Chapter 7
Chapter 7 The Impact
Swordsman and fist fighter faced each other.
On one hand, there was Edward dressed in silver armor and helmet, welding a long sword with both hands.
On the other hand, a《Metaphysical》 whose whole body was made of steel and who swung both steel fists.
Two warriors who had something to communicate.
The biggest difference between the two was that the height of the fist fighter was over 30 meters.
The Fortress “Statue”.
If forcibly compared to something, it was a steel bust with two arms.
Although it was much bigger than the Dreadnought class, its characteristic was that it was extremely small compared to other Stronghold classes.
However, it was a big mistake to think it was weaker than others. What was fearsome was its keen and nimble nature.
Despite its huge body, the speed of the punches unleashed by both arms was tremendous.
If he approached it carelessly, the steel fists, which were larger than the human body, would fly like a rapid-fire gun.
Without being able to see everything easily even with 《Clairvoyance》, he would end up being hit and crushed flat.
When it came to Edward, he sometimes hit back the fists with the long sword and sometimes received and endured them with the armor, holding his ground.
His majestic figure was in no way inferior to the heroes of mythical worlds who challenged terrifying giants without hesitation.
That was how he looked to AJ!
(Yes…. My lord… ♥)
In fact, no one was superior to Edward when it came to the ability of holding up the front line and taking on the 《Metaphysical》.
Since her master stood firm alone in the most dangerous area, AJ and the others should continue hitting and running away from the side and back of Statue without going too far.
Probably because everyone understood Statue was the scariest one, it didn’t come to attack AJ and the others while turning its back on Edward. Of course, if it came, and it would come, they just had to scatter and run away.
Believing that “Lampard the Rampart” would never be overtaken, the Dark Arts forces could attack at a distance of up to 50 meters. The British Headquarters chronically lacked talented Dark Saviors, but if they were brought this near, their firepower could be used within limitations.
These were surely Edward’s tactics, the British Division which could exist solely thanks to Edward.
As long as there was the strongest piece which was him, the opponent wouldn’t matter whether it was a Dreadnought class or a Stronghold class.
The start was superb.
The front was stable and damage was dealt steadily.
Although all that was carved was regenerated, the exploration of Moroha and company would be much easier.
And around 15 minutes after the start of the battle──
– I deliver an order from the Japanese Division!
A person of the reserve corps who held a walkie-talkie in their hands shouted loudly.
AJ stopped attacking and asked loudly.
– Something happened!?
– Y-yes. The Japanese diversion forces were crushed already and Seven Horns headed for the Labyrinth!
– Crushed already!?
It was too soon──even if it wasn’t AJ, she couldn’t help but click her tongue.
– It cannot be helped.
Edward said as he easily stopped the steel fists of Statue which were larger than himself with the sword.
– I’ll take charge of this guy alone, so I leave Seven Horns to you guys.
– But──
AJ refuted and held back from saying something.
Certainly, they had no choice.
If it was Edward, he could hold back Statue alone.
That was an absolute fact. Doubting so was betrayal.
The only question was whether or not they could take on a Stronghold class by themselves.
– If there are cowards who can’t fight and who are going to hide behind my lord, step forward while you can!
With a bloodcurdling look in her eyes, AJ looked around at her companions.
One imprudent person tried to raise their hand, but when he was glared at with mad dog-like eyes, they immediately withdrew their hand.
– There seems to be nobody! In that case, follow me!
She led all the men and women under her command, left Edward behind and changed direction.
The Dark Arts forces that couldn’t use《Godlike Movement》were carried by the reserve squad.
(… I have a strange feeling)
Whenever AJ fought, she fought while staring at the back of Edward who fought alone on the front line.
Or fighting, doing a pincer attack with Edward like in this battle with Statue.
Now, AJ was in a state where her back and Edward’s back were facing each other, this was the first time──they did something like this, and somehow, a strange feeling poked her chest.
If arrogant words were allowed, it appeared as if they entrusted their backs with each other….
– I’m fired uuuuuup!
She ran through the unpleasant and extremely damp ground in one breath and saw the target ahead.
The Seven Horns was crouching near the Labyrinth.
What it was doing was obvious.
The electric butterflies were born inexhaustibly between the seven horns from which its name was derived and slipped into the body through the caves on the body surface of Labyrinth.
The so-called electric butterflies were soldiers guarding the stronghold.
They were heading in large numbers to kill Moroha and the others who invaded the center.
She felt like cold water was poured on her, her raised morale vanished.
Instead, her field of vision turned red with anger.
– Hurry up!
AJ accelerated noticeably.
Her feet running through the mud got heavily dirty.
– Please wait, AJ-san!
Suddenly, a bold voice came from the side.
She didn’t know who it belonged to, but it was poor English.
– Draw back! I’m in a hurry!
– Listen as we run! There’s a trick to fight with the Stronghold class!
AJ came to her senses.
When she noticed, the《Saviors》of the Japanese Division were coming from the side.
Their number was no more than 5. Were they the survivors who escaped the destruction? However, when looking closely at them, they were all familiar to her.
They were Rank Light Saviors, including Tabata Katsuie.
Maybe they resented it to a large extent because they went through the bitter experience of being almost perfectly crushed.
