Chapter 1
Chapter 1 The souls of the 《Metaphysicals》
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She woke up from a sleep as deep as hell.
Her thought was vague, she couldn’t remember who she was.
She kept wandering about in a nightmare for so, so long that she lost her self.
She lay down on a place she certainly didn’t know, staring absentmindedly at the front.
The area was dim, a high and wide ceiling beyond the hazed field of vision looked onto her.
The ceiling looked like being made of a dark red rotting flesh.
A huge heart-like thing stood out in its center.
It shed a gloomy light from the inside, making the increasing and decreasing brilliance match the pulsations. Blood vessels spread radially from the heart, running and going along the ceiling. These also shone faintly, matching the pulsations, becoming light sources.
It was a creepy scene.
The feel of the floor transmitted from the back while facing upward was soft and lukewarm.
As if she was eaten by some huge creature and swallowed up in its body──
The moment she was reminded of that in her vague consciousness, her survival instinct urged her to stand up and to jump up.
At the same time, that strong survival instinct made her remember that her 「self」 should be protected.
Flavie Sakho.
The French Division Vice-Head of the White Knight Organization.
The memories of who she was ran about in her brain like a rapid stream.
Her consciousness awakened.
And what was vividly projected in her mind was──the sour face in profile of the man she loved.
– Charles!
She cried.
And remembered.
She, who was struggling in a cold and dark prison as if it had been abandoned by the sun, could hear the voice of Charles calling her like a ray of light shining there.
Because of that, Flavie replied, being absorbed in it: 「I will definitely return to you」
Thinking calmly, that might had been just a dream.
But she had a feeling in her heart that this was reality.
– Charles!
She shouted the name of her loved one again.
With that much, strength was brought back to all four limbs.
Flavie stood up.
For the first time in five years, she didn’t know where she was.
(Where am I now?)
It was unclear what happened, but there was no doubt that she was taken away to a place she didn’t know.
If so, it didn’t matter where she was, the first thing to do was to escape.
Flavie surveyed her surroundings.
The air was stagnated, so much that she would throw up if she lost her focus.
It lingered, she even felt an unpleasant sensation as if coiling around her whole body.
As she endured it, she strained her eyes,
– U….h.
She was lost for words.
A large space enough to hold a concert.
A chilling scenery that resembled the interior body of living things.
An eerie light that flickered together with the irregular pulsation.
Persons who fell face down──were illuminated by that gloomy light.
At a glance, they were no less than 100 people.
– T-this is….
They were like Flavie was until some time ago.
They lay down on their backs, sleeping peacefully.
As if time had stopped.
They didn’t turn over in their sleep, and if looked closely, they weren’t breathing.
However, that didn’t mean they were dead since a slight redness could be seen on their cheeks.
They probably were kidnapped and brought here just like Flavie.
Men and women of all ages and races.
Without understanding the intention of the criminal at all, Flavie strenuously soothed her thoughts that became more and more confused.
– Even if I think about it, don’t get anything from it… do I?
Now that she was in this situation, she had no choice but to find an exit even if it was at random.
She strained her eyes even more and discovered a pathway──similar to a cave’s tunnel──something more akin to digestive organs on the other side.
Flavie readied herself and ran that way.
The sleeping people could only be left behind. She was an excellent Kuroma, but she was physically no different from ordinary people. The slender arms of women had difficulty to hold one child.
She had to escape to a safe place, ask her companions for help and come back here.
That wasn’t hypocrisy, it was the very best.
From a distance, it looked like a narrow passage, but when she approached and took a look at it, it was fairly wide.
There were some sort of six-lane tunnel roads facing each other.
Moreover, they were so long she couldn’t see the other side, and so long that diverged like a maze.
She was about to lose strength completely, but her strong feeling that wanted to see Charles breathed life into her legs.
– At any rate, I’ll have to try every single one of them.
Her only choice was to proceed.
The first fork. She decided that she would take the right one at the first 4 forks and checked her breast pocket.
The silver dagger for courtesy that she always carried with her as magician’s etiquette was still there.
The number 「1」 was carved on the floor to indicate she went to the right.
Every time she ran into forked roads, she carved the information on the floor.
She drew a map in her head while taking measures so as to not forget the way she came.
