Toaru Hikuushi e no Seiyaku:V2Part7

Part 15 (Part 7 of Volume 2) The morning of the decisive battle was a refreshing winter day.

Waking up as usual, Kiyoaki washed his face, got dressed, and headed to the cafeteria. Along the way, he looked for Mio.

He hadn’t spoken with Mio for a while. Being able to face Illia today was thanks to Mio’s advice. So he wanted to at least thank her before the results were in.

However, the cafeteria was packed with over two thousand students, making it a daunting task to find her. After asking friends about her whereabouts and wandering the campus, he finally spotted Mio alone on a bench by the side of the ground, stuffing a sandwich into her mouth.

“Mio, you were here! I’ve been looking for you.”

As he spoke, Mio flinched and straightened her back. She resembled a frightened kitten.

“...What is it?”

Even under the clear blue sky, the colour had drained from Mio’s eyes. The once vibrant hues seemed to have turned into a flat board, unable to meet Kiyoaki’s gaze.

“Can I sit next to you?”

He asked, but there was no response. Mio only stared down at the ground. Without waiting for her permission, Kiyoaki sat down beside her.

“It’s not cold here, is it?”

His voice turned to white steam in the frosty February air.

Mio, holding the half-eaten sandwich, kept her head down.

“Today, I’m going to battle Illia. Reiner, Kagura, and I are teamed up against Illia, the captain, and Obando. The winner becomes champion.”

“...Is that so?”

“I couldn’t do it at all before, but I’ve gotten better. It’s thanks to you, Mio. You gave me advice when we watched that movie, right? Because of that, I can hit enemy planes now.”

“...Um, I’m busy.”

Mio said in a hoarse voice, trying to get up and leave. Kiyoaki instinctively stood up and placed his hands on her shoulders as she turned away.

“...!”

Mio stiffened and looked away. Kiyoaki, surprised by his own actions, still didn’t let go of her shoulders.

“Mio, why are you running away?”

Mio lowered her head, hiding her expression behind her hair. She looked like a child caught misbehaving by a teacher, frozen in place. Though he couldn’t see her face, he sensed that it was twisted with sadness. He understood that much.

Frustration turned into heartache.

“What happened at home? Is it something you can’t tell me?”

“...Let go.”

“Tell me the reason. Why are you avoiding everyone?”

Mio’s lips, barely visible through her hair, were tightly pressed together. It was a gesture he had never seen from her before.

“...I told you to let go, didn’t I!?”

Raising her voice, Mio twisted away like a cornered cat, trying to escape Kiyoaki’s grip.

An intense surge of emotion welled up inside Kiyoaki. Whether it was anger, sadness, or frustration, he didn’t know, but something hot surged through his arms.

He wrapped his right hand around her back, using his left hand to hold the nape of her neck.

The sweet scent of Mio’s hair filled Kiyoaki’s nostrils.

“...!”

Kiyoaki felt Mio's surprise up close.

"Don't run away."

He quietly said, still holding her. Mio's warmth and heartbeat transmitted directly to Kiyoaki's chest.

He could feel his own heartbeat quickening. The scent of Mio, her softness, transformed into something painful yet strong within him.

A cold wind blew. Apart from Mio's heartbeat, all sound faded. It felt as if the world had stopped for just the two of them.

"When I'm about to shoot the enemy, I think of you."

Normally, he wouldn't say such embarrassing things, but the words slipped out.

"After I line up the enemy plane in my sights, I imagine that I must protect you, I see your face. That way, I can shoot without hesitation."

He tangled his fingers in Mio's silky hair.

"If you're with me, I can take them down."

Mio's forehead pressed against Kiyoaki's shoulder.

"If you're not there, I can't fight."

He noticed that Mio was trembling. A half-eaten sandwich fell to the ground, and her slender hands rested against Kiyoaki's chest. It felt like she was either trying to push him away or seeking support.

Thoughts bubbling up from deep within him turned into words.

"Don't bear it all alone. Tell me anything. I’ll do whatever it takes."

Even if it means killing or committing acts of violence.

"I can do anything for you."

He could even burn this world to the ground for her.

Mio was sobbing. The sound of her suppressed cries brushed against Kiyoaki’s ears like a sad caress.

"Why are you crying? I don't understand."

"Forget it."

Mio replied in a voice he had never heard before, hoarse and rough.

"It’s a lie. Everything I've told you until now has been a lie. I'm a liar."

Her words lacked conviction. They were just a jumble of airy sounds. It was clear that this wasn’t her true feeling. What came through was the pain she was currently carrying.

