to the naked eye. In the ranking tournament Kaidou's chain stopped Phil's movements while he was transformed into Zahhak, and in Alayzard he overwhelmed Zechs Doltrake. Even if he wasn't clear on the attack range of the chain, Akatsuki knew being too far apart was quite the negative on his part.

So he had to go.

"-!"

While rushing at Kaidou, Akatsuki concentrated his mind on the AD on his right wrist.

A black magic sword had materialized -- Lævateinn. It had automatically assumed the optimal shape to handle Kaidou Motoharu, the enemy before him. It was the second form he used when he defeated Phil / Zahhak and Leon Esuperio.

It was like his AD was telling him -- the immediate opponent was strong, and he must go all out from the start.

...... You don't need to tell me that, I already know!

Akatsuki all along wasn't going to go easy on him.

"OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooh!"

He let out his fighting spirit with a roar, while he slashed his sword down from overhead.

It was a deadly strike enough to beat even the toughest of enemies, and it was aimed straight down on Kaidou's head.

Giiiiiiiiiin!

Together with a metallic clank the blow was stopped.

"--------"

Kaidou had stuck out both of his fists above his head.

In the space slightly wider than shoulder width apart, emerged a single long straight object with a bright metallic luster.

It was the true color of his -- chain.

"...... You finally revealed it."

And after witnessing Kaidou's true weapon Akatsuki had grinned,

"But are you sure you want to do that? Like when you defeated Zechs -- wouldn't it have been better to keep them invisible?"

Then......

"Maybe, but...... at the same time, would it make difference?"

Kaidou also asserted with a mocking smile,

"-- Especially against an opponent of Ackkee's caliber."

"This will be interesting then......-- Oraaaaahhhhhhhhhh!"

Akatsuki said that much before he slashed out with a series of attacks.

It was carried out with the second form of his sword with random strikes to decapitate.

The orbit of the magic sword follow an assortment of circular tracks, with increasing speed and power after each strike.

However......

"Oh wow... ... that was splendid, Ackkee."

Kaidou had blocked all that one after another.

Compared to Akatsuki needing to use both hands to grip the sword, Kaidou only needed one. He rapidly waved his right hand down to his elbow causing the chain to dance in the air furthermore controlled by the snapping of his wrist repelling the strikes.

"Your attacks compared to that redheaded general with a sword in Alayzard are heavier, and may even be faster."

"Tsk-!"

After finding out he wasn't able to overcome his resistance, Akatsuki immediately determined he needed to change his strategy.

He quickly jumped back,

"-- If that's the case!"

Then he released a series of four slashes in the air.

The blades of air that were created flew towards Kaidou -- and also landed at the same moment.

"Your also trying this trickkkkk!"

Akatsuki had also quickly reversed the way he held Lævateinn, to from below to create another slash as he raised the sword. It allowed for him to make two attacks from one slashing motion.

The powerful waves from the sword had kicked up the heavy sediment along the way.

And with the approaching air blade, a torrential rush of sand had swallowed everything.

"-- Otto!"

Kaidou quickly moved his hand causing the chain to kick back upon itself in the form of a hexagram notation in mid-air.

Thereupon, a transparent wall suddenly emerged in front of him -- repulsing all the incoming attacks.

...... That was the same trick you used in the ranking tournament!

Akatsuki could not help but be reminded of that time when he was facing the members of the Student Council. The shock wave he sent out with his slashing attack was stopped by that wall. However, the strength from that attack to this one couldn't even be mentioned in the same sentence.

"It's the same even if it's not invisible, huh? -- Very good, I also like it like this!"

Akatsuki was holding Lævateinn around his waist facing behind, as he round it up from the bottom.

Everything before him was severed vertically, parting to the left and right of Akatsuki as it passed through.

After he caught his breath, the sound of an explosions came from the back. Probably was the wave colliding with Kaidou's barrier.

...... Well, it continues now!

From the moment just before the ranking tournament was cancelled where Kaidou and himself were about to fight.

Then,

"Well then, I guess its my turn to do something now."

As soon as he heard Kaidou's voice,

"-?"

Akatsuki had suddenly leaped back.

-- The ground where he was standing was blown away from a powerful shock wave.

In addition, the chain acted like a whip, free transforming as it chased after Akatsuki.

The offensive and defensive positions had interchanged.

...... This chain......!

It was more troublesome than he imagined. Each one of those attacks were extremely heavy, and furthermore were fast. They were equal to, or even greater than Akatsuki's slashes. Moreover, the chain could potentially coil around his sword if he was to received an attack unskillfully. At a minimum he would lose his weapon, and at worst his movements could be sealed. Since blocking wasn't going to cut it, he had no choice but to dodge everything.

So,

"-- OOOOhhhhhhhhhh!"

Akatsuki dramatically increased the Ki inside his body with renkan keikikou at that moment, to pour into Lævateinn. And again, Kaidou's chain came at him from all directions. He countered by releasing an attack of his own from his sword.

Instead of a blade being created from the air, a wholly different blade of Ki was generated.

The approaching chain was knocked back.

After Kaidou saw that,

"Oh wow......!"

He couldn't help but admire out loud. Akatsuki spoke back to him as if it was only naturally going to happen,

"It would of been too much of a pain if I was entangled with that."

And then Kaidou saw the second blow knocked back, followed by the third. The room for Akatsuki to counterattack was growing after each block. Gradually he was overcoming his weakness, and conversely starting to push back.

So......

...... It's now!

He once again went to cut the distance, to a range where he could mount an effective strike of his own. When he raised his sword at an angle to defect the chain it jumped,

"What--?"

Akatsuki was taken aback. The Ki blade he brought with it had failed to hit the chain.

...... Could it be that......!

In that instant, Akatsuki understood how that phenomenon had occurred. The last moment before they were to make contact -- the chain had been pulled back. Probably by snapping his wrist at an incredible high speed. And the chain then wrapped around the Ki blade itself in the air, dispersing it at once when it tightened.

In addition, now the chain was coming straight at Akatsuki,

"...... Shit!"

As Akatsuki was in the middle of running at him, and with the forward movement of his body there was no way to he could dodge. Still, he twisted in an attempt to avoid the chain.

"It's too late, Ackkee!"

Kaidou along with a smile, manipulated the trajectory of the chain to match that movement. As if it had a mind of its own, the chain coiled around Akatsuki's body.

The wrapping then immediately tightened.

"Ga.....H, AH.....!"

At once he tried to burst out of the chains with all of his power, however the coiling chain had no change in the slightest.

"Ah, its useless to struggle... ... That's not an ordinary chain."

And Kaidou told him with a laugh,

"That chain isn't a weapon in response to AD's telepathic induction stone. It was specially-made with my very own ability."

"...... Your ability?"

After Akatsuki asked, Kaidou laughed with an "Oh, I see" and,

"You didn't know Ackkee!? Like us, those guys at COCOON individually have their own original element or physical-based magic. While we each have our own original conceptual ability."

Kaidou slowly walked towards Akatsuki.

"My conceptual ability is called "freedom binding chain." There isn't a thing in the world I can't tie down."

"Chains that binds freedom......"

Even though he wasn't able to budge, Akatsuki maintained his usual calmness as he continued to speak,

"Considering you always act freer than anyone...... it is incredibly unexpected that you would use ability to violate someone's freedom."

"No, it's nothing like that."

Kaidou shrugged and,

"It's so I'm not bound by anything -- expect myself, everyone is tied together to something."

And with that, he flung his right arm in the air.

The next moment -- the chain that was binding Akatsuki flew in the sky.

With his body being freed a voice cut through the atmosphere,

"-- This time I'll let you have a chance to take up a defensive stance."

It was simultaneous with Kaidou's mutter being carried across the gap with the wind.

Akatsuki had been slammed to the ground with a loud bang.

"-- Gah...... ahhh....... ah!"

Intense pain ran throughout his body.

Even though he concentrated his Ki into his back to improve his defense in the moments before the impact there was damage to his internal organs.

...... This fellow......!

The damage was unimaginable. Even someone clad in armor couldn't hold out for multiple attacks.

Should I use iron body(hard qigong)? No, that technique would only be some what effective against the strike and shock, nevertheless it was originally meant to stop a slashing attack. And in this case, hardening the body was likely to cause greater damage received from the shock.

Thereupon Akatsuki loaded his whole body with power.

"Damn...... that seriously is unbreakable......!"

"I've already told it isn't a chain."

And Kaidou while wryly smiling,

"It's the same as the surrounding barrier. I used my conceptual ability to bound the space around here. The level of Izumi and the others magic attacks or yours Ackkee will have no effect."

After sayings so, he kicked Akatsuki while he was laying on the ground.

It was a simple kick with nothing special, but the power was enormous.

"Gaaa ah ah ah ah!"

It resembled a soccer power shot on net, as Akatsuki blown off the sports field into the forest.

"Oh, no rotation."

Kaidou's half jokingly voice swiftly became distant. The force when he was thrown earlier couldn't compare to now. Without being able to take up a defensive posture from the residual force, Akatsuki mowed down numerous trees one after another was he went away,

"-- Gah......!"

After his back crashed into a huge rock he finally stopped.

None the less, Kaidou then coiled the chain back around him.

Akatsuki's vision started to become distorted from the severe pain,

...... This is far from good......!

Akatsuki suddenly felt a shiver as he was still able to identify where he ended up.

A myriad of trees and rocks covered the whole area. All of which, was seen as a lethal weapon to him.

On the level sports field with no obstacles was already dangerous enough.

Being tossed around in a place such as this, the consequence will be unimaginable.

Then from somewhere,

"Come on Ackkee -- it's time for the roller coaster."

He heard Kaidou's voice but still could tell from where and,

"You......!"

"Oioi, isn't a roller coaster a fun attraction -- at least smile a little."

As soon as he was ruthless told so -- Akatsuki's whole body began to bear enormous damage from the forest itself.

Part 12

While Akatsuki was in the middle of being swung about, after being seized with freedom binding chain, Kaidou Motoharu couldn't help think.

There was quite a beautiful sound, as if the forest was performing a symphony.

He also thought without a good instrument it was hard to stimulate his poetic inspiration.

"We almost reached the crescendo. Let's properly enjoy it--"

Feeling like a maestro, Kaidou was making the chain constantly dance as if waving a baton on stage.

With Akatsuki firmly secured at the other end of the chain he increased the tempo to that of an allegro.

The feeling of many types of trees being mowed down and rocks broken into pieces was incessantly returned to his hand,

...... This is the conclusion.

From what he felt on the end of the chain Kaidou determined it was the right time to end it all. Akatsuki should be in a rag-like state at this point. And if he continued his performance there wouldn't be anything left of the forest.

After all, it wasn't good to encourage the destruction of nature.

So......

"Let's finish this with a drop on the freefall."

He took a breath,

"Oh but -- there are no brakes."

So Kaidou raised his right hand over his head -- but, he felt an inexplicable abnormality through the chain.

The chain wrapped around Akatsuki's body was stretched open from the inside.

It was like Akatsuki's body had instantly swelled two times its size.

And the next moment,

"-- Oh?"

The weight that he felt from the front of the chain had suddenly disappear. That sense of weight conveyed Akatsuki's presence.

...... Oi, this can't be happening.

The concept around Kaidou's ability freedom binding chain was once that it binds something without a leaving gap it strips it of all freedom.

Therefore, a situation where it could be expanded and opened from the inside could never occur. If that were ever to happen that would mean their was a gap to get out. And for that, the person inside must have a considerably greater difference in power than Kaidou, otherwise escape was impossible.

"No way --"

Heart full of doubt Kaido blurted out the words when,

"-- You don't look very happy."

The voice going behind him -- and Akatsuki was almost simultaneous.

"-!"

Before Kaidou could even turn around there was an upward impact to his body.

"Gaa, wa......!"

As the sound itself came out he was under attack from the front.

While Kaidou was flying through the air, inside he was contemplating that improbable occurrence.

In theory, it wasn't entirely inexplicable. That was the moment before he went around Kaidou's back he had spoke to him from somewhere in the forest, then in the time when he started turning around he was hit in the air, and before he could speak Akatsuki ran around him to the front to attack.

And, it didn't end with that. Invisible impulsion hit Kaidou from every direction.

The notion of defense and or avoidance against speed and power of the extent had become meaninglessness. During the time it took him to breath in and out, he was unable to count the number of attacks he suffered. The heavy damage he gave Akatsuki while swing him around in the forest -- was supposed to have had him winning. But now after a series of counterattacks, Kaidou was gradually losing that superiority.

"Ku-!"

Even though he couldn't see Akatsuki with his eyes, Kaidou still subconsciously moved the chain to protect himself.

He surrounded himself with a barrier to ward off all the attacks. After successive hits from Akatsuki the pure white barrier was turning ash-colored. The impacts were piling up from all sides.

"Seriously......"

Kaidou almost could not believe his eyes. The impacts were like a heavy rain that momentary obscures the view.

At least with this, he could temporarily catch his breath -- however, that was only wishful thinking on his part.

"-- Its not over yet."

The voice came from directly above. And then,

"-! OOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

The barrier around Kaidou had shattered, and he was abruptly knocked to the ground.

The sound of a large crater blooming echoed in the forest.

Nevertheless......

"...... Geez, give me a break."

Kaidou had narrowly escaped receiving any damage from the fall somehow. As he stared ahead he discovered a space distorting similar to hot air rising with a shimmering effect. And after a few seconds -- Akatsuki revealed himself.

"---------"

The expression in his eyes were hollow as if he was watching something from another world, Kaidou then,

"I see, so that was the trick......"

Kaidou suddenly came to an understanding. It was not surprising why there such a radical change in his movements.

Kaido Motoharu thought to reach that state, even among "Crimson Twilight" there were only an extremely select people who could, Akatsuki -- really couldn't be made light of.

So he exposed a helpless smile,

"I'll tell you this much...... you really have stepped into our domain."

Part 13

"...... Phew!"

Akatsuki lifted the extreme state his mind was under, by halting the use of renkan keikikou on his brain. In that state not only was his physical ability, but also his reaction speed was dramatically enhanced.

...... The only shortcoming was that it couldn't be used for a long time.

While at the same taking into account his current physical state, he couldn't help think -- the exhaustion from this technique was too intense.

-- One of the secrets of renkan keikikou was to substantially boost the Ki inside the body, beyond the limits of the body. While there was the usual physical burden to the body, that kind of technique he just used consumed willpower. And because there was no easy to understand signals like pain, it could lead to things like not being able to move anymore before he could notice.

...... However that didn't matter.

Akatsuki didn't forget that his confrontation with Kaidou wasn't over yet.

So......

"--------"

Kaidou standing in front of him, also extinguished the personal transparent wall he had set up.

Most likely figured hardening his defense would make it difficult to dodge or fight back with a barrier in place.

But that was also a sign the fight was near the end,

"It was fun, Kaidou...... but, there is a very important promise I have to keep."

And Akatsuki added,

"Although it won't be easy I have to -- crush you to undo this barrier to move forward."

Then, Kaidou laughed,

"It wasn't fun at all... ... Every part of my body is in pain, and most of all I'm tired. I can't wait to get to lie down and go to sleep."

But,

"If I can win out Ackkee my mind will be at ease, and should be feeling a little refreshed from that."

After he said so, Kaidou's face turned serious.

Akatsuki's expression also tightened, while materializing Lævateinn and taking a stance.

"--------"

"--------"

The atmosphere around them rapidly became strained. So much that neither one could take a breath.

And the next moment -- Akatsuki and Kaidou's figures disappeared.

Most likely caused by both of them taking action at almost the same time.

The single blow that will decide the outcome. The first to hit the other would be the winner.

So at that moment,

-- Something suddenly came over from the side.

With his body moving at such a high-speed, Akatsuki was only able sense the incoming object,

"What--"

The appearance of a huge ball of light had completely caught them by surprise.

Akatsuki and Kaidou's focus was solely on settling things with the other, so there was no way to dodge.

"-!"

The two were swallowed by the massive ball of light -- and the surrounding area in that moment was dyed white.

Chapter 3 - Why......

Part 1

The wind was blowing high in the night sky.

It wasn't a natural phenomenon caused by the difference of atmospheric pressure. It was a wind with a certain intention.

The final destination was JPN-Babel. And -- the name of the wind was Nanase Haruka.

"I'm coming......"

While moving as fast as she could with the wind through the air Haruka lightly said with voice full of determination.

Haruka couldn't possibly stay at home waiting for the Akatsuki and others to return. Therefore she was personally flying to the battlefield.

She was wearing the same uniform that got wet when she transferred to the Ousawa home.

Haruka clenched her right fist, and pressed it against her chest.

She was firmly resolved in her mind. As for the uniform, it was already completely dry as she found it in the dryer.

It was probably Listy who took the trouble to wash it for her, believing that she would be able pull herself together and stand back up -- that thought made Haruka incredibly happy.

