Chapter 5
Chapter 5 The Power
Early in the morning of the day the operation would be carried out.
A total of 355 soldiers gathered in front of the main gate of the Shiojiri branch office.
As one would expect, making this quantity of 《Saviors》gather in one place had a few words for it: a magnificent view.
The director-general Edward took the microphone and started talking to everyone.
『Let’s be frank, this is going to be a tough fight』
An extremely short briefing. But that was enough.
By looking at the eyes of the ones who gathered, he could see the high morale they had.
There were already 10 buses waiting in line and each squad began to separate and board them.
– It’s not like we have to split until we arrive there though.
– The operation seems to have already begun, so don’t-say-selfish-things.
Satsuki, who wanted to get on the same bus as Moroha, was being unreasonable, and Moroha remonstrated her.
– Momochi-senpai. Will you please take care of him?
– I-I know that. Stop pressuring me over and over again!
Shizuno kept a watchful eye on Haruka and Haruka became overwhelmed.
– I was deployed to the last force together with Principal-dono. Vexation consumes me, but I’ll be praying for everyone’s safety.
– Don’t say that, even Leshya has an important mission to carry out.
Moroha encouraged the somewhat apologetic Leshya and everyone nodded.
The thing that happened yesterday.
The first secretary Takanashi Kyouko was found in a serious condition with massive hemoptysis.
Although she didn’t lose her life, she was unconscious, meaning that in the state she was she wouldn’t be able to return to the line for the time being.
Because there was no external wound and only her lungs were shredded with a blade-like object, Edward and the others presumed that it was an attempted assassination by means of some sort of 《Ancestral Arts》.
If that was the case, there was a high possibility that the mastermind controlling the 《Metaphysicals》or someone under their patronage committed the crime.
Moroha and company had heard about it by chance during dinner.
– Why was that person targeted?
Taketsuru, who was nearby Moroha who cocked his head in puzzlement,
– Who knows? She’s been doing nothing but sneaky conspiracies behind the scenes, so she paid for her sins, no?
He stated in a clear voice.
Anyhow──an alert status was immediately taken, and with that, some parts of today’s operation were reviewed. It was decided that Mari, who was one of the key persons, would be more guarded.
For that, the person selected was “man-eater” Leshya because she was a Savior VS Savior expert and even served as the bodyguard of Lightning Empress.
It could be said that the right person was in the right place.
– Because Leshya will stay behind, we, the rescue team, can fight with no worries. I count on you, alright?
– Un-understood!
Leshya suddenly blushed and showed motivation.
Moroha nodded with a smile on his face.
Then, this time, he exchanged glances with Shizuno,
(You too. Please take care of all the Strikers)
(Of course, they were left to me, no?)
And intercommunicated their intention with their eyes.
While that tacit understanding and a strong sense of security tied him together with Shizuno, Moroha turned around to Satsuki.
– Do your best.
While he said so, he took his ID Tag from the breast pocket.
– Nii-sama, do your best too!
Satsuki also took out the ID Tag.
And they exchanged each other’s ID Tags as if they were shaking hands. Moroha grasped it tightly for a moment, confirmed the feeling and put it back in the breast pocket.
– Shall we go then? Momo-senpai.
He said his goodbyes, accompanied Haruka and got on the bus.
Five 《Saviors》 were waiting inside.
Only five, but five elite people who excelled at covert operations.
He had already met them at the final meeting yesterday.
But one of them stood up and came to greet him again.
– I look forward to working with you today, captain. After all, I leave my life in your hands.
A black young man who let out bold words while showing a gentle smile on his face.
His name was Blaze. A high-ranking Knight who held the court rank of 《Force = 2》and an Rank Kuroma.
Charles had lent his most trusted retainer.
Moroha, who had thought a Shirogane from the French Division would certainly be introduced, was surprised to see him.
– My 《The Origin》is a technique that allows me to hide in the shadows.
Getting that explained, he immediately understood why.
During the operation, it was decided that he would stand by in Moroha’s shadow, and that was the meaning of 「leaving my life in your hands」.