All five of them had a ferocious look in their eyes.
Guys like this were always useful.
– I don’t have time. Keep it short.
AJ listened to their words without slowing down.
After Tabata issued the withdrawal order──
As the five of them went after Seven Horns that went away, they thought about the cause of their defeat.
Even if they just went after it without pressing it, they might repeat the same stupidity.
They hoped for certain victory and mobilized an unprecedented force of 200 people.
Even if Suruga Andou wasn’t here.
Even if their conditions differed from the troops of other countries which were protected by Edward and Charles.
Of course, they thought they could do it.
(I’m proud when I think about it…)
Conversely, when the Stronghold class appeared off the coast of Yamaguchi prefecture, they saw the reason why Isurugi and the others fought.
At that time, the Strikers broke the withdrawal order and fought against the Stronghold class with a few people.
In other words, they were dead soldiers.
Perhaps their determination was different even before appearing in the battle.
This time, Tabata and the others were in a cloudy state.
(I noticed that way too late…)
Tabata looked around at the four companions who remained around him.
The fighting spirit in the eyes of everyone was dark and smoky like glowing ember.
If these eyes were made by all 200 people from the beginning…
(I can’t help but lament. We have to do it, the five of us. Only the five of us)
What remains, is it something we can do?
Tabata seriously considered it.
What is at stake is the life of my companions, my life and the life of everyone else.
He certainly thought desperately. Help, maybe?
Something flashed into his mind.
The numbers of Strikers was extremely small, they proudly fought with the Stronghold class on the coast of Yamaguchi prefecture.
Tabata and the others had numerical superiority and were stomped by Seven Horns with a single stroke.
(Isn’t their number small for fighting?)
(Rather, how can a small number fight?)
That Stronghold-class giant and the existence of 《bugs》 that could attack in a wide area were just about to kill the armed forces.
If that was the case──
– I see, interesting…
Upon hearing the summarized explanation of Tabata, AJ grinned.
As she ran, she looked back at her companions and gave an order.
– Only the Ranks will attack! All the rest protect the Dark Arts forces from the《Bugs》. Even the Dark Arts forces will give maximum priority to the elimination of《Bugs》. If you have time for it, attack the main body, understood!?
Placing the trailing forces like that, she suddenly accelerated again.
It was a method that came to mind on the spur of the moment, but she praised her own wares quite a lot. Making her allies stay together and follow the rules from the beginning and being able to rampage without restraint was truly AJ’s choice.
– Those who attack will only aim at its legs. Do what Isurugi does.
Tabata, who came along with her, interjected and AJ acknowledged him.
Even if the legs are smashed, they’ll be regenerated, but if they keep smashing them for a while, they should be able to limit its movements.
If that giant ran around them, it would be unbearable.
The number of Ranks in the British Division like AJ and the others was of 7 people.
Seven Horns had six legs.
Calculations said two people should smash one leg.
– Make a pair with me.
A dark-skinned woman ran side by side.
AJ didn’t remember her name, but it was Wadatsumi Kaya.
– I’m interested in how much of a Shirogane the one called “the right arm of Sir Edward” is.
– Don’t hinder my job, young girl.
– You’re my senior!? ──I mean, that’s okay, Nee-san. But remember this. I’m Wadatsumi from Hakata branch office, so my name is quite popular.*
*TN: This Wadatsumi is the furigana reading for “sea god”.
– I’m not aware of it. What rural area is that?
– Hakata is a metropolis!
As they cracked jokes, the twelve most elite members of both armies arrived at the location of Seven Horns.
Smiling as if baring her fangs, AJ let Kaya accompany her. Her eyes were pleased. She had the smell of a mad dog.
The pairs spread in six directions.
AJ and Kaya were in charge of the right front leg.
AJ split the double-headed sword into two from the start and hacked the foot to pieces with both hands.
Without bearing it, the Seven Horns raged in pain.
AJ, who was kicked by the giant leg, didn’t bear it either, pulling back for a moment and poising herself again for a charge.
Suddenly, a chill──a sign that the inorganic compound eyes of Seven Horns were looking at her.
In fact, the demon stopped sending electric butterflies inside Labyrinth and flooded the twelve swordsmen gathered at its feet.
(With this, I shouldn’t worry about Moroha for the time being…)
However, it was still too early to be relieved, and with the sight of the electric butterflies that filled the sky to capacity descending on them, even AJ felt shivers.
Smashing the feet of the main body while driving those things away was something hard to do──
– Leave the disposal of the butterflies to me, Nee-san!
Kaya bent the whip made of water and mowed down the electric butterflies.
Leaving aside the matter of whether it was her 《Mars》 or 《The Origin》, this was the perfect weapon for this situation.
With this, AJ could concentrate on attacking the foot of the main body. But when she saw that the seven horns began an even greater electrical discharge, she clicked her tongue.
– Tch. There were more of them?
She feared that, as advised by Charles, a very powerful, long range lightning attack would come.
If so, she had no choice but to jump and dodge it at the same time it fired it.
AJ stood ready, strained her eyes and stared fixedly at the horns on its head in the distance.
At that moment.
*Boom*──
A sound so heavy and loud that even reverberated inside her roared.
Something flew over the sky filled with electric butterflies to capacity as if tearing it to pieces.
