– Well then, I will open the door.
As Miile said, the big door in front of them was opened.
Not just the Earth──.
Nor New Planet Notre Dame, but also the people of the planets that Hayato and company haven't met yet.
Hayato and the others took a step forward to the other side of the door, towards the Operation Save the Universe, towards the final battle, to save all living things of the universe from the evil hands of the Savages.
Beyond that, there was a large space enough to fit two soccer fields.
Cables were covering the frontal surface of the back wall, in its center they could see a thing shaped like a konpeitou* with a radius of nearly five meters covered with a thick armor-like thing on its whole.
– Is that the core desunone…?
– That is correct.
Mille responded to Claire's mutter.
And then, she continued.
– This is the Central Room. The place that governs Planet《ZERO》.
Other than those two, Hayato, Emilia, Latia, Aila, Ryuuto, and Liza, the six of them, like Claire, noticed that there was a core there.
Because the power that produced was to the extent of emitting a faint, fluorescent light that looked like the brilliance of the Savages.
– In that case, let's destroy it without delay.
Claire, who proclaimed so, took out the Hundred from her neck case, threw it into the air and shouted.
– HUNDRED ON!
Wrapped in emerald-green particles――her Dragoon-type Hundred Alisterion was deployed.
The usual six floating batteries weren't deployed like always. Because Claire was holding Buster Cannon in her hands.
Then, when energy was loaded into it and tried to attack, aiming at the core, a voice pronounced itself there.
– Just a minute, Claire Harvey.
– ──!?
That voice was of the older brother of Miile, shaped as a girl.
It was Diff's voice.
– Even if you bombard it with all your strength, the armor of the core isn't going to be destroyed easily, you know?
– … !!
Claire turned around and directed the muzzle of Buster Cannon facing the core to the direction the voice was heard──it was pointed at Diff shaped as a girl.
Hayato and the others also concentrated their gazes on Diff.
At the same time, Miile shouted.
– Nii-san!
– ──eh, that's Miile's…
Diff continued his words as if spitting out, looking at the figure of Miile.
– To think you betrayed me.
– … betray you? I was impatiently waiting this whole time for the day to stop Nii-san. And that day came at last.
– To stop me? Unfortunately, that's not going to happen.
The girl-shaped Diff snapped his fingers.
Then, more than a dozen of security guards of the same size as humans, the ones that Hayato and company had fought many times until now in this place, rushed into the Central Room.
Subsequently, two giant robots with a total length of 10 meters that they fought on the ground turned up in the Central Room while making sounds of footsteps resound.
One of them was drawing near the position of the girl-shaped Diff while pushing aside the security robots that entered first. And stopped in front of him.
– Yo-heave-ho ☆!
Diff, who jumped upon the shoulder of the giant robot like when they fought on the ground surface, took out a ball from a pocket and showed it to Hayato and the others.
– Some of you guys know what this is, no? Even if you don't know, it's okay. You'll know what it is right away. This is what I call a "Monster Ball".
Diff threw the ball over his head while laughing with a cackling sound. Then, a strong light together with particles escaped from the ball, those created a pterosaur of around 10 meters in length with big bat-shaped wings and sharp toenails.
It had a bulky green skin, it looked like a wyvern that appeared in fantasy stories.
Ryuuto muttered as if asking while having eyes wide in surprise.
– … Did perhaps Hayato-san and the rest fight with something like this?
– Yeah…
Hayato nodded while having a wry smile.
Next, Claire answered.
– I also, fought with it. Though it's a bit different dragon.
– I also fought with it.
– Me too.
Following Claire, Emilia and Latia also nodded.
Ryuuto talked to Latia standing next to him.
– It appears that we're the only ones who didn't fight with it.
– … Nonetheless, all the senpais were able to defeat this dragon-like thing, didn't they? We can't lose to them either!
– That's very true.
We can't lose our nerve, Ryuuto firmly glared at the wyvern.
– Ahaha, but this guy and the dragon that fought with your seniors not necessarily have the same strength, you know? Furthermore, security robots are also here, aren't they? This is the final battle――because you even made me go serious.
After he showed a smile with a puff, appearing to have the advantage.
Diff raised his voice and made sure to show the five opened fingers to Hayato and company.
– Now, you go and take care of these guys!
In response to that call, the giant robots and more than ten security robots──and the flying dragon started to move in an attempt to begin an attack on Hayato and the rest.
– Everyone, let's go masuwayo!
– Yes!
– Got it.
Hayato and Emilia responded to the call of Claire and took out the Hundred from their neck cases all together, threw it into the air and raised their voices.