Although having him conceal himself in his own shadow felt weird, he controlled himself.
Even Shizuno, who fought with Blaze once, gave a subtle approval of him, saying 「He’s clever, calm and uses his head. He seems to be a person you can trust. As long as our interests coincide, that is」.
– Drop the captain please. You can call me Moroha.
– Understood. Since those are your words, then I shall call you Morohsama.
– Obeying me way too respectfully is difficult for me…
– Please get used to it. You are the only hero on the world who defeated PSG. For me, being impolite to you is like stomping the face of my master with my feet.
Although Blaze still had a gentle smile on his face, an intention saying he wasn’t going to give up was felt.
Moroha gave up.
When he sat down next to Haruka, he heard a voice calling him from the back seat.
– Did you sleep well, you two? To tell the truth, your teacher couldn’t sleep much.
The one who confessed, sounding embarrassed, was Moroha’s class teacher Tanaka Tarou.
Recommended by Mari, he joined the rescue team.
For Moroha, having this teacher was reassuring; rather, he wanted to be replaced as the captain, but as usual, with the theory that the incredibly annoying ranks were this and that and so on, Tanaka, who was only a B-Rank, taking the command of them, would set a bad example.
– T-to be honest, I’m nervous, way too nervous…
Haruka said, seemingly awkward.
While whispering 「Taking a step is incredibly difficult」and talking nonsense to herself.
– It’s ok for both the Sensei and Senpai to sleep. I’ll wake you up when we get there.
– Hahaha, I don’t know which one of us is the teacher anymore.
– You’re way too calm…
Tanaka smiled wryly and Haruka stared at him with scornful eyes.
– By being too calm don’t you mean those over there?
Moroha scratched his head while looking at the other three people in the last seats.
They were all from the Japanese Division.
From the mid-twenties to the late thirties, their rough ages covered a wide range. However, all three of them stared at his way with severe facial expressions, without wasting their breaths at all and wearing a heavy atmosphere.
He felt a strong enthusiasm for this operation from them.
He had heard that the three of them belonged to a small bureau called 「Internal Audit Office」which was at the main office of the Japanese Division.
It seemed they were going to monitor and control the abuse of 《Ancestral Arts》 day and night.
Although it was called a “small bureau”, it shouldn’t be underestimated. Currently, the number of 《Saviors》 that belonged to the Division was less than 500, so even if it was a small number of people, they had eyes enough to see each of their actions.
In fact, the three of them were powerful B-Ranks.
They made silence rise from their whole bodies, a drive showing signs of something similar to tenacity.
Probably affected by it, both Haruka and Tanaka held their tongues.
Moroha faced forward and waited for departure.
The Stronghold the four Fortress-class built was at the foot of Nokogiri Mountain──a steep region in the northern part of Akaishi Mountains.
They would go by bus until the middle of the road then forcefully travel on foot with 《Godlike Movement》.
Moroha viewed the Southern Alps, the destination he was aiming at through the windshield.
The landscape at the foot of the mountain, which should have been beautiful, was completely covered in morning mist.
At the foot of the northwestern direction of Nokogiri Mountain, there was a little open space called Arasawa.
It was the source of Kamanashi River branch, a land where forest and wetland mixed along the side of the running river and a place where people almost never entered.
Mountain climbers usually attacked from the opposite side, Kabubeezawa side, nobody would climb from Arasawa side unless they really liked it.
The Fortress “Labyrinth” was enshrined in such a desolated and forlorn place.
It mimicked a small hill-sized rocky mountain, blending into the surrounding landscape, so even if a curious climber passed by, they would only think it was part of it.
But 《Saviors》could distinguish it.
It was easy to spot when there was a large source of terrifying satana covering the whole area.
The 《Saviors》 of the Japanese Division, who were lined up as if to cover the northern part of Arasawa surrounded by mountains in the east, south and west, waited for the signal of the assault while enduring the feeling of discomfort.
Katsuie Tabata, who commanded the forces, got in touch with other forces with a military transceiver.
『East side, ready for battle』
A report from Chloe of the French Division.