Something similar to a black cannonball as if made of condensed darkness.
It directly hit the smallest horn of the Seven Horns.
A deafening-like explosive sound and a crashing sound echoed.
In front of the eyes of AJ who unconsciously stopped plugging her ears, the horn of over 10 meters in length was broken. It snapped. And fell down.
– What the!?
The roar of a cannon reverberated once more and a jet-black cannonball cut off the air, hitting and breaking the second smallest horn.
The immense lightning attack that Seven Horns had accumulated also dispersed before being fired.
What the hell had happened?
Normally one would think it was an attack by means of Dark Arts, but AJ didn’t know a Dark Arts user who could show such power from the troops in the back.
Did someone in the unit suddenly awaken and remembered a powerful《The Origin》?
No, there was no way that it was such a ridiculous thing.
《Ancestral Arts》 weren’t that cheap.
If one practiced the techniques one had in dreams again and again in the real world, one would regain the physical sensation of it and finally take hold of it. Apart from AJ who suddenly remembered it and had some experience, reaching the point of suddenly using it on the spot was beyond common sense even for a《Savior》.
Then what was that?
AJ forgot to swing her sword and looked back, behind the battlefield.
The swarm of butterflies stopped attacking AJ and the others and flew there like clouds and haze.
That something Seven Horns couldn’t bear to overlook was there too.
The reserve forces in the rear and the Dark Arts forces were separated left and right without any command.
They made way to let that something pass through.
When she witnessed its identity,
– Huh!?
AJ let out a hysteric voice.
That thing that appeared was that odd.
To use a simile, it was a mechanical tortoise.
Steel shell. Caterpillar tracks instead of limbs. And a gun turret stuck out instead of a neck.
A strange thing that could only be called… a turtle tank appeared with an imposing air.
It advanced while making manly caterpillar track sounds, shooting a bullet with a triumphant bombarding sound and breaking the third smallest horn.
Probably because it had a built-in speaker, a human voice was heard from inside the turtle tank.
『Uhyo hyo hyo hyo! Did you see it? Did you see my always hitting bull’s-eye? Because I’m in the Genius-Rank with a sense of bombardment, could this be the return of an even greater multitalented entertainer Leonardo da Vinci like me? You see, this is something you have to praise, don’t you think? You have no choice but to transmit it to future generations. 「Kamekichi Mannendou──he who is a match for thousands」 or something like that! 』
『I am really sorry for being late! The poor mobility is a point that will need improvement in the future. In any case, due to the imperial command of Paris Saint-Germain, I, the first knight, have come to assist like this!』
『I also apologize! But-I’d-like you to forgive me…. The hero always comes late, you seeeee? Uoooh, I’m super cooOOooOOl』
AJ was amazed.
She wasn’t familiar with the name of Kamekichi Mannendou but when it came to Charles’ first knight, the mysterious French Zlatan, then that was impossible.
If that was the case, then this odd weapon was a golem he made?
A manned golem, even fantastic stuff had a limit.
She had heard that Zlatan was placed as reserve corps during the briefing, but to think he would appear like this. If only my lord had told me a word about this. How unkind. But that’s good.
At any rate, it was a powerful reinforcement.
Companions showed in with acclamation.
But AJ suddenly realized,
– How are you so calm, coming out to the front so shamelessly!?
Since it had such a long range attack, there was no reason to expressly be on the front line.
It became the prey of the butterflies.
AJ thought so, but,
『There’s nothing to worry about, my lady. This is our job as knights. Please watch』
The turtle tank advanced without fear.
Recklessness had a limit, but they weren’t going to stop or listen.
In an instant, the rushing butterflies swarmed it frighteningly in swarms.
The people near the turtle tank escaped suddenly.
The live butterfly-shaped electric shocks exploded as soon as they swarmed the tank, attacking it incessantly as they met their end.
Hundreds and thousands of times.
Being swarmed like this gave no chance of standing against it.
– I told you so!
AJ covered her face.
But,
『A certain alloy can collect just the strong points of multiple metals and minerals──』
The turtle tank continued bombarding solemnly, without a feeling of caring about it.
『──The electric resistance of mica is more than 1013』
There wasn’t a single scratch on the armor.
『You won’t stop us unless there’s a trillion of you!』
『Now, it is time for the counterattack. Crossing swords with a mighty and great opponent certainly is the long-cherished desire of a knight. Honor is the only thing that is always rolling in my path!』
The plunging turtle tank scattered the electric butterflies and spouted flames from the gun turret as it created a cloud of dust with the caterpillar tracks.
That thing was so majestic it couldn’t be seen as odd anymore.
The bombardment increased as soon as a horn regenerated, now three horns were always broken.
Probably because of that, even the number of the electric butterflies that were born suddenly fell.
– Kukuh. The consequences are finally coming, aren’t they?
AJ perceived that by her sense of smell, not by her tactical eye.
Countless electric butterflies ahead.
The silhouette of death behind.
A completely unparalleled pincer-attack stance.
Moroha, who was driven to an inescapable situation, finished spelling magic characters without being perturbed.
– What is born from water, Returns to water And collapse
Releasing a convergent torrent from the left hand, he swung it as if it were a sword, mowing down the electric butterflies.