She had confidence in her memory, and if she took her time and advanced steadily without being impatient, she should be able to escape someday.
Then, at the very moment when she saw a small hope.
The passage in the middle of the three-forked road that she ran into suddenly closed.
Nasal membranes blocked her way, expanding and occupying the whole path.
– No way….
Despite being shocked, Flavie turned the way she came at once.
She returned to the forked road that she had gone through moments ago.
It should have been a crossroads where the number 「18」 was carved there, but it was a T junction.
– Impossible….
Flavie understood.
She ended up stepping into a labyrinth that changed shape every moment.
With this, neither the carved marks nor the map drummed into her head were useful.
She became dumbfounded, and stood stock still.
And──
Something scratched her eardrums.
She heard something like a piercing cry echoing on the floor and walls from far away.
Her back muscles shivered.
It was an ominous, echoing voice.
– Wh… at…?
Flavie strained her ears.
But all she could hear was her own breathing.
– Was it… my imagination?
As soon as she felt relieved,
── 。
She heard something like a piercing cry again.
– It’s getting closer!
An uneasiness similar to having a hand thrust into her heart directly attacked her.
Moreover, and as if being stirred up by it, she left that place.
And ran fast of her own accord.
She continued selecting countless bifurcations at random. Her body moved instinctively.
This voice was bad news.
She had to escape from this voice.
She didn’t know what its real form was, but she was convinced it spread like a dark cloud.
And.
──She heard it.
A reverberating and howling-like voice perforated Flavie’s eardrums.
A shriek it didn’t seem to speak the language of humans.
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For some reason, the meaning was transmitted, a telepathic-sounding scream.
– It’s coming! And quickly!
Flavie was surprised, her heart accelerated.
She froze from fear.
She had to run away, and yet, she helplessly broke down.
– No… noooooo.
Even if she forced and hit her own legs, she couldn’t stand up.
– No, noo….
She tried to crawl while crying and tried to go away from the piercing cry even if a little, even if a little bit.
──Let me hear more.
The speed at which the voice approached got faster.
Flavie, already frantic, kept crawling.
Suddenly, her mouth was grabbed from behind.
Even though there was no presence or footsteps at all!
– Nnnnn….!
Flavie screamed without voice.
In the meanwhile, another hand came stretching from behind and held her waist.
She was caught──
She struggled as if she had caught fire, but that something from behind restrained her with the force of a vise, it didn’t give an inch.
It was over.
She would end here without being able to meet Charles again.
Flavie panicked and strength left her body.
Then something was whispered in her ears.
『I’m an ally. Be relieved』
It was Chinese language. Flavie, who communicated with the east and west as a magician, understood.
She nervously twisted her neck horizontally and turned her gaze.
She could see the face of someone who hug her tight from behind.
An old man with a white-haired frost beard.
The facial expression of a good-natured old man as if he looked after his beloved grandchild.
(You’re … could it be…)
Since her mouth was blocked, she was unable to ask a question.
But the old man nodded calmly as if he had read her thoughts.
So she wasn’t wrong.
The hermit who was called old man and who rarely appeared in public.
It wasn’t a metaphor, a person or something, but──a Sennin freed from the body of man.
The Chinese Division Head Ma Diegua.
(Why… are you here…?)
『That sonny Charles──that clump of pride clung to me to help him. He went so far for the woman he loves that I also had to respond or else my chivalrous spirit would be sullied』
The good-natured old man squinted.
(Then Charles!)
『He’s waiting outside. He’s struggling flashily to attract the monsters』
As the old man said that he could crept in up to this point,
『But the most troublesome thing is lurking』
He sharpened his eyes for an instant.
(Trouble? What about you?)
『If that finds us, it won’t end so simply』
The old man moved while hugging Flavie.
He chose one of the branching passages and quietly looked into the back of it from the shadows.
Because of that, Flavie saw it too.
There was something further inside the passage.
Something completely eerie.
Its size and shape were similar to a person.
But it wasn’t a person.
It was completely pitch-black from the top of the head to the toes of its feet.
Its face was blank, it had no facial features.
Additionally, large and gaping holes were in the place where the ears originally were. Hollow holes that completely penetrated the head from left to right and that made one feel anxious where to look at.
Like an incarnated shadow figure.