-- Haruka couldn't forget the promise she made with Miu, swearing that no matter what happens to protect her.

But she wasn't able to fulfill her promise, and end up not being unable protect Miu. The shock over finding her two best friends Uesaki Ryohei and Aihara Haruka dead had also indirectly lead to Miu being capture by Hikami Kyouya.

And to top it all off she only survived -- thanks to Akatsuki.

At worse she wanted to somehow get away, and tell everyone what happened to Miu.

That was at a minimum the mission she imposed on herself.

However, under Kyouya's dreadful power she could only sit there and wait for death.

...... It's such a undignified story......

Remembering how pathetic she was, Haruka coukdn't help but strongly bite down on her lip.

-- Even though Haruka could only cry at her own limitations, Akatsuki still took the time to comfort her. The overwhelming fear that was carved into her heart by Kyouya was overwritten by Akatsuki's warmth and body heat. In order to settle her heart Akatsuki told her to only think of him.

Although she couldn't protect Miu he still forgave her, and consoled her -- by extending a warm arm to her.

Even though she was unwilling to confront her real feelings... ... No, strictly speaking, she didn't know how to be honest with herself, however with Listy's help she was able to at long last accept Akatsuki.

It was completely different from the time when she was detoxified at the brothel in Alayzard.

Haruka entrusted all of herself to Akatsuki by her own accord.

Her always resistant, and obstinate way of expressing an opposing view from long ago had disappeared.

Akatsuki had thoroughly freed her body and mind allowing her to realize her new self.

...... That was the biggest difference, I'm sure......

Now she understood. There was still a little reluctance to make Kyouya or the rest of the world her enemy somewhere deep down in her heart. With her believing in Akatsuki, and him trusting in her there was no longer any hesitation, and also perplexion over Miu. She started to wonder what exactly was differences between the two.

Just the thought of Akatsuki, the though of her other friends an endless amount of emotions overflowed from her heart.

There was an unbound power in those feelings when she thought of what was precious.

A strong conviction.

It was surely the same answer Miu, Listy, Chikage and Kuzuha already come up with.

...... Yeah.

She was able to understand at last.

Secondary to her sense of values, her ethics also, even antagonizing the entire world. If it was for the sake of dedicating everything of herself to a specific someone.

It might be a selfish belief.

And may cause harm to others.

However......

There was something she wanted to protect -- she could absolutely not lose to herself.

It remained inside her body, the consideration and warmth Akatsuki given her. In such a way, created a powerful force that was driving her to advance forward, which was surely......

...... Courage.

Therefore, there was no longer any wavering.

"I'm coming......"

Haruka repeated the same words to herself. The feelings in those words gave her strength as she did so.

She failed to keep that promise she made.

But, there was still time -- to make up for it.

And for sure this time she was going to fulfill it.

Her crying and feeble self was a thing of the past.

The current Nanase Haruka will walk forward.

Bestowed with great courage like so to save a friend.

Part 2

In a vast space in one of the lowermost levels of the tower of Babel two battles were raging on.

Tiana for the most was dominating the battle with Phil as it progressed. The opposite could be said to be true for Onizuka with Tanaka as an opponent, from the beginning on he was overmatched. Attacks came from all directions and against the incoming shock waves,

"......!"

Onizuka could only see the attacks from the flickering of the fire surrounding him. The ones he wasn't able to dodge had to be countered with slashes from his chakrams he materialized in both hands by means of his AD.

Using wind based magic Tanaka was creating shock waves that not only were invisible to the naked eye, but also were classified as a medium range attack. Compared to how Onizuka was frantically running all over the place, Tanaka just stood there slightly away impassively unleashing attacks.

It was undoubtedly a cruel way of killing someone. Of course, Onizuka occasionally found an opening to strike back, and when he did he made the most of it by abruptly increasing the number of chakrams to eight,

"Ooo oh oh oh!"

He crossed his arms, and all the chakrams shot out together.

But......

"-- It's useless."

The chakrams that came flying from all directions were very easily neutralized by Tanaka with a shock wave.

"Accept your fate...... there are no blind spots with my wind magic."

And the offense and defense was reversed in an instant.

"Ku......"

A series of shock waves forced Onizuka back on the defensive.

...... Crap!

Even the doubles of himself he created using mirage were taken out in a split second.

The offensive attacks of Tanaka could be released at the same time. Onizuka's mirages however were only able to imitate the movement of the main body making it impossible for them to deal with each wave.

Once hit, the double would immediately disappear.

-- This compatibility was too evil was Onizuka's innermost thoughts.

Ever since the fighting started he was forced on the defensive.

One aspect of that was certainly because of magical attributes and methods of attack each of them used, however that wasn't the biggest problem.

...... Pull yourself TOGETHER!

Onizuka severely rebuked himself in his mind.

The person in front of him was no longer a former classmate. He was an enemy who was trying to kill him. And who's ability was far greater than his own. Even if he fought with all of his power he would not necessarily win. However -- there was still some hesitation that never disappeared from the back of Onizuka's mind.

The hesitancy was over the regret about how he acted in the past that he couldn't let go.

His spirit of self-reflection would indeed be worthy of respect.

But -- to hold that confusion in the middle of battle was undoubtedly a death wish.

...... Put it out of your mind, at least for now!

Onizuka clenched his teeth trying to rid himself of hesitation in his mind.

And,

"Uuu oh oh oh oh oh oh!"

He suddenly charged out towards Tanaka in a desperate suicide attack.

"Foolish......"

Thereupon, Tanaka held out his palm straight at him -- however the next moment,

"-- What!?"

The deadpan expression on his face for the first time showed a hint of surprise.

...... Fooled!

Onizuka was convinced the other party had fallen for his trap.

It was the same mirage magic he already used. However, Onizuka didn't necessarily have to only create a double of himself. Instead using the principles of mirage he blended his body into the surrounding scenery. In Tanaka's eyes, it would have looked like Onizuka had disappeared. With that chance he created -- Onizuka narrowed the distance between the two sides in one breath.

But......

"If that's the case......"

With himself at the center, Tanaka released a shock wave out in all directions.

However, he could reach him with only a few more steps -- so.

...... It is now!

Onizuka's body was still hidden, only the mirage of himself he just now created was visible.

"-?"

With Onizuka's figure suddenly appearing, Tanaka's attention had reflexively turned to that place.

But that was only aimed at the illusion. He erased his body, and created a doppelganger -- in preparation for a two-pronged attack.

And because of that Onizuka Kenya was able to breach that gap of a few steps.

At the same time he was sprinting he tightly grasped the chakram in his right hand.

With his opponent being almost immortal he aim at the neck.

One strike to settle things.

And as the distance between the Onizuka and Tanaka went to zero,

"------------!"

The chakram didn't cut open Tanaka's throat.

It was stopped a little more than half way in the air towards his throat.

However, it wasn't caused by anything Tanaka did. Onizuka voluntarily stopped the attack himself.

"...... Shit... ... I couldn't do it after all......."

Onizuka quietly groaned to himself.

He was perfectly aware that Tanaka was a dangerous enemy, but still Onizuka couldn't bring himself to kill him.

"...... What is the meaning of this?"

"......"

Faced with Tanaka's question head-on, Onizuka was speechless.

What does that mean? Such a thing was very obvious.

The prior grievances had yet to be settled.

Onizuka thought if he taken down Tanaka without doing that he would never be able move on during his entire lifetime.

Even if it was just self-satisfaction, or to console himself.

And so......

"...... I'm very sorry for how I acted."

Onizuka Kenya took the initiative to apologies.

And with all sincerity,

"Even if you are a terrorist. Even if you used me to cover for yourself. It does not mean I should be forgiven for what I did to you. So, I want to apologize to you."

"............"

Tanaka also went silent on how to respond Onizuka.

And after a pause,

"I've said...... you do not need to apologize for anything."

It was said in very tranquil manner, nevertheless they weren't words of forgiveness for Onizuka.

Tanaka held up his right hand unfolding a magic formation at Onizuka's face,

"What you you did was meaningless. No matter what intention you had in mind -- you can't change the fact that you're going to die here."

And the moment the shock wave was about to turn Onizuka's face into pulp.

"Huh? -- the one who is certainly going to die here is you, though."

Tiana suddenly jumped into from side with a flying kick to Tanaka's face.

Intense reverberations of meat and bone being struck spread widely.

Tiana's kick caused Tanaka to fly back more than ten meters.

"......"

Onizuka was stunned, and just stood there with a blank expression.

"Hey you! Ken-chan...... How could you just foolishly stand there in front of the enemy? What were you thinking?"

And Tiana expression revealed her disapproval,

"Listening to you two, it seems that this is the person you mentioned before in the family restaurant. The one who Ken-chan often used bully, right?...... And now you want to show mercy to an enemy out of sympathy and regret. However, I'd advise you not to be such good person, most good people don't live very long."

"...... Shut up. I don't need you to butt in. And also I never felt I such good person."

Onizuka excessively turned away.

"You are. I told you before Ken-chan, you just love to pretend to quarrel like that. It is very tiresome characteristic."

"Your noisy. -- Leaving that aside, did you settle things on your end?"

From Tiana's relaxed appearance he thought she had already won.

The results......

"Not yet."

She readily answered back and,

"A little longer I would of had him, but because Ken-chan was about to die I had to come over here."

"......What? Then --"

As Onizuka was trying to finish,

"-- Heads up!"

Tiana forcibly shoved Onizuka to the side. And at almost at the same time a red ball of light struck the spot where the two were standing, causing a powerful explosion sending a cloud of sand soaring.

And,

"...... What a headache. How could be so unfaithful? Your opponent was plainly me......"

The voice from the other side of the sand cloud was Phil's. Tiana said she was about to win, however the situation looked very different now. It seems he already recovered from any injuries he might of had because of <Phoenix cell>, and tracked her down.

The voice was light, completely unlike a person who was seriously injured.

So......

"...... I guess, it couldn't be helped."

Tiana sighed, and,

"Well then -- it seems we need to change the strategy a little."

Part 3

Of all the things that was too careless.

After only being one step from finishing things with Onizuka, Tanaka slowly got up.

...... That being said.

Tanaka looked around carefully. The girl, Phil was responsible for dealing with was still in good health, had taken him by surprise.

While Phil was floating a thin smile staring at a cloud of sand in front of him.

Over there probably was Onizuka with that girl.

"-- Very well."

There was no damage left to his body anymore by virtue of the <Phoenix cells>.

So, Tanaka developed a magic formation again, in preparation to send a shock wave over there at once.

It was at that time when the girl broke through the smoke coming directly towards where he was.

"Eh......?"

Tanaka couldn't help being surprised over the girl's movement being much faster than he imagined.

In the time before he could finish chanting his magic,

"-- Sorry, we have to change locations a little."

In front of Tanaka eyes, the girl swung down her fist towards the ground.

At that moment -- along with a loud bang, the ground around the Tanaka collapsed.

Part 4

"Oh my -- It seems I've been genuinely dumped."

The girl to whom he was facing off against had fallen together with Tanaka as he looked on.

Phil Barnett sighed disappointingly and,

"Really what a headache......"

After saying so -- he casually waved his right hand.

With that the fireball that was coming at him was shot down.

Phil quietly turned his eyes to the left, towards the direction where the attack originated.

It near the spot where his was magic ball of light exploded.

The sand that had been kicked up had cleared before he was even aware.

A young man was standing there, with eyes like a wild dogs.

Phil remembered during the tournament when he once tried to black his path, at that time his eyes were brimming with hostility.

"This really is turning into a headache......"

Phil laughed with the same words he previously mumbled.

Then started walking towards the young man, while the smile on his face gradually turned into cruel one.

"Bullying the weak -- is not one of my favorite hobbies."

Part 5

Tanaka fell with the piles of rubble into deep pit of darkness.

The area looked like it was untouched, and the height of the fall was probably around of two stories.

But Tanaka specializes in wind magic, and had immediately created a cushion of air to absorb the shock, successfully landing on the ground.

"............"

His eyes still hadn't become completely accustomed to the dark, so he was unable to visually inspect the surroundings. Naturally that also meant it was impossible to see if the girl fell with him. However, with the slight air flow Tanaka understood what kind of space was surrounding him now.

It was a good sized cavern, complete with the rock faces all over the wall.

And -- Tanaka knew where that girl currently was.

So......

"...... You made a mistake in your judgment."

Tanaka spoke towards the darkness in front of him.

"You probably wanted to separated me from Onizuka, but you left Phil Barnett up there. He is much stronger than me, Onizuka now is certainly going to end up -- dead."

Then,

"...... You don't have to worry. Ken-chan is much stronger than you think, or even Ken-chan himself thinks."

From the other end of the darkness came ringing laughter.

"If Ken-chan had to watch the spectacle of you being attack, he was highly likely to get distracted. So I had to purposely go out of the way to create this pocket of space. With this we can be undisturbed, and there won't be any sort hesitation to take you down."

"You really have a much exaggerated confidence......"

Tanaka then said with a very unfeeling tone,

"I was observing your fight with Phil, basically your method of attack is straight up direct attacks with your hands and feet. But unarmed attacks won't be enough to defeat me with the <Phoenix cells> transplanted in my body. And besides your now in the dark it will take a considerable period of time before you can see whats before you."

However,

"In here, I completely understand where you are from the flow in the atmosphere. There are blind spots with my magic, even if you stop breathing you can't escape my detection."

Tanaka had spoke calmly as he was asserting facts, but in the darkness in exchange came laughter.

"Didn't I say something about not worrying? I was only fighting that way, because I didn't want to let others see my -- real ability."

"What......?"

When Tanaka knitted his eyebrows the girl happily laughed,

"That area was already opened up for developed. It wouldn't of been surprising if there were security cameras somewhere in that place. Even though the system update is underway, thanks to your guys using flashy and loud attacks all over the place, who's to say that some emergency line was activated. So of course I have to be extra careful. But, from the materials Mot-chan (もっちゃん) sent me this area was still untouched. Naturally, there won't be any power or fitted with cameras to watch us. Plus with the darkness, even if for some reason Ken-chan or Phil chased after you, there won't be a worry about being seen."

After a short pause,

"Especially -- the miserable state your body will be left in."

"-!"

Tanaka immediately released his wind magic.

Because on the other end of the darkness in front of him an eerie aura swelled up at once.

A strong breeze was sent to allow Tanaka to detected his target. And when he sensed that the wind was obstructed he sent multiple invisible shock waves at that location at the same time. With all that, it was impossible read his attack from the fluctuations in the atmosphere.

But......

"What the......?"

Tanaka was startled. Because of the deep darkness, it wasn't possible to see the girls every move. But he was quite sure that all his attacks had been avoided by the girl.

And,

"Okay then -- now its my move."

The girl's voice immediately reached Tanaka's ears.

Part 6

The destructive power of the ball of light that swallowed both Akatsuki and Kaidou was overwhelming.

The forest was shaken from the vibrations in the atmosphere, even caused tremors in the ground.

The mass of light mowed down everything in its path. The trees within JPN-Babel's forest were blown off by their roots, the mountain that was there was subsequently gouged deeply into the earth. After the shock dissipated the scene was one of desolation, with nothing remaining in which it rushed through.

But......

"...... Ku......!"

On that ground where that destruction was carved there still remained a slow moving presence.

It was a student who was wearing combat attire of a Demon King from another world -- Ousawa Akatsuki.

Even though he was thrown far from the place he was fighting, Akatsuki was somehow safe and sound.

"What the hell was that just now......"

Mumbling to himself at the same time he looked back in the direction which the ball of light appeared -- and saw.

The forest and the top of the mountain over there had vanished, and there was a huge semicircular path gouge out of the ground leading to it. Akatsuki knew it was caused by the light that devoured him, and anything and everything in the vicinity.

...... That must be what happened.

Then Akatsuki suddenly remembered he was in the middle of dueling someone.

"-- Kaidou!"

He called out in a hurry, while looking around for any signs of him.

"...... Here, Ackkee."

He got a response right away. It came from a place not too far from himself, where resting against an uprooted tree on the ground was Kaidou.

"You okay?"

"Uh...... somehow."

Akatsuki asked after he walked over half way, Kaidou returned a nod,

"But, do you know what that light was?...... Not even my barrier could stop it."

"The barrier was the same as your chain, right? A product of your conceptual magic."

"Ah, yeah. And it was fairly high-level at that. It wasn't something any normal element or physical-based magic could break. Actually, wasn't even the absolute barrier you activated broken, Ackkee?"

Akatsuki was able to use an absolute barrier after he defeated Phil -- that is, when he received Zahhak's power.

"So your saying, that light ranks even higher than Zahhak's barrier......"

An attack so high it was possible to shred Zahhak, and a member of Crimson Twilight's barrier couldn't had come from that many people.

...... It can't be.