At the same time, he turned around, swung the holy sword in his right hand and cleared away the claws of Shade that approached from behind from the elbow.
──My eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeears
Shade writhed in pain.
– You won’t perturb Moroha!
There, Haruka struck its body with a ramming attack and rolled on the ground so that she could bring Shade along with her.
To reward her good judgment, Moroha continuously fired Dark Arts of water with Blaise, wiping out the electric butterflies.
The number that descended on them at the beginning was absurd, but without a following, they could be wiped out soon. It didn’t took a long time because Haruka and Tanaka crossed swords with Shade and kept it entertained.
Eliminating his anxieties, Moroha confronted Shade.
He held his sword and surrounded it with Haruka and Tanaka.
He stood stock still for a short while and narrowed the distance slowly but steadily to Shade who made its shoulders go up and down as if breathing heavily.
The right elbow of Shade that had just been cut off began to regenerate.
Moroha glanced at the sphere that fit into the chest of the Evil Spirit.
At first it was pure black, but it had become half around it, it was gray now.
Compared to the toughness of the headless Evil Spirit class which had been reduced approximately to the same level after eating all the fierce attacks of Charles, this felt meagre in that respect.
When the end of the right elbow was completely regenerated, Shade raised it overhead.
They were still far away from Shade.
What is it going to do? Moroha put himself on guard.
Suddenly, and before their eyes, Shade thrust its own claw into its heart.
──Listeeen! Listen, I tell youuuuu! Use whatever methooooooood!
A large crack ran in the gray core.
From there, satana gushed out with an extraordinary force.
A dense and negative force so dark that it could be clearly seen.
Shade wore a black miasma like Shiroganes put prana on their whole bodies.
──First of all, let me hear about youuuuu!
Making the miasma sway from its whole body like a heat haze, Shade swooped down on Haruka.
Making impressiveness that looked like firm conviction overflow, it raised the claws overhead.
– I won’t let you do it!
Haruka wasn’t overawed.
After seeing the movement of Shade, she made a start and engaged the approaching enemy directly opposite with a dash.
The perfect timing to take a Go no Sen.
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Haruka’s sword penetrated the core of Shade before the claws were swung down.
However, it was an afterimage! The swing missed.
The real body of Shade went round and cut in behind her.
No, not only behind her.
The figures of Shade that attacked Haruka were above her, at her right, left and feet!
A way of walking like it mixed 《Komon》 and 《Donrou》.
It made afterimages, attacking the unguarded enemy and immediately connecting clone attacks, the only way to call that was Demon Techniques.
The tenacity of the Evil Spirit that made satana overheat and that fought, shortening its life.
– Kuh…
Moroha, who had tried to cover for Haruka immediately, hesitated as he held his sword.
The limit Moroha could make clones with 《Donrou》 was four.
Right now, the number of Shades that attacked Haruka was five.
He fell short by one.
Then Haruka would suffer damage.
If so──
(The hell with it…)
Moroha tried to rush to Haruka to put himself between them as a shield.
Then, the very instant he took a step.
His eyes met Haruka’s eyes.
Their gazes crossed in the world of a fraction of a second.
Enough for their thoughts to be transmitted.
(Don’t worry)
Haruka’s eye contact.
(More importantly, go for that)
Taking that intent, Moroha obeyed without hesitation.
He didn’t need to go save her. Instead,
– Oooooo…
The seven gates in his whole body were fully opened and his prana was drawn especially from the point below the navel.
The inexhaustible springing power was poured into Saratiga.
At the same time.
He exercised his mana and put characters into written form in the air.
The 5 Shade approached from five sides, wearing a cold killing intent and devastating satana.
An encirclement as if it were a giant black palm that tried to crush Haruka.
(Calm down, me…)
Haruka told herself.
(What’s important is courage. It’s what I lack the most)
Now it should be the time to muster that.
If she was intimidated here again, Tekka wouldn’t forgive her.
And above all──
(I won’t have the nerve to face Moroha!)
A strong light of will was lighted in the eyes of Haruka and the prana of her whole body wavered like a blue and shining flame.
The siege attack of Shade was closing in on her.
At this rate, Haruka’s body would end up being torn apart──it would have looked like that.
To the ones around her.
Haruka created an afterimage with the way of walking 《Komon》 and escaped before she was crushed by the encirclement as if spilling from its hands.
As if to return the favor, the clone melted away and went round and cut in behind Shade.
After she forced herself with five clones and swung and missed, she stared fixedly at the back of Shade which was in a posture as if falling forward.
But,
──Bare your heart! And let me hear you directlyyyyyyy!
Shade tried to tear off the flesh around its shoulders, forcibly waving its arms to the back, attacking Haruka.
The claws on both arms were coming close to her.
At this rate, Haruka’s chest would end up being pierced──that was how it looked like.
To the ones around her.
The body of Haruka, which should have been impaled, disappeared like a mist.
In other words, this was also an afterimage.
Two 《Komon》 in a row.
Until now, it wasn’t like it was impossible.
However, in actual fighting, Haruka didn’t have the courage to use her trump card even once.
The real Haruka turned in front of Shade again, brought her body down, stretched like a spring and drove an upper cut into its stomach with all her strength.
