Noibranz Royal Capital
“Residents, evacuate indoors immediately!”
The soldiers’ urgent shouts echoed through the town, their anxiety palpable. The speed at which the creatures flew overhead was already despairing. At this rate, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Royal Capital was attacked at any moment. Platiu was undoubtedly being controlled by the Machine Maiden, and I desperately racked my brain for a solution.
“Please, you all should take refuge inside the castle. The Royal Defense Force will handle the situation.”
“But we—”
“The King has said the same. It would be against our nation’s wishes to involve outsiders.”
“But what about the townspeople?!”
“What are you talking about? The soldiers will protect us, of course!”
“That’s right, we have nothing to worry about!”
Rather than panicking, the townspeople were surprisingly calm as they followed the soldiers’ guidance. Their cold stares pierced through me, making me feel uncomfortable. It was impressive how nearly everyone bowed their heads to the soldiers. I understood they were risking their lives to protect us, and I could appreciate that, but didn’t they feel any fear?
“Is that really Platiu…? She looks completely different from the last time I saw her.”
“One, two, three, four!”
Shiny was doing some strange warm-up exercises, clearly preparing for battle. I didn’t know the full extent of the Ten Destroyers’ abilities, but there was no way I could get close to Platiu. I wasn’t sure if everyone else noticed, but the heat was already spreading throughout the area. Just her flying overhead brought the sweltering heat of midsummer. She was still quite high up, but if she descended, ordinary people would surely wither away.
“We can’t fight something like that! This isn’t the time to be worrying about guests! I’ll handle this!”
“R-Rua-chan…!”
“What is it, Kurinka? Are you trying to stop me?!”
“Not that! I just wish you’d be more careful with your words…”
I suddenly found myself under an intense gaze. The townspeople—Uncle, Landlady, older sisters, grandfathers, and grandmothers—were all glaring at me with eyes that looked ready to pounce.
“You little brat! What did you just say to the soldiers?!”
“No matter what comes, the soldiers will protect us! Even a child knows that!”
“That Red Devil fled in fear from the soldiers during the last battle! And who do you think you are?!”
“K-Kurinka! I really went too far this time!”
“You need to work on that, huh?”
I was pelted with stones and other objects. The shouts were unbearable, and the anger directed at me was overwhelming. The townspeople’s trust in their soldiers was evident, but it felt like I was being attacked for merely speaking my mind. I was surrounded, hair being pulled, and something struck my back. The adults were genuinely violent, and despite not having eaten well, they had surprising strength. Among all this chaos, one statement caught my attention: the Red Devil had fled in fear from the soldiers.
“If the Noibranz army is that strong, then this is even worse.”
“Rua-chan, what are you going to do…? Not that I need to ask.”
“I came here for a reason. I won’t let Platiu kill anyone else…!”
“W-Wait! You lot!”
Just moments ago, I had spoken respectfully, but as I mounted Kurinka and took off, my tone had shifted to one of anger. I was done with being treated like a guest. I pushed through the crowd, and right there, Kurinka transformed into a dragon. There was no time to worry about being seen.
“W-What was that?!”
“Get out of the way! I can’t stand up!”
“You’re the one who’s in the way!”
“What did you say?!”
Even though we had been pinned down by so many people, it was no surprise that we slipped through easily. I felt bad for those who fell over, but I was a bit annoyed after having my hair pulled. It felt like a fair trade. As the tangled mess of people began to bicker among themselves, we pursued Platiu.
Just moments ago, she had been darting around at high speed, but now she was moving away from the Royal Capital, seemingly fleeing. However, she wasn’t escaping; she was targeting the army defending the capital. Just as I realized this, Platiu was enveloped in orange flames, forming a shape reminiscent of a bird. The red Machine Maiden shifted in response. The white and silver wings on her back turned crimson, the remaining colors vanishing entirely.
“A red bird…”
Kurinka was right. The silhouette of the Machine Maiden was dwarfed by the fiery bird shape. The flames became clearer, now a torrent of fire. The blaze was so intense that it nearly obscured the Machine Maiden, the flames swirling violently from her body to her wings.
“T-This heat is incredible. I wonder if we can destroy it…?”
“Stop! This is the Dragon Cavalry! In the name of Captain Rudrett, I declare that the extermination of the Red Devil is the responsibility of the Noibranz army! Your interference is not permitted!”
Soldiers mounted on Wyverns began to gather. Clad in gray armor and breastplates, these were the Dragon Cavalry. Among them was a particularly large black dragon with a golden crest on its forehead. Riding it was Rudrett, the captain I had met before.
He was the one who had helped forge a peace treaty among the nations of this continent, including the Kingdom of Avangarde. Back then, he had removed his helmet and asked politely, but now I could sense hostility radiating from him.
“That Red Devil… Platiu is my friend.”
“Rua-chan?!”
“It’s okay, Kurinka. There’s no point in hiding it now. Captain Rudrett, Platiu is just being controlled by that red armor-like machine created by the Kingdom of Metallica.”