The figure of one person appeared in Akatsuki's mind, who he decided knock down himself.

It was COCOON's Hikami Kyouya.

But, immediately after -- Ousawa Akatsuki witness a different reality from his expectations.

Not far from Akatsuki and Kaidou a presence swooped down from the sky landing softly.

"............"

Looking closely, it turned out to be a teenage girl that Akatsuki knew very well.

She was wearing the same battle attire which was only seen on one occasion at the ranking tournament.

In her hand was the embodiment of her AD, a magic wand with an inlaid red jewel with gold decoration -- Holy Tin (聖錫).

However, no expression could be seen, because her head was down.

As if she was afraid to look at Akatsuki.

"You ......"

Akatsuki muttered, as he involuntarily stared at the girl.

Her knee-length twin tail was gently flowing under the night breeze.

-- Silently, Ousawa Miu stood there facing Akatsuki.

Part 7

....... So that's how it is.

Only until now, did Ousawa Akatsuki understand what Hikami Kyouya's intentions were.

If the light a little while was Miu's doing, then all explanations were easily solved.

Even the reason why Kyouya abducted Miu, and the reason why he said that he was going to make an utopia using Miu.

All the answers were in front of his eyes.

...... Miu is higher life-form than Zahhak.

That happened because the alternate world of Alayzard she came from was of a higher dimension? It would far too simple for that to be the reason.

If that argument held water, the conditions for Listy were the same as Miu. However, putting aside the barrier currently binding her that Kaidou made, Listy couldn't break the absolute barrier Akatsuki had once subconsciously set up.

But that wasn't all that unusual. After all, Zahhak was a higher-order-life-form of Alayzard.

-- However Miu destroyed both quite easily.

The only possibility conceivable -- Miu was a special existence.

Kyouya probably took noticed of that at some point.

At the same time, the value of her existence was surely worth all the desperate means that Kyouya was undertaking.

And the results -- was the present situation.

"......"

Akatsuki's gaze stayed fixed on Miu.

With her bangs covering her eyes it made it hard to make out the expression on her face.

....... Now what should I do?

Akatsuki needed a moment to think of how to proceed next. Before this event, it was a no brainier what he had to do.

The whole reason Akatsuki was here was to save Miu. Taking down Hikami Kyouya was only a means to that end. Although he could never overlook what Kyouya did, but still it was only a secondary priority.

Miu was top priority. That much, would never waver -- So,

As it was, he should now immediately rush straight at her, and tightly hugged her in his arms, celebrating getting her back safe and sound. Then afterwards look for an opportunity to bring down Kyouya.

"...... Ackkee!"

"Ah, I know."

Kaidou called out as a reminder, and Akatsuki nodded with his back still turned to him,

"Things aren't that simple, after all......"

Miu had leveled a forest and a mountain top to unquestionably stop his own battle with Kaidou. At that Akatsuki could only wryly smile and sigh as he slowly walked towards her.

Moreover, this no longer had anything to do with Kaidou, who couldn't even drag himself downstream.

"Our reunion was very moving, but it was a little too showy for my tastes... ... What exactly was the meaning of all that?"

"......"

However, after Akatsuki asked there was no answer. Her reaction was more or less what he guessed it would be, confirming what he thought -- she was being manipulated.

But after he was about a dozen or so steps apart from her, Miu suddenly opened her mouth a little,

"...... My intentions?"

Having been answered with a question, Akatsuki immediately stopped his feet and,

"I only wanted to ask what your......"

He said that much, when Miu unexpectedly look up at him with a resolute and clear gaze -- which stopped Akatsuki from being able to say words stuck in his mouth.

"Once you take down your brother and father...... your intention is to die?"

"......!"

Miu's very unexpected question caused Ousawa Akatsuki to not know how to respond.

Most likely it was an notion that Kyouya instilled into her. So it was possible to deny it outright, as a complete lie.

But the Miu of now, was speaking in state of an ultra higher-life-form.

Then, it might be possible...... for her to read the deepest layer of his consciousness.

If Akatsuki where then to outright deny it, he would instantly lose Miu's trust.

...... What do I do now......

The hesitation in his heart brought about a temporary silence.

-- But it my be enough with this.

Whereas Miu -- and, also Hikami Kyouya were concerned.

Part 8

Kyouya was observing the exchanges between Akatsuki and Miu from a remote location,

"-- Not good Ousawa-kun, how can you fall silent at this critical juncture?"

He said so with a profound sneer on his face.

Kyouya knows full well about what Akatsuki accomplished in the alternate world Alayzard.

Also knows that Akatsuki returned to this world to stop his own father and older brother.

But on the other hand, after defeating the Demon King Galious, it could be interpreted as Akatsuki was reluctant to become the next flashpoint for a new conflict in Alayzard. Thus abandoned any title or hero's honor, and quietly went back to his original world.

In that case, when Akatsuki accomplishes the same feat in this world -- then what is he going to do?

If Akatsuki after this, truly defeats the people standing on top of this world his father and older brother.

-- At that moment, Akatsuki would be the one to reign at the top of this world.

But, he more than anyone was looking forward to freedom, and could never permit himself to be the one who dominates.

"So when the dying Demon King entrusted you with his daughter you came up with an idea -- In Alayzard she lost her place, and in this world she would be seen as a person from another world, forever living under the gaze of curiosity and avoided as taboo. So you thought to create a unique place where she could belong."

While laughing Kyouya finished his reasoning,

"That is defeat your father and older brother, and then have yourself killed to prevent becoming a threat to the new world -- Isn't that the reason you had her by your side? After she kills you, she gets a place to stay in this world as a hero. In addition to dispersing her honor and feats after becoming a hero, you arranged for her to make many close friends so in your death they would be sure to support each other... ... Isn't that right?"

Then Kyouya laughed very happy, staring at the place where Akatsuki was,

"Keeping her in the dark would of been very pitiful... ... So I helped convey your gentle cruel thoughtfulness to her."

Part 9

"...... Why aren't you answering?"

With Akatsuki keeping silent Miu asked once again,

"Is it because...... It was the truth, after all......?"

"............"

Akatsuki still only returned silence.

He thought that perhaps this meant Miu wasn't able to read his subconsciousness.

If she was really reading his mind, she would of first found how strongly he was concerned about her, rather than an answer to a possible choice in the future.

...... It seems she's been brainwashed.

And also instilled with extremely one-sided information to manipulate her mind to convenient for other party involved.

-- But even if Akatsuki pointed out the contractions in her thoughts, Miu probably would be deaf to it.

If that sort of persuasion were possible there wouldn't have been an attack from the outset.

So Akatsuki chose not to say anything.

No amount of words could change Miu's thinking -- so.

Ousawa Akatsuki dared to seal his own words precisely because of much he cherished Miu. However, Miu right now couldn't understand his feelings, only the harshness of it,

"Why......"

In a tone wrought with despair,

"'Your place is with me'... ... Didn't you tell me that?"

With a trembling voice,

"...... Was that all a lie?"

"--------"

It would of been easy to deny her words.

But -- Akatsuki didn't do so, because he knew what Miu needed now was not words. Even if he said anything she wouldn't believe in his words. It would of only spurred on more suspicion.

However, the silence in the other person's eyes stood for an absolute affirmation.

Therefore Miu,

"...... All right."

After saying a short sentence, Miu looked down at her feet, her shoulders began to tremble slightly.

Akatsuki in response slowly tried to approached Miu,

"Liar... ... Your such a LIAAARRRRRRRRRRR!"

Miu's emotions exploded.

At the same time her AD reacted. Holy tin changed its shape into a sword.

"-!"

Miu began to run while turning the tip of the sword towards Akatsuki. However, Akatsuki reacted with,

"............"

Akatsuki stopped moving on the spot, standing there motionless.

And slowly closed his eyes. As if he intended to receive Miu's blade -- in atonement.

Miu however didn't stop as a result. The sword was the embodiment of her stirred up emotions that in a moment were going to run through Akatsuki's body,

"-- I won't let you put a hand on him."

Immediately after that voice containing strong feelings was a harsh metallic clash. Even without opening his eyes he knew who was the one who did that.

Because he could tell from the Ki's that had gathered around him, close enough to him that he could reach a hand out.

"--------"

Therefore -- Akatsuki slowly opened his eyes to see.

Listy Sherfied, Izumi Chikage, and Doumoto Kuzuha.

The backs of all three girls where in front of him as to protect him.

Part 10

Ousawa Miu immediately leaped back, distancing herself.

After landing, she discovered that she well acquainted with those other girls.

And from there could see they were standing in such a way to protect Akatsuki.

So......

"...... Step back everyone."

Her tone was cold, without any emotion. Listy, Chikage, and Kuzuha all three took some slight action.

Upon seeing that Miu couldn't help narrow her eyes.

"--------"

Countless particles of light surrounded the three girls.

Reacting their new uniforms and newest model AD shined with a light.

The three's clothes completely changed.

Their Babel school uniforms transformed into -- combat attire.

"You guys ......"

Akatsuki was going to say something when,

"...... This is really unexpected."

Chikage opened her mouth first. And somewhere in her voice held a smile,

"We came running after Kaidou's barrier was broken but...... I certainly never thought I'd come across a situation like this."

"Most likely Ousawa-kun did something lewd again."

"Hey hey...... your going to put this on me?"

With a bitter smile Akatsuki protested. After which Kuzuha added "It was a joke" while quietly staring Miu in the eye,

"When you take in account the barrier was destroyed to attack you Ousawa-kun and Kaidou-kun most of what's happening here becomes very clear."

Then,

"Miu-chan......"

Listy lowered her magic wand she used to block Miu's sword while softly calling out to her.

In Listy's eyes that were staring at Miu were compassion and pity.

...... Why is she looking at me like that?

It was like she was faulting her, even though in that look there was also a trace of loneliness.

Ousawa Miu couldn't help wonder -- Could it be that Listy was sympathizing with me?

Was it because her trust in Akatsuki from the bottom of her heart had been betrayed -- and now she see's her as pitiful.

"Step back......"

So Miu repeated what she just told them and,

"That person was deceiving me... ... No, that person was probably deceiving everyone. So please, I ask you to step aside."

However......

"...... It's different Miu-chan."

And Listy slowly shook her head,

"Akatsuki wasn't fooling you, and also isn't deceiving us. He hasn't lied to anybody......"

"Impossible, I don't believe it. Listy-san don't be fooled by that person. You have no no idea what that person is really thinking."

Miu continued with,

"I'll ask again. Please let me through everyone, or I won't be so polite."

Then, Chikage shrugged her shoulders with a bitter smile. And good grief,

"It's useless...... she won't listen at all. For an earnest type like Miu, once she sets her mind on something no one will be able to change it. If I'm right, this is most likely how she's being used without even realizing it."

"It would seem Miu really can't be persuaded by us. Ousawa-kun probably a long time ago figured out she won't listen to reason... ... I guess it can't be helped."

"...... Seems so.

As soon as Listy finished saying so, the three's expressions had turned serious.

"-- What do plan on doing?"

Seeing them, Akatsuki couldn't help but ask.

"Since words won't work. There's no other way than resorting to force. Ousawa-kun you don't need to interfere. We'll somehow teach this blockhead a lesson."

"Well...... in order to strengthen our friendship even more, sometimes fighting it out isn't too bad. Even now may also be a good chance."

Kuzuha and Chikage spoke while keeping their gaze firmly planted.

And......

"If you really forget, then let us help you remember...... Miu-chan."

Listy spoke up, and with a sincere look,

"How much -- you believe in Akatsuki."

So the three girls began to walk towards Miu.

"............ All right then."

Miu quietly said to herself. She had already warned them.

But, both sides didn't have to come to this, if only they didn't cross. Since the other side was so inclined, she's not going to hold back either.

"--------"

Ousawa Miu swung the sword back up in her hand, and returned its shape back to Holy tin,

"-- Let's go."

After lightly shouting at the empty space in front of her -- Miu dashed forward.

Part 11

Forced into a battle with Phil, Onizuka chose to maintain a distance from his opponent.

After their confrontation at the ranking tournament he fully understood each other's strengths.

Moreover, Onizuka's round chakram wasn't a good match for the longsword over there.

To make matters worse was the fact the phoenix cells could heal pretty much anything, making the other almost immortal. It would be too disadvantageous to fight close range. Therefore, comprehending the circumstances it was the best possible way to fight.

But......

"Hah...... hah......"

Ten odd minutes after the fighting began Onizuka was already badly bruised.

The reason of course was from Phil's overwhelming difference in ability.

"What's the matter, is this all you have?"

Onizuka's vision was gradually fading, while Phil standing several meters apart took the time to ridicule him.

...... Damn!

While enduring the intense pain attacking his whole body, inside Onizuka was seething with bitterness causing him to subconsciously grit his teeth.

-- The ranking tournament matter was only a few days ago, and within that time period of course it was impossible to make for that hopeless difference in power. That being said, he never dreamed he face him again. In any event, himself now could barley stand on his legs much less prevail over Phil.

However, Onizuka's purpose in this battle was not victory.

But to buy time. So,

...... I'm going to do it......

Onizuka Kenya didn't lose even a bit of his the will to fight. Phil was probably stronger than Tanaka, but there wasn't any hesitation in his heart like when he was facing Tanaka. He recognized Phil Burnett as a enemy to the truest sense of the word. There was no indebtedness to him, so he could put his all into the fight.

-- In the tournament confrontation before Onizuka certainly didn't hold his own.

He was there to stop Phil from moving forward until until Akatsuki arrived. However, he failed to accomplish this task, conversely Onizuka was defeated, and Phil once again chased after Miu. None the less, it was enough for Akatsuki to make it in time, and turned out to be a small help to Miu.

...... But.

Onizuka thought a loss was a loss. That was an indisputable fact. Therefore, he couldn't afford to repeat the same mistakes this time. He must hold on until Tiana takes down Tanaka.

That was the battle -- Onizuka Kenya placed on himself.

-- And instead of a crushing defeat this time there was a slight chance of victory for Onizuka.

The reason was because unlike Tanaka, who was trying to kill him, Pil was just toying around with him ever since a battle began.

And now, it reached the point where the damage Onizuka was inflicting became too consistent, causing Phil to decide to start dodging. Although he would occasionally close the distance to strike, whenever Onizuka pulled back again Phil made no attempt to actively pursue.

...... He's completely looking down on me.

Phil was obviously counting him as an inconsequential existence.

However, Onizuka believed nothing could be done about it. Deliberately diverting his eyes from his own weakness would be of no help to the situation.

...... Yeah, that's just how it is.

Staring at the weakness in himself, Onizuka was still facing forward.

He won't run away. Either from Phil -- or also from his own weakness

"Go......!"

Concentrating his mind, Onizuka unfolded a magic formation creating a myriad of flame javelins.

Unleashing them all at the same time towards Phil.

But......

"This again... ... Could you at least change to some fresh tricks?"

Phil laughed off Onizuka's attack.

He lightly took a few steps to the side, while cutting down the flame javelins one after another with his sword. But, that didn't matter to Onizuka, he new from the start this level of magic could do nothing.

"Oh oh oh oh oh!"

Onizuka increased his concentration.

Phil sneered at his attacks as boring, but these javelins weren't the same ones as in the tournament. The evidence -- when Phil went to slash them out of the sky the flame javelins avoided his sword sneaking around his back.

"This......"

Phil immediately jumped away several steps. However,

"-- You can't escape!"

Onizuka shouted, as the flame javelins were trailing behind Phil.

The remaining javelins totaled eight, the same as number of chakrams he could summon. It was possible with enough mental concentration to completely control the flame javelins. He could change their trajectory to pursue, or even avoid being intercepted by Phil. And with eight at the same time it was practically impossible to dodge or repulse.

"Eat this and die!"

Against the multiple flame javelins approaching in an irregular orbit,

"This sort of magic is only a cheap gimmick --"

Onizuka could only watch as Phil took action with a composed smile. He first thrust the sword in his hand into the earth beneath his feet. Along with a loud noise, large pieces of the ground were kicked high into the air forming a perfect barrier of rocks around him. Onizuka's flame javelins one by one collided causing an explosion before disappearing.

Then,

"-- Here's my return gift."

Breaking through the flying dust multiple red balls of light came at Onizuka in succession.

"Shit!"

Onizuka immedaitly ran in a horizontally manner attempting to dodge them. The balls of light automatically curved, closely catching up to him.

It seemed tracking quality was also added into the magic. So Onizuka created two fireballs in the palms of his hands, and unleashed them behind his hack,

"Explode!"

Along with clenching his fists they burst into flames. The resulting fireball fragments detonated the red balls of light coming at him.

But......

"Your too distracted about what's behind you."

Before Onizuka was aware Phil appeared in front him.

"I was just playing with you -- I can't believe you actually got cocky. It really is something offensive to the eyes."

The tip of the sword in his hand was already moving horizontally.