The collapsed posture of Shade who excessively attacked and used way of walking had no way to avoid it.
A clean hit.
But there was a miscalculation. The body of Shade was surprisingly heavy (It was no surprise 《Metaphysicals》 broke the rules), so the 《Strength》of the speed-specialized Haruka could make it float about a meter only.
– Your teacher shall help you too.
Tanaka provided protection there.
He kicked flying Shade who danced in the air and launched it even higher.
Making its limbs flap, the silhouette flew through the air.
This meant that even such a cheating creature didn’t have flying abilities.
– Do it, Moroha!
Looking up, Haruka screamed.
– Here I go──
Moroha gave a short answer.
The holy sword in his right hand was already filled with the whitest glimmer in the 3D universe.
The fingertips of his left hand already finished spelling a one-line phrase.
– Flutter, fluttering wings of the phoenix As light and pale as sparks Release me Untie me from the constraints of gravity immediately.
Ancestral Arts Dark Arts 《Decrease Weight》.
Weight left Moroha’s body.
The false domain of the Shinsen.
He held his breath like a speed racer and ran off.
He made his speed explode with 《Donrou》.
The figure of Moroha was blurred many times. He made clones.
One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine people──
Nobody, not even Tekka, had reached a world that had never been reached.
– Raaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!
He soared.
The 《Ars Magna》 in the sword blade drew nine traces of white light.
Towards Shade who couldn’t move at all in the air.
Just like that, a nine-headed dragon bared its fangs to heaven. The nine Moroha swung their sword.
Nine cuts──
To the head, right shoulder, left arm, right shin, left thigh, right side, trunk, abdomen and black heart of Shade.
The whole body of the Evil Spirit was slashed thoroughly.
Moroha soared to the sky as he was and returned to a single body with a sword-swinging posture.
Moroha was able to master nine clones by bringing his own weight to zero by means of Dark Arts.
However, losing weight also meant losing the power of the sword.
The critic of Edward which said “it doesn’t make sense” was not wrong.
However, he didn’t know.
That Moroha, who held the holy sword Saratiga in his hand, had a trump card called 《Mars》.
It was ridiculous to discuss the power of the sword, the absolute concept that cut when touched.
Therefore, the combination of 《Decrease Weight》, 《Donrou》 and 《Mars》.
Later on, the White Knight Organization would name it as:
Ancestral Arts Yin Yang 《Hydra》.
The sensation of being pulled by gravity returned.
Moroha stared at a point in the air as he surrendered himself to the free fall.
Similarly, Haruka, Blaise and the others were also looking up as if eating into it.
For some reason, Tanaka had a reflecting expression and pointed to that point.
– Hey. It’s your victory.
The place where the eyes of everyone gathered.
The sign of being cut into pieces in the sky, of the body of Shade crumbling down and of the black heart being cut in two.
A pale glitter flickered.
Moroha already knew. It was the brightness of the soul.
In the end, the light that kept dispersing for a while gathered in one place.
Like pointillist painting, it took the shape of a person.
It looked like a middle-aged man with sunken cheeks and rolled eyes.
– Office Head Kashiwaba…
The two of the members of the Internal Audit Office muttered in unison, sounding nostalgic.
Kashiwaba’s soul looked down at them, extended his hand,
『Listen──』
He began to say as if making an appeal.
Being tense, Moroha also listened carefully.
『──The influence of the 《Demon》 was more powerful than we expected. Even when confining Shiba Akira, it didn’t end. The remnant who claims to be the king and those who call themselves “Six Wings” are still operating behind the scenes. That “Invisible” was one of them』
Each word Kashiwaba said contained vocabulary Moroha knew and didn’t know, the meaning of them was and wasn’t connected, and that was frustrating.
He needed to hear more details. However, every time Kashiwaba spoke, the brilliance that composed his body drifted into the air as if fusing with the wind.
『Please, convey my report! We severely belittled them…. 《Metaphysicals》 are by no means a natural occurrence, and their “Shaman” is──』
His words came to an end as the last fragment of brilliance drifted.
– This is damn serious.
Haruka was greatly perplexed.
But Moroha moved his neck to the left and right.
– It cannot be helped. Let’s hurry our mission.
Everyone nodded.
Blaise dived into Moroha’s shadow and the two members of the Internal Audit Office shouldered the unconscious Suzuhara.
– Thank you, Haimurkun.
– You can listen to the continuation of the Office Head’s words afterwards and as much as you want.
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They thanked him,
– Well, I didn’t do this alone.
Moroha replied as he looked at Haruka, Tanaka and his own shadow.
Then turned his eyes to the depths of the cave, strained his eyes and ran off to the darker side of the satana.
His path was still gloomy, and the depths of the depths couldn’t be seen through in the darkness.
Nevertheless, and unlike when they were advancing while being cautious about where Shade was hidden, it didn’t look that much uncanny, the humans gloated over a calculating thing.
With Moroha as the lead, they headed for the central part of the Labyrinth in a row again──
Shade fell.
In other words, there was no need to conceal their footing anymore, they could run with all their strength.
The five people who excelled at 《Godlike Movement》 ran as fast as they could.
Calling it fast didn’t do justice.
Moroha and company dashed like a cool breeze blowing through the cave where even the air was stagnated with the dense satana.