It looked like the concept of death itself was embodied and loitered around the passages in search of prey.
Flavie was struck with awe and her throat was dry.
(*Eek*…)
『Oops. Were you going to shout? That seems to have sharp ears』
The old man became stronger and closed Flavie’s mouth.
That shadow figure. That monster.
Was it… a 《Metaphysical》?
But did human-type 《Metaphysicals》 exist?
──Let me hear.
──Let me hear all about you.
──Expose everything, everything in front of me.
It searched about the passages high and low while letting out a piercing cry.
It was definitely searching for them.
What would happen if they were found…?
The claws that grew all together from the fingers of the shadow figure were long and large like knives.
The satana it made drift from its body was so dark it became visible, the only way to call it was “miasma”.
Flavie was about to lose heart just from imagine so.
『Kuromas can’t use 《Rentei》. You’ll be calm if you get a bit of sleep, no? Will you leave it to me, young lady?』
She had no choice but to agree unhesitatingly.
『Thank you for agreeing. It’s no surprise Charles fell in love with you at first sight, young lady』
The voice of the man became distant.
Her consciousness was cut off by 《Saturn》 and it sunk somewhere.
But she was by no means in a terrifying darkness, it was more like a comfortable nap.
Flavie was finally free from fear.
『──That seems to be the story so far. Could you grasp the situation?』
Edward smiled cheerfully while facing the front in the passenger seat of the car.
He candidly told in one go the experience of Flavie and the Chinese Division Head.
『It’s a big issue』
Haimura Moroha nodded seriously in the back seat.
He leaned on the seat while organizing the information in his head.
It was a soft leather-covered seat. The thickness he felt caught him solidly.
It seemed to be a luxury car called Bentley Mulsanne, but when he got into the car, the nervous feeling that said 「how many thousands of yen does it cost?」completely forgot about asking that.
Until a while ago, Moroha and the others were making merry and having fun at the school festival.
The heat of it had completely faded by now.
『In short, 《Metaphysicals》 are created by pulling out the souls from humans?』
『I can only think of that. In fact, you saw the soul of Flavie Sakho being released when you defeated the headless 《Metaphysical》, no?』
『But I don’t know if that soul was of Flavie-san or someone else』
He certainly witnessed a light in the form of a person being released back then.
『There’s no doubt. Immediately after the battle, Charles seems to have searched the direction the soul went flying. He used a helicopter and Dark Arts of exploration at will. He located the place where Flavie Sakho’s real body is trapped, but he judged it was impossible to rescue her by himself, so he had no choice but to rely on the old man… and he accomplished so in half a day. I have no choice but to call that tenacity and not impatience』
He got the gist of it.
And──
– It’s a terrible… story…
Ranjou Satsuki let out a voice of indignation.
During the conversation in English, she unconsciously spoke in Japanese.
She was to the left side of Moroha. She hung her head and made her shoulders quiver.
『After waking up, Flavie-san tried to escape and was attacked by an evil spirit. If the old man hadn’t hastened, she would have lost her life, no?』
Urushibara Shizuno was the one who confirmed it unconcernedly.
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She was sat to the right side of Moroha, her face looked like a Noh mask like usual.
However, she wasn’t calm at all, and that was transmitted from her voice that was deliberately subdued.
『If the 《Metaphysical》could be beaten by herself, then Flavie Sakho would have to be promoted to S, right?』
Edward, in the passenger seat, shrugged his shoulders in a big way.
『That can’t be allowed! What do you think people are?』
Satsuki raised her voice, a bottled-up anger.
Victims had their souls extracted, converted to monsters, used, and luckily they were released, or they were just killed after having served their purpose….
The demons’ deeds.
While it was evident that the mastermind controlling the《Metaphysicals》from the shadows wasn’t a good person, the truth that came to light was so sad and gloomy it was nauseating.
Satsuki turned her face away.
Her righteous indignation to the unknown mastermind became stronger.
Yes──
The theory of 「the existence of a mastermind」pushed by Zhixin, its existence itself was almost determined.
『We have to thank the old man for bringing back Flavie Sakho together with valuable information』
And, an explanation was given by Edward first.
Flavie was kidnapped 5 years ago by an enigmatic person called “Invisible”, instigated by corrupt politicians. Since humans were involved in the background of the incident, it was difficult to imagine that the existence of 《Metaphysicals》 was unrelated to mankind.