– HUNDRED ON!
Not just Hayato's body.
The bodies of the five Slayers other than Claire, who raised their voices like him, were covered in an armor in the twinkling of an eye.
Everyone's battle preparations were ready.
A voice reached them there.
– I have a request, everyone!
It was Miile's voice.
– Please give me a little of time.
Claire looked back while dodging with a jump the fist that the giant robot had swung downward and asked.
– Time…? What do you mean with that desuno?
– It means that I will turn off the security system of Central Room.
Miile said resolutely.
If she could shut down Diff's built security system, then she might be able to turn ineffective the security robots like before and she would probably also invalidate the barrier deployed on the core.
Since there was the possibility that the appearance of Diff, which was an energy body to be stopped, there was a high chance that no dragons would be born in the future and that would also turn the robots ineffective, so Miile continued.
– However, for that, I have no choice but to invade the network. During that time, as everyone knows, my consciousness will be gone, and this body will end up in a defenseless state. As such, and for a short while, please protect my body.
In other words, it meant that they'll have to keep protecting the defenseless Miile while fighting the giant robots, the security robots and the wyvern.
At that moment, Claire thought it was a difficult request.
– I'll protect Miile.
Liza said so.
– Onee-san and everyone will continue fighting like you've been doing.
– I understand mashitawa.
Claire continued, showing a facial expression that said "If it's Liza, then there's nothing to worry about".
– We have entrusted Miile to you.
Hayato and the others didn't have a different opinion about it.
They started fighting against the giant robots without worrying about Miile.
During that time, Miile gave words of thanks to Liza.
– Thank you, Liza.
– You have to come back, no matter what.
– Of course.
Miile nodded and returned a smile like promising a victory.
And then――.
– Well then, I'm off.
Miile closed her eyes and immersed in the network world.
※※※It was a pure-white world.
Miile kept swimming in the world as if she was in the sea.
The objective was the coordinates where the program that controlled the Central Room's security system was.
If only, that was stopped──
Or rather, if it was destroyed, then it would be possible to physically destroy the core of Planet《ZERO》.
However, she didn't expect being able to shut down the security system that easily.
The thing itself was without a doubt protected by a double, triple-layered strong security system.
However, and up to this moment, the strong security system hadn't been activated.
Since it was a bit more until the coordinates of the objective, it wouldn't be strange if properly speaking, the defense system were to function any time now and the security robots were to attack her.
But then again, nothing has happened.
She couldn't think this was normal, she just thought it seemed intentional.
It seemed that Miile's thinking wasn't incorrect.
Suddenly, in front of her eyes, her girl-shaped older brother――Diff had appeared.
– Yareyare, you truly are a handful, little sister.
– ──Nii-san.
– Tsk tsk, you aren't surprised? On the contrary, you're glaring me in such a way──did you predict that I would appear in this way?
– The security robots wouldn't last too long. In that case, I thought that you would come out sooner or later.
However, she didn't expect it to be so sudden.
But, it was true that this conversation was too soon.
– Nii-san, let's settle the dispute here──
While she said so, Miile created a sword in her hand.
The point of the sword was sharp, it was a sword similar to a rapier.
– Heee, you betrayed me not just once, but twice――moreover, you haven't won against me not even once, right? Neither in a network world like this one nor in the real world. And still, you're saying you'll go against me?
– This time I will win――I will win for sure!
– Ha!――
Diff, who spat out as if looking down on her, created a sword in his hand just like Miile's.
A pointed sword like a rapier, the same as the one Miile had.
– If you can do it, then show you'll do it!
Diff prevented with his own sword the sword of Mille that struck him.
It didn't matter how many times Miile struck him, Diff continued blocking the attacks as if he read them.
– Humph, it appears that you raised your skill a little, but an ability of this degree can't bring me down!
Diff created four floating batteries behind him when they separated.
– How about this!?
He shouted and the four floating batteries fired, aiming at Miile.
Miile also produced four identical floating batteries while dodging with a jump the beams fired form there.
She assaulted Diff with the sword while the floating batteries were annihilating each other.
– I said it, no? You can't defeat me!
– …!
Diff brushed away the sword of Miile.
Because of that, the sword was separated from the hand of Miile and danced in the air.
– This is the end.
Diff raised the sword overhead to attempt delivering the final blow on Miile.
At that moment.
– Wha──!?
Diff showed a "what was that?" expression.
He immediately noticed what happened.
The sword that got away from Miile's hand was transformed into a floating battery in the air and fired, aiming at the temporal region of Diff.
