◆ Near the Royal Capital of Noibranz ◆
The goals of those two and myself align in our determination to prevent the invasion of humans. In other words, there will be no further incursions into the Royal Capital. We have settled into a position of cautious observation, having foreseen the events that are about to unfold. As a result, a phenomenon occurs that is utterly perplexing. No, it’s not just perplexing; it’s a phenomenon that I cannot come to terms with myself.
In the past, I have been impressed time and again by the extraordinary techniques wielded by countless heroes. Sometimes, they unleashed unknown powers that defied explanation, but I managed to calm myself by interpreting them in my own way. Even I, who has sent many heroes to the underworld, find this phenomenon difficult to comprehend. If my interpretation is correct, this could very well overturn the very foundations of reason itself. At the same time, it plunges us into a terrifying situation.
“I’m sorry, I may have said too much. That Aboro over there isn’t even trying. I know because I’ve fought and won against him.”
“You went out of your way just to say something so sarcastic? How considerate of you.”
“Argil, why did you invade Noibranz?”
“I can’t just leave an invading nation unchecked. Do you think I lack concern for the peace of my people?”
“I’m not interested in such pretenses.”
The calm blonde girl, Kurinka, sharpens her gaze at the commanding man. My concern isn’t for Lua; it’s for this girl. The commander, who had been breathing heavily, instinctively pulls back. They may be a bunch of fools, but it seems they possess at least a modicum of instinct. Even without transforming into a dragon, they project the essence of one. This isn’t merely a matter of skill disparity; it’s a deeper difference that lies beneath.
“You’re just following the King’s orders, right?”
“…Huh?”
“If that weren’t the case, you wouldn’t be able to act in a way that turns Avangarde into an invading nation. To suppress those who are struggling to survive in dire circumstances by force… Right, Mai?”
“Kurinka…”
One of the Special Operations Unit, a girl named Mai, looks uncertain. It’s as if she’s trying to gauge the mood of the man wielding the Demon Sword, who is holding her with one hand as if she were his possession. I see, so she wants to free those girls. It’s wise not to recklessly try to defeat the man with the Demon Sword. Unlike simple skills that can brainwash, defeating him wouldn’t necessarily break the control the Demon Sword exerts. Just as defeating the one who inflicted poison doesn’t cure the poison itself, removing something that has taken root requires appropriate means.
“Don’t listen to them, Ai and Mai.”
“But…”
“The suffering you endured from debt collectors is a thing of the past. You don’t need to dwell on what you’ve overcome. Besides, I never said I would kill any defenseless civilians.”
“If that’s the case…”
“And have you forgotten? It was Noibranz’s Servants that inflicted those near-fatal injuries on you. Think about it—those who unleash monsters upon other nations are allowed to roam free…”
“We…”
The fire ignites in the girls’ eyes once more. It’s impressive that they didn’t blame Lua and Kurinka here, instead choosing to present their own arguments to hold back. Furthermore, he stirs their desire for revenge, drawing them completely to his side. That man might have been able to expand his domain even without the power of the Demon Sword.
“I still can’t forgive what Noibranz has done. Lua, Kurinka…”
“…I’m sorry.”
“What…?”
“I didn’t consider your feelings at all, even though Ai and the others have gone through such terrible experiences… I don’t intend to tell you to stop seeking revenge. Lua-chan was originally like that too… but…”
The confusion in Kurinka’s smiling expression isn’t felt only by the girls. The man with the Demon Sword seems to be weighing Kurinka’s true intentions as well. He taps his toes against the ground repeatedly, struggling to find the right words.
“Don’t try to kill them right away; take a good look at your opponent first. And talk to them. They aren’t ferocious monsters; they can understand words and have their own will. If Ai and the others determine that there’s no other option… then it can’t be helped.”
“…Is it okay to kill them?”
“If you’re asking whether it’s right or wrong, then it’s wrong. But I want you to be honest with your feelings. I understand the pain of not being able to communicate, of feelings not being conveyed.”
Her words carry a weight that I cannot fully grasp. I understand that this is something that can only be cultivated through being human, a form of strength. With that in mind, it’s only natural that I feel a twinge of interest.
◆ Near the Royal Capital of Noibranz ◆
Back when Kurinka was still in her dragon form, fighting against the Dragon Hunters. When I was being sheltered by Seigel. Even if I were to be honest about my feelings, if they weren’t conveyed, it would lead to misunderstandings. Kurinka’s words, spoken in her time of captivity, were filled with fervor.
But I don’t want Ai and the others to go to Noibranz like this. There are reasons similar to what Kurinka said, but more than that, it’s something much simpler.