『There are still more than 100 people captured. Our mission is to rescue them』
AJ, who held the steering wheel in the driver’s seat, said in a stiff tone of voice.
The car was drove at a terrific speed, almost at the national speed limit.
It continued to Nagano Expressway using the Chuuou Expressway to Shiojiri City.
They estimated to arrive this evening.
A countermeasures headquarters was established there by the Japanese Division Leaders 10 days ago──the day after Flavie was rescued.
Moroha and the others were preparing for the school festival without being aware of anything.
Until the preparations of the rescue side were ready, it wasn’t particularly a problem that Moroha and company weren’t at the countermeasures headquarters, this was Edward’s consideration, saying that they should enjoy school life.
『It’s not good to talk about the rescue between us only, so let’s do so after we arrive at the countermeasures headquarters』
As of now, 《Saviors》of the White Knight Organization were gathering one after another.
Charles and his close aides already departed on a helicopter.
The principal and the ones under her, the teachers and Strikers were also heading there by limited express train.
The reason why Moroha and the others weren’t accompany them was that Edward wanted to ride the same car as him and insisted to go there by car.
The fact of the matter was that he couldn’t refuse when AJ requested him to「shut up and get in」.
That AJ gradually let a silent ghastliness overflow as they drew near the destination.
Her eyes twitched upwards little by little, she stared at her path with a look as if seeing an enemy.
It emitted a ghastly-like air.
『It’ll take a while to get there. You can sleep』
And, saying in the same stiff tone of voice,
『Ara? Did you say something unusually kind?』
Shizuno was so unaffected she poked fun at her.
She, who was a very shy person, her usual self would get into a panic and say 『You bastards are so noisy I can’t drive properly!』but,
『You’re an important fighting force. We’ll troubled if you don’t take a rest when you have to rest』
She replied in a serious tone of voice.
This was also a statement not typical of hers.
Though if she were the usual AJ, she would get cocky, saying something like『Since I’m here, now it’s not your turn to shine!』
(She doesn’t seem to be timid at all, but…)
Moroha asked a question while being suspicious.
『Like I thought… is it going to become an extreme battle?』
『Of course, that’s a given』
AJ raised the corner of her eyes even more.
Edward, who was next to her, lowered the tone of his voice and said.
『Not only France was damaged by “Invisible”』
『Yeah…』
Moroha consented.
It could be possible that the British Division got people kidnapped like Flavie and that they were sleeping among the 100 people who were captured.
『Boris is a hopeless lustful man, Graham is a guy you really don’t know what he’s saying… but still, they are companions who fought and risked their lives with me』
He would absolutely save them.
That strong will was transmitted from AJ’s back.
『Then I accept your kind offer. If you excuse me』
Moroha closed his eyes deeply.
Immediately from the left and right, the heads of Satsuki and Shizuno fell on his shoulders.
Due to the fatigue of the school festival, when the three of them went into a huddle, Morpheus immediately came.
Moroha left his consciousness to him.
The instant he fell into slumber, he thought back.
When he went to Russia and fought with Lightning Empress.
At that time, he wasn’t able to repay even one of the loans, the big favors he received from AJ and Edward.
It was necessary to put their condition perfectly in order to muster all the strength of their whole strength.
Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture.
Although its population was less than 100,000, it was one of the most important points of transportation in the Chubu region.
Multiple highways and railways gathered at one point, so arriving in big cities such as Shinjuku, Nagoya and Hamamatsu using either of them was easy. The access was also easy to Gunma and Niigata prefectures.
Counting on that convenience, the White Knight Organization and the Japanese Division established a branch office in this area.
The deployment of personnel was numerous too.
While examining the Higashiyama region carefully, which was at their knees, they created a system where they could dispatch reinforcements right away to the Hokuriku and Tokai regions and even to Kanto and Kansai regions if it was necessary.
With this as the background, the Shiojiri Branch Office was a magnificent facility with six buildings on a large site in the suburbs.
Just like Akane Academy, modern and brand-new buildings lined up.
Publicly, it was supposed to be the research facility of a foreign company, and ordinary people were not allowed.
This area also had the same reasoning as Akane Academy that took the appearance of being “private”.