Miile swung down the sword she created in her hand again, going after the body of Diff that almost crumbled when struck by that blow. Because of that, the right shoulder of Diff was cut off.
– ──kuh!
Diff, who almost ended up crouching while pressing his right shoulder as it was, barely held his ground blocking the blows, the attacks of Miile that were swung down consecutively with the re-created sword.
However, and with only one arm, there was a limit when it came to continue stopping the blows.
The sword of Diff immediately ended up being repelled.
– It looks like it is my win.
– Dammit, how could you, do this to me…!?
– Because Nii-san was careless.
Miile declared plainly.
That her older brother got careless in these thousands of years.
He continued destroying his natural enemy until there was no enemies, and continued getting careless.
That was why Miile continued working on measures to use that gap.
– The result of that is what you see now.
A little while ago, the situation was exactly the opposite.
This time, it was in the form that Miile raised her sword overhead towards Diff.
Diff held his wounded right shoulder and put himself in a slouch-like state.
– You're going to kill me!? I'm your older brother! Among the inhabitants of Planet Framel, you're the only one that I let live――
– The Nii-san I know doesn't look like this.
Miile looked as if she threw the sword down again.
However, she drew back her arms――.
Miile mercilessly pierced the chest of her older brother with the thin sword.
– Besides, even if I defeat you here, it's not like the real Nii-san is going to die, is he?
– Damn, it…
The body of Diff disappeared, turning into particles.
After she saw his figure disappear.
– Now, I only have to shut down the system.
Miile muttered and started swimming in the white space again.
※※※– ──Haaah!
In the midst of the fight between Diff and Miile in the network.
Hayato destroyed one of the security robots.
However, the security robots that appeared one after another were flying dragons.
Claire, Emilia, Latia, Aila and Ryuuto, each one of them kept fighting franticly, the fierce fight was carried to extremes.
(She still hasn't been able to shut down the security…?)
Hayato turned his gaze to Miile.
Her state hadn't changed so far.
The closed eyes of Miile remained like that, like they didn't even give the slight movement.
Connected with that, they couldn't see the figure of Diff since a while ago.
He should have been on the shoulder of the giant robot, but when they realized, he had disappeared from that place.
(He headed to deal with Miile…?)
If so, it could be suspected that Miile was quite under pressure.
– Hayato!
He heard the voice of Emilia all of a sudden.
With that, Hayato got to notice the presence of a flying dragon coming from overhead.
The flying dragon was gliding, its wings were widely spread.
– … oops!
Hayato, who had Hien at the ready in front of his own body, deployed an E-Barrier.
He tried to block the ramming attack of the flying dragon.
That resulted in Hayato's body not being sent flying backwards; the flying dragon flew high again to try brushing against the barrier.
Emilia was flying in the air using Arms Shroud, then landed next to Hayato and called out to him to reprimand him.
– Good grief, it's not good to lose your focus!
– I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
– Here comes again, Hayato!
It was exactly as she stated.
The flying dragon that made its wings flap in the sky, was now trying to charge at him with its sharp feet in front of it to grab Hayato's body.
But――.
– Huh…?
Right when it was about to charge.
The flying dragon disappeared, becoming particles without warning.
When he noticed it, the robots weren't moving.
On the contrary, they were falling to the ground from their feet one after another.
The one that moved there was Miile instead of them.
– … you won?
Emilia asked to Miile who opened her eyelids slowly.
– I made it, somehow.
Miile showed a smile that said "I did it" though it caused fatigue to spread on her face.
Nonetheless, it seemed that her mind was considerably exhausted.
Even now, she looked like she would fall to the floor.
The one that talked to her and made sure to support her body was Liza.
– You did it well.
It was Latia who raised her voice next.
– Now it's all about destroying the core.
The girl continued as she glared at the core.
– What do we do? Do I do it? Though I certainly think that it's better if Hayato did it.
– I think so too masuwa.
Claire showed the same opinion to the words of Latia.
The other Slayers had no objection to that.
Since Hayato had the best offensive ability in his blows, then it was a natural thing.
– As you can see, the barrier has already been cancelled. So, Hayato-san. Please slash the armor and all.
As Miile said, it was different until a while ago, the defensive wall that protected the core wasn't shining.
If it was like this, then it should be possible to destroy it completely.
– Okay then, I'll do it.
Hayato answered and when he attempted to launch an attack on the core with Hien he had at the ready.
– Eh…?
The barrier of the core was suddenly restored.
It recovered its golden brilliance.
The next they heard was a gunshot.
*Bang*, together with that sound, *Thud*, a person fell.