The edge of the sword was glistening in the dim light around them as it was ruthlessly about to cut into Onizuka's body.

Part 12

At that moment -- Phil was confident of his own victory.

His slash completely caught his opponent off guard. And now it was too late to dodge.

As long as everything stay the same at present, Onizuka's upper body would definitely be severed from his lower body. That was the outcome Phil was looking for.

The dazzling blade moved right to left, instantly cutting all the way through Onizuka's waist.

However......

"This --"

Phil was slightly caught by surprise, because there was no feeling of cutting through anything.

...... Was that a copy?

To produce a double in that moment for handing that surprise attack wasn't too bad of a reaction.

But, no matter how good that magic was, it was was only a faint to gain some distance for those weak attacks.

If I feel like it, I can end this at anytime. The moment when he thought so,

"-- Gu!?"

Phil suddenly was unable to breathe. He was being strangled from behind

...... No way......!

Phil couldn't conceal his inner surprise. A battle between those with abilities beyond that of a human were always dominated by the embodiment of a weapon, or through the use of magic, never did he expect to fall under such a primitive attack. However, Onizuka while choking his neck from behind slowly told him,

"Sure, now that your immortal any kind of wound might heal in an instant."

Phil could only listen on as,

"But as long as you're still a human -- you can't resist your bodies natural reflexes."

And the force being applied to his neck increased even more.

...... This isn't good......!

Onizuka did not intended to suffocate Phil to death.

But to cause carotid sinus syncope -- that was to cause Phil "to lose" consciousness.

The phoenix cells could repair any wound to the body, but it was not possible to prevent the loss of consciousness.

Onizuka caught Phil's blind spot. If done right, it would make him faint in less than ten seconds.

...... I won't go down so easy!

Phil reversed the grip on his sword at once,

"Guh, uh uh uh!"

He didn't hesitate to stab himself in the stomach. A dull feeling was returned to his hand, when the sword ripped through his own flesh and internal organs. While an intense stinging pain attacked his mind causing almost all the power in his body to leave. However, Phil wasn't concerned about it. He had the phoenix cells supporting him. So as long as it skewered Onizuka behind him it was his win.

And -- with this, there was no way for Onizuka griping his neck could avoid the surprise attack with his sword.

But even so,

"E...... h......?"

Phil Burnett was stunned over the sensation he felt.

In the palm of his hand, there was no feeling of have had pierced Onizuka.

Part 13

"I already expected you would do that......"

While still tightly having a grip on Phil's neck from behind, Onitsuka said with a touch of confidence.

With his opponent having had the phoenix cells transplanted into his body, an attack that would normally kill oneself in the process became extremely possible to survive. Thus, Onizuka a long time ago anticipated that Phil would try such a risky method to stab through himself to get himself while behind him.

Therefore, the moment Phil's sword pierced his body -- Onizuka turned his upper body to the side to escape the attack.

Now with his posture half turned to the side, the end of the blade that passed through was right up against his chest.

Even so, Onizuka didn't relinquish his grip. With the inside of his right elbow joint locked against Phil's throat,

"Give uuupppppppppp-!"

Onizuka was tightly pressing on the carotid arteries in Phil's neck, but with having an immortal body he was still able to form some resistance,

"Guh..... ah ah ah ah ah!"

As Phil forcibly shook his body to struggle, the edge of the blade swayed back and forth lighting cutting into Onizuka's chest,

"...... Uh......!"

No matter, Onizuka wasn't going to loosen his grip. He understood more than anyone else, if he released his hand here his only chance at winning would be gone forever. By no means could he pass up this golden opportunity for himself to win.

"Wha......!"

Phil released his grip on his sword, while de-materializing his sword to grab onto Onizuka's arm.

Sharp pain ran through Onizuka's right immediately. The tremendous strength in the grip caused the bones to creak.

...... Damn...... Keep holding out!

Onizuka was bearing with the pain. He didn't particularly mind if it broke. Since if he was able to take down Phil it would be a small price to pay.

But, it would be difficult to continue holding the chokehold with a broken arm. And without any power in his arm Phil could be able to escape. If that happened -- it would most certainly also lead to Onizuka's defeat.

The moment he thought so,

"Uuuhh...... oh oh oh ah ah ah ahhhhhhhhhhhh!"

Onizuka Kenya roared, he refused to be defeated from the bottom of his heart.

There was no way for him to retreat, so he had to go for broke. His next move came purely out of instinct.

"Gaaa!"

Onizuka headbutted the back of Phil's head. The power in Phil's grip on his right arm relaxed a little. Onizuka immediately took advantage of that to hook his right leg with his own, rolling both of them to the ground.

Nevertheless, Onizuka did not release his right arm from Phil's neck.

Phil also never stopped resisting, mustering all the strength in his body to shake off the chokehold. It completely turned into a situation where Onizuka Kenya and Phil Barnett's survival instincts were colliding with each other.

-- And after an eternal ten seconds passed.

The duel between the two finally ended.

While fallen on the ground all their limbs had intertwined.

And then the first to get up -- was Phil Barnett

"............"

But, Phil was silent. On the contrary, he wasn't even conscious.

All Phil's arrogance and self-importance even pertained to his body as it also wasn't willing to admit his own defeat.

However, it wasn't possible in such a comatose state, and fell down and collapsed forward in no time.

Then......

"...... Hah...... hah...... gua."

Another young man slowly raised his body. He was the winner of this fierce fight. His shortness of breath was causing both his shoulders rise and fall, and the excitement from the fight still hadn't worn off.

".................."

Onizuka looked down stunned at his own hands. It was still slightly unbelievable.

His hands were still trembling. The same pair which always bullied the weak, and always betrayed himself in times of need. Now had finally lived up to Onizuka's expectations.

"っ......"

Suddenly -- an unidentifiable voice spilled out from Onizuka's mouth.

The long cry began with the torrent of emotions that he couldn't suppress.

Then Onizuka clenched his fists, arched his torso and,

"---------"

Onizuka Kenya looked up at the sky, and detonated a roar.

He yelled, and then continued yelling. He was able to be accomplished something by himself.

He finally succeeded, and finally seized a victory. This was at last the day he wished for, the day where he could finally accept himself.

And through that roar of the winner -- Onizuka was telling himself that over and over again.

Chapter 4 - Who Believed in You More than Anyone

Part 1

The battle to make Miu regain herself was being waged in JPN-Babel's sports arena

At the present time it was three-on-one situation, however that didn't matter to Izumi Chikage.

After all, the Miu right now was able to brake Kaidou's barrier that was standing in their way. Therefore, unless they all attacked together, they would have been quickly overpowered.

No -- strictly speaking, even now it might be too tough.

But......

...... I can't back down.

Chikage thought that this was also their fight.

The want to defeat Kyouya since he was a member of COCOON was not only Akatsuki's purpose in this case, but one of his future goals. Of course, after everyone decided to follow him on his path they would give him all the support they could.

However, in the end that was Akatsuki's personal war.

-- But the fight right now was different.

As Izumi Chikage stared ahead reflected in her eyes was the image of a close friend, who they all decided to absolutely get back. After they regain their friend it was already promised to lived together from then on.

There was no negotiating with that, no matter what.

"-- We need to hurry, and get her back."

After hearing that Listy and Kuzuha nodded back together while they were on the move.

Chikage again reminded herself.

Miu must be suffering inside herself being unable to believe in Akatsuki, and having to fight us who still believe in him.

...... No.

Miu must be suffering being unable to believe in Akatsuki, and having to fight against herself and the others who still believe in such a Miu.

The ultimate goal wasn't to defeat her, but to get her back.

To once again have their friend regain her smile, and return to everyone's arms.

"I'm going -- MIU!"

While chanting magic Izumi Chikage dashed out ahead straight at Miu.

Part 2

After Listy saw Chikage run out ahead, she herself also started running.

And even Kuzuha began to move.

...... I'll go.

Listy was no longer confused.

Her friendship with Chikage and Kuzuha could be said to be short.

When they visited Alayzard together with Akatsuki and Miu there wasn't an opportunity to talk. Even when she was brought to this world there was never a proper conversation.

Of course, after yesterday's pajama party they had come to a deeper understanding of what was in each other's hearts.

Even while she was worried her presence would become a burden to the others, everyone still gladly accepted her.

Through their feelings for Akatsuki they could form a common battlefront.

However, even with an understanding there wasn't time for a proper plan of attack.

And no time to establish a sense of teamwork.

-- Still there was no doubt in Listy's mind.

Because there was one thing that could compensate for an immature sense of teamwork.

That was......

...... Trust.

That was all that was needed Listy thought. With mutual trust in each others feelings a sense of solidarity could be born.

That was what's most important for teamwork.

Precisely because we all understand each other -- no, because we trust each other.

No matter how Chikage and Kuzuha moved, she should be able to perfectly match them -- Listy Sherfied felt sure of it.

So......

"...... I'll start first."

Kuzuha took the initiative. As Listy saw her place her small left hand on the ground unfolding a magic formation.

At the same time, Miu's feet began to sink into the ground.

The mud was sealing the her movement, causing Miu to lose her secure footing,

"...... Relying on this trick."

Miu lightly complained, as she jumped into the air. She retreated to safety with help of wind magic to fly.

Then a huge mass of water suddenly engulfed Miu's whole body.

The sphere shaped pool of water was created above Miu's head by Chikage that instantly captured Miu in a prison of water. However,

"----"

Listy looked on as inside the water Miu slightly moved her lips.

The movement of her lips she seemed to be telling them,

-- It won't do any good.

And then Miu cast a spell on the end of her magic wand, Holy Tin, before lightly touching it to the edge of the water.

That was all, with that simple action caused a huge splash as Chikage's water prison burst apart.

As soon as Chikage saw that happen she immediately raised her voice shouting, "Listy!" However, it wasn't from any agitation in her heart that she yelled.

She was only calling out to a fellow comrade.

So......

"-- Leave it to me!"

Listy released the magic that she had already finished chanting.

Brief flashes of light filled the area as lightning rained down from the sky.

However, she was not targeting Miu herself.

Rather it was the space around her.

When Miu destroyed Chikage's water prison the water had scattered out all around her.

That water was now creating an area around her that conducted electricity with her at the center.

And also Miu herself was currently drenched after being submerged.

So now Listy was personally bearing witness to the results of them working together.

The explosions from the thunder had subsided, Miu was now floating in the air with electricity flowing all around her.

Part 3

Sparks from the electric current were attacking Miu's whole body.

However, there wasn't any pain.

Instead, the sensations from her body had faded away.

...... I see.

This must have been what they wanted to achieve.

Apparently, the three were trying seal off all my movements.

Kuzuha's mud shackles, Chikage's magical prison of water coupled with Listy's lightning -- as expected it was flawless battle plan.

And now that it wasn't possible to move they undoubtedly planned to try persuasion.

Taking great pains to repeat the same words of believing in Akatsuki.

But,

...... It's useless.

Not trying to hurt her, and aiming to prevent her from moving like so wasn't going to stop the present Miu. So she focused her consciousness, however it wasn't to form a new magic.

"--------"

Miu's intention was to intervene with the current running through her body and the surrounding area.

The countless water droplets hovering around her were remnants created through Chikage's magic.

Thus, under the effects there would be no potential difference, causing the current running in the space other than Miu to be parallelized.

-- If that was the case, Miu judged she would be able to control all of the electricity centering around herself.

It was the same technique she used against Zahhak once before to affix lightning into a certain shape.

Ousawa Miu centralized all of the electricity onto the end of Holy Tin, and further amplified it with her own magic,

"Let me return it to you -- Listy-san!"

Towards the ground below her she swung down Holy Tin at Listy.

Along with a zapping noise, a lightning strike came towards the top of Listy's head.

"-!"

Listy's face had turned white, but she still took immediate action.

Slightly charging her own magic wand with electricity she pierced it into the ground, while taking a giant leap backwards.

This created an impromptu lightning rod, causing the lightning to directly strike the on top of her wand, rather than herself.

It was a pretty clever decision, but......

"-- Its not over yet!"

Miu didn't give Listy any chance to recover.

As she unleashed a wind blade to attack Listy at once.

...... Eh?

The expression Listy wore as she looked up caused Miu to question herself for a moment.

Listy was in imminent danger, but a smile appeared on her face.

-- It was at that time.

Miu felt for a moment behind her -- that the night sky suddenly got slightly darker. It was like her mind was playing a trick on her.

...... Did the moon go behind a cloud?

That couldn't be right. There wasn't a cloud in the sky tonight that was thick enough to shut out the moonlight.

Miu subconsciously glanced back. There -- she caught the silhouette of a girl in her vision.

"--------"

She was in same position as when she first attacked Miu with her left hand still firmly placed on the ground.

However -- the earth immediately around her had been raised high into the air. And in the girl's right hand her AD weapon was already materialized.

It was a gigantic chunk of steel. The same oversized hammer she liked to always use.

"Kuzuha......"

Wile in blank surprise Miu called out the name of the girl.

"-- Do not call me by my name Ousawa-san."

The girl said with an unusually cold tone.

"Sorry, but only the Miu from before is allowed to call me by my name."

And you aren't that same Miu,

"So please, quickly wake up."

Kuzuha lifted up the huge hammer high in the air.

"You oppai woman-!"

She swung down the hammer with all her power crashing into Miu.

Part 4

"---------------!?"

Miu was smashed out of the air towards the ground.

The moment before however she did cross both of her arms out in front of her, but the tremendous weight and force of Kuzuha's blow was too much. Her arms went numb from the impact, an intense shock wave went through Miu's whole body.

"...... Ku!"

Still, she managed to somehow invoke wind magic behind her back to slow her descent.

Barely avoiding crashing into the ground, Miu landed before falling to one knee.

Kuzuha immediately followed after her to the ground, soon after Listy and Chikage also gave chase surrounding Miu and stood.

Miu was in the center as the three formed an equilateral triangle.

However, like before Ousawa Miu was not in the least daunted. It was only that a seeming sad expression appeared on her face.

"You absolutely refuse to back down......"

She said quietly. She thought it was enough if only herself knew the sad truth, and had to suffer.

The fact that Akatsuki had betrayed herself and the others was too cruel to tell to everyone that admires him so much.

Therefore -- Miu planned for only herself to bear it all.

However, since they won't step aside no matter what, she had no choice but to tell them.

So......

"I will tell the reason why I cannot forgive that person."

And then Ousawa Miu's heartfelt confession,

"Because that person -- once achieving his goals intends to abandon everyone and die."

"--------"

After hearing Miu's confession Listy and everyone fell silent.

-- When she learned the truth herself there was nobody around.

She had to bear with it by herself making it a far stronger blow than with Listy and the others right now.

And when she became aware of the situation Miu was no longer able to forgive Akatsuki.

But......

"...... How can you still......?"

Instead, when Miu told the truth she was the one who was surprised.

On Listy's face right in front of her eyes there wasn't even a hint of agitation.

"Why is it that --"

Miu couldn't resist the urge to ask.

"...... Because I believe!"

Listy then calmly and sincerely answered,

"We decided on our own to believe in Akatsuki. That guy is willing to go to any lengths to stop a woman's tears. And yet if Akatsuki does what Miu-chan says then how can he cause us so much sadness that will make us cry over him?"

As she was saying so, Listy was gazing at Miu with an unshakable look in her eyes.

Miu also saw the same thing in Chikage and Kuzuha eyes, and continue to ask,

"...... Why do you believe in that person so much?"

"That is because we decided to believe in him no matter what."

"The first person who decided that, Miu...... wasn't it you?"

Chikage and Kuzuba were trying to gently help Miu remember. It was as if -- she had forgotten something important, and needed to be reminded of it here.

Then Listy also spoke up,

"-- When I was feeling uneasy it was Miu-chan who calmed me down. Now I will tell you what you told me."

She continued with a very serene look on her face,

"There is nothing to be afraid of, we all will be fine because Miu-chan, I am with you, Chikage, Kuzuha, Haruka -- and even Akatsuki. We will all be together at Akatsuki's side."

Wasn't it?

"-- From now on, we will be together forever."

After hearing her own words being repeated back to herself,

"-!"

Miu bit her lower lip, and suddenly started running.

Towards where those words came from, Listy.

And -- almost immediately cut the distance with Holy Tin above her head before swinging down.

"Oh......!"

Listy blocked Miu's attack in that moment by raising her magic wand.

A crisp crashing sound rang out as both weapons collided mid air.

"What......! Do you know what you're saying!"

Miu roared right in front of Listy's face.

"......?"

Listy was stupefied over her comment, which caused the irritation in Miu's heart to bubble up.

Why can't you just understand?

After all even I...... once believed in Akatsuki.

I believed. I believed. I believed more than anyone else, and keep on believing.

And yet,

"..... The result of that was him betraying meeeeeeeeeeee!"

As Miu cried out she violently pushed down on Holy Tin with all her might.