If it was announced that it was state-controlled, they would have to get rid of interviews and disclosure requests, and that was troublesome.
AJ drove the car while showing her ID Tag at the strictly-guarded entrance gate.
『Are you guys hungry too?』
Edward said while looking at the onboard clock, it was already midnight.
『It seems they keep the cafeteria open, so you can go. The real briefing starts tomorrow. Can Jack join me a bit after dinner? There’s something I’d like to discuss with you about today』
Understanding the proposal, Moroha, Satsuki and Shizuno got out of the car and headed to the cafeteria.
Because there were guards with flashlights everywhere on the premises, they could ask the way without hesitation.
– When we graduate, we’ll do this kind of work, huh.
This was their first time seeing organizational facilities other than Akane Academy.
Along the way, Moroha looked around here and there with curiosity.
Then Shizuno,
– But it’s likely that you’ll be employed at the main office and not in a region like this, no?
Without a moment’s delay, Satsuki,
– Eh? Seriously? I thought that, if given the chance, I should work in Tokyo. Yeah.
– … I told Moroha, but…. Within you, you don’t doubt you’ll work together with us, huh.
– Eh!? Are we going to be separated!?
– Of course there’s a possibility like that. You really aren’t aware, huh.
– Ueee… w-what should we do…? Nii-sama, repeat years at Akane Academy with me forever…
– That’s obviously a joke, right…?
Moroha was frightened at Satsuki who clung to him.
– I mean, rather than saying it’s not a joke, it’s not a laughing matter.
– It’s not going to happen anytime soon, but whatever happens next, accept it however it is, okay?
Shizuno tapped Satsuki’s shoulder.
With a vague condescending attitude.
– Why do you have a cool face like that!? What are you going to do if you were separated from Moroha?
– Thanks to a certain somebody, I’m totally skilled at lobbying inside the Japanese Division. So I’ll just ask someone from HR to let us be together?
– S-so craftyyy. You, being underhanded has a limit! Intervene for me too!
– That will cost you 10 million yen.
– A bribe!? To think you’re demanding so from a young and sweet girl, you fiend!
Satsuki began to cry and repeatedly hit Shizuno.
Shizuno looked at Satsuki who was vexed and panicked like a child while a small dimple appeared at a corner of her mouth.
And as if she had enjoyed herself until she was satisfied,
– I am j-o-k-i-n-g. I’ll mediate for you for free. So don’t worry, Satsuki.
She said in a tone of voice as if comforting a child.
Then, and immediately,
– Fue…
Satsuki blushed.
Because Shizuno called her 「Satsuki」 instead of 「Ranjou-san」.
Since the incident of the mansion of the “Witch of the prison”, she somehow had a change of heart, not even Moroha could understand it, but Shizuno came to call her Satsuki.
As for Moroha, he thought it was a very good trend.
– O-okay. U-u-u-u-u-understood! Thank you! Will do so!
Not getting used to being called Satsuki, she spouted out flames from her face and got greatly confused.
– Oh〜I’m so hungry〜 I’m so relieved that I’m extremely hungry〜.
After that, she ended up going first with a look as if feeling embarrassed and being unable to be there a second longer.
She moved with awkward movements, her right hand and right foot moved to the front at the same time.
She hung her head for a moment, she had a funny look on her face.
Moroha ended up spouting out spontaneously.
– No matter how many times I see it, I never get tired of it.
– You purposely don’t say her name because you want to see that, right?
– Ara, that’s wholly unexpected. Why would I go and be close to her so cheerfully? Both Satsuki and Elensan are nice, but for some reason, those who overreact are so amusing.
– I think I get that.
– What do you mean?
Shizuno asked in a way that she really didn’t know.
(Because you don’t open your heart to others so simply)
That was the reason why the ones she was open to were much happier and couldn’t help but be calm.
Moroha thought so, but it was embarrassing to point out such a thing with a straight face, so he said nothing.
– Hey, what do you mean?
– Err, she’s hungry. I’m also really hungry.
He hurriedly took the lead in order to escape.
– Jeez. That’s so mean of you.
Shizuno said so, but it was easy to get she didn’t say it seriously.
– I won’t let you go until you tell me.
She clung to Moroha’s arm as a small dimple appeared.
– Huh? Take into consideration the place we are now.