And the one who fell was──Miile.
When everyone turned their eyes to the direction of the bullet that was supposedly fired from, there was a man in a white robe standing there.
The young man with mechanical parts on his head was similar to the fallen Miile.
The wall behind him opened, the space was enough for a person to fit there.
It seemed that there was a hidden door and this man came out from there.
– Nii, san…
Miile muttered, looking up at the man though looked the same, he was pressing his collapsed and wounded right shoulder.
There was a feeling that the bullets were crafted to obstruct Miile's movement.
They couldn't see blood or something, but she couldn't stand up.
She also had a look on her face like she was in pain.
– Why did you shoot Miile!?
It was Hayato who asked as if shouting to the man who kept holding the gun, ready to use it.
Naturally, they immediately understood who he was.
As Miile had said some time ago, he was Diff――her older brother.
It was his real body, or so it seemed.
Without moving, Diff answered.
– To eliminate the possibility of "if".
– The possibility of "if"? What's that?
It was Latia who asked.
*Chuckle*.
Diff answered again as he showed a smile like looking down on them.
– It'll be impossible, even for myself, to stop what I'll do from now on. But, I have a cautious personality, you see? In accordance to that, I stopped Miile's movement, just to be sure.
That didn't fit what one would call an explanation.
Then, immediately after they were told such words.
A siren resounded in the Central Room and the surrounding scenery dyed deep red.
– What on earth has happened, Ailsan?
Ryuuto shook his head to the left and right and asked Aila standing next to him with an anxious expression while showing a bewildered look to the state of the changed Control Room.
– How do you ask me that? There's no way for me to know that, don't you think!?
The one who raised her voice as if she was struck with an idea was Latia.
– Maybe those guys are coming, aren't they?
– Who are "those guys", Latisan…?
– Krovahn, Nakri and Nesat!
Latia replied the leaked question of Ryuuto.
They couldn't get in touch with us, meaning that rescue was coming──.
Because of that, it sensed intruders and as such the emergency alert sounded, huh? That was what she thought.
However, it appeared that wasn't the case.
– Hahah, hahahah…! This isn't something you should be pleased with!
Diff said, showing a smile elated with success.
– This echoing sound is because of me.
– … what do you mean desuno?
– I sent detonation instructions to Planet《ZERO》.
Diff replied to Claire who asked, being sure to scowl at him.
– What did you say…!?
Claire was amazed.
Miile asked Diff as if being perplexed.
– Nii-san, what do you…?
– Code number 3224521. Even in that state, you can pretty much check the data, no? Give it a try.
– ……
Miile closed her eyelids.
– Wha… this is…!
As soon as she opened her eyelids, she showed a surprised look.
And, she talked to Hayato and the others in a flustered state.
– Everyone, please run away from here! Fast! As far as possible! If you can warp, then please do it immediately!
– Warp…?
Liza showed a curious look: Is it necessary to go that far?
Hayato and the rest ended up doubting: Wait a second, what do you mean with that?
– Haha, it looks you could confirm it.
Diff was the same, he kept showing a smile elated with success.
– The hell is that confirmation!? Is that detonation or something you're talking about that awful!?
Emilia asked both Diff and Miile: What on earth does that mean?
– … the end of the world may have decided to visit us…
Miile replied, though it seemed difficult to speak about.
– You, serious…!?
Claire was amazed.
Hayato and company also showed a dumbfounded expression.
Emilia asked again.
– Miile, what does that mean? What is the end of the world!?
– ──Nii-san set up a device in this planet. A very dreadful device.
– Ahahahahahaha, exactly!
Diff spread his mouth horizontally in a big way like a crescent moon then continued his words.
– Destroyer, the autonomous evolutionary-type devastating weapon. That's the name of the device.
– Autonomous evolutionary-type devastating weapon, you say…?
– That's right.
Diff continued as Claire had an expression that seemed to want to say what is that? together with surprise.
– Shall I explain it? I have a cautious personality. If I'm cornered like you're doing it and I make Planet《ZERO》self-destruct, the core will automatically reconstruct later. Meaning that what I set was the autonomous evolutionary-type devastating weapon "Destroyer".
According to Diff, Destroyer brought demise to everything.
If it was activated, it was said that demise would be brought upon the universe in due time.
– In other words, even if this factory is lost, even if for example I disappear, the plan to bring demise to this world──the Apocalypse Plan can be completed! Haha, hahahahah!
– … Please, Nii-san. Stop Destroyer.
She finally got to a point where she could move.