“Ai, and Mai… and Mi too. Do you remember? When the five of us went to Bees Forest? That time, Mi got separated, and we all went through a lot, but… it was fun, wasn’t it?”
“I’m sorry for causing trouble back then…”
“But I won’t hold you back like I did back then! I’ve become really strong!”
“That’s good to hear. Then, I want us all to go on an adventure together next time.”
Ai purses her lips, and Mai wears a crushed expression as if something has pierced her. It seems there’s still something bothering them. The three of them don’t truly seem to be enjoying the present. Mai’s declaration of having become really strong feels like a facade.
“We defeated a monster together for the first time. It feels great to think I’ve improved like that. I wanted to help as much as I could, but… maybe that’s not necessary right now.”
“That’s not true…!”
“Tch!”
Frustrated, Formas dramatically turns his head and glares at me for just a moment. Don’t worry; I’ll deal with you later.
“I think we should wrap up the chatter for now. We have a schedule to keep, after all. Ai, as long as I’m here, you can become even stronger. I’ll make you forget the joy of hunting in a shabby place like Bees Forest. You all have the qualifications and strength to know better.”
“Mi…”
While Formas is speaking with a smug expression, Mi walks over to me, her chestnut hair fluffing around her as she clings to me. She’s still quiet, but I can clearly understand what she wants to say. Her slightly teary eyes seem to plead, as if to say she doesn’t want to be in this situation anymore.
“Mi, do you want to stay with Lua?”
“…Mm.”
Finally managing to squeeze out her voice, Mi sticks close to me as if escaping from something. Seeing this, Ai shakes her head silently. Formas smirks, clearly reveling in our predicament.
“…If I go around killing people with my little sister in tow, I won’t have any excuses to give to Father and Mother.”
“Ai-nee… I feel like… I’m really not cut out for this…”
“What do you think, Mai?”
“I’ve definitely gotten stronger, and I think I could beat the monsters that hurt us now. Formas is a good person, but… right now, it’s just not fun…”
As if bound by the chains extending from Formas, Ai and Mai awkwardly begin to walk. It’s as if they’re gradually finding their footing, and Ai gently places her hand on Mi’s head.
“I’m sorry, big sister… I was acting strange.”
“It was hard for you, wasn’t it? I’m sorry I didn’t notice sooner… We’re such terrible big sisters.”
Mi reaches out her small hands to her two older sisters. She takes Ai and Mai’s hands, shaking her head gently before finally crying quietly.
“Lua, Kurinka. Thank you so much for coming here today.”
“I feel like a heavy weight has just fallen off my shoulders… It’s like I was having a bad dream or something…”
“I’m not sure what to say, but maybe this is how I should put it.”
“Welcome back.”
The words from Kurinka and me overlap. We may be married, but we haven’t often shared such a unified sentiment. It makes me happy to realize that we feel the same way. Watching the three of them hold hands, I can see how they had been apart until now.
“Hah? So, what you’re saying is that you guys are betraying me and returning the favor with ingratitude… Is that what I’m supposed to interpret from this? Is that correct?”
“Formas, I’m sorry. That’s not what we meant, but we can’t participate in this war. We’re prepared to face any consequences for resigning from the Special Operations Unit.”
“Seriously, I don’t get it at all.”
“No, that’s why, Formas…”
“That’s not it.”
Foormas was furious, his jaw stretched in a way that made his speech almost incomprehensible. Mai tried to say something, but she was overwhelmed by the sight of Foormas, his nostrils flaring in anger.
“What’s going on with the Doomnet’s control? I’m asking you to explain that!”
“Uh, sorry…”
“Seriously… What the hell are you all thinking…?”
“I really am sorry…”
“That’s not it!”
His eyes widened, and his jaw stretched even further, creating a truly terrifying expression. It was clear he was directing his ire at us. After all, he had come this far driven by resentment towards us, and this situation was surely far from amusing.
“Destruction, huh? You cut off the control with the Power of Destruction, right? Damn it… Why is it that I, who have the right to control everything, lack that power? Just explain it clearly!”
“We’re not using anything like that.”
“Yeah, yeah, I get it. I understand perfectly. You lot really shouldn’t have appeared in my life. It was supposed to be my life of controlling everything and winning… Hey, Argil!”
Seeing Argil jump at the sudden call, it was clear that even he couldn’t stand up to Foormas. There was no reason for Foormas to stop him unless it was to give an order. He couldn’t ask for help or apologize. Even I could do that, yet he couldn’t. Maybe he was even dumber than I thought.