No matter how complicated the road might branch off, the powers of observation of Moroha immediately read the correct route.
Everyone outside was doing their best. The structure of the maze remained stable until the end.
Doing this and reaching the central part at last in a short time wouldn’t have been possible without everyone’s abilities and cooperation.
A hall-shaped space wider than the martial arts stadium of Akane Academy.
The air was sticky and full of satana, so much that it made them feel like it was uncomfortably twisting around them.
One hundred people were lying down there.
They thought that Kashiwaba Gen’ichi was surely awake, but the person in question wasn’t found. Unexpectedly, even if the soul returned to the body, he might not wake up immediately. Because of that, it seemed natural to think that Tekka was in time to extricate Flavie.
Moroha forgot about it for a moment,
– Blaise-san.
– Understood.
Being called, Blaise emerged from the shadow.
What he had in his hand was a high purity crystal ball.
A 《The Origin》 borrowed from one of the Les Éléments. Simply put, Moroha had heard that it was as effective as a TV camera.
Through this, the state of the central part of Labyrinth was now being shown outside.
The ones seeing it were the owner of the crystal ball and principal Mari.
《Transportal》 had the limitation that「the scene where the gate is opened has to be clearly remembered」.
When actually seeing the actual place in the image, the image wasn’t that much definite.
They had to wait for a short while──
Mari’s magic circle appeared as if a shining spring gushed out of the ground.
Now, the central part of Labyrinth was connected to the mountainside of Mt. Amigasa (The northwestern part of Mt. Nokogiri) where they had set up a waiting place and now they were able to come and both ways.
– We kept you waiting, Moroha!
The very first person who showed up as if jumping out of the pale light formation was Leshya.
Seeing the safe appearance of Moroha, she felt relieved, but she immediately tightened her facial expression,
– The receiving system over there is ready.
She energetically carried all the people who got their souls pulled out with 《Strength》 and threw them into the magic circle.
It was reckless, but this was an emergency and a race against time.
As he apologized in his heart, Moroha threw the people who didn’t recover their consciousness to the other side of the magic circle.
As soon as everyone were moved and they were done, they escaped using《Transportal》.
Only Moroha was left behind.
He still had a task to do.
When he looked up at the ceiling, he could see something like a giant pulsating heart. As reported by Flavie.
The origin of all blood vessels that ran all over the maze.
There was literally no difference from the central part of Labyrinth.
If so, he would destroy it.
– Write──
He focused on his left hand.
At the bottom of his mind, the sparks that were obstructed by something like a wall from the inside scattered.
He closed his eyes and chanted.
Dance Dance Thunderscale Dragon
Give rise to thunderclap and blue lightning
No one lives forever in this world In a moment, a flash, the pleasure is consumed
Abandon everything in the blink of an eye
Those who are late, do not regret it Tonight is the feast of slaughter
Die, die, die, die
Life and everything falls and dies The liberation of the soul shall not be easy
Take off the weight of the fine feathers Soar through the heavens and earth, and do not give all the people this sensation
Oh death How delightful you are!
9th Rank of Thunder, 《Thunderbolt Dragon》.
The blue lightning dragon that surged from the left hand of the carefully-observing Moroha struck its fangs into the heart on the ceiling, bit a hole in it, indulged in it more and went up and up while clearing the way. The extremely severe thunder and atrocious destructive sounds roared all over Arasawa. Therefore, anyone standing on the battlefield couldn’t help but stare in the direction the Labyrinth was enshrined.
They couldn’t help pay attention to the monster which was as huge as the rocky mountain and to the blue lightning dragon that bit a hole in it from the inside, rushed out like an eruption and soared to heaven.
Following the thunder dragon that disappeared over there, they couldn’t help but gaze admiringly at the majestic figure of Moroha who flew high in the sky.
– Welcome home! Nii-sama!
Satsuki was delighted.
– I protected them earnestly until your return, you know?
Satsuki threw out her chest.
– Yeah… he’s too far…
Isurugi became ecstatic.
– A guy who can only be flashy every single time.
AJ pouted.
To say nothing of those who weren’t familiar with Moroha, they were astonished by the way of his non-standard entrance, they even felt they were in the presence of something nonsensical, rather, something divine, for the first time.
Tabata Katsuie, who was engaged in battle with Seven Horns, was touched by the incomprehensible and dazzling prana of Moroha, he solidified in that posture, with the iron hammer raised overhead.
– That’s… Haimura Moroha… isn’t it…?
He could tell at a glance.
It was the same kind as Suruga Andou.
His figure that wore white-light glistening prana in the heavens was as if matched the sun.
– Now, let’s get ready for the hunting time!
Confirming that Moroha had defeated Labyrinth, Edward got motivated.
A shoulder tackle hit hard the very fist of Statue that swung the strong fist downward.
Using 《Hagun》, the way of walking Shukuchi.
Immediately after Edward disappeared, and as if skipping frames in a movie, the next moment he rushed from the top of the shoulders and pulverized the steel fist of Statue.
Statue threw a punch at him with the opposite hand while staggering.
Due to the kick of using 《Hagun》, Edward, who couldn’t move, had no way of dodging it.
However, he had no reason to dodge it because he was clad in silver armor and helmet.