『West side is OK too』
A report from Edward.
『Raid team is fully prepared』
A report from Zlatan.
『Rescue team ready to go anytime』
Finally, a report from Moroha taking formation on the south side.
Tabata looked back at the soldiers under his command.
A large force of 200 people.
Morale was high, everyone had faces brimming with confidence.
This gave Tabata a certain feeling that they would surely win.
– Chaaaaaaaaaaarge!
He ordered in a loud voice.
Battle cries roared instantly.
The frontline troops composed of 64 people started the assault with Tabata at the lead, the Kuroma forces and reserve forces strengthened the rear.
The elite ones the Japanese Division was proud of were clad in Prana of various colors and ran, using 《Godlike Movement》.
Their heels powerfully hit the ground, making very low frequency sounds.
They overlapped with the high-pitched tones of the battle cries, creating a battlefield symphony.
Tabata made an iron hammer manifest from the ID Tag and dashed to where Labyrinth was enshrined.
However, the goal wasn’t the Labyrinth.
Not long after the start of the assault, a huge rumbling resounded.
A roaring sound enough to cover all voices and footsteps of dozens of people fully.
The ground shook. If it wasn’t because they were Shiroganes who could use 《Godlike Movement》, the earthquake would have made it difficult to stand.
An abnormal situation as if a cataclysm had occurred.
– Look!
Someone screamed.
Not noticing such a thing would be strange.
In front of Tabata, countless cracks ran on the ground over a wide area that seemed to be several hundred meters in diameter.
And seven giant things pushed up from the bottom of the ground.
Those were horns.
Their thickness and length differed, but the horns were at least 10 meters tall.
Tabata looked up at them while keeping balance on the ground that shook furiously.
Horrifyingly, these huge horns were only a part of the target.
The body was still buried under the ground.
And that crawled out of the ground under the white sun with a large earthquake.
It appeared slowly, very slowly.
Without stopping. No matter how much time passed, seeing its full body was impossible.
Its huge body crawled out nonstop.
To the point of shouting “Enough already!”
How long was it going to take?
Finally, the demon completely showed up.
Sounds of gulping saliva were heard from everywhere.
He looked up at the monster with a length of several hundred meters and height of several tens of meters that seemed to cover the sky.
Tabata looked up so much his neck hurt.
It was an insect. If he had to deliberately compare it to something against his will, it would be a beetle with seven horns.
Fortress “Seven Horns”.
A black haze-like line of satana extended from behind, making a connection with Labyrinth.
The fortification of a stronghold protection usually hidden underground that appeared and fought when the inner citadel was in a critical situation.
(So this is Fortress…? It’s far more impressive than what I’ve heard)
Tabata trembled with excitement as he tightly grasped the iron hammer with both hands again.
Their task was to fight this monster until the rescue team completed the mission. If they did more damage and the Labyrinth had its hands full healing it, they could assist the rescue team travelling in the labyrinth on foot.
– Don’t lose your nerve, breaking the formation! Charge, charge, charge!
Once the earthquake subsided, Tabata himself took the lead and restarted the assault.
Seeing that, the Seven Horns bent forward as if to meet him and attack him.
The fat, long and irregular seven horns, from which its name came from, began to emit a flash of light all of a sudden.
An electrical discharge phenomenon──countless electrical currents ran in the air between the horns, flying about.
Each one of them was like a snake and the seven horns were like nests.
According to a report from Charles who battled with it once, it fired cannon-like lightning bolts from them.
– You impudent!
Tabata stopped running straight, made big steps and advanced while turning his body to the left and right.
Without letting it narrow in. Because the electric shock could only advance fast in a straight line, it was easy to deal with when doing this.
──That was what he expected.
The electric discharge of the Seven Horns increased more and more.
Tabata saw.
A strange phenomenon occurred between the horns that were like a snake’s nest due to the flying electric current.
Each of the fine electric current came to a stop in the air, curled up and carried a transformation that couldn’t be achieved by natural phenomenon.
Each and every one of them transformed into lightning butterflies as if emerging from a pupa.