Holding a long silver spear in one hand, Rudrett said nothing. His face was obscured by his armor, so I couldn’t tell what expression he wore, but the hostility didn’t seem to fade. However, he was the only one who might listen to me. If he had even a fraction of the sincerity he had shown when he visited Avangarde… just a glimmer of hope that he might understand.
“That’s why I want to help her.”
“Out of the question. Even if what you say is true, I have no authority to make that judgment. And even if she were to be saved, there’s no way we would simply hand over someone who has caused this much damage to our nation. Of course, the Kingdom of Metallica will also have to face the consequences.”
“That’s a valid point, Rua-chan…”
So it was hopeless. He was just another soldier working for his country. It wasn’t about whether he seemed like a good person or not. While Platiu clashed with the defense force, it was already happening. The ground flickered red in a straight line as the Noibranz army was scattered. The units that had been in the path of Platiu’s high-speed charge evaporated without being able to do anything.
“This isn’t the time for this! Kurinka, let’s ignore these people and head over there!”
“Your actions could sway the fate of the nation.”
Even though I thought this wasn’t the time for such discussions, I paused. Despite being ordered, he had bowed his head at least once. Perhaps he could have easily dismissed my plea for a ceasefire. And just now, he had listened to me quietly. He had said he wouldn’t believe my words, but he had shown at least a little bit of trust.
The same went for Private First Class Bikuro and the others. Initially, I had intended to hide the existence of the Killing Worm, but in the end, they had shared their thoughts for our sake. Unlike Geog, who had violently attacked us without believing a word we said, I wanted to show sincerity to people like Rudrett and Bikuro.
“If you act recklessly here, it could strain our alliance with the Kingdom of Avangarde. You would be seen as complicit with the Red Devil, and you would surely be branded a traitor in both our nation and yours. You may be fine, but what about the innocent, weak citizens?”
“…Are we going to war?”
“If that happens, the citizens will be thrown into the chaos of war. Your selfish actions could put many lives at risk… Are you willing to sacrifice many to save just one friend?”
“I won’t hesitate. I’ll save everyone. And of course, I won’t let there be a war.”
At my words, Kurinka spread her wings and glided forward. The way she swiftly maneuvered through the Dragon Cavalry signified our resolve. Just a little while ago, I might have hesitated. It wasn’t just because I had witnessed Platiu in such a state. I had heard the King’s words and Shiny’s sentiments, both of which had made me reflect.
“If I become strong enough to protect them, no one will have to suffer.”
“…I was wondering if Lua-chan was pushing herself too hard. But if this is truly what she wants, then I feel the same way. I want to be just like Lua-chan.”
“Thank you. Without you, Kurinka, I might have been dead long ago.”
“That’s an exaggeration…”
It’s not an exaggeration. How could I have walked forward when I couldn’t even read or write? I was so weak that I almost faltered at the very first step. It was Kurinka who supported that first step and walked alongside me from the second one. I definitely grew stronger in the Abyss Cave. But I was still weak. Now, with the two of us together, we are strong.
“I will save Platiu no matter what! Let’s take her somewhere far away so the Noibranz people can’t interfere!”
“Neue! Dragon Knight, let’s go!”
That voice belongs to Rudrett. Even without seeing him, I can tell he’s chasing us. I wonder if Kurinka can shake him off with her speed. I’ve enhanced her with Speed Force, but it would be a bit shocking if he was faster. A glance back reveals him coming. Rudrett’s face peeks out from the mouth of a black dragon; that’s a dragon helmet. From head to toe, he resembles a bipedal dragon. What is that? The wyvern I was riding earlier is gone, so could that armor be it? With wings that don’t flap like metal, he is flying straight toward us. If that’s the case, then the Neue might have a skill that allows them to equip a Servant as their own. The Demon Lord Army’s End transformed humans into monsters, but over there, monsters are adapting to humans. Even with this skill, I don’t understand why they were a weak nation despite having that Great King elephant.
“Rudrett! This isn’t the time to be fighting!”
“Don’t misunderstand! Stopping that Red Devil is our duty!”
While they are indeed chasing us, they don’t seem to be attacking. This means our goals align. As we glide closer to the ground, the heat rises around us. It’s so hot that it feels like sweat will burst from every pore in an instant, enough to turn a winter day into summer. Yet, we are charging straight into that sun-like heat.
“Kurinka! The tool pouch!”
“Huh, why… oh, I see!”
In an instant, Kurinka understands the meaning and places the tool pouch on her back. If we charge in like this, Shin will burn to death. He’s probably already parched by now. But since he’s been eating whatever’s in the pouch, he should be fine.
“Platiu!”
We charge straight toward the Noibranz troops, aiming for Platiu’s back, which is engulfed in fiery wings. Using Kurinka’s back as a launchpad, I push with all my might to suppress the flaming bird. I need to push it down to the ground to stop its movements.
“Platiu, it’s me! Lua!”
The heat surrounding me feels like the lava in the Abyss Cave. Even the Noibranz soldiers and Servants are being scorched just by being nearby. Despite clinging to Platiu, who is flying low, there’s no sign of her stopping. At this rate, I might have to forcefully knock her down.