"-!"

The force tossed Listy backwards.

However -- she didn't directly smash into the ground.

Because immediately before that someone had gentle pressed up against Listy's back.

Therefore Listy looked back in utter amazement.

"...... Akatsuki?"

She lightly muttered his name.

"............"

Akatsuki supported Listy, while he stared at Miu with a sad expression on his face.

"...... That's not fair to look at me like that......"

While making a painful expression, she still raised up Holy Tin.

"-- This is not good Miu!" "This foolishness needs to stop!"

Chikage and Kuzuba grabbed hold of Miu from behind at the same time.

So,

"...... I, I......!"

Unable to stop her overflowing emotions Miu finally mustered up her voice.

And shrieked,

"-- Get off me!"

And the next moment a blinding flash, and a powerful force came out from Miu in all directions.

Part 5

The world was steeped in a pure white along with an ear-splitting noise -- the surrounding area lost its voice. A complete silence. However, after some time the world gradually remembered the concept of sound.

-- And when the world returned to to its original state.

Ousawa Miu remained standing in her former place alone.

"............"

Looking around she suddenly found Chikage and Kuzuha's figures off in the distance, who were grabbing onto her just a little while ago.

The two had collapsed on the ground, but they weren't dead.

At that time the willpower in Miu's heart turned into a shock wave moving out in all directions.

Most likely Chikage and Kuzuba bared the brunt of it.

The physical damage was very limited, but their spiritual strength was seriously shaved.

Like that they shouldn't be able to cause anymore interference.

...... The other two......?

Miu looked up, searching for what happened to Akatsuki and Listy after the wave.

Then up ahead Listy stood maintaining her distance.

"----"

Miu was slightly surprised that Listy stayed inside the range of the wave and wasn't harmed.

...... That person probably protected her.

If that was the case, Miu turned to look for Akatsuki's figure.

"Ah!"

Suddenly, Miu's right arm was forcibly pulled back from behind.

It was in an instant.

Before Miu could understand who was behind her, her body was spun around. When she recovered her thinking, she realized she was pressed up against a chest she knew all too well.

Inside the arms of Ousawa Akatsuki.

"......!"

Once Miu understood Akatsuki had embraced her,

"Let me go......!"

Miu cried out in fear, desperately trying to resist.

However, no matter how violently she struggled, Akatsuki didn't budge in the slightest.

"............"

Akatsuki didn't say anything. Just silence, as he held her.

A strong hug.

But along with the warmth, Akatsuki's thoughts were being communicated.

I'm never going to separate from you, because this is where you belong.

Through the tight silent embrace he was going tell her that.

No matter how much it hurt.

"Uuu...... uuu......"

Still Miu did not stop resisting.

Because she couldn't forgive him.

Akatsuki had deceived her all this time.

Because wasn't it?

...... Once you achieve your goal...... you planned on dieing......!

Even though from the start it was agreed to be together forever?

When you defeat the people who reign over this world you're prepared to die -- and to make matters worse it was intended to be by my hands in order to let me find a place in his world?

Miu couldn't allow such things to happen.

"UUuuu-!"

After screaming out Miu suddenly shut her eyes while in Akatsuki's embrace, and then firmly bit down on his arm.

"-!"

She felt Akatsuki's body faintly shutter.

And the taste of iron began to spread within Miu's mouth.

It was the taste of Akatsuki's blood.

A taste -- Ousawa Miu knew. Strictly speaking, it was something she could never forget.

Then,

"...... Do you remember?"

While Miu remained inside his arms, Akatsuki finally opened his mouth and,

"It was also at that time I was holding you like this......"

"......!"

Miu unintentionally loosened her bite.

She understood what he meant by that.

It was for Ousawa Miu a precious memory that would remain with her for the rest of her life.

-- It happened the night of the first day of the ranking tournament.

After being incited by Phil Miu began to think she didn't belong in this world, and there wasn't any place she could. As a result Miu had given up all hope.

Therefore, in order to not involve Akatsuki or anyone else in her own circumstances any more.

And to save the demon tribes left in Alayzard.

Miu had chosen to end her own life.

So in the presence of Akatsuki she decided to throw himself from the top of a huge waterfall.

She still thinks at that place, at that time she should have died there.

But -- that did not happen.

Miu survived. No, strictly speaking she was saved.

By the hand of Akatsuki.

"......!"

Ousawa Miu remembered.

That day, the words Akatsuki gave her.

Akatsuki told her that she was proof that Galious lived.

Only by her surviving can her father's existence proven.

And -- even if Akatsuki himself couldn't accept his own words, he didn't hesitate to speak them.

The place where Miu belongs will never disappear. It was because wherever he was, was where she belonged.

After saying so, Akatsuki printed his lips on her own.

That was Miu's first kiss.

-- At that time, while accepting his lips and tongue Ousawa Miu had decided her own future.

She -- from then on will be by Akatsuki's side.

So she looked up, and started glaring at Akatsuki.

"You know at that time when you gave me those words and -- kissed me...... how precious of a memory it was for me......!"

Miu's voice trembled as she spoke those words.

It was because she was crying.

"I've always believed in you...... I believed we would be together forever!"

With her hair down, Miu cried out hysterically.

"A place where I can belong *Poku* by killing you has no meaning at all for me!!!" (heart beat -- I normally take those out, but the sentence seemed so dull without it.)

Miu's emotions erupted from inside her as they turned into words.

She couldn't take it anymore.

"Wahhhhh......!"

Miu cried, as she beat Akatsuki's chest with her fists over and over.

I cannot forgive you.

It was too cruel.

If that is so, at the least I want you to say for us to die together.

Because Ousawa Akatsuki -- was for Ousawa Miu the last place she had to belong.

So......

"As you can see I'm alive and well, so...... don't willfully put a curse on me to die sometime in the future."

With a wry smile Akatsuki passed on those words onto Miu.

"I've said it very clearly. Even if you don't believe it -- I will realize the very best future for you."

Akatsuki questioned whether she had forgotten?

"I will threatened to destroy the entire world so that I can create a place for you -- I think that was the worst case, right?"

However, he continued speaking,

"-- Why do you think I would choose that as the worst way?"

Upon hearing Akatsuki's question Miu stopped crying and,

"...... Eh...... What......--?"

Until only then did Miu notice something was wrong.

Part 6

"......?"

After Akatsuki brought it to her attention, Miu realized one thing.

It was a question she never asked herself.

-- Why would I distrust Akatsuki so much now?

The man who I had feelings for and believed in.

And despite being the partner I swore in my heart to share the same fate with.

No, this wasn't considered to be the main focus -- Miu thought.

I've always been by Akatsuki's side, and always placed myself within reach of Akatsuki's arms. Ousawa Akatsuki -- was supposed to be the only place for Ousawa Miu.

Miu couldn't think of a conceivable reason to part from there.

Why in the world then was I separating myself from Akatsuki since a while ago?

Furthermore attacked Akatsuki and Kaidou, fought against Listy and the others, and hurt everyone.

"Why...... I'm I doing all this......?"

Miu muttered to herself. Whether it was her own thoughts or actions, everything seemed wrong.

In an effort to remember the cause,

...... Strange...... I cannot remember...... Why...... Is that?"

Thereupon, Miu realized her memory was in disorder.

Even now she couldn't remember why she was here now.

She came together with Haruka to JPN-Babel, and remembered entering the student council room.

However, the next memory was completely blank.

...... But.

Miu vaguely remembered being attacked by a maddening sense of anxiety over Akatsuki.

Gradually that unease turned into anger. As soon as Miu thought she might of been deceived -- it had already turned into I could no longer forgive Akatsuki.

And simply because she believed in him more than anyone else she thought she had been betrayed.

"B,but how can you blame me? Because after you stop your older brother and father, you will pose a threat to the world. Isn't it your plan to die......?"

And Miu continued,

"Your older brother is a "COCOON" and your father is part if "Crimson Twilight" so...... just like when you defeated my father in Alayzard you won't let yourself become the spark for a new conflict --"

After she said that much,

"Where did you hear that?"

Akatsuki suddenly asked.

"Eh......?"

"I've never said once my brother was a "COCOON" or my father was part of "Crimson Twilight" in front of you...... No, I never mentioned any of this in front of anyone."

One breath.

"Such talk -- when on earth and where did someone tell you this?"

"When and where...... who told me......"

Miu subconsciously repeated what Akatsuki asked of her. Thinking carefully, he had really good point.

Although I thought I heard it from him, Akatsuki still hadn't told me about his family.

At most, when he was half asleep that one time he let slip that his little sister was dead.

Of course -- that there was some sort of discord between him and his family was clear from their absence.

His excessive reaction to COCOON, or from the conversation the other day at the shopping mall some kind of causal association could be inferred.

But......

As for the details other than that, I wasn't aware of anything

And yet then how on earth did I know that Akatsuki's brother was serving as administrator of the world in "COCOON", and his father was the founder of "Crimson Twilight" of the world's strongest terrorist group?

Moreover, after learning of these secrets the typical reaction would be astonishment.

So why would I accept these this as a matter of course?

...... Why is that?

I have seen much standing beside him so far, and understand what kind of character Akatsuki has very well. That's why, the idea that Akatsuki would want to kill himself was absolutely impossible.

In that case -- why did I come to think in such a way?

However as Ousawa Miu thought about it she could not come up with a reasonable answer.

"Well...... probably only the person that instilled this strange notion would understand, howver......"

Akatsuki continued,

"Right now whats important is to deal with your tears."

"What......?"

When Miu blankly asked back, Akatsuki only reached out with his hand and lifted up her chin.

And stared straight at her.

"Whatever the reason, it cannot change the fact you were crying over me. Also....... well, you -- need something to believe no matter what."

And the next moment, it was just the same way as that day.

Akatsuki lips overlapped on Miu's own.

"Ah!?...... AH...... Nnn!"

Faced with an unexpected kiss Miu frantically struggled inside Akatsuki's arm.

She closed her fists to beat on his chest, and also tried pushing herself away with both hands to separate herself by any means. However, it was useless. Akatsuki had strongly wrapped his hand around her waist.

It was not possible to escape.

Akatsuki's lips stripped Miu of freedom.

However, when he brazenly pushed his tongue in deeper.

"!"

Akatsuki wasn't allowed to get away with it, every time Miu would close her teeth to stop him.

"-- Give up."

And the next moment -- from a small gap in the side of her combat attire Akatsuki slid his hand under. Then he gently caressesed Miu's chest.

"Fuaa!? Ah, mhm --"

She reflexivity released a sweet voice. Akatsuki seized the moment to slip his tongue in.

...... It's a lie. It can't be that simple......!

Miu couldn't help but close her eyes.

For being honest to her body she felt a little ashamed of herself. Once again she realized.

Ousawa Miu's body could no longer -- go against Ousawa Akatsuki.

"Fa...... Oh, Chu...... Ah, nn......!"

With her tongue entangled plus her chest being massaged Miu felt a burst of pleasure seemingly melted her body and mind.

When the tip of Akatsuki's tongue lightly licked the sensitive upper part of her mouth brought Miu close to the extent of going crazy making her limbs numb.

And when the tongue was sucked on the there was numbness from pleasure in her chest together with a lack of oxygen.

Even if it was just a short separation Miu's mind and body more than ever helplessly desired Akatsuki.

...... I,I will not let you have your way......

She didn't abandon the idea of resistance, but......

"Ah ah...... hum...... ah ...... chu, chu......"

The forceful manner made it impossible for Miu to go against, as an intense stirring welled up in Miu's mouth.

Akatsuki's tongue increasingly found its way in.

It was the exact opposite of the first gentle kiss they had during the ranking tournament.

An unending amount of Kei poured in, thoroughly making her body sensitive.

At that point -- even the slightest resistance wasn't permitted.

...... It this also a ...... Kiss?"

Miu's consciousness became hazy.

Also she noticed that -- while her lips were stolen, occasionally her body would tremble slightly.

...... It's a lie, it can't possibly mean......!

Even with her mind clouded she faintly understand.

Each one of those slight shivers were light climaxes, and that the pleasure was piling on top of each other.

But, even though it was strange to say, Miu didn't feel any uneasiness.

Perhaps that one night she spent in the brothel of Alayzard's, Akatsuki had deeply carved that feeling into her body and mind.

And then, on the train together with Listy -- she was willing to accept the pleasant feeling, even though she felt very embarrassed.

But......

...... That's wrong......

Until now, Miu realized that she herself was mistaken of the root cause.

The warmth and pleasure that Akatsuki offered she had no right refuse herself.

"Chu...... Oh, chu......"

The sweet assault continued, and the pleasure tune never ceased.

It was assured that Ousawa Miu -- was thoroughly enlightened that she was a woman.

And the kiss by Akatsuki didn't end, mercilessly depriving Miu of her self(ego).

The lewd noises of their tongues twisting around each other was distinct in her mind.

The feel of a tongue and the mucous membrane different from her own. The tongue and a mucous membrane of Akatsuki.

Just the feeling of the heat through the tongue almost sent Miu's consciousness flying.

Her waist had given out a long time ago. Her legs also had no strength. It was only possible as of now for Miu to stand due to that Akatsuki grabbed hold of her butt without her being aware.

...... If that person hadn't touched my breasts and butt, then I might not of been able to stay upright......

As she thought so,

"Ah ...... chu, ha ...... oh...... er ah!"

She was even surprised by herself at how suddenly weak her body went.

Her breasts, butt, and every part of her body were gradually being dissolved by the heat.

All resistance had been abandoned to fall into an abyss of pleasure of the female body.

So,

...... Ah, this......

Unexpectedly, Miu felt some other element than pleasure from Akatsuki's kiss.

Flowing through the lips were the feelings Akatsuki held in his heart for her.

Although there weren't any words being passed on, the thoughts were certainly conveyed.

Even if it was until then a very forcible kiss she immediately understood.

People can lie, however the lips can't.

Akatsuki -- had been more than anyone looking out for me.

At one time Miu thought she had been betrayed by Akatsuki, and now she did not know what to believe.

However, his words had caused Miu remember something from a little while ago.

...... Something to believe no matter what......

Akatsuki further continued to kiss without saying anything.

But yet, the sense of the kiss now, and the warmth of Akatsuki was definitely the truth.

"Nn, Chu...... Aa, Fua --"

Unconsciously, Miu had stretched out both of her arms around Akatsuki's neck.

She had become absorbed, only seeking Akatsuki.

Inside of the arms of Ousawa Akatsuki was the place Ousawa Miu belonged.

So......

"Oh...... oh, uwannnn......"

Akatsuki's saliva had been flowing into her.

The thick liquid was about to fill Miu's mouth

And -- after perceiving that Miu's reaction completely changed.

Akatsuki slowly separated his lip from Miu. Then,

...... Ah.......

He raised up Miu's jaw -- to tell her something.

She almost inhaled being stared at by Akatsuki with such a firm look in his eyes. Then she heard a resolute voice that could not be refused.

"-- Swallow it all."

Responding to those words,

"Nn...... --!"

Miu did what she was told without the slightest hesitation.

She swallowed the accumulated saliva with a 'kokun' sound in her throat.

She felt the liquid as it passed through to the back of the throat, and a gentle tickle in her esophagus as it made its way down. Her whole body trembled from a sweet sensation.

In addition, two, and three gulping sounds were heard. Miu had completely drank Akatsuki's saliva.

"Haa, fu...... Haaa...... ah."

A hot, sweet sigh was leaked from the remnants of a peak from inside her body

And when she looked up at Akatsuki with misty eyes,

"...... Do you understand?"

While embracing her waist here, the usual bold smile emerged on Akatsuki's face as he spoke.

So,

"............"

Miu quietly nestled her check to Akatsuki's chest.

Lightly holding on to make certain of his existence

...... It's okay to believe in you, right?

Miu tightly closed her eyes, willing to accept Akatsuki completely.

-- At that time.

A whispered echoed in her mind. In the voice that was cold enough to freeze.

Listening carefully it seemed to be laughter,

"-- I was waiting for this moment."

Part 7

And -- the next instant, Miu's warmth had disappeared from Akatsuki's arms.

Akatsuki opened his eyes, however she couldn't be seen anywhere.

Almost as if everything was a dream, both of his arms were holding onto the thin air.

"!? -- Miu-chan?"

On the edge of his view, Listy raised a very anxious voice.

The suddenness made it hard for Listy to understand what had happened.

Kuzuha and Chikage were not much better,

"That....."

"...... What the hell happened?"

The pair forced their battered bodies up, staring blankly at Akatsuki.

It was understandable, considering that everyone present thought Akatsuki finally was able to save Miu.

However -- it was all except one. Only that one person seemed to have an idea as to what was going on.

That was Akatsuki.

He looked down at his empty hands,

"You did......"

Akatsuki said with contempt in a low voice.