– B-《Bugs》!*
*TN: Bugs is the furigana reading for “child”.
– No, they’re Evil Spirit species, aren’t they!?
– 《Bugs》of the Evil Spirit species!?
Screams rose from here and there.
A swarm of butterflies left the nest from the Seven Horns, flying down.
A slowness that didn’t seem to be made of electric current. But there were too many.
That kind of thing came attacking with a large number that completely covered the sky, causing physiological aversion and terror.
– Don’t panic. Engage the enemy!
Tabata immediately assessed the situation and gave a command in a loud voice.
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The charge was cancelled. Everyone paused, aimed at the swarm of butterflies and released 《Jupiter》.
If they hadn’t done that, they would have died. They were too many, evading them one by one or slipping through them was impossible.
– Oooora.
Tanaka swung the iron hammer, put prana of destruction on the wind that arose and set it free.
The affected butterflies disappeared one after another.
But there were some of them that flew without concern, around 10% of them.
A troublesome aspect of the Evil Spirit species that Light Techniques had trouble dealing with.
Some of the uncrushable butterflies reached Tabata, swarming him and bursting open while making violent electric explosions.
– Guuuu…
Although Tabata survived with 《Magic Resistance》, burns were created all around his body.
Screams were given from those who were struck by the butterflies all around the battlefield.
– Calm down! Calm down somehow or other!
Tabata shouted in anger but it had no effect at all.
Everyone had their hands full escaping from the butterflies in front of them that they couldn’t afford to listen to Tabata’s instructions.
Shrieks and screams dominated the field.
– If Surugsama were here, this would be…!
Grieves of despair echoed everywhere.
(Now, even if there are complaints, it will probably start…)
The chain of command collapsed completely and the Seven Horns itself came attacking there.
It just walked forward. Every time the giant feet stepped on the battlefield, his companions were sent flying.
Tabata was an excellent commander, therefore, he immediately realized.
The inevitable destruction──
Cold sweat flowed down Tabata’s spine.
And he decided when it flowed down.
– Everyone, retreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeat!
A big order carrying even prana.
The primitive scream, which couldn’t be called a Light Technique, ran over a wide area, shaking the atmosphere.
The panicked companions grimaced and came back to their senses as if cold water was poured on them.
With the sharp and loud rebuke of Tabata reverberating in the whole area, a tiny bit of control was restored.
They supported each other and started an escape while driving the swarm of butterflies away.
Though being the worst of the worst, they were able to escape. Tabata felt relieved.
At this point, it was the very best to not die in vain. It ended up happening so.
– The rear unit will fill the position of all Ranks! Group together!
To the continuous instructions, Wadatsumi Kaya hastened to reach Tabata’s location.
It was a mission that required steel determination, but as one would expect, nobody was hesitant.
But, as if to laugh at that resolution, the Seven Horns took an unbelievable action.
It suddenly stopped moving forward, turned around calmly and left the battlefield without going after them as if not being interested in small fries….
As they stared at its huge rear part that was leaving, Tabata and the others trembled in humiliation.
At the same time, they grinded their teeth at their own worthlessness.
It hadn’t been long since the battle started.
They weren’t able to keep the front for even a small moment and couldn’t even deliver a mere hit.
– We’ll run after it…
Tabata said as if groaning in a subdued voice.
– Run after it? Only the five of us?
– Shouldn’t it be better to call the subordinates back and put the organization back on its feet aga──
– That will take too long!
Kaya said flatly and the rest who acknowledged that reason closed their mouths.
– There’s no other way…. If we leave that thing as is, it’ll become a great problem.
What if, for example, the British Headquarters Force, which was in a battle with Statue, was attacked from behind?
Except for Edward, they would end up annihilated.
If they suffered a pincer attack, they wouldn’t be able to escape.
– The situation will flow depending on all of Seven Horns’ movements. That’s why we’re not going to take our eyes off it.
Tabata started running alone again.
Fortunately, the brave companions followed him silently.
It was something impossible for them to have another force fall into hell because of their own mistakes.
A single Strikers squad defended the front line of the Stronghold class.