“Captain Geog! The western battalion is rushing in as well! Maintain distance without rushing in!”
“Rudrett! What on earth is clinging to that thing?”
“Just a stubborn beast! Call it a rare creature that befriends the raging phoenix!”
“Hmph, isn’t this the perfect opportunity? Neue… Void Golem!”
What perfect opportunity? Geog, like Rudrett, has flown in on a Servant of his own. His armor, cold and unadorned like stone, envelops him, making him appear much larger. His legs are like tubes, with no knees. His arms are the same, both hands and feet resembling tubes.
I don’t care about that; I need to strike Platiu’s Machine Maiden. I aim to destroy the armor around her shoulder, which should stop her from flying for now.
“Alright, with this… huh?!”
“Damage rate at 26%. Operation can continue.”
“Don’t continue! Is this fire repairing the damaged parts?!”
I have no idea what’s happening. At this rate, it seems I won’t stop her movements unless I destroy all the armor. If that’s the case, I need to settle this before she flies high again; otherwise, it could turn into a troublesome situation.
“Lua-chan! The Noibranz people are coming!”
“What is this dragon?! It’s an unfamiliar Servant, isn’t it?”
“That’s Lua’s partner. For some reason, she can transform into a dragon. Don’t worry about it; proceed with the operation! Dragon Knights, focus fire on Captain Geog’s squad and the southern defense team!”
Kurinka alone can’t hold back that many; in fact, it could lead to the worst-case scenario. The Noibranz troops are gathering one after another, trying to approach Platiu, who is flying. But perhaps due to the intense heat, they are maintaining a certain distance, merely following.
“Peep! Peep!”
“Peep! Peep!”
That whistle is giving instructions to the Servants. I don’t know what the instructions are, but if this continues, the casualties will only increase.
“Peep!”
“Whoa!”
From Geog’s tube-like limbs and the soldiers’ Servants, beams of light are unleashed all at once. There should be hundreds of Servants under Geog’s command. They mercilessly bombard me and Platiu with blinding light. But this is like throwing a bucket of water on a blazing mountain. In other words, it has no effect at all.
“This is the reason for the tremors of Captain Geog! Overwhelming firepower to crush the enemy and obliterate their will to fight! What you need in battle is firepower! Bombardment! Once you witness the tremendous power, that’s the end of the battle!”
What he says isn’t wrong. Amidst this chaos, I finally attempt to destroy the helmet-like Machine Maiden on Platiu’s head. But then I remember. The Machine Maiden and Platiu are somehow connected, and if I’m not careful, it could lead to a disaster. Plus, with this concentrated bombardment, if I break any more armor, Platiu herself could be in danger.
“Ugh! The Noibranz army is such a nuisance! Kurinka, can’t you do something?!”
“If I could, I would have done it already! Eek!”
“Don’t get in the way!”
Kurinka is desperately dodging the attacks of the large army. Even as she breathes fire in retaliation, there are simply too many of them. Some of the Servants have fire resistance and can keep coming despite being hit. If it were the Dragon God, he could turn them to ashes regardless of their resistance, but Kurinka is still just a young dragon. I know she can’t take too many risks. I understand that, but I have no idea what to do in this situation.
“Oh, is that the Red Devil? Or should I say the Phoenix?”
“Honestly, can this country’s army do nothing without me? They have no elegance whatsoever.”
“Lord Schwelm! Lady Shiny! There’s more interference besides the Red Devil…”
Oh no, even the Ten Destroyers have arrived. Shiny and Schwelm, this is becoming increasingly troublesome. My plan was to immobilize Platiu without hurting her and move her to a place without people. After that, I would restore her just like I did when I released Meria’s seal.
But things are not going well, and my frustration is growing. The Noibranz army keeps gathering, and the two from the Ten Destroyers have appeared. It seems the so-called strongest in the world isn’t here, but things have definitely become more complicated. If I recklessly use the Power of Destruction, it could lead to irreparable consequences due to the influence of this Machine Maiden. So, I need to be cautious and first stop only Platiu. No matter how much of a Machine Maiden she is, if Platiu loses consciousness, she shouldn’t be able to do anything. For now, I’ll immobilize her limbs.
I push down hard with both hands in midair, putting all my strength into it. It must hurt to the point of numbness. I feel sorry for her, but I have no choice.
“Uu, Aaaahhh!”
“Platiu, I’m sorry!”
“Aaaahhh! Nooooo!”
“Abnormality detected in the main body, switching to automatic defense mode.”
After that painful scream, her voice returns to a calm tone. It’s the machine’s doing. Why does Platiu have to endure this? Metallica, no. Who created this? Was it Genia or Corin? Either way, I won’t forgive them. It doesn’t matter if it’s the country or whoever; there’s no reason to subject a child to such cruelty. Just like Rudrett, I will make sure to settle this score. Absolutely.
“Metallica!”
I let out a cry that couldn’t reach anyone, and I was engulfed by the flames that were unleashed even more fiercely.
◆ Shin Report ◆
Ah, so hot…
Miz…