Kyouya had abducted Miu most likely to exploit the power of a higher life form sleeping inside of Miu.

After taking all that effort to obtain Miu would he obediently hand her over?

This means that.....

"...... Such a thing."

Akatsuki was finally aware of Kyouya's plan, and couldn't hide his inner anger.

And then his gaze rested off into the distance at tower of Babel,

"This was your objective? Hikami Kyouya ......!"

Part 8

"You really are clever Ousawa-kun. It's a pity -- but, you found out just a little too late."

Inside the shrine within JPN-Babel.

Hikami Kyouya watched everything through the fast asleep Miu on top of the altar. Perfectly content he deepened the cold smile on his face.

"Incidentally -- That youthful girl you guys were praising so highly was in actually merely her thoughts given form."

Kyouya look back behind at Miu still lying there on the altar.

It was as Akatsuki imagined.

After taking all that effort to get his hands on Miu it was only natural that it was impossible for Kyouya obediently give her back.

"Such an important thing, of course I couldn't let it out until the bitter end."

And then -- the altar with Miu on it suddenly changed.

The light that had been emitting from Miu changed from white to gold.

After perceiving the change,

"Apparently, it appears that I'm finally able to fully dominate her spirit."

Kyouya said with profound emotion.

Having sealed the power of an ultra-high-order-lifeform by placing a seal on Miu's ego.

The offspring between a half dark elf and human had an appearance was approximately the same as a human being's. However, in a situation where an ego was occupying such a "vessel", it was impossible to exert the power of an ultra-high-order-lifeform.

Phil Barnett before couldn't demonstrated even half the power the that was Zahhak along the same lines.

Miu, above all, was not conscious of the fact she was a ultra-high-order-lifeform. So similar to that, the magic she had manipulated in her thought form were wind spells that were her strong point all along. An absolute barrier of a higher life form was also never been unfolded as well, because she had not been aware of the existence of power in her.

In this case, the power as an ultra-high-order-lifeform was not stable.

However -- that said, forcibly controlling her ego could end in destroying it in the processes.

Left in a situation where her mind had fallen into disorder, it would become almost impossible to control to her.

So there would be no meaning to it. After all, manipulating that power of an ultra-high-order-lifeform was going to place Kyouya at the apex of the world. Therefore, it was necessary to completely dominate Miu's spirit.

But -- in what way could the human mind be dominated?

...... The approach was very simple.

The first step was to push the person's mind to the brink of despair.

After weakening their willpower to the limit -- the next part was to offer a glimmer of hope.

The mind that was on the edge was like a person that was drowning. They would tightly clutch onto that last straw.

As a result, a great gap will to produced in their mind. Allowing for a chance to get deep down in the depths of their psychology. For that reason Kyouya enlightened Miu as to the ideas and background information on Akatsuki.

In an unconscious state, implanting memories wasn't any trouble.

And,

"When interacting with the other girls, she was constantly repeating "Everything will be okay." Believing that you Ousawa-kun would keep them safe... ... It was like a mantra."

Miu words were meant to reassure Listy, Haruka, Chikage, and Kuzuha, and it succeeded in deepening each other's bonds.

"-- However, those words weren't born out of an absolute trust and consideration. It was only that she herself wanted to believe it so."

In such a way, Miu was often anxious. After Kyouya spotted such, he took advantage of this gap to enter her mind.

And -- it succeeded in the worst way. He was able to create the illusion that her beloved Akatsuki had betrayed her. After losing consciousness gradually the seal on the ultra-high-order-lifeform power inside her began to unfasten. And as he anticipated, Miu gave her thoughts a body to condemn what Akatsuki had done.

The deeper the affection the greater the shock of betrayal would be, and also the hate.

The love she had for Akatsuki, and belief in him the word "lair" had a very severe meaning behind it. It was undoubtedly the wailing of Ousawa Miu's very soul.

It went accordingly to Kyouya's meticulous plan to push Miu to the depths of despair.

But......

"...... You really did save her when her mind was under such turmoil."

Hikami Kyouya had always highly evaluated Ousawa Akatsuki influence.

His father was the founder of Crimson Twilight, and older brother was the implementation leader for COCOON.

And the same blood as those two people was inherit in Akatsuki.

Also there was no doubt there was considerable charisma within Akatsuki himself.

-- In fact, he has attracted a lot of people around him.

And many among them were even willing make enemies out of the world, and also share the same fate as him.

Maybe it was precisely because of that Akatsuki was able to win the reputation of a hero in the alternate world of Alayzard.

Furthermore, even the demon king entrusted his daughter to the human who defeated him Now, Miu even though her father died at his hands sincerely trusts him.

Also according to Kyouya's expectation, Akatsuki tried to save Miu's mind that gave into despair.

Thus, Miu once again open her mind to Akatsuki.

Completely unaware -- it would become the gap to which allowed himself(Kyouya) to completely control her mind.

"Thank you Ousawa-kun...... for moving according to my plan."

It was so. Everything went as Kyouya calculated.

Both making Miu fall into despair, and arranging for Akatsuki help her.

This was all measures of Kyouya's careful planning.

In an effort to completely control Miu's mind.

So as to fully release the power of an ultra-high-order-lifeform, and bring it under his control.

"Well then...... it's time to proceed to the final stage."

As he muttered so, Kyouya spun around.

Several red ropes arose from the walls and ceiling stretched out towards the altar in the center of the room Miu was sleeping on.

The ropes coiled around her arms and body, while slowly lifting her up into air.

Then through the ropes the golden glow that was emitting from Miu's body spread out to the whole room,

Vu~ u~ u~ u~ u~ u~ u~ u~ u~ u~ u~ u~ u~ un

Together with low mechanical sound, a three-dimensional geometric magic patterns began unfolding over and over again.

The link to the ultra-high-order-lifeform had started to be established.

As he looked on,

"...... Well, until the link is set up, I still have a little time on my hand. Then, how should I dispose of those nuisances from earlier?"

Hikami Kyouya began to slowly walk out of the room.

While floating a sneer of absolute zero on his face.

"Before becoming God of this world -- I can't let a single one remain."

Part 9

In a wide space of one of the lowermost floors a single shadow was moving.

Surrounded by darkness a faint red light was being given off. It was from Onizuka after finishing his battle with Phil.

"This should be enough......"

Onizuka had dropped to the ground on his butt one step away from the unconscious Phil.

He had bound Phil, restraining him from moving.

Nearby steel wire had been used as roped to tie both of Phil's hands behind his back first. Then his ankles were tied, and finally his knees were bound together to completely stop Phil from moving.

And also to absolutely make sure he couldn't break free several layers of wire were wrapped around.

...... This was merely a fluke, next time I won't be able to win.

Onizuka Kenya understood very well that he only won because he caught his opponent off guard with his surprise tactic. However, the same trick won't work again.

If there was a second match, Phil would come at him at full force from the beginning. Coupled with his almost immortally, Onizuka had no more chances whatsoever at winning.

And more than anything,

"I never ever..... want to run across this crazy bastard again."

That was not a joke, Onizuka bitterly spit out. And when attempting to stand up,

"Gah......!"

A sharp pain hit ran through his body, involuntarily sending him to his knees.

Most likely it was the result of having finished restraining Phil, and relaxing his tension.

The pain in his body that had suppressed, had float up all at once.

"Goddammit...... I just finally got discharged from the hospital. And the same guy that sent me there to begin with did it again......"

Ignoring the pain that was screaming within his body, somehow Onizuka still stood up.

For Onizuka there was somewhere he must go to. It was the spot he got separated from Tiana during the fight.

...... That fool couldn't possibly be lossing, but......

If he had to say it, Tiana's ability to fight was even greater than Phil's. In theory there was no possibility of defeat.

-- However, the outcome of a battle was never an "absolute."

Actually, Onizuka beating Phil was a perfect example. Although he didn't want to think about it too much, but he couldn't ignore the possibility of Tiana fail miserably at a very easy task.

And Tiana and Tanaka -- neither of the pair, still hadn't shown up.

Over there the fight might still be going on.

Then it may be possible for Onizuka to do something if he went.

"...... Tsk, what the hell is wrong with me?"

Onizuka irritatingly clicked his tongue. It was unbelievable for his former self to think such a thing.

Worrying about another person, and actually willing to put his neck out for them.

His true self thought..... it was insane to do so.

And yet, Onizuka's mind couldn't stop his anxious.

Then, there might not be other way.

...... Well, now what to do?

Onizuka lowered his head in thought.

To tell the truth, he wanted to immediately rush over to Tiana's side.

However, it was still too dangerous to leave Phil alone even in that state.

Taking into consideration Onizuka had the physical strength to cause Phil to pass out, then there shouldn't be any problems with the security of the restraints. But, if by any chance he escapes when Onizuka's takes his eyes off him -- no, rather if he escapes and comes to attack again, what could there to be done?

At that time, the matter would certainly be troublesome.

Therefore, the safest thing to do,

"...... I'll have to carry him with him."

With some resignation in his voice Onizuka sighed.

He himself didn't know for far he could make it, but could only take it one step at time.

Unable to see the bottom of the hole that Tiana made, the risk was too high to jump.

However, the fact that they went down might make it possible to meet up on a lower floor.

"The problem is I don't know where they are, but......"

Ah well, never mind -- Onizuka thought. It was no use thinking that way here.

For the time being it was best to just move forward.

And then, Onizuka lifted Phil onto his shoulder ready to move, when......

"...... Eh, it's already over?"

From Onizuka's right side -- out of an entrance way, Tiana suddenly emerged.

It look like her hand was holding onto Tanaka's collar, that had been knocked unconscious. However, with no more than an light expression on Tiana's face, it seemed like dragging Tanaka's body the whole way was nothing to her. Of course, Onizuka was fully aware of the absurdity of it.

"To think I hurried over because I was worried, but...... you did quite splendid, Ken-chan."

Tiana laughed loudly with a "AHAHA." They had both had won a life and death battle, but compared to the bruises up and down Onizuka's body, Tiana looked utterly unscathed.

And that smiling face was too innocent.

"Well, of course this would be the case......"

The so-called case, was a million to one chance that wouldn't happen again. With a wry smile at the same time, Onizuka lowered Phil down and leaned him against a wall. Also it seemed that Tiana didn't need Onizuka assistance.

...... Yea, that is so.

A self-deprecating grin appeared on Onizuka's face.

After all, his level could nowhere compare to Tiana's.

"...... Eh? What happened, Ken-chan?"

After noticing a glance from Onizuka, Tiana had come over in front of his eyes, and looked up at him.

So,

"Err...... It's nothing."

And Onizuka shook his head,

"But -- unfortunately, that <Phoenix cells> stuff you were after should be within their bodies, and probably out of reach."

Onizuka believed that most likely the <Phoenix cells> had already assimilated with Phil and Tanaka's bodies.

And that it was impossible for Tiana to obtain.

However......

"Don't worry...... it's no problem at all~"

After hearing what Onizuka said, Tiana laughed. She steadily walked over to Phil's side, and bent over.

Then in front of Onizuka while he was watching......

Tiana's right hand -- soundlessly went through the left side of Phil's chest.

Part 10

"------!......?"

Onizuka couldn't understand what just happened in front his eyes, because there was no sense of reality.

He stood there completely frozen. However, ignoring the lost Onizuka,

"Ah, found it... ... Yoisho!!!"

Tiana nonchalantly pulled something out from Phils's chest.

Ripped out -- would probably be the correct way to put it.

Although the instant that she punched through he didn't hear any sounds from bones breaking, Onizuka clearly heard the noises from muscle fibers and blood vessels tearing. It was a true to life bloody scene that Onizuka couldn't help but want to cover his ears from.

"Just now......"

A groan spilled out from Onizuka. But that voice didn't reached the girl in front of him.

Tiana's was waving her clenched fist back and forth in an attempt to shake off the fresh blood.

"So this is a phoenix cell......"

Soon after, she had opened her fist, and stared intently at the vermilion glow in the palm of her hand. It was a red crystal about five centimeters in diameter.

"It's smaller than you would think. Ah well, but since this thing can turn a person into such an undead monster it's no wonder why Japan's Government felt the need to engage in such unlawful activity......"

And after Tiana took out a cylindrical tubed shaped container from her pocket,

"Nonetheless, this is something that cannot fall into COCOON's hands. It's better if I take it here."

She opened the container and put the crystal in. Then at the same time, there was an abrupt change in Phils's body.

The surface of his skin began to dry up and wither, as if rapidly aging.

"Wh-what was that.....?"

"This is probably because he was originally dead from the start."

To the startle Onizuka, Tiana spoke without hesitation and,

"Living human beings by nature posses the ability to heal themselves. With the phoenix cell that vitality is unlimited with an infinite amount of cell recovery, and may cause the body to react, probably with the same potential problems of organ transplantation...... rejection. That is because there is a function in the body to eliminate any foreign substances. Therefore, a dead person rather than living would make for much better Phoenix cell transplant candidates.

A breath.

"Ah well -- I don't know if he was dead from the beginning, or he was murdered before the transplant. The Phoenix cell's recovery is quite strong, a small group of cells reconstructing the original body would not be impossible. Having undergone something like mummification just now was probably because the cells died rapidly after losing the phoenix cell."

After saying so, Tiana turned around and walked back a little.

To the other young man that had attacked Onizuka earlier she had left on the ground.

It was Tanaka whom Tiana had carried here.

So......

"Hey...... wait a minute!"

Onizuka panicked, as he grabbed Tiana's shoulder.

"Huh? What's the matter, Ken-chan?"

"What is "what," ah...... -- You!"

To having Tiana looked back confused, Onizuka couldn't help but raise his voice and,

"Killing nonchalantly, and you actually asked me what!"

Tiana blinked with surprise then,

"No, no, what you're saying. Before you were being tormented by your guilty conscience, and now are you beginning some ridiculous sympathy for them? You cannot forget Ken-chan they are enemies that were trying to kill you and myself. It is only retribution for what they have done themselves. Additionally, my mission is the Phoenix cells within them. Defeating them, and obtaining the cells is what's integral."

Tiana exposed a helpless smile, as if scolding a disobedient child and,

"Please bare with it... ... This is no place to mess around."

"I know that your objective is the Phoenix cells, and that I even came here on a whim -- But, losing the Phoenix cells means that he is going to die!"

Onizuka looked down at Tanaka on the ground. After the Phoenix cell was removed Tanaka would share Phil's same fate.

-- After the incident with the out of control training program.

Onizuka didn't know whether Tanaka had been caught alive or dead.

However, the transplantation of Phoenix cells would not of been what Tanaka wanted.

And for that he had already died once, and revived to be used as a chess piece.

Now to also let him be killed again would be -- too cruel.

However,

"I explained before...... they seemed to have died a long time ago."

Tiana somewhat sighed. And in amazed tone of voice,

"If only moving and speaking is what it is meant to be alive, then even robots posses life. Do you still not understand? They are only corpses moving around because of the Phoenix cells. There is no need for you feel that way over a moving mannequin."

Tiana's manner of speaking enraged Onizuka. Tiana's shoulder, he had a tight grip on, started shaking intensely before he roared almost out of control,

"Still -- that fellow is still a human being same as us!"

Onizuka's passionate cry spread widely all around, echoing throughout the wide open space.

Before long it fade away, and space again settled down.

"...... Good grief."

A chilly low sigh without emotion came from Tiana.

"-!"

Onizuka involuntarily harden himself, despite that she brushed off his hand that had been placed on her shoulder.

And,

"...... I shouldn't have brought you after all."

Afterwords he saw in Tiana's eyes -- a cold stare different from her usual self.

"You followed me here on your own... ... furthermore, you want to impose your selfish sentimentality on me. Aren't you getting overly carried away with yourself? Moreover, all the trouble I've been though to this point, you think I would let go the prey in front of me, and quietly turn away?"

"......!"

Although faced with the overwhelming pressure from Tiana, Onizuka lost the mental battle for a moment,

"You've obtained one Phoenix cell...... that should be enough, right? There's no longer any need to kill another person."

"Killing a person? Ken-chan, are you really still treating them as human beings?"

Never mind, Tiana shook her head.

"Even if...... I overlook him here, then what? Surely, you don't intend to just leave him here like this? Forget that he tried to kill you, Ken-chan and myself for a moment. But suppose after waking up he goes out to kill another person this time?"

"...... Afterwords, I'll report him to the public security (Changed from -- Peace preservation corps)...... "

"Public security? And where do you think here is? This is the lower levels of JPN-Babel! We had to break through a security vulnerability to get here. Do you think JPN-Babel will authorize public security to enter and investigate?"

Tiana laughed and,

"Let's assume that public security was able to come here, then what would happen? Arrest him and put him on trial? Stop joking. This cannot be opened to the public. Babel will surely use their influence to demand they return him, and then finish things in private."

"This......!"

Onizuka face became bitter.

Everything that Tiana mentioned was indeed what might really happen.