Moreover, Moroha, Haruka and Kamekichi were absent.
Challenging the next to impossible──however, no one was being hesitant.
Because it was engraved in everyone’s hearts.
The memory of that summer when they fought against a Stronghold class for the first time under hopeless circumstances.
The experience they acquired in exchange for the hellish mortal combat told them.
“We can do it if we defend the front line”
Even though a huge monster crawled out of the bottom of the earth, no one became agitated.
They gallantly stared at it with a fixed gaze.
Its shape, if forced to compare it to something, resembled a sea anemone.
The tentacles were innumerable and their tips were all female faces. It was possible to call them “heads”.
They wriggled sinuously and mysteriously and laughed ominously and mockingly.
The Fortress “Sea Anemone”.
Charging at the front of 8 Shirogane, captain Isurugi gave an order.
– Sophia, to the right! Ranjou, to the left! Go!
「「Roger!」」
Sophia and Satsuki came to the front and ran to the left and right of Isurugi, making a line.
They were exactly 5 meters apart. The fruits of daily training.
A basic formation of three people, nicknamed “Trident” by the White Knight Organization.
(The right, huh. Why is it Ranjou from the beginning!?)
While running behind the three of them, Taketsuru exulted in his heart.
The remaining five people, including Taketsuru, were the rear guard. At the beginning of hostilities where the strength of the enemy and the attack method they had were unknown, a part of them would deal with it at once. Supposing they were wiped out by a ranged attack, it would be the end for them.
Similarly, Isurugi, Sophia and Satsuki, who would hit this virtual unknown enemy first, had an important responsibility.
Until now, Isurugi, Moroha and Sophia formed a trident. Even if Moroha wasn’t there, someone like Manako or Nosada would do it well.
To think Satsuki would be a great selection.
(She sure is enthusiastic, huh)
While seeing their retreating figures full of excitement, Taketsuru talked to himself in his chest.
On the other hand, seeing Satsuki and company charging at it, the Sea Anemone also moved.
Like a surge, it stretched its countless heads.
The distance between the opponents was shortened instantly, plunging into a cross range.*
*TN: Cross range is the furigana reading for battle range.
The human faces at the tip of the tentacles bared their fangs and discharged a rotten juice-looking venom.
Isurugi readied his wide-edged sword, Sophia readied her hardened glass shield and Satsuki readied her small sword.
– Oooh!
– Full power, full throttle!
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– Taaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!
《Jupiter》released by the three of them at the same time.
The similar but different brilliance of each prana──the flashes of light of Isurugi’s lightning yellow, Sophia’s bright yellow and Satsuki’s pure gold exploded.
A dazzling storm exercised its power.
The numberless heads that descended on them like an eerie surge were smashed to atoms, disappearing.
The three who opened hostilities successfully stepped firmly on the ground and took up positions right there.
The Sea Anemone was huge. Probably the number of tentacles didn’t drop.
The next heads flooded like a high wave right away, engaging the three of them.
– Moroha’s teachings──clear your mind, instead of looking at one thing, look at the whole picture, feel it, endure the bad feelings and hit! And strike! And beat!
Sophia used both ends of the surfboard-shaped shield held by both hands like a blunt weapon and struck each and every tentacle with human face coming to attack.
The blows unleashed from a pompous and dignified form made them burst like balloons.
– Y-you don’t need to tell me! Just when I was trying to not be aware of it!
Satsuki screamed as she swung her sword, driving the tentacles away.
Thanks to this, her form was so chaotic that it looked like a child’s sword play.
– Sophie-senpai, you stupid!
– I can’t hear you because my mind is clear!
The two girls were noisy even at times like this. However, their performance was furiously vigorous.
They splendidly tried to hold their ground there.
Since they were taking care of the left and right sides, Isurugi could concentrate only on the front──on attacking and nothing else.
– Ooooh!
He put himself in a hassou stance and swung down the sword together with a roar.
Isurugi was bursting with energy today, prana ran well on his sword blade.
With each stroke of the sword, five or six tentacles with human faces vanished all at once.