Miile put a hand on the floor as she tried to get up and continued supplicating to Diff who continued laughing like he was broken.
– Based on the data I see, that is really ──
– I told you, it can't be stopped, not even by me, didn't I?
Diff answered as he had that unchanging, ominous smile on his face.
– Being active was the last, it was made so not even my instructions would be effective. Once it's activated, it can't be stopped anymore. Even if I try to stop it, the AI is expected to resist me and reject me.
– Still, if it's Nii-san… if it's Nii-san, then you should be able to do something!
Miile, who stood up, declared firmly, turning a sweet smile to Diff.
– After all, Nii-san is the person I admired. The genius scientist who told me he would change the world.
– …!
Diff turned his gun to Miile who gave a step ahead.
Still, she didn't falter.
Miile gave a step.
Then another and got closer to Diff's location.
– Nii-san said it when he shot me a while ago, no? "To eliminate the possibility of 'if'", yes? That is to say, that depending on the situation, it may be possible to stop it, correct?
– The possibility of that is no more than minimal! My superior character is also crushed by it!
– But, the possibility is there, yes? Please, Nii-san――
– Don't come! If you come, I'll shoot again!
Diff shouted as he pointed Miile with his gun.
However, Miile never stopped.
– Nii-san… I am not going to stop. Because I know that you won't shoot me――
– That's not true! I shot you once! How you dare to say that I'm not going to shoot you again!?
He said so, but it was as Miile said.
Diff had his gun at the ready, but he never shot.
On the contrary, his hands were shaking with short and repeated movements.
He didn't seem to be able to pull the trigger.
Miile continued her words in front of such Diff.
– The rest of the people here should be thinking the same. If so, why aren't they moving to try stopping Nii-san who is about to shoot me?
– That's, that's not──
– It is.
Miile stopped her feet, turned her eyes to Hayato and Claire and asked them.
– Isn't that right, everyone?
– Yeah──
Hayato nodded.
– That's right desuwa.
Claire nodded next and cancelled her armament.
Then she turned her eyes to her comrades and continued her words.
– The rest should be thinking the same desu.
Following the words of Claire, Hayato and everyone cancelled their armaments.
In a sense, this was like a bet.
It was no use for them to fight back, but they had to try and make it work now.
If so, the best thing to do was to persuade Diff.
──The possibilities weren't zero.
That was Claire's conclusion when she looked at Diff's reaction the moment he heard the words of Miile and his behavior up to now.
After she checked everyone cancelled their armaments, Miile said.
– See? Everyone believes in Nii-san.
– That, kind of…
– Nii-san may have been betrayed and deceived. But, you're wrong. Everyone understands Nii-san. The truth that Nii-san is not a bad person──
– …!
Diff showed a disturbed look.
Miile continued, giving steps once again.
– The Nii-san I know is a kind person who always has been trying to be helpful to the people of this world. Even now, that mustn't have changed──the proof of that is that Nii-san isn't shooting me, isn't that right?
Miile continued talking even more to Diff who dropped his gun.
– We are different from the people so far. We won't betray Nii-san. I──we believe in Nii-san. In your talent, in your personality, in everything. So please──
Miile drew closer, before her older brother's very eyes and put both hands on top of his hands.
– Please, I beg you, Nii-san. Let's stop that autonomous evolutionary-type devastating weapon──Destroyer with Nii-san's strength so that it won't activate. Please──
– Mii…le…
The gun fell from the hand of Diff with a clatter.
His own strength was always been used for good.
Even this time, it would be like that.
It would certainly be the same.
He knew that.
But, he was trusted.
Even though he was hostile and even harmed them.
He was trusted by others.
He was needed by others.
How many years, hundreds of years, thousands of years──
For Diff, who was isolated for a long, long time, that was a nostalgic and happy thing──.
(Yeah, it's useless…)
His frozen heart melted──.
– … Nii-san.
Miile caught the body of Diff that fell from his knees and made sure to support him with both arms.
And then, she said in his ear, as if whispering.
– I will also help. Let's both stop the autonomous evolutionary-type devastating weapon──Destroyer.
– … it's impossible.
After he muttered.
Diff continued as if shouting, looking up at Miile with a desperate expression.
– The remaining time is no more than 8 minutes! There's a high probability that whatever we do, we won't make it in time! Even you'll die! If you say you'll do it, then I'll do it alone. Miile! You escape with them──with the earthlings!
– No, I won't escape.
After she replied clearly, Miile declared.
– I won't leave Nii-san alone anymore──I will fight, putting my life on the line with Nii-san!
Subsequently, Miile turned her body to Hayato and the others and said.