– I refuse. Moroha is at fault here for giving excuses.
– You just thought that up, right?
As they argued in such a way, it was difficult to separate them until they arrived at the cafeteria somehow.
They had heard that the staff, which didn’t include 《Saviors》, were many, but the cafeteria was too large.
Contrary to the image of a typical 「cafeteria」, long tables weren’t used. There were many round tables for four people lined up, the interior was chic and the air was similar to a hotel buffet.
Every Striker who had arrived earlier occupied one of its corners.
There were exactly 12 team members excluding Moroha and Satsuki, Leshya was there too.
Everyone seemed to have eaten already, they were chatting while drinking tea.
It was a pity that Reserve Corps members had to stay at home, but Moroha recalled the scene at the last training camp.
The supply of food was stacks of evening meals on trays in a buffet style, and as they were looking for seats,
– Oh, I’ve been waiting for you! Come here. Sit down, Haimura.
The Vice-captain Kanzaki Tokiko tapped the chair next to hers.
Given her popularity, the chairs around her were empty.
Although Moroha saluted her with a smiling face, he sat down in an empty seat at another table.
– Why do you avoid me!?
– I don’t want to be sexually harassed while having dinner. Please don’t make me say it.
– N-nonsense…. Eating food while doing erotic stuff──you would be taking two of the three major desires, no? Nothing can be more wonderful in this world. Don’t you know the word debauchery!?
Tokiko spat out and shouted reckless remarks, but,
– Kanzaki-kun. Please refrain from acting in a way that degrades our dignity outside Akane Academy.
When the Captain Isurugi Jin stared at her as he cleared his throat, she quickly obeyed.
– Those guys have been like this all this time, right? The feeling of tension up to now has gone down.
Taketsuru Uisuke, who was in the seat to the right of Moroha, smiled wryly.
When this Senpai did so, he unusually started to look appropriate for it.
– There’s no feeling at all that a major operation will begin.
Haruka Momochi grumbled to his left.
Souya Manako, a Senpai of his with plain glasses and who sat opposite him, spread a pocket paperback as if this had nothing to do with her.
– Isn’t that great though?
Moroha added while extending the fork to the cold terrine.
It was a problem if they weren’t motivated, but it was good they weren’t worked up.
By the way, Satsuki and Shizuno were invited to Leshya’s and Sophia’s seats.
– Look, look, this sandwich looks tasty!
– Quiche was good, so try looking for it later.
– There were hamburgers too.
– You’re saying you won’t eat it because you aren’t urged to, Urushibara!
– That’s prejudice! I would like you to apologize to my soul food!*
TN: Soul food is the furigana reading for “taste of my home town”.
And so on, a silly conversation had blossomed.
Moroha continued eating the steamed meat dumpling with relish, the seasoning of the gently boiled onions and the tightly packed minced meat was outstanding, he was completely satisfied with the high level of cooking.
After he swallowed it,
– By the way, you said major operation; did you happen to hear anything?
He asked Haruka and company to share information.
As he learned about it alternately with Taketsuru, everyone from Strikers had heard about as much information as what Moroha and co. had heard from Edward in the car.
The first thing they heard was,
– This will be discussed in detail in tomorrow’s briefing, but we heard that people who got their souls pulled out were caught in ridiculously troublesome places.
– So what is this major operation about?
– The main force of the French Division is on their way too. It’s said that Japan is summoning all Ranks and a considerable number from the British Division in three days’ time.
– Both Russia and America won’t come, but instead they promised to rescue Sir Edward’s and PSG’s homes if they were targeted by the 《Metaphysicals》.
– The Chinese Division can’t do more than protecting their own country, but it seems the old man will come.
– Isn’t this the first time there’s a cross-country joint operation since the establishment of the White Knight Organization?
Moroha nodded at the explanation of Haruka and Taketsuru as he pulled in the green tea soba noodles.
I see, like I heard, it’s a big operation.
He was impressed.
What made the representatives of each country care about a 「joint operation」 was that Moroha didn’t realize he was the origin of it.
– In other words! This is the perfect big stage for my name, Mannendou Kamekichi, to be known!
Kammie-senpai, who was next to Isurugi at another table, stood up vigorously.