“How long are you going to just stand there? Kill these guys. Including those three brats babbling about defection. And that Aida over there is a good opportunity, right? Do you think I’ve been overlooking your little girl bullying for no reason?”
“Ah… I appreciate it. Thank you for giving me the chance to kill that ugly one directly.”
“Compared to that monster over there, this will be easy…”
It wasn’t just Argil and the woman called Aida. Everyone was taking stances that suited their respective combat styles. I had prepared myself for this outcome, and considering that, we were going to be different from today onward.
“Flash Strike Girl, you will probably hold back and not kill us. But I declare that is a mistake. Even if my body becomes immobile, we have ways to fight.”
“You should know that everyone here has surpassed Level 1000. There are no B-Rank Enkals left.”
“Same goes for Shim.”
“I’ll tell you! Even though we are B-Rank, our levels were higher than those of the A-Rank’s level cap! That’s why we hold this position in the Special Operations Unit! We can now look down from the heights we once aspired to!”
I didn’t fully understand Argil’s words, but I needed to make it clear that we came here knowing that. The Flash Strike Girl they knew was nowhere to be found.
“If we win, will you tell us how you all became so strong?”
“Is this a match? The outcome will be determined when one of our lives runs out!”
I recognized that Argil’s skill had activated. The moment I jumped away from the spot, something came crashing down where I had just been. It was like a vacuum wave, and of course, it was invisible. If I hesitated, I’d be attacked one after another, quickly falling into their rhythm.
“Argil’s Wind Death! He transforms the atmosphere into invisible blades to dominate the battlefield!”
“You have no escape, Flash Strike Girl!”
As someone shouted, blades were closing in from zero distance. This was indeed a powerful skill. My admiration ended there. I quickly used Sonic Boost to maneuver through the air, surrounding Argil. The vacuum blades chased after me, but I was faster. I circled behind Argil and struck. With a punch, I shattered his spine, and at that moment, the battle was over.
“Guhh…”
“Yes, it’s over.”
“Did you think I would say that?”
Argil turned to face me with a nonchalant movement, standing in a distorted pose with his spine broken.
“I’ve trained to endure any torture, to the point where I don’t feel pain. Do you understand now? No matter how much you attack me, the fight won’t end. Unless you kill me… Gah…”
With Disballade, I pierced through Argil’s heart and quickly withdrew. Everyone was in shock, not understanding what had just happened. After all, the Flash Strike Girl had killed someone. Looking down at Argil as he collapsed, coughing up blood, I rolled my shoulders.
“That’s… a lie, right…?”
“Yeah, it’s a lie.”
As someone finally grasped what had happened, a healing light enveloped Argil. First of all, even if he didn’t feel pain, it didn’t mean he wouldn’t die. If you stab someone in the heart, they die. And secondly, no matter what I did to Argil, thanks to Kurinka, he wouldn’t die.
“Mmm… What is this… What is happening…?”
Argil was rubbing his hand over his heart. It was clear he couldn’t comprehend it, and I was a bit surprised myself at how it had played out.
“Kurinka, thank you.”
“That went well.”
“If it’s just before death, Kurinka’s regeneration can heal him. Of course, timing is crucial; if it’s even a moment late, he dies and can’t be saved. The monsters in the Abyss Cave made for good training partners.”
“I… I don’t understand what you’re saying.”
Someone who usually wouldn’t use honorifics was suddenly speaking formally. I couldn’t believe it either. This was beyond unfair, and even if I tried to understand it logically, I couldn’t. Normally, you wouldn’t know the exact moment to die. Even Kurinka didn’t have complete control over that; she was mostly relying on instinct. Yet, her success was a testament to the high level of her Power of Regeneration.
“Now you understand, right? I can kill anyone. Even Argil has died once, you know? So, how does it feel to have died?”
“To have died, you say…?”
Now that he seemed to fully grasp the situation, he was checking the sensation of being stabbed again. He recalled the moment he slipped into the abyss of death. Argil, skilled in assassination, had always been close to death. Seeing him tremble made it clear our plan had succeeded.
“I won’t kill you, but I will hurt you, okay? Ah, I really can’t do this without Kurinka.”
No one wants to die. No one wants to experience the moment of death, especially not multiple times. That was the moment when everyone in the Special Operations Unit froze, realizing that harsh reality.
◆ Shin Report ◆
This is bad.
These guys have completely lost their composure.
It’s only natural for Madius to get angry.
This is bad, this is bad. I always teased them, but now I’m seriously going to be killed.
Killed and revived.
I can’t stop trembling.
If they find out I ate the fluffy custard that was on the table, how many times will Shin be killed?
Ahhh, ohhhhhh!