He recovered from the stiffness as if nothing had happened, and the other party was crushed into pieces with the extremely fast tackle.
Labyrinth was dead, and Statue with its satana line not working could no longer regenerate.
– Dandandanda, dadandan, dandadanda ♪ Dandandanda, dadandaaaan ♪.
The high-in-spirits Edward charged over and over while humming a tune.
He ran past from behind it to the left and right at an immeasurable speed, driving tackles into it and crushing Statue until there was no undamaged part.
In short, this was the same idea Isurugi Jin arrived at in the past.
However, this was far more powerful and perfect.
A power technique that made his kinetic energy explode at the extreme speed of 《Hagun》, changed the hardest 「Silvery」Argusten in the world into a cannonball and slammed against the opponent. The effect was great because it was simply unrivaled.
He turned the strongest armor into the strongest armament.
Usually, Edward stood firm in one place, carried his subordinates on his back and fought while protecting them.
Therefore, this was a forbidden move he imposed on himself that could only be used at a time like this.
– Too slow. I told you not to keep me waiting.
After confirming that Moroha had defeated Labyrinth, Charles made a surly face.
He gazed at the Sea Anemone crawling on the ground from the celestial platform,
– Repulsive. I can’t stand seeing you any longer──
He put a spell of five lines into written form with the fingers of his right hand and similarly waved the five fingers of his left hand.
However, the phrases drawn in the air were separated to the left and right.
5th Rank Dark Art of Flames, 《Black Gehenna》.
5th Rank Dark Art of Ice, 《Blizzard Dead》.
That match.
– ──Disappear at once.
Ordering with arrogance, he unleashed the essence of ice, flames and destruction.
Like the god of death with wings abreast, they rained incessantly on Sea Anemone, burning it thoroughly and freezing it completely. They made a chemical combination, causing a steam explosion and hollowing out the giant.
Despite being called PSG, the simultaneous development of two kinds of great magic required all his concentration.
And to fire them continuously, he sharpened his senses to the very limit!
A jack-o’-lantern was lit in Charles’ right eye.
The remaining blue left eye was bewitchingly dyed in a red color.
Revealing the true nature of “Le Rouge et Bleu”, he incessantly attacked and annihilated the extraordinary giant monster.
Edward and Charles brought down each enemy and fired the greatest power they had in succession.
Moroha roared as if groaning heavily and in a deep voice while seeing the situation from the zenith.
– oooooooooooooooooO…
He drew a huge amount of prana, poured most of it into Saratiga, filtered it and replaced it with tremendous power.
Then the sword blade of the readied, treasured sword sparkled brilliantly and whiter than white.
Far under his eyes, his target, the Seven Horns, remained.
The swinging sword flashed a little.
With that, it ended.
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A single long, large and endless line ran in the sky as if chopping the entire battlefield.
It was the shape of Moroha’s soul that cut down even the concept of “distance”.
The straight line ran straight to the center of the giant body that exceeded 300 meters.
As if cutting in two with a single stroke.
The Stronghold Class, whose body was large and had no evasion abilities, was just a target for Moroha’s 《Mars》.
In front of the concept of cutting, the life force of the monster that couldn’t be easily defeated by 100 people was equal to garbage.
The deserted and desolated Arasawa was now wrapped up with loud cheers.
They acclaimed the name of the three heroes and celebrated the victory they brought again.
Even when turning to the boy who slew Seven Horns from the sky with a single stroke, the ones who wavered their hands never stopped.
Moroha also responded by waving his hand while showing signs of embarrassment as he abandoned himself to the free fall.
And there was another person here.
– He surprised me in Yekaterinburg, but the Moroha I saw today is amazing too.
Leshya was also waving her hand at Moroha.
She looked up at him in the distance, admired.
She wanted to be immersed in that aftertaste for a little more, but unfortunately, she wasn’t allowed to.
– Heey. Come give me a haaand.
Called by Haruka, she came to her senses. Halfway up Mt. Amigasa.
The waiting place where only a simple tent was set up, and where Mari was also waiting.
Without a moment’s delay, Haruka was carefully laying down and lining up the transported people.
– Sorry. I’m going now.
– I’ll take care of this side, so I leave that one to you.
Pointed by Haruka, Leshya agreed and moved.
Walking and avoiding the people who were carelessly thrown down, she cleanly put them down one by one from the end.
Although they were extricated from the central part of Labyrinth, there was no sign of them waking up immediately.
For the time being, there was no doubt that they were able to protect them in a safe place, so, after this, research would begin to wake up their consciousness.
– I pray that you guys will be saved too.
Leshya said so to herself.
Then──
– Do you know how difficult it is to save one person?
A voice called out to her from behind.
Contrary to the words, it wasn’t a tone of voice that demanded an explanation, but rather a vague tone of voice.
It wasn’t a familiar voice.
Due to her long-time habit, Leshya turned around while pulling a knife out of her bosom.
A woman with a hard-to-read facial expression stood there.
A boundless face that looked like it wanted to make the sound effect of 「plain face」.
She wore the combat uniform of the Japanese Division, but she was sure there wasn’t such a woman before.
Where did she come from?