– Thank you everyone who came all the way to Nagano to make me look better, especially Haimura! But everyone here is lucky. The honor of fighting with me which was confirmed by Nostradamus class and that will make me famous in the decisive battle of the century is now a bargain.
He boasted, placing one foot on the table.
At that very moment──
– I value your guts. But don’t behave in a bad way.
Isurugi struck his shin with a hand used like a sword wretchedly.
*Vigorous motion*, a heavy and brutal sound resounded.
Kamekichi turned a somersault and into the ground. He trembled and held his shin without being able to scream.
Stifled laughs leaked out from everywhere.
The herbivorous Takenaka, who was sit next to him, rubbed Kamekichi’s back as he admonished him.
– We lack experience, so I think it’s a good idea to be quiet this time.
Hearing so, everyone became silent.
Suddenly, people with troubled faces began to pop up.
The current Strikers, despite being students, had gained enough good results to be regarded as the main force of the Japanese Division.
This situation made them have such gloomy faces.
– The Senpais haven’t participated in large-scale battles, have they?
Moroha cut a hamburger while confirming it with no one in particular.
– Yeah. Only Isurugi has experienced them among us.
The one who replied right away was Taketsuru.
The person in question agreed. Normally, if the enemy wasn’t a Dreadnought, the fighting power of one team was gathered.
And the Dreadnoughts that had appeared in Japan in the past.
Two years ago, in June, a Dreadnought-class magic-beast species appeared, a large-scale subjugation operation was done by the Japanese Division.
At that time, Isurugi and Taketsuru were first-year students.
At the stage of the first semester, Isurugi was the only regular member of Strikers.
Due to circumstances like this, he was the only one who could participate in the subjugation operation.
The Super Rookie, who had already been regarded as a strong person comparable to an Rank, got to be greatly recognized in the battle and was officially recognized.
The Dreadnought that appeared next, the nine-headed serpent ended up being killed by Moroha alone.
The Fortress during the summer camp was made to fight only against Strikers due to the artifice of Lightning Empress.
With the exception of Isurugi, the current Strikers haven’t had the chance to engage in large-scale group battles.
– Well, I’d say it’s different from the usual way of doing things.
I can only imagine, Taketsuru added while shrugging his shoulders in a stylish pose.
Voices of approval, rather, sighs leaked out from here and there.
However, one person, Haruka,
– But if it’s us, if we can only do the same things we always do, then we can do it like always!
She clasped her small fists and objected.
(Oh)
Moroha stopped the chopsticks and admired her on the inside.
Because he heard the positive and even happy opinion of Haruka who occasionally tortured herself frustratingly.
– Oh, oh, now you’re looking important even though you just became a B-Rank, huh.
Without a moment’s delay, Tokiko put a malicious look on her face and made a teasing remark.
– Wha!?
Haruka was surprised, but Tokiko immediately laughed boldly,
– But, oh well, I wish I could do it better than your hesitant, timid and gloomy past self.
She stated as if recognizing Haruka.
This was her first time.
Whoooa, commotion-sounding cheers welled up.
They were surprised for a while, their voices calmed down and in the end, Isurugi said a few words.
– It’s as Momochi-kun says. Now it’s the place for us to show off the teamwork we’ve been polishing every day. Even if it becomes a battlefield where friends and foes are jumbled together, we should be able to cooperate perfectly ordered.
Receiving the words of the captain, all present nodded strongly.
No one had a timid face anymore.
Not only because it was the statement of the man who once experienced battlefield, but also because everyone had a great trust in Isurugi as the commander.
「We’ll make it!」Shouts of motivation rose from here and there.
When Moroha joined them and vocalized it──he felt a gaze from the side.
When he turned his face, Haruka was fixedly staring at him in the same small triumphant pose.
Her upturned eyes seemed to make an appeal.
(I’ll do my best)
(I’ll protect Moroha’s back)
(I’ll stop being a burden)
Seeing that, Moroha wished for a high five with a smiling face.
Haruka was delighted and struck it with all her might.
Like a ring spreading out, high fives were done by the persons and the ones sitting next to them.
Taketsuru and the seemingly troubled Manako.
Kamekichi and the fearful Takenaka.
Satsuki and the hopeless Shizuno.
Sophia and Leshya──
– NOOOOO! McDermott is limited to the taste of the States!