Frustration turned into heartache.

"Mio, it's okay. You don’t have to talk. But please stop avoiding me. When you run away, it truly makes me feel sad."

He tightened his grip. The more he did, the more strength Mio put into her hands resting on his chest. She was trying to pull away.

"Please, just leave me alone. Let me be. I’m begging you."

Her voice was drenched with tears, impossible to hide. She twisted her body, trying to turn away from Kiyoaki and escape.

Seeing Mio like this was too painful, too unbearable, and Kiyoaki finally released his hands. After stumbling slightly, Mio lifted her face but turned her back, running away without looking back.

"Mio...!"

He called her name. But her beautiful, proud back only moved further away. It felt as if his heart was shattering into pieces. He couldn’t find the words to call her back.

"Mio..."

He could only call her name. As her figure disappeared, Kiyoaki was left alone in the winter-barren ground, standing frozen.

For Kiyoaki, who had lost his family and hometown, Mio was family and the place to return to. Because she was there, he could avoid despairing over life. If he lost her now, he would have nowhere to stand.

"…Why…"

He wanted to know at least the reason. Something he couldn’t understand that had changed the bright, cheerful Mio—who valued the bonds of friendship more than anyone else—into this. He wanted to uncover what it was, remove it from Mio’s life, and see her smile again.

The celebratory cannon announcing the start of the festival echoed in the sky. The mock aerial battle would begin soon.

He would report his victory to Mio. Perhaps that would revive her wilted spirit. If he won against Illia and the others and could proudly say it was thanks to her, she might smile again…

The combat airspace was devoid of clouds or wind, with nothing but an endless blue sky. The training airfield was bustling from early morning with a large crowd of students, tourists, reporters, and island residents, creating a festival atmosphere.

Carrying the weight of dark feelings, Kiyoaki arrived at the control tower by the runway. Upon seeing the figure of Masaharu Sakagami, the only son of the prominent family, cheers erupted from the audience of St Vault people gathered beyond the fence. Even though a military alliance existed, there were still many St Vault citizens who disliked the Akitsu people, and about nine-tenths of the tourists and media were supporting Illia's group.

While he was bombarded with hateful slurs and curses, the image of Mio from earlier still lingered in his mind, refusing to leave. Words that belittled Kiyoaki himself paled in comparison to the hurt caused by the current state of Mio.

“You're quite popular, huh?”

Kagura, with her usual calm smile, greeted him. Though she was also from Akitsu, it was strange that she wasn’t subject to any jeers. Her cool and elegant demeanour seemed to pre-emptively shut down any dirty words. It was as if she had an invisible filter against discrimination surrounding her.

“I’m not bothered. Let’s definitely win.”

Kiyoaki forced a brave smile.

“If we win, we might get killed! Let’s just lose already.”

Reiner joked beside him. Kagura shot a stern look at Reiner, who had let his humour slip.

“Don’t hold back. Give it your all.”

She said with a serious tone. Reiner quickly wiped the smile off his face.

“Yeah, I know. Just joking. I’ll take it seriously... within my limits.”

Stepping back a couple of paces, he managed to evade Kagura's glare. Kagura snorted and turned to Kiyoaki.

“By the way, I heard the Holy Knight Akmed is here to observe. He’s your mentor, right? Aren’t you going to greet him?”

“I’d like to, but since he’s a celebrity... it’s not like I can just ask to meet him. I’m not sure he even remembers me.”

“Since he went out of his way to come and watch the mock aerial battle, he must have some interest. Although he might have other undisclosed reasons as well.”

“I don’t know. But I definitely don’t want to lose in front of my mentor, so I’ll do my best.”

“Alright, let’s find a quiet place to devise a strategy. With Balthazar on the opposing side, he’s sure to target our weaknesses, so we need to prepare.”

Guided by Kagura, Kiyoaki and Reiner walked to an empty hangar to hold their strategy meeting.

“I don’t want to create a complex plan. Let’s keep it as simple as possible. There are two key points we need to decide on: the order of attacks and role assignments.”

Kagura stated decisively.

“The attack order will be Obando first, then Balthazar, and lastly Illia. We will always act as three together, maintaining numerical superiority to take down one enemy at a time. Taking down the target will be Kiyoaki’s job. Reiner and I will focus on protecting you. This is our only chance to win.”

“That makes sense. We’ll aim for the weak spots, right? That works for me.”