– Of course I know. Normally speaking, the act Moroha did, which was saving me, was like a miracle. Moreover, I can’t do nothing but pray.
Leshya responded while appraising her, without letting her guard down.
– Ii-chan is a kind child.
– Who’s that?
She asked and the woman pointed to Leshya without hesitation.
– My name is Elena. People around me call me Leshya.
– Bit Ii-chan is cuter.
– Cute? I see. I’m not familiar with the nuances of Japanese language, so I don’t really know what cuteness is, but I shall receive it gratefully.
As she thought of getting Moroha to call her like that next time,
– May I hear your name, if that is not a problem?
– I’m Shiroi Usako. My friends call me Nelly.
– Nelly, huh. I think it’s a cute nickname.
– … This is the first time I wasn’t questioned with『Where did you get that?』.
The woman was surprised a little and showed something that resembled emotion for the first time.
– Where does Nelly belong to? Are you sure you can leave your post?
– I came to see Marishiten. That’s my role. To meet her.
– That’s a name I have no clue about, but whose nickname is this?
– It’s the nickname of Shimon Mari. She’s a scary woman like the god of war, that’s the reason for Marishiten.*
*TN: Marishiten means Marici in Buddhism as it’s the Buddhist god of war.
– She’s a gentle person like an affectionate mother, so why is she Marishiten?
– Could it be that there are two Shimon Mari?
Nelly tilted her head to the side.
– I have heard that now she is the principal of Akane Academy.
– If that’s the case, then it’s the same person that I know.
I see, Marishiten, huh.
For Leshya, the impression the word made sounded mysterious. It was possible to say that the nickname matched the mysterious smile that Mari often showed on her face.
Without being able to understand this and that about the scary woman, she dropped the subject.
– I would like to see Marishiten.
– Understood. I will call her, so please wait.
– Ii-chan is a kind child after all.
– Not really.
Without feeling bad for being praised, Leshya turned on her heels and went to call her.
Mari was sat in a folding chair below the tent, she was in a discussion with the old woman of 《Les Éléments》.
– Marishiten-dono. A woman named Nelly wants to see you.
As soon as she said so with a casual attitude,
– …… Eh?
Mari turned her face pale.
Leshya was surprised.
She was an adult woman who was always composed. It was unusual for her to have a face like this.
– Where is she!?
– T-this way.
Being asked so with a terrible menacing look, Leshya guided her while being overawed.
The face of Mari, who faced Nelly who waited for her, was as if she had seen a ghost.
Leshya didn’t know what kind of relationship these two had.
– Long time no see. Marishiten.
– Shiroi-san…
Mari seemed like she couldn’t speak for a moment,
– You were… alive? How…?
– You heard that I was “purged by Suruga Andou”, right?
Leshya remained a spectator, but she was startled at the words that inevitably came out.
– Oh, I see… You were defeated by the old man, handed over to the Japanese Division, sentenced to capital punishment by the approval of Division Head Suruga──how do you think I felt hearing that!?
Mari disheveled her hair and shouted.
– It’s a complete lie pyon.
– A lie pyon? … Usako!
– Suruga Andou is a liar pyon. I’m alive. I have legs.
Nelly defensively pulled up the hem of her combat uniform and exposed her thighs.
Seeing that “I do things my own way” attitude, Mari, looking vexed, grieved with 「You’re that kind of person, huh」,
– Is Shibkun alive?
– He is alive and kicking.
– Where is he?
– That is a secret. He wanted to greet Marishiten, but he was afraid of this child so I came instead.
Nelly once again pointed to Leshya.
– Because Ii-chan is “man-eater”.
What a cruel naming sense she had! Even though Leshya was delighted because she called her with a cute nickname. She felt betrayed.
– … I’m Leshya.
She objected with a subdued voice.
– Do you prefer Tachan?
– ….
– Don’t make a grim face like that. Even if you eat me, I’m not delicious, you know? You will get an upset stomach.
Whether she was making fun of her or saying it for real, Nelly’s tone and facial expression were boundless like they were impossible to grasp.
– I will tell him that Marishiten seemed to be fine. That hat suits you so much.
Seeing her turn her back on them and taking her leave, she had a hard time deciding what to do.
If it was Leshya, it was easy to hold down such defenseless back.
Without being able to clearly discriminate if it was an enemy or not, taking such a violent action towards her made her hesitate.
– … Thank you for coming and showing up.
Mari seemed to let her go without saying anything.
Then Leshya relaxed her shoulders.
When Nelly disappeared completely into the bushes, Mari put down the pointy hat.
Because tears accumulated in the corners of her eyes, Leshya patted her with gentle hands.
– Hey, Elensan. Can you keep this a secret from everyone?
– My mouth is shut tight.
– Thank you.
With that, Mari ended up holding her tongue.
She just kept staring at her hat.
In the end, she didn’t know who that woman named Nelly was and what her relationship with Mari was.
The atmosphere wasn’t nice to ask amicably.
However, even Mari seemed to notice that Leshya had an inquisitive look.
She only told her one thing.
– This hat, she gave it to me.
Mari’s hat had become her trademark, it was always put on her head.
What kind of person was Nelly who gave that to her? The mystery grew deeper and deeper.
However, even the quiet and unsociable Leshya could understand what Mari thought about Nelly.