A shrieking sound.
The Stronghold class made full use of its own resources, but no matter how long it extended its tentacles, they would never come near them.
They were cleared away with the strong sword of 《Venus》, mowed down with a storm of 《Jupiter》and reduced to ashes with the swordflash of 《Mars》.
The overwhelming attack power also became an invincible defense.
This was the effectiveness of Trident.
A formation that made use of the power of the Aces who excelled at attacking by 150%.
Not only that, since the today’s Aces were in perfect form, even a Stronghold class could be stopped.
If the three of them weren’t completely able to hold their ground, then at that moment, and following the standard practice, Taketsuru and the others would have to come in and increase the number of the vanguard to four or five people, but there were no signs of such instruction coming from Isurugi.
However, the rear guard had no time for that.
They released 《Jupiter》as required, covering them,
– Come, Souya! Take turns with Ranjou!
As soon as there was an order from Isurugi, the left and right vanguard were replaced.
The called Manako stood next to Satsuki, took the place she was in charge of and fought.
– T-thank you very much!
– It is my duty after all.
Manako replied coolly while cutting off a tentacle with human face.
Satsuki, who came back totteringly, had all her body cover in venom and injuries like she was burned.
– Don’t be impatient, go get healed.
– Y-yes.
Taketsuru winked and Satsuki headed staggeringly towards Shizuno and the rest of the Kuromas waiting for her.
Using every little bit of the 《Saviors》wasn’t allowed.
Allowing so wasn’t the standard practice of the White Knight Organization.
Healing by means of Dark Arts took a bit of time, but if the three vanguards rotated with the four rear guards, then they could gain time. When Sophia and Manako got injured, Taketsuru and Nosada replaced them, and when Taketsuru also got injured, the brimming-with-vigor Satsuki came back.
Of course, even though Isurugi was at the front line, he could grasp the situation of his companions perfectly and could issue instructions for substitution before it became dangerous.
Despite all that, if he got a little injured, it didn’t mean that he had to be substituted immediately, he would pull back at the last moment. Otherwise, a rotation couldn’t be maintained. His grasp of the battle situation was superb.
While Isurugi swung the sword more ferocious than anyone else, his head constantly analyzed his and his opponent’s battle strength.
His field of vision was terribly wide, as if all 360 degrees were caught by his eyes.
He wasn’t just only blessed with military prowess, he also possessed high tactical commanding abilities.
Back then at the summer camp, Moroha tried the stunt of stopping the advancement of the Stronghold class by himself, but in the case of Isurugi, if he had companions that cooperated with him, it would be like this.
This was the reason why the White Knight Organization put emphasis on formation and teamwork and thoroughly enforced it at the training agencies.
Isurugi Jin was, so to speak, the ideal, the heaven-sent child of that standard practice.
The so-called formula machine created by Akane Academy.*
*TN: Formula machine is the furigana reading for masterpiece.
Since he became the captain, Strikers not only got the best war results in Japan, they also got nobody killed in action, so it wasn’t like there was no reason for it.
(Well, I’d say that more than that kind of thing, you want the strength of an individual like Moroha)
From Taketsuru’s point of view, it was something extravagant to be worried about.
(You see, if you hadn’t used it, I would have dropped out of this team long ago)
Isurugi, who burned to nothing the tentacles with the swordflashes released together with slashing attacks, gave instructions without taking a break and let Sophia and Nosada be replaced.
Their retreating figures made him vividly remember the leaders and brave generals who made their names on the ancient battlefield.
Seeing that, Taketsuru deeply respected him from the bottom of his heart.
– Taketsuru, you’re up! Replace Souya!
– Okey-dokey!
They could only be on this team until graduation.
While tasting the delight of fighting to the side of Isurugi, Taketsuru rushed to the front line.
When Isurugi, Sophia and Manako were still fighting on the front line──
Satsuki, who retreated to a safe zone,
– I still lack tons of experience!
She made the shape of 大 on the ground and regretted in a loud voice.
– Ara? Only experience is what you’re lacking?