Reiner agreed, and Kiyoaki also accepted his assigned role without hesitation.

“...Understood. I’d like to finish it with all three of us intact.”

“Yeah. That would be ideal, but the enemy won’t let us have it easy. As long as Reiner or I are alive by the time we reach Illia, that’s a win in itself... but Illia is really the one to watch out for. If she targets either of us, we won’t last long.”

“Kagura, you’re surprisingly quick to give up.”

“I’m frustrated too, but while I’ve trained alongside Illia in swordsmanship, her talent is exceptional. I have to admit there’s a gap in our abilities. To counter her in the air, I can only rely on tactical vision using formation flying.”

Kagura expressed this plainly, without a hint of regret. Kiyoaki admired her attitude; she didn’t cling to her own pride and could compare her abilities with a level-headed perspective.

“Now then... it’s almost time. Let’s go. Should we form a circle before the battle?”

“No need for that. It’ll just be too hot.”

“Is that so? It gets you pumped up.”

“If it’s just you and me, I’d happily form all sorts of formations.”

“Yeah, I’ve lost the desire to do that. Let’s go, Kiyoaki. Use your refreshing strike to take that muscle head down.”

Leaving Reiner behind, Kagura led Kiyoaki toward the waiting area. Reiner followed behind, making excuses. On the airfield, the Gray Foxes lined up in formation, waiting for the start of the final battle. With Mio still on his mind, Kiyoaki heightened his tension as he prepared to confront Illia...

"The troublesome one is Sakagami. If we take him down, Kagura and Reiner won't be an issue."

Inside the control tower, Balthazar was explaining the strategy in the waiting area on the first floor. Obando and Illia sat on pipe chairs, listening to the lecture.

"Sakagami specializes in vertical and horizontal combat. Due to his underdeveloped physique, his tolerance for rapid climbs and descents is mediocre. Additionally, his mental immaturity causes him to hesitate when it comes to shooting down enemies, often taking too long to fire after getting a target in his sights. His piloting skills are exceptional, but both his body and mind are incomplete, leaving him open to attack. We’ll drag him into vertical combat with three of us and take him down when he runs out of stamina. Even if we get behind him, don’t give up; keep swaying left and right. Don’t shoot unless it’s Illia."

Balthazar stated this while looking directly at Obando. Obando shrugged.

"Since when did you become the squad leader?"

"Considering overall abilities, I'm the best at planning strategies."

"The squad leader is Illia, isn’t it? Is Illia okay with this?"

Illia answered quietly.

"I have no objections. However, I suggest not underestimating Kagura and Reiner."

Balthazar coldly replied, "Kagura is excellent in combat motivation and shooting, but her piloting skills aren't that great. Reiner is good at dodging attacks and targeting unsuspecting enemies, but he’s easily discouraged and gives up quickly if he gets flanked. If we know their tactics in advance, they won’t be a problem."

Illia nodded, seeming to share Balthazar's view.

But...

"...Reiner is good. Very good."

She stated cautiously. Balthazar and Obando looked puzzled.

"It’s rare for you to say that. He doesn’t seem that impressive to me."

"Occasionally... he shows exceptional skills at crucial moments. I think it’s accidental, but... we should be wary."

"Now that you mention it, your only loss was to Reiner, right? How did you lose?"

"...He hit my right wing with a stray bullet from a considerable distance. It was probably a fluke..."

"How far is considerable?"

"Approximately three hundred meters away by estimation. Normally, you wouldn’t hit from that distance."

"That’s quite a coincidence. If he aimed and hit, that’s beyond human capability."

"...Yes, I think so too."

"Undervaluing the enemy is foolish, but overestimating them can also affect morale. If Reiner pursues, we can deal with him. Our primary target is Sakagami. If the three of us pressure him, we can definitely win."

"...Yes. I have no objections."

"You’re good too. Don’t act on your own."

"Okay, boss."

Obando saluted with a joking expression, avoiding eye contact. After looking down at him disapprovingly, Balthazar urged them on.

"Let’s go. This battle will impact our careers in the military. It’s attracting a lot of public attention. Everyone, give it your all."

"Yes!"

Illia followed Balthazar, with a somewhat bitter-looking Obando trailing behind. The three Gray Foxes of the Arrow team lined up, gleaming in the morning sun as they awaited the start of the final battle.

On the tail fins of the three aircraft were large numbers: "1," "2," and "3." Illia stepped onto the wing of the aircraft marked "1" and climbed into the familiar cockpit. She checked the instruments and received status reports from the maintenance crew about various equipment, confirming the functionality of the three control surfaces.