– I think Japan’s McDermott is very delicious.
Suddenly, an argument started.
Sophia stood up with a very threatening attitude and Leshya left her seat composedly.
Because Sophia glared at her with a difference of 30 centimeters in height, Leshya glared right up at her.
– In Japan, the Macs have beefs way too oily! I miss the taste of the States!
– It’s for that reason that I think they produce such a gaudy taste.
– NO! That’s the taste of the devil! As a result of eating Japanese Macs for 3 years, I’ve grown 7 centimeters (2 inches) tall!
– … Am I the odd one? Have I heard that you like Japanese McDermott too?
– That’s a misunderstanding! I can’t blame it even if I blame it!
She was left behind and got mad.
Moroha was lost for words.
Everyone was lost for words.
The same thought swirled in everyone’s heads.
This is──
This is so trivial.
Although there was a nice atmosphere, when it came to these two people, they seemed to amuse themselves talking about Macs.
Since Leshya wasn’t a troop member, she rarely had the chance to come in contact with Sophia on a daily basis.
Now it became a rare combination.
In fact, this might have been a「don’t mix, it’s a dangerous」combination.
The values of Americans and Russians seemed to clash with each other.
(No, it’s not such a high-dimensional conversation…)
He reconsidered while covering his forehead.
Meanwhile, Leshya, who considered the words of Sophia who put a hand on her mouth,
– Hmm. Is that what you mean? Ranjou Satsuki sometimes curses the cakes and parfaits in front of the scale, but is it the same reason as that?
– Hey, Leshya! How come you don’t read and understand the subtleties precisely at moments like this!?
Sparks flew, reaching even Satsuki, and after being flustered, she also participated in the war.
– It’s only now that even you can be careless! Someone like Russians are supposed to change classes from fairies to goblins as soon as they grow older!
– That’s a baseless slander. Russia isn’t among the top 20 most obese countries.
– It’s within the top 25!
– Kuh… how do you know that…?
– Why are you also looking it up? It’s a solid evidence that you’re nervous in your mind!
– I’m depressed… I should die…
– Now, now, we’re training hard every day, so worry not.
– Stop consoling her so poorly. Sophie-senpai, whose nutrition goes entirely to her height, can never understand the worries of a maiden!
– Y-you may not know how much I care about thaaaaat!
In a situation like this….
Now that it had come to this, it was all too messy and uncollected.
– Now, everyone. Allow me to excuse me first.
The captain escaped.
Going to bed early was his creed, it can’t be helped; it was that much irrelevant.
– This is neither the school festival launch nor a training camp, so act moderately.
Taketsuru, accompanied by Manako, followed him right away.
As if saying「You were warned, the role of the Senpais is over!」
Furthermore, and to not escape too late, the rest followed them in crowds.
The gates where the team members formed a line──in the middle of that, Moroha noticed.
A young man who came to the cafeteria against the flow.
It was Edward with whom he had parted from a while ago.
『It’s almost time, Jack』
So this was the thing when he said “I have something to talk about later”.
Moroha understood, saying『alright』 while returning the empty plates and tray.
『Ah! I’m going too!』
Satsuki, who was on the verge of scuffling with Leshya and Sophia, raised her hand showing how sharp her ears were.
– Read the situation.
Shizuno, who was graciously drinking tea and who had nothing to do with it, interjected. And pinched Satsuki’s uniform.
– What do you mean!?
– Neither you nor I──no, nobody should butt in. That’s what I’m talking about?
– Uuuuu.
Satsuki looked like she didn’t agree to it, but she sat down in the chair.
In fact, Edward didn’t say 『I welcome you, young lady』 with his characteristic candidness.
Given the situation, even Moroha became anxious.
『Is it really okay for me to go there?』
『It’s not worth considering unless you come』
Edward shrugged his shoulders exaggeratedly. He mustn’t say something stupid.
Well, if that’s the case¸ Moroha left the cafeteria too.
Haruka sent him out in a triumphant pose as if saying 「Do your best」.
Moroha responded by raising his hand and Haruka nodded with groans many times.
Seeing that, Edward apologetically,
『Can we hurry a bit? There’s a guy who’s getting tired of waiting』
『Oh, that guy…』
They exchanged wry smiles while hurrying a bit as suggested.