Being ridiculed by Shizuno who was treating her, Satsuki became angry.
– Don’t talk nonsense, and be quiet. You’re getting in the way of 《Hearing》.
Similarly, she got scolded by Tokiko and became angrier.
She wanted to flap both hands and feet like a child, but if she did that, the healing process would actually take more time and her return to the front line would be delayed; she was her own weight.
As she made a sullen look,
– I have… I have to stand there longer than Sophie-senpai at least.
– Why are you obsessive about strange things?
– … Because. If Moroha were here, then Isurugi-senpai would be on the right and who would be on the left? When that moment comes, I want to stand next to Moroha! I want to support him!
– I told you not to raise your voice! Be quiet!
– Oouch.
Receiving a slap on the face from Tokiko, Satsuki now had tears in her eyes, without saying anything.
Shizuno crawled her fingers on her reddened cheek and said while spelling healing magic characters.
– Then you have to heal quickly and return to get experience, no?
Although her words were in the form of a joke, her tone of voice was kind.
If she didn’t make fun of her as usual, Satsuki wouldn’t feel well.
– Uh.
She groaned.
– Y-you don’t 『have to agree』to do something like this. Don’t you want to achieve more and fire offensive Dark Arts one after another?
Strikers had Kuromas such as the third-year student Doujima and the second-year student Takenaka, both of them standing by as the ones in charge of healing. It seemed that giving fire support was better for Shizuno whose forte was Dark Arts of ice.
– I have been asked by Moroha to take care of everyone.
Shizuno said so, held her tongue and devoted herself to treat her.
– What!? Haimura is going to mess me up!? That’s cunning! And unfair!*
*TN: What Moroha does to her isよろしくされて, I deduce from the way Tokiko speaks, which is always dirty, that is something along those lines, but I can be wrong. There’s no hint as to why it can be except for “something indecent” as I found on the web.
Tokiko began to shout, but they ignored her with great concentration.
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Satsuki stared at Shizuno nursing her cordially.
– …….
She was more gallant and neat and tidy than usual.
It was strange because she looked like a shining halo somehow. When in reality she was a woman with a wicked tongue!
(Tsk)
She thought Moroha was cruel because this witch ended up transforming into a nightingale just by having asked a few words.
(If only he could make that with me and me only)
She knew it wasn’t the case for that, but the flame of jealousy flared up.
– I insist, you have to go and give fire support. That’s appropriate for a witch.
– I don’t know why you got so angry, but…
Shizuno sighed in lamentation,
– The moment I do so, I’m sure I’ll be told to go back, no?
She slowly turned around.
Being lured by her, Satsuki followed her gaze.
Far behind the battlefield. Far, far behind.
A distance of 100 meters and a little.
A number of mysterious people were there.
Everyone wore goat skull masks and was wrapped in black robes, an ominous outfit.
There were men and women. Their statures were of all ranges.
The Les Éléments of 「Cradle of the Sun」.
44 Cathedral knights, masters of Dark Arts.
Stamping their feet, they were about to reach the battlefield at last.
There was a reason why the arrival of 《Les Éléments》 was a little late.
When Chloe notified them that their preparations were ready through radio, they were deployed far behind compared to now.
From there, they watched the war situation while moving forward and slowly advanced until they got where they had to be.
What were they so careful about?
That was, of course, to see how much Strikers defended the front line.
If the barrier was unstable, moving forward would be too dangerous for the 《Dark Saviors》Chloe and company.
If the Strikers were able to hold out in one place, it would allow them to get closer to the 《Metaphysical》.
The shorter the distance, the stronger the power of the Dark Arts when impacting.
– I think 100 meters will do, no?
– I am sorrryyyy, but I object. I think 90 meters is fiiiine.
– As expected of the people of Akane Academy.
They discussed as they came walking.
No matter how superior the vanguard 《Light Saviors》were, if there was no fire support from the Dark Saviors, the treatment of the ones that gradually got injured wouldn’t be enough against the fierce attacks of the 《Metaphysical》 and their rotation would collapse.