Onizuka's idea for asking for Public security to arrest him was absolutely unrealistic. And to not leave him with any room for rebuttal Tiana pressed even further,

"Ken-chan, please carefully consider the meaning of them being at the lowermost levels of JPN-Babel. And, who transplanted the Phoenix cells into their bodies, and arranged for them to be here?"

"............"

To Tiana's word, Onizuka fell silent.

Only one person had that kind of power.

That was the person sent from COCOON to manage Babel -- Hikami Kyouya.

And if this really was Kyouya's doing then handing him over to Public security, or placing him in a hospital for treatment would be useless like Tiana said.

Hikami Kyouya holds full authority over all the special autonomous region.

Any kind of inconvenient truth would be very easily crushed.

To begin with, Tanaka was a terrorist who planned the destruction of JPN-Babel, but handing him over to Public security was purposely not done.

"And......"

And Tiana sighed,

"Most likely if we let him go he is going to be disposed of for failing his mission. At that time, the Phoenix cell from his body will be removed and re-transplanted to better "source material." Now do you understand? There is no route which he survives."

"...... But."

Still, Onizuka refused to give up.

"It's unsightly. Reporting it to Public security, and leaving it all to others. Is that what you want so you can fulfill your minimum obligation? Yes yes, you can stop me here, and indeed Ken-chan you will be a good person. But. that is just looking away from the reality in front of you, that no matter what he is going to be killed by some else's hands."

Tiana's words were sharp, but were indisputable facts.

"Or are you saying you're going to protect him? From Babel and COCOON, and Public security for all of eternity ... ... Do you have that much resolution? Your descendants will have to continue protecting him, who has became ageless and deathless because of the Phoenix cell, generation after generation... ... That sort of sacrifice won't just be you Ken-chan, or are you saying that there is even the resolution to involve someone other than yourself?"

"I ......"

"Impossible is not it? No power, lack of resolution, and even unwilling to shoulder the most basic of responsibilities. Speaking of life or human rights, and respect just for argument sake... ... Do you know what kind of standpoint that is, Ken-chan?"

A breath.

"That is called hypocrisy."

So......

".................."

Onizuka fell silent. and then finally shot Tiana a glance.

"...... So you understand, please don't obstruct me any further."

After saying that, she began to walk towards Tanaka.

"--------"

Onizuka could only silently stare at Tiana's petite back. His gaze was like one of an audience member looking at the stage.

Tiana's existence felt so far away.

So -- the Phoenix cell will be extracted from Tanaka, and he will instantly wither away the same as Phil.

That was what was going to happen.

-- But, in reality that did not.

On account of Tiana being forced to stopped.

And then she turned her head back towards him,

"Ken-chan, what do mean by this?"

She looked at the large hand resting on her shoulder, and then at face of its owner -- Onizuka Kenya.

"I've told you not to obstruct me any further."

"Ah...... I heard."

He said with his face looking down, however then he raised his head.

And said.

"Still, I can't let you kill that guy."

Onizuka understood that Tanaka's death was inevitable.

And that this was Tanaka's own fault, and no one else's.

But -- even so, this did not constitute a reason for Tiana to kill him.

...... Yea, that is right.

Perhaps Tanaka and Phil couldn't be considered a human beings the same as Onizuka anymore.

But, to be so easily decisive about cutting open Phil's chest then Tanaka's.

Watching her do that felt like she was becoming entirely different from a human being like himself.

If only this reason Onizuka wanted to stop her.

-- Onizuka did not know what Tiana had done in the past.

But at least he knows that Tiana was definitely a normal human the same as him.

Even if it was a temporary moment of sentimentality, or hypocrisy --

Onizuka Kenya didn't want Tiana's hands in front of him to be stained with blood any further.

Then Tiana,

"............ Ken-chan."

The moment she called his name with the sigh,

"Gaa -------!?"

Onizuka suddenly felt a strong impact to his body, as if he had been hit by a car.

The force sent him flying, crashing into the wall behind him.

"Gu...... ah......!"

He helplessly fell down to the ground, and right before his consciousness was gave out,

"If you obstruct me any further, I will consider you as an enemy."

Tiana said in ruthless voice.

"Your flimsy sense of justice and your cheap pretend hero antics should only be done in a dream."

"...... Ku......!"

Withstanding the severe pain throughout his body, Onizuka clenched his teeth in chagrin.

Likewise, he could not stop Tiana.

The outcome was easy to visualize.

Onizuka's power was limited, many times weaker than hers.

Even summoned to a different world he wasn't able to do anything of significance.

So he had quit on himself, and also on others.

And to escape from that reality Onizuka started to beat up on those weaker than himself.

...... It is so.

Like Tiana said, he did not have power or the resolution.

But still......

"...... Gu...... ah....... AHH!"

If there was only one thing left, there was obstinacy in Onizuka Kenya.

The obstinacy of a loser dog.

And even in such of himself, he learned a little while ago that there were things he could accomplish.

That was a force to make the impossible possible.

Therefore, he desperately stood up,

"Tiana Randohauzen...... Stop!"

Onizuka shouted towards the small back that was moving away.

So......

"........."

Tiana slowly turned back.

Her face no longer showed any emotions. Her eyes were turned towards an enemy.

Cold unfeeling eyes. However, Onizuka Kenya did not mind at all.

He knew now that he had finally become an obstacle to Tiana.

...... That's just fine......!

Come on let's go. Sitting in the audience and watching the performance time was over.

From here out, it was time for the cheap pretend hero to take the stage.

Onizuka's weapon was a flimsy sense of justice that swayed when the wind blew.

But, there was the determination to not back down serving as support.

Onizuka Kenya resigned himself to fight Tiana Randohauzen.

"Let's go... ... I'll obstruct you, even if it's only for a second!"

Part 11

Tiana quietly watched as Onizuka shouted at her.

There wasn't a hint of emotion in her eyes.

With her head down,

"...... I have warned you."

She muttered only that in low voice.

Part 12

A cold night wind of early spring blew over the desolated forest.

For a few moments, Ousawa Akatsuki glared at the tower of Babel where Miu and Kyouya probably were.

"Okay. First......"

He slowly began to move.

Akatsuki first created a white glow in the palm of his hand.

It was a healing art of renkan keikikou "Neigong (内氣功)."

To treat the two people in most need of recovery -- Izumi Chikage and Doumoto Kuzuha.

He placed his left and right against their backs that were face up on the ground. While he was sending Ki inside their bodies to heal them,

"As I thought...... the flow of Ki is abnormal."

Akatsuki confirmed the condition of Chikage and Kuzuha.

Judging from Kyouya's motive for kidnapping Miu, that Miu from before might only had been her thoughts.

However, although magic could be used only by concentrating the mind, physical attacks were different.

An ordinary spiritual body was merely a mental product, that theoretically couldn't touch anything. But, Miu was able to carry out physical attacks.

The materialization level of such a spiritual body -- was probably not an ordinary product of the mind.

A wave from such a powerful mental body brought about from her out of control emotions head-on would naturally cause strong damage to the spirit on the receiver side.

Its no wonder that the Ki inside Chikage and Kuzuha was so remarkably disturbed.

So Akatsuki continued to send Ki into both their bodies to heal the flow of Ki.

Their heart rate gradually calmed down, and breathing stabilized.

"Thank you Akatsuki, I'm better now......"

"I'm also...... alright."

After saying so, Chikage and Kuzuha tried to stand up,

"Ah --"

"......!"

After feeling dizzy, they both fell to a knee. It seemed they had not fully recovered.

"It's not good to force yourselves......"

Listy rushed over to it support the two.

"You can't move your body well yet, right? Damage to the spirit will take some time to recover."

And Akatsuki continued,

"That guy's spirit still remains in your bodies... ... You need to rest here for a while."

"...... You joke. Both Kuzuha and I can still fight."

"It is so... ... You can't leave us behind."

Noticing that Akatsuki was going to go on ahead, Chikage and Kuzuha started struggling to get up.

"You both......"

Upon seeing that Listy went to stop them, but she didn't have the heart to do it. It was because the two's feelings were painfully grasped. Therefore, Akatsuki dropped to the waist before them.

He rested a hand on each of their shoulders, and looked them in the eye.

"I know how you guys feel. In addition to me, I believe Listy -- and also that guy are the same."

"............"

"............"

To Akatsuki's words Chikage and Kuzuha remained silent...... however, they were biting her lips. And then their shoulders began to shake, as they squeezed out their voices,

"...... We're best friends."

"We...... promised."

They were unwilling to yield -- At the same time, tears began to rain down.

So,

"Ah...... I understand."

Ousawa Akatsuki accepted Izumi Chikage and Doumoto Kuzuha tears, as well as their feelings.

He slide his hands from their shoulders to thier backs, and embraced both of them at the same time.

It was gentle -- but still with enough force to be firm.

At the same time, close to their ears he softly spoke,

"Thanks to your guys help I was able to get that guy to go back to normal, even though it was only a spectral body -- Thank you."

"It was you that helped Miu... ... We did nothing."

Chikage quickly denied Akatsuki's words.

"That's not true. I just gave her the last push. Before I did anything, your thoughts had already reached that guy... ... Therefore her reaction was less intense."

"...... In truth, we really wanted to be the ones to return her."

And Kuzuha spoke in a voice fill with regret,

"Miu...... must have been in so much pain in her heart......"

"As I've said, it wasn't only me. Without your help I wouldn't have been able return that guy to normal. It was only because your words and feelings had sank in, that my words could reached her."

In addition, Akatsuki gently separated himself from them,

"I'm not particularly leaving you here...... but, leaving here to you."

"...... To us?"

"...... Here?"

To the two who asked dumbfounded, Akatsuki nodded, "Nn" and,

"You guys need to remain here to ensure an escape route in case of an emergency. After this, JPN-Babel will become Hikami's and my battlefield. At that time, you may have to take that guy and leave before me......"

"--------"

Chikage and Kuzuha both gasped at the same time.

Perhaps it was because they noticed the dark feelings in his eyes.

Not only betraying Haruka, Listy, Chikage and Kuzuha were hurt in the battle.

And most of all, played with Miu's feelings, hurting and tormenting her.

Unforgivable.

Ousawa Akatsuki would never let off the the originator of evil who made them cry.

It was so. The fight already won't end just by taking Miu back.

On account of Ousawa Akatsuki's aesthetics, Hikami Kyouya must be crushed.

-- And then Akatsuki's expression softened.

In order to reassure Chikage and Kuzuha he floated the usual confident smile on his face.

Ousawa Akatsuki then declared,

"Leave this to me -- I'll bring that guy back."

Part 13

In light of Akatsuki's persuasion Chikage and Kuzuha consented to stay put.

"-- Oh, that's right."

Akatsuki suddenly recalled something, then he leaned in to whisper into Kuzuha's ear.

"...... Understood. Leave it to me."

Kuzuha returned a solid nod after receiving instructions from him. Then Akatsuki,

"Good. Then Listy you're --"

"-- I'm going with you."

Listy cut him off, and took a step forward.

Akatsuki saw an unshakable determination in her eyes,

"Alright... ... You don't have to glare at me."

He could only shrug his shoulders, exposing a helpless smile.

If only Listy were to stay with Chikage and Kuzuha she might be able to serve as a brake.

...... Well, there is nothing that can be done now.

Listy was lucky to escape unscathed from the mental wave from Miu that caused Chikage and Kuzuha to be left here.

The only reason for Listy to remain here was to protect Chikage and Kuzuha. However, it was impossible to persuade her without Chikage and Kuzuha thinking they become a burden to everyone.

In that case, the two would inevitably want to push themselves to prove that they were helpful.

And if by chance, Listy were to be persuade to act together with them things would get troublesome with the three.

"Before leaving the house...... do you remember what I said?"

"Yes -- you told me to absolutely not act on my own. I know."

It seems had been keeping what he had told her in mind.

"That's good... ... Next --"

And Akatsuki turned to looked behind,

"What are you going to do now -- Kaidou."

"Ah? Me?"

Sitting cross-legged on the ground Kaidou wore a blank look.

"Our fight is not over yet. Would you like to continue?"

Faced with Akatsuki's almost provocative tone, Kaidou quickly waved his hands,

"It looks like you have run across a somewhat tricky situation, no need to complicate the issue, right?"

Kaidou's behavior made it seem like he was never hit by Miu's surprise attack, or caused him any harm and,

"Rather than confining you here Ackkee, letting you rush off to face Hikami Kyouya might be even more interesting."

"You said that like it was somebody else's problem... ... Hey, isn't that "Crimson Twilight" can't overlook COCOON running wild secretly behind their backs?"

"Ackkee look at me. Do I appear to be the hot-blooded type?"

"I will say...... I didn't know you were a person who laughs and smiles while treating someone like a human roller coaster."

"Even you Ackkee yourself had a smile while you were trying to smash my handsome face into pieces. That two of us are even."

After mutually jabbing at each other with jokes, Akatsuki slightly lowered his voice,

"Then -- after this, will I be obstructed?"

"No, you can go on ahead with peace of mind. Anyway, my barrier has already disappeared."

Kaidou answered and,

"In fact, I'm eager to slip away as soon as possible...... so as to avoid anything troublesome."

Suddenly, his expression turned serious again,

"But this matter has aroused my interest, and I'm not too clear on it. Rest assured Ackkee, when I move it will be with the intention in mind of not obstructing you. Besides, my partner still hasn't contacted me yet, and I can't just leave."

"What... ... There is another one here also?"

Except for Kaidou, he never thought that another member of "Crimson Twilight" had infiltrated JPN-Babel.

Then Akatsuki suddenly recalled the encounter with Kaidou the other day in the ally and,

"You can't mean -- that un-charming miss chikkoi-chan(っこい嬢ちゃんか), right?"

"No, it's another little girl. Although she is very affable, she often gets lost like a child. Ah well, since your constitution is strong it shouldn't be a problem to take care of yourself......"

Kaidou said while he scratched the back of his head, and then turned showing his back and,

"Well then, I'll be going Ackkee. Please work hard and defeat Hikami Kyouya."

After saying so, he immediately tried to leave. But, from behind him,

"Hey -- Kaidou! I have several things I want you to carefully explain... ... I'll kill you If you try to run away."

Akatsuki firmly warned Kaidou.

Now that his identity had been exposed, it shouldn't be too much of a problem asking about his father.

But......

"Sorry. That's impossible to obey......"

Kaidou shrugged his shoulders.

"What!? It still sounds as though you have the confidence to win."

"No -- just the confidence to run away."

The moment he said so, Kaidou's figure suddenly vanished.

And at the same time any sense of his presence disappeared from surrounding area, too.

"...... Is that alright?"

"Well...... didn't I say? Now is not the time to bother with him."

Akatsuki returned a nod to Listy.

That's right. Unfortunately there wasn't time to waste on Kaidou now.

There were more important matters.

And so......

"Come on -- We need to go rescue that guy."

Ousawa Akatsuki said before taking a step.

With his hands tightly clenched into fists.

He fixed his eyes on the soaring tower of Babel.

Part 14

Silence had returned to the lower most level of JPN-Babel.

The sounds from the fierce battle moment ago as well as screams had subsided.

Instead the low frequency hum that existed from start returned.

"............"

Tiana Randohauzen silently looked down at floor by her feet.

Her eyes were on the young man who collapsed.

Tiana had beat him until he was no longer able to move. The youth who ultimately lost consciousness was -- Onizuka Kenya.

"...... Didn't I tell you earlier?"

Tiana quietly muttered. And while looking a little lonely,

"Good people don't live very long lives."

However, Onizuka did not answer.

He was still alive, but it was impossible to stay awake.

The number of times Onizuka got hit by one of Tiana's small fists was truly too many to count.

Tiana still had her fists firmly clenched, a slight feeling of breaking Onizuka's bones into pieces remained.

"I didn't want to drag you in this...... it was because you yourself had to come."

Tiana squeezed out her voice and,

"Ken-chan......"

Looking at Onizuka lying there Tiana couldn't help think there was an inexplicable feeling in her heart. It was somewhat similar to an emptiness sensation. Tiana Randohauzen was no stranger to this kind of feeling.

...... Regret?... ... Maybe.......

It was so. Tiana thought the situation was regrettable, although she did not understand why herself.

The objective was to seize the <Phoenix cells>.

Being that Onizuka had also followed to here, things evolving into such a situation was also conceivable.

As a matter of fact, on the way to JPN-Babel there were more than enough chances to shake off Onizuka.

However she did not do so, and even allowed him to follow along behind her.

She also thought it was ridiculous. As a member of the world's most powerful terrorist group "Crimson Twilight" Tiana wondered what the heck was she expecting from an ordinary person like Onizuka?

Tiana was here -- the Japanese special autonomous region, on account of an order form her leader Cecil because her assistance was necessary for Cecil's plan to obtain an item.