– Please listen, everyone!
According to Miile, there should be security robots roaming inside of this factory already.
If they follow the normal route, they won't be able to escape before this planet explodes.
Since they had to escape before that, they should avoid unnecessary battles with the security robots.
Not surprisingly, Hayato, Claire and the others who came to this place understood that it was difficult to get to the surface in eight minutes and return to《Charlotte No.1》.
– In that case, the best way is to go straight to the ground from this place.
Claire muttered, fixedly staring at the ceiling.
In that case, there was one thing to do.
– Everyone, please give me some room first.
Immediately after she said so.
Claire shouted, throwing the Hundred she grasped tightly in her hand into the air.
– HUNDRED ON!
She abruptly got in a whole-body armed state.
And then she turned the muzzle of Buster Cannon she was holding in her right hand to the ceiling and began to load energy into it.
– Don't tell me that president is…
– Yes, I'm going to do that desu.
Claire responded to Hayato's words.
– I will open up a path masuwa!
Claire shot a beam straight overhead from Buster Cannon which she had poured energy into it to the very last second.
An emerald green energy gushed out.
It was a very thick and intense beam, the scattered floor fragments and the parts of robots that were smashed during the battle were immediately blown away by its force.
It broke through several layers of floor and ceiling and reached the surface.
– We can now go out masuwane.
Claire revealed a relieved sigh when confirming the hole of about five meters in diameter that was opened to the surface.
Certainly, if it was with this, then they could come out.
Next, Claire started talking to Emilia as she turned her eyes towards her.
– Emilia Hermit, you know what you should be doing, isn't that right?
– Ah, you mean that.
Emilia, who understood the words of Claire, grasped tightly the Hundred in her hand and shouted.
– HUNDRED ON!
She deployed her Innocence-type Hundred with a shout.
And created a hexagonal flat platform using Arms Shroud that was floating around her body.
– Hop on, everyone.
Hayato didn't have his Outer right now.
Ryuuto and the others that similarly weren't very good at flying had their floating equipment, but the distance to the ground wasn't short.
It would take a considerable amount of time to get there.
Therefore, it was Claire's idea and also Emilia's idea that the best would be to make a platform like an elevator and have everyone rise to the surface safely and quickly.
Of course, everyone could understand that intention.
As they were told by Emilia, Hayato and the rest got on the platform.
Only Claire floated using the device to protect the platform with all her strength so that she could respond to any sort of attack that could come.
Having confirmed that everyone but Claire was on the platform, Emilia called out Miile.
– Are you really going to stay here?
– … yes.
Miile nodded firmly.
– Otherwise, it will be impossible to stop the explosion of this planet and the activation of Destroyer with Nii-san.
– … I understand.
No matter what she said, Miile would remain in this place.
It was what she wanted, and in the first place, it was something they couldn't do anything about it.
– In that case, we leave it to you.
– Yes, leave it to me.
Emilia talked to Miile again who answered with satisfaction.
– Well then, you have my thanks. I'll be praying for the safety of Miile and Diff.
– Once we have failed, we will be counting on you for the after treatment*.
*TN: In this scenario, it's about "dealing with the outcome".– Understood.
It was Claire who answered.
– Though it would be the best to not do that.
– I agree.
They had no time anymore.
With those words, they parted.
Claire talked to Emilia.
– Well then, let's go masuwayo.
– Yeah, got it.
The created elevator of Emilia slowly started moving, following Claire who started rising to the surface first.
It was gradually accelerating and rising from that place to the surface.
※※※– … I kept you waiting, Nii-san.
It was a room with an estimated size of a school's classroom.
Only two booths and computer equipment were seen in the room with pure-white walls.
Diff, her older brother, already sat on a chair of the booths installed in the room, he had already deployed several monitors and a keyboard in front of him.
– Your booth was just built by robots.
– Thank you.
In front of Diff.
The booth was placed two meters away, they were in a form like facing each other.
Such was the booth of Miile.
Miile, who sat down on the chair installed in the booth, confirmed the equipment and started deploying it.
– It is similar to the one Nii-san is using.
– That was all the equipment available. Is it enough?
– Yes, it is enough.
Like her older brother, she also wore a device like a necklace around her neck.
It seemed that made her able to use her brain as an arithmetic unit.
Rather, it didn't matter if her brain burned off.
Or even betting her life to stop the detonation of Planet《ZERO》――.
Even if that was impossible, Miile resolved herself to stop the autonomous evolutionary-type devastating weapon and started fighting against the AI. Then, at that moment.