When she started the engine, white smoke rose from the exhaust. Boost, exhaust temperature, fuel pressure, oil pressure, and oil temperature—all were normal. She throttled back the engine, extended one hand through the canopy, and signalled the maintenance crew to remove the wheel chocks.

The take-off was to be done as a formation. Looking left and right, Balthazar was to her right, and Obando was to her left, also signalling to remove their chocks. She turned on the communication equipment and spoke for a functional check.

"Arrow 1, no issues." "Arrow 2, no issues." "Arrow 3, no issues."

Illia, Balthazar, and Obando confirmed that there were no problems in order. The voice of the controller came through the speaker.

"Arrow formation, move to take-off position."

"Understood."

As Illia opened the throttle slowly, the Arrow formation began to advance, forming a triangle with her at the apex. When she glanced back, she saw the Lance formation led by Reiner also starting to taxi on the ground. There must be four or five thousand spectators gathered beyond the airport fence. Excitement buzzed in the air as they awaited the long-anticipated aerial battle, with loud cheers and whistling mingling with the roar of the propellers.

With a calm heart, Illia gazed at the infinite blue spread out beyond the windscreen.

—I will definitely win, Father.

That thought alone propelled her forward into the sky.

"Arrow formation, take-off approved."

The speaker crackled to life. As they throttled up, all three aircraft surged forward together. Illia called out crisply, "Take-off!"

She pulled back on the control stick. The sound of tires scraping against the ground echoed once, and then the wings tore through gravity.

Sunlight poured into the cockpit. Bathed in golden light, Illia observed the battlefield ahead.

Far below, the Lance formation was also ready for take-off. The lead aircraft would ascend while waiting for the others to follow. The three planes tilted their wings in unison, gracefully drawing a large circle in the sky like hawks.

—Sakagami, let’s settle this.

Illia’s gaze sharpened, transforming into that of a fierce predator.

By defeating Kiyoaki, she hoped to at least deliver some relief to her father. Though the lost right arm could never return, she wanted to proudly report that the blood of the "King of the Skies" ran through her veins. To do that, she must win.

As the Arrow formation circled above, Kiyoaki entered full throttle for take-off. Kagura and Reiner followed closely on either side. After witnessing the splendid take-off of Illia’s formation, Kiyoaki naturally felt a surge of determination.

Feeling the lift accumulating in the aircraft through the control stick, Kiyoaki commanded, "Take-off!"

He pulled back on the stick. The lift broke through gravity, and the wings soared into the sky like returning home.

The ground fell away beneath him. Cameras from news outlets, noisy spectators, and the mixed cacophony of worries shrank into the distance below.

Outside the windscreen, the blue of February enveloped them. Pure and transparent, the blue sky sparkled as if the colour itself radiated light.

—This is where I live.

Kiyoaki's insides filled with excitement for the battle about to begin and the joy of piloting through the skies.

—I love the sky more than anyone.

In that regard, he didn't want to lose to anyone.

—Not even Illia.

Reaching an altitude of two thousand meters, he levelled the aircraft and began a left turn. A thousand meters away, Illia's formation was also turning in the same direction.

The frozen sky was clear, with visibility extending to the ring of clouds about thirty thousand meters away. Today’s weather was perfect for a pure battle of skill, free from obstructions.

Kiyoaki focused on the three-silver aircraft in the distance.

The moment these three planes, currently visible ahead, cut off his wing and dropped behind, the battle would begin.

Gradually, slowly, the Arrow formation approached Kiyoaki's wingtip. The undeniable connection between the fathers, both called the "King of the Skies"—the weight of that legacy caused a shiver to run through him, dampening his grip on the control stick.

After nearly twenty years, this moment marked a rematch between their children. The outcome of the battle would be rapidly reported to both the citizens of St Vault and the Akitsu Federation, bringing joy to one side and despair to the other.

Due to regulations, they couldn't communicate with the enemy formation via radio, but if they could, what words would Kiyoaki say to Illia?

It wouldn’t be hollow words of comfort, sympathy, or familiarity.

If Illia were right in front of him, he would surely say this.

"You will fall."

That was the message meant for the warrior of the skies.

The moment Illia cut the wings, Kiyoaki transformed into a hawk, commanding his squadron, "Let's go!"

He swiftly pushed the control stick forward, charging straight for the Arrow formation.

The silhouettes of Illia's squadron loomed closer by the second.

A battle they could not afford to lose had begun.