However, in the unlikely event that they misread the distance, came too close and were attacked by the 《Metaphysical》, the Dark Arts corps would crumble and both would fall together. They couldn’t compromise on that consideration.
– Neither boss Zlatan nor Blaise-chan are here, so we can’t make a decision.
– I am sorry for being unreliaaaable. I am really bad at taking leadership.
– About that, the Vice Division Head can determine it. Correct?
Chloe winked at Flavie who was next to her.
Her companions probably didn’t see her through the mask.
– I have been away from battle for a long time, haven’t I?
– Your intuition shouldn’t have become that dull though.
– You are saying something unreasonable…
Flavie was stunned, but because she was on the battlefield, she didn’t further grumble about it.
She stood straight and started to walk with lively steps.
She was trying to be hidden in the procession, but she took the lead.
The sense of inferiority based on her five-year absence disappeared.
The return of the Vice Division Head.
The return of the leader of the Knights who commanded sly old dogs in place of Charles who did as he pleased like a cat.
Chloe and the others looked at each other’s face and followed her with great joy.
Flavie gently raised her hand.
At the signal of 「Stop the march」, the magicians stopped without disrupting the line.
They were about 80 meters away from Sea Anemone.
It was Flavie’s decision to stand and fight here.
– The target is huge, so aiming at it will not be a problem. All members, shoot at it with your maximum mana.
She was rough at first,
– These five years, show it to me.
Then kindly gave an order.
Instead of replying, Chloe and company started spelling as if contesting their own abilities.
And a splendor of magic bloomed in profusion.
From the 3rd Rank to the 6th Rank.
A great variety of Dark Arts, such as simple and unmatched shock waves, bright red flames, gushing spears, slashing gusts, blizzards, thunder, voids──forces of destruction and ruin were fired, growing wild and exercising power.
They violently exploded on the body surface of Sea Anemone, detonating like a chain, showering it with blows.
Like a simultaneous volley.
It shaved off about 20% of the giant that was over 100 meters long.
A roar burst, it was so loud it could be heard even by the Strikers on the front line.
This dreadfulness, this firepower that matched the number of the high-ranking Dark Saviors.
Matching the former Russia, the true strength of France was feared even now.*
*TN: Russia is the furigana reading for “the worst and most sinister” and France is the furigana reading for “Cradle of the Sun”.
As soon as they arrived at the battlefield, they showed off their strong presence with a single blow, but nobody was full of pride.
With each person carrying out an effect measurement very uninterestedly, they assessed the firepower.
The Sea Anemone had lost a lot of volume, but it performed physical regeneration in a 「quite natural-looking」state.
Despite they shaved off about 20% of it, it was restored to its original state.
The Labyrinth sent satana and healed it.
Even though they saw that absurdity, without becoming confused or losing their cool, 《Les Éléments》,
– The regeneration speed is higher than Sea Monster species’.
– Kahahah. I thought “if it’s our firepower, then we can surprisingly kill it”.
– I became over-excited, I am sorryyyyy.
– Isn’t it interesting if you consider this as a firepower test?
They chatted like they were on a picnic.
Nobody was agitated even when knowing that it was a genuine immortal Stronghold class.
Naturally.
If they had lost their composure and got the cold feet with something like this, they would have been expelled long ago.
By their genius master, the 11th Saint-Germain.
– You fools! How long do you plan to play? If you have the time to chirp, then burn it! Hit it! Cut it! Make an oversized flower path for the Seventh Person who crawls through the labyrinth.
Their master, who came flying from the heavens, scolded Chloe and the others as he glared at them.
The scolding of the extremely severe Charles.
From an elevated place where no tentacles would reach him even though it was a Stronghold class, he sent heavy bomb-like flames and snowstorms.
Without bearing it, the Sea Anemone writhed in agony.
– Kahahah. Charles-sama is straightforward and nice, isn’t he?
– At least say it impatiently.
– I think both are speaking ill of hiiim. I am sorry for retortiiiing.
Chloe and the others had a lighthearted talk.
What kind of Dark Arts should be summoned next──?
As everyone thought so openly with a smile on their faces.