『Yeah, I hear you』
The voice of a woman reached her ear.
Coincidently with that.
The figure of a woman was projected on one of the monitors in front of her.
It was a woman with fluffy hair and round glasses.
It seemed like she broke through the security wall of Planet《ZERO》and the computer to which Miile herself was connected and opened a video call directly.
Miile understood who the woman was.
Because all the data that her older brother had scanned and possessed was already inspected.
– Are you Dr. Charlotte? I am――
『Miile, right? I already know about you as I heard it from Claire and Liza. So, there's no need to introduce yourself. Shouldn't be better to go straight to the matter at hand?』
– We don't have time, so I appreciate that. Then, what would it be?
『There are two engineers on our side, including me. We'd like to help if we can. You don't mind, do you?』
– No, not at all.
There was no problem for Miile who answered immediately? She turned her eyes to Diff as if checking so.
– Do what you want.
Diff replied.
– Instead, the management will be your responsibility. Don't cause me trouble.
– I know.
Miile, who smiled sweetly, turned to Charlotte and the others as she was and continued her words as if giving orders.
– I am going to immediately cancel the security wall from here and free the route for you to get in. We will share whatever you would like to request from here, so can we ask for your cooperation in that regard?
『Absolutely』
At that moment, the engineers of the Earth, of New Planet Notre Dame and Framel.
The intelligent life of three planets.
A cooperation by means of people that had an exceptional, outstanding intelligence had been established among them.
As per Miile's instructions, Charlotte and Irina began to type on the keyboard.
He didn't know what was happening.
However, Fritz understood that what was happening before his eyes inside《Charlotte No.1》now was something like a battle that determined the top of intelligent life VS artificial intelligence. But, as for the conditions, there was no doubt AI had the advantage.
Because time was limited.
Nevertheless, and without giving up, Miile, Diff, Charlotte and Irina franticly continued the modification of the program.
The AI continued opposing it.
──Time passed moment by moment.
※※※『Two minutes remaining until the detonation』
Hayato and the others thought about the "if" moment and cancelled their armaments the moment they returned to the deck to keep the consumption of energy within limits. Fritz got in touch with them there.
Of course, Hayato and company knew that the situation was getting worse.
The detonations that were happening throughout Planet《ZERO》could be confirmed with their eyes.
– What's the situation, Charlotte? Were you able to do something?
Charlotte answered the communication of Emilia with an uneasy voice.
『Haha, We haven't been able to stop the current detonations or the subsequent weapon transformation. It's an unclear situation whether it can be weakened or not』
A powerless voice returned.
Impatient colors began to spread on the face of Charlotte and Irina who were in the control space of《Charlotte No.1》.
– One minute and thirty seconds remaining.
He resisted to raise a voice that would make those two people who were desperately running their fingers on the keyboard even more flustered.
However, he needed to tell the Slayers on the deck the remaining time.
In the event that the explosion occurred, it had been decided that what would protect《Charlotte No.1》was a defense field using the energy of Liza and Maria, but a certain impact would be unmistakably received.
They had to prepare for it.
– One minute left.
Fritz raised his voice again.
※※※The location changed to the control space of the Central Room of Planet《ZERO》.
──One minute left.
Diff called out Miile who was frenetically typing on the keyboard.
– Escape, Miile.
– Nii-san, what are you saying so suddenly──
– First of all, as things are, we can't make it in time. Despite the possibility of one in thousands, those earthlings may have the potential to defeat Destroyer. I'll fight here until the end to take responsibility, but you'll escape from this place. And, if you cooperate with the Slayers and the scientists of the Earth, then you might do something even if Destroyer starts to move. If it's with an escape pod, then you are even able to disappear completely, you see?
– ……
That, could be true.
It was also true that there was an escape pod that was created, taking into consideration the "if at that time".
Currently, there were no secrets in relation to things in this planet.
As it was a situation in which data was disclosed to the fullest, it seemed that her older brother leaked it out as it was natural.
But──.
– I have also become one with this planet, just like Nii-san. Even if I escape, I can't live. That is why I am staying.
– What are you saying? Don't I know that already? But if it's with the technological strength of the earthlings, then you should be able to escape from here.
– ……
That was also true.
It was her older brother, after all.
– But, I will not escape.
Miile declared clearly.
She didn't hesitate either.
She did so since her older brother wasn't going to escape.
She had decided so from the start.
She already made her resolution.
– I will not leave Nii-san alone. I will fight with Nii-san until the end. That is my wish.
– … Is that so?
Just those words returned.
Diff didn't say any more than that.