Therefore, to take advantage Onizuka's room in the apartment house during his absence, she broke Onizuka's window broke to look like an accident in order to pass the time before the operation in a secure bed, and avoid sleeping on the streets.

The thought did not change even when Onizuka returned.

But......

Tiana began to think Onizuka's overreaction to every one of her words and actions was adorable.

Fun? -- certainly, that was true.

...... And.

Tiana thought.

The warm meals that Onizuka prepared. The warm bed that he handed over.

The warmth he showed allowed her to obtain something seemingly good for a little while.

However -- it was impossible for that to continue onwards. After all, in this world COCOON were the administers, and Tiana was a terrorist.

And Onizuka was an ordinary person.

One day each other's circumstances... ... No, one day drawn into Tiana's circumstance Onizuka would suffer misfortune. Fully aware of that, then why did she still involve him?

As a result, it ended up in harm to him just like she knew it would.

It was as if -- she was hoping Onizuka would accept who she was?

"...... Impossible."

Tiana bitterly smiled, then shifted her line of sight from Onizuka.

And,

"Well -- it's about time to finish my business."

She then started towards Tanaka not too far away on the ground.

"Yoisho, oo......"

She grabbed Tanaka by the collar and forcibly raised up his upper body with her single left hand.

Her right hand looked the same as when she plunged it into Phil's body to take out the "Phoenix cell" from him,

'Still -- that fellow is still a human being same as us!'

What Onizuka's shouted before suddenly crossed her mind, causing Tiana to float a heavy bitter smile,

"No, Ken-chan you're wrong. This person and I...... are entirely different living things."

Simultaneous as saying so, her right hand went to pierce the left side of Tanaka's chest.

Along with the a dull Zu noise, her Tiana's arm came out from Tanaka's back through his chest.

Afterwords it was the same as with Phil.

She pulled it out, and opened her fist to see the exactly the same reddish glow from a little while ago. And when she stored it into a container from her pocket,

"...... Task completed."

And while looking up at the empty space, she let out one light sigh. Tiana shifted her thinking.

-- Time to go. The objective had been accomplished for the time being.

At least with this, Tiana already acquired the objects that Cecil indicated, and in the set location.

Perhaps there were other <Phoenix cells> that existed, however if there were Cecil didn't sense them so it would be impossible for Tiana to find.

Moreover, she had already passed the time allotted to infiltrate.

The priority now should be to leave JPN-Babel as soon as possible.

"Mot-chan has been acting as a diversion this whole time......"

Any longer would only add to Kaidou's tiresome duty making it more difficult. She needed to hurry up contact him.

Therefore, Tiana thinking that went to return the way she came,

"............"

However, before leaving she could not help but turn her head back to stare at Onizuka lying unconscious on the ground.

Nevertheless, she couldn't afford to involve him any further.

So Tiana quietly muttered,

"...... Bye bye, Ken-chan."

Once she bid farewell to him and ready to turn away -- At That time.

"-- Oh, have you already finish?"

A unusually cold tone together with a smile yet not a smile has heard.

Part 15

Tiana couldn't help narrowing her eyes.

Thereupon she focused her line of sight to the front -- from the other side of the darkness and subsequent passage back.

A young man emerged.

With silver hair, and deep blue eyes it was a bishonen.

He was wearing a school uniform for the tower of Babel, and looked slim at a glance.

However, Tiana had noticed that it was actually a body which was carefully trained.

Although he had a calm atmosphere, and displayed impeccable poise.

He appeared from the darkness releasing a distinctive vindictiveness.

Tiana Randohauzen knew the name of youth in front of her.

"Hikami Kyouya......"

Tiana spoke the name of the COCOON in charge of JPN-Babel.

"I did not expect it to be vulnerable to a single blow......"

And Kyouya said with a wry smile,

"Originally I thought those two toys would buy me a little more time."

"Only implanting a "Phoenix cell" of that level, there's no way they can be my opponent."

And Tiana couldn't conceal her displeasure inside,

"Don't forget in this world only a COCOON would have the ability to kill someone from "Crimson Twilight" like myself--"

Then,

"Of course -- I never thought the two of them had the ability to fight on par with you. As I said earlier, they were just pawns used to buy some time."

And Kyouya,

"But well, that even B class Onizuka-kun would be no match for them was a bit unexpected."

While looking at the fallen Onizuka he happily spoke,

"Maybe this guy is better suited than the two of them become my toy. I thought he was only a proud and arrogant repeater, it seems I had made an error in judgment."

"Toy......?"

She objected to Kyouya's manner of speaking, and abruptly narrowed her eyes.

"Did I say something wrong? I never thought I would offend you."

And Kyouya laughed,

"You even -- perhaps now, were enjoying using him as a plaything."

A breath.

"For a terrorist he was only a playmate to play house with in order to taste an ordinary life."

"............"

Facing Kyouya's ridicule, Tiana just returned the silent.

But, it was not because she agreed with Kyouya's words. It was actually the opposite.

Therefore -- the emotions from Tiana's slowly faded.

Only a cold dark expression remained.

It could be said to be the face of a member of the world's most powerful terrorist "Crimson Twilight."

-- Cecil had told her not to continue fighting.

If she devoted everything into escaping, then even if the opponent was Hikami Kyouya she could get away.

However, that was already impossible. It cannot be done any longer.

Even if it was a fleeting dream for a moment.

Even if it was something never to return again.

The time spent with Onizuka, and warmth she got from him still existed.

Tiana Randohauzen -- would never allow anyone to deny that fact.

This also meant that the the clash between the two had already become inevitable.

A member of the world's most powerful terrorist group "Crimson Twilight" Tiana Randohauzen.

A leader of the administrators of the world "COCOON" Hikami Kyouya.

It was the start of the battle between the strongest that had returned from another world.

Epilogue - Tragedy's Starting Point

Part 1

Around the same time Akatsuki and Listy were advancing forward, and Kyouya had confronted Tiana.

Nanase Haruka had appeared in main school building within Babel -- Strictly speaking, she was making her way over to stairs en route to the uppermost floor.

The plan was to invade from the roof with a single 〇 on top.

It was different from other rooftops, as it was equip with a heliport. In case of an earthquake or fire it was to be used as one of the evacuation routes. But in times of emergency passages such as stairs, corridors and even entrances may not always be open. Therefore, in a pinch it may be necessary to destroy some property to be able to escape.

But it was also because of that, that destroying the ceiling to the roof or walls were a lot easier compared to other places.

Under normal circumstances infiltrating from the sky would be conspicuous, and be impossible.

But......

"...... Still, the security was too lax. "

While stepping off from the rooftop into the stairwell, Haruka couldn't help mutter to herself.

Everything was going as expected. At an earlier time she anticipated JPN-Babel would currently be undermanned.

"Because --"

After swallowing the rest of her words, Haruka considered it in my her mind.

Kyouya betrayed her, and even murdered Ryohei and Minami -- and,

We were Kyouya's most trusted comrades. Of course, whether Kyouya himself also thought so was unknown. However, at least in the eyes of everyone around it was that way.

Externally as well, the members of JPN-Babel's student council were known to be Kyouya's right-hand men. Nevertheless Kyouya tried to eliminate people such as themselves, without the slightest trace of emotion on his face.

Merely because we might have become a risk to establishing his ideal.

...... He also mentioned something else.

Haruka recalled what Kyouya had said.

-- This plan cannot afford to be discovered by COCOON.

But with a secret, naturally the more people who know of it the greater the risk was of it leaking. For that reason Kyouya must of carried out his plan in private behind Haruka and the others backs.

In other words, currently within JPN-Babel there shouldn't be any other people involved in his fanatic plan.

So......

"............"

Just like several hours ago, in front of the student council room on the top floor door Nanase Haruka stood silently.

"------------------!"

Recalling that earlier encounter, Haruka couldn't help from tensing her body to the point it was difficult to breathe.

The overwhelming fear carved into her heart when she was almost killed by Kyouya still didn't completely disappear.

...... Even so.

Nanase Haruka made a fist with her right hand, and touched it her chest.

There within her now, was the courage and warmth Akatsuki given her. And thoughts as a fellow comrade of wanting to be useful to Akatsuki, and also thoughts as Miu's close friend in wanting to help rescue her.

Haruka's present self was no longer the Vice President of the student council or Chairman of the discipline committee.

Rather Nanase Haruka was Akatsuki, Miu, Listy, Chikage, and Kuzuha's -- friend.

Haruka also understood it was impossible for her to defeat Hikami Kyouya.

Probably right now only Akatsuki was capable of accomplishing such feat.

...... However.

There were must be something she could do to help -- Haruka thought.

In terms of fighting strength, there were already Listy, Chikage and Kuzuha to provide the necessary power. Still, if she joined them that strength would be even greater, however Haruka thought it would be more advantageous if she help in other ways.

As she was a former member of the student council there were some things only she could do. That's why she chose an independent course of action instead of joining with them.

That's what Haruka believed was her role.

So......

"...... I can't just keep standing still."

After muttering, Haruka pushed open the heavy door of the student council room.

Part 2

Inside the student council room she was met with darkness and silence.

And -- there ware no signs that Hikami Kyouya was there.

Once Haruka confirmed that fact, some of her tension eased.

"As I thought...... he's somewhere else."

Kyouya had said, he was going to create a utopia using Miu.

However, the student council room was clearly not the most suitable place.

After all, beside himself, there were three other members of the student council using the room.

At times when Kyouya was absent from Babel the other members had free access to come and go.

Moreover the heliport rooftop, which was to be used as an the evacuation point, was so close to the student council room. Kyouya would never consider such a semi-open space to conceal secrets that were tantamount to betraying COCOON.

Exposed to the stillness of the night inside, Nanase Haruka couldn't help think that what happened a few hours ago was only an illusion.

But......

"Uesaki...... Minami......"

The harsh reality remained.

Ryohei and Minami's frozen corpses were still lying on the floor. However, now was not the time to hold a funeral for them.

So while Haruka's gaze was fixed on the floor,

"I will take on your enemy for both of you. President Hikami -- No."

After shaking her head, she further strengthen her resolve,

"Hikami Kyouya's ambitions will be stopped......!"

That meant Haruka recognized Kyouya as a clear enemy.

Then, she tightly clenched her fist, and headed towards the work desk in depths of the room.

"Time to get started......"

After saying so, she pushed the power button on the computer.

The light from the monitor emerged through the darkness.

And after the OS booted, she was prompted to input the user authentication password.

...... I can't make any mistakes here.

Facing the first barrier, Haruka prepared herself mentally.

Having announced her resignation to the student council, because she decided to side with Akatsuki and Miu, Haruka didn't think Kyouya would be that easy on her, so as to allow her to keep her password.

However, Haruka silently tapped away at the keyboard,

"......!"

After suppressing her inner tension, she pressed the ENTER key.

Suddenly the screen blacked out -- and after between kana. (The time it takes after writing one then starting the next.)

The desktop screen appeared on the monitor.

The system had successfully started.

"Hah...... It seems everything went well."

Haruka softly sighed.

She had entered the system administrator password .

-- However, Haruka didn't start up her own computer.

The desk she was at now belonged to Minami.

It was a situation in which there were dead bodies in student council room. Kyouya's having killed Ryohei and Minami, most likely was because he never anticipated a need would arise to kill them. And naturally the idea of changing their access to the computers would never cross his mind, since they were dead and could no longer pose any threat.

"If I accessed my computer the security program would of been immediately triggered even with the administrative code."

As expected, Kyouya didn't touch Ryohei and Minami's PC.

However, she wasn't satisfied with just that.

...... I must hurry.

In order to grasp JPN-Babel's current situation, Haruka plunge directly into the security system.

"Sure enough...... it has entered a into complete lock down."

It was confirmation of what she had anticipated.

After he had successfully captured Miu, Kyouya also said that everything was ready. In addition, Haruka had slipped out from under his finger because of the transfer seal Akatsuki had placed on her.

In this case, Kyouya determined it was only a matter of time before the rest of COCOON was aware of the situation, therefore adopted tougher measures.

Still, the barrier that isolates the campus from the outside had already been destroyed by Akatsuki.

All of Kyouya's plans were not progressing as smoothly as he expected.

And Haruka started a course of action to create a more advantageous situation for Akatsuki, even if it would be only a little.

The utmost support that her present self could do was to lift the security system, and destroy the program itself.

In order to prevent it from being re-started.

Since JPN-Babel was Kyouya's so called castle, Haruka was going to sabotage it from inside.

"First......"

Haruka began to disable the [guardian beast system.]

And at the same time began searching for Kyouya and Miu's whereabouts.

So......

"This......"

Unexpectedly, Haruka detected areas where the [guardian beast system] had stopped functioning.

The first place -- was outside away from any buildings within JPN-Babel's grounds.

Most likely Akatsuki or someone else eliminated all of the gargoyles at once forcing the system to shut down. Now the system was in standby mode, waiting for consent to reactivate.

-- But, the problem was the second location.

It was within Babel's underground -- the lowermost floor.

That place housed the power reactor to all of the systems, also was the location of the 『Babel system.』 As the most important area within the entire campus, naturally the security imposed on that floor was the highest.

However, the security there now had actually been turned off,

"Could it be --"

Haruka went to pull up the surveillance camera footage, and as she was typing,

"-!?"

At that moment, Haruka had suddenly jumped to the side -- Immediately after.

A crashing thud was heard, and a pillar of flames arose from where Haruka had previously been.

Minami's desk and computer had burnt to ashes.

An enemy's attack. There was no hesitation in Haruka's movements as she made that judgment instantly.

While rotating on the floor she materialized her weapons with her AD,

"There!"

By crossing her arms, her two half-moon blades shot out in the dark -- towards the entrance of the room.

However, both were repelled along with two high-pitched metallic noises.

"What.....?"

Nanase Haruka was startled, but it was not because her attack was stopped.

Instead it was from the moments the metals clashed, and caused sparks allowing her to catch glimpses of the enemies weapons.

A Chinese Dao (Broadsword) and a Liu Xing Chui (Meteor Hammer) -- Both of which Haruka was quite familiar with.

Then,

"-- I thought that I took you completely by surprise, but as one would expect your reaction was indeed good."

"Haruka... ... Don't use my computer without my permission."

And from out of the darkness the attackers emerged.

It was two people wearing JPN-Babel's uniform, Uesaki Ryohei and Aihara Minami.

Therefore,

"How is this possible......"

Haruka was overtaken with surprise, however incidentally she suddenly thought of one possibility.

It was what she heard from Alayzard before.

On how Disdiya had used a forbidden spell to revive the previous Hero Leon Esuperio.

-- Could it be that Ryohei and Minami were revived by a similar spell, and are being compelled to take orders from Kyouya?

Within her chaotic mind she derived at that conclusion.

...... No, that's not it...... because......!

Haruka turned her gaze to the floor.

To see Ryohei and Minami's bodies still lying there left in the same condition.

So,

"No way......"

Nanase Haruka then remembered something. On the eve of decisive battle in Alayzard, Kuzuha had used her magic to create something to deceive the enemies troops. It was an elaborate clay puppet of Akatsuki that imitated him to perfection.

A feat that was only possible because Kuzuha was a master of earth magic.

Conversely, someone on the same level as her would have the same ability.

And -- Aihara Minami right in front of her happened to be a master class earth magic user. For her, that would be a trivial matter like it was nothing.

In other words,

"Both of you...... were never dead from the start.......?"

Haruka said in a daze.

Then Ryohei and Minami were right now standing in front of her because out of their own free will.

The thought of what that meant, caused Haruka's vision to shake violently.

The truth right in front of eyes was similar to as if she collapsed from her feet.

Then, Ryohei and Minami were enveloped in strong light.

The two had changed their uniforms into battle attire.

And,

"You manged to narrowly escape. You could have quietly waited inside Ousawa's house. Why did you have to come......"

"Kyouya's plan can't be stopped -- by anyone."

Ryohei and Minami slowly moved towards Haruka.

With their weapons in hand -- and a clear intent to kill.

Part 3

At the same time.

A Japanese nuclear-powered submarine headed for the mainland from the Pacific suddenly changed course.

It was originally set for the third Yokosuka, but now was on course for the special autonomous region of the artificial island.

Also a scramble order was issued for the troops attached to the top-secret new stealth fighter underdevelopment in the second Fuchu.

After the failed recovery attempt of the <Phoenix cells> by the National Information and Research Office the Japanese Government, which had remained silent until then, had resorted to stronger measures.

-- It meant that the battle within JPN-Babel had taken on a completely new direction.

The aesthetics of Ousawa Akatsuki and the ambitions of Hikami Kyouya.

COCOON's plan and Crimson Twilight's expectation.

All parties felt they were locked into a confrontation, and now the Japanese government was also set on intervention.

The situation was rapidly advancing towards "war."

It was as if they were being ridiculed and toyed around with by -- cruel fate.

References

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