They kept silent, typing on the keyboard.
Explosions resounded there.
A part of the wall of this hidden room also ended up being blown away.
Even so, they never stopped their hands.
Of course, they also knew it was a dangerous situation.
But――.
Miile said while giving a delighted smile.
– Nii-san, I am very happy now. Because I could fight and stand back to back with Nii-san like this. This is what I was wishing for.
She already thought that this wouldn't be fulfilled.
But, it was fulfilled.
On the battlefield.
Standing back to back.
A thing like fighting with her older brother.
Even in this situation, she was happy, happy indeed.
She had fun, fun indeed.
Moreover, they had contests with geniuses of another planet.
She couldn't hide her excitement.
Even in such a situation, a smile ended up being spilled.
(Yeah――I see)
Miile understood herself.
(I am weird too)
In reality, I knew such a thing a long time ago.
I am no different from Nii-san.
The same blood flows in our bodies.
Not only because we were born from the same parents, or because there is a blood relationship.
But because of the same blood of scientist.
It means that blood of scientist flows as well.
But, that would be the same for everyone that fought with us now.
We were cornered.
In a critical situation.
But, the four people that participated in this situation couldn't hide their excitement.
The smile that she spilled couldn't be stopped.
It was fun!
It was fun, I couldn't help it!
But, that time was about to spell the end.
Together with a loud explosion, the floating windows and the keyboards ended up disappearing conspicuously.
Both Diff's and Miile's.
『Hey, it's about time. If you can escape, esca──』
With the words of Charlotte, the communication from《Charlotte No.1》also ended up coming to an end.
Finally, the remaining time was 0 seconds──.
The lights that were emitted from the equipment inside the room disappeared one after another.
The emergency reserve stone that had just a small amount of energy stored in it, kept the electricity of the booths running with utmost effort.
The access route from this location to the main AI of Planet《ZERO》was completely blocked already.
It seemed that they couldn't do anything anymore.
– … I see, so this is the end, huh…
Diff hung his head with his arms loosely falling and hanging to the ground.
– That is how it looks like…
Hanging her head in the same way, Miile asked, turning her eyes to Diff.
– What do you feel now, Nii-san?
– … frustration.
He raised his face――.
Diff answered while smiling with a puff.
– The greatest up to now. It's something I've never tasted before.
The frustration was even stronger than when Diff was imprisoned.
The established method was no more.
He knew that it was just a bit more until the arrival of the demise was complete.
Sounds of explosions were heard from everywhere.
Diff muttered, looking vexed while his cheeks were caused to shine in an orange color sometimes due to the flames.
– I couldn't stop it, however, in the end, I was able to weaken it a bit. Anyway, I wanted to watch my plan until it was destroyed.
– Please rest assured. I am sure that our failure will remain in the hearts of all the people of the earth.
– … that sounds great.
Diff suddenly showed a smile.
– The intelligent life of a distant planet has evolved so much because of the《V》new and the 《ZERO》factory that I have created… honestly, it was an unexpected thing.
He felt that while he was dealing with them, of course.
That was how he felt while cooperating with Charlotte Dimandius and the others, the scientists of the Earth.
Perhaps, their intelligence was beyond mine.
– Nii-san was able to leave a scar in this world, in whatever form it is. I surely think that it will be transmitted eternally together with its existence.
– If that were to happen──
If that were to happen, it would truly be a happy thing, Diff thought.
For example, even if he was treated as a heinous criminal, he was able to leave a scar in this world.
In his last moment, he could be satisfied with what he had done so far.
– That's truly pleasant.
Miile smiled sweetly, listening to the words of her older brother.
And then, she looked up over her head.
The ceiling was no longer there.
What she saw was the starry sky.
Miile opened her mouth while opening her hand and extending her right arm towards the starry sky.
– Nii-san.
– … what?
– If, if I can be born again, I think that I would like to see with my eyes the Earth and New Planet Notre Dame── the planets where everyone with whom we fought was born and raised.
Miile had already seen the data of the Earth and New Planet Notre Dame that Diff had gathered.
Especially the Earth, it was truly a beautiful planet.
She wanted to see its blue sky and vast sea.
– Of course, I would like to see even the future of this planet, including the Earth and everyone. Doesn't Nii-san think so too?
– To be born again, such a thing is scientifically impossible. But――
Trying to see the future and the Earth is completely――.
Diff, who raised his face just like Miile, stared at the starry sky.
– I think that I'd like to see that future now.
Immediately after Diff replied so.
Together with violent sounds of explosions, Planet《ZERO》